The Discover it Cash Back card is better for those who can maximize the rotating quarterly categories and want to avoid foreign transaction fees, while the Citi Double Cash Card is better for those who prefer a flat cash back rate and a longer introductory APR period for balance transfers. The Discover card's cashback match is a great incentive for the first year.
| Attribute | Discover it Cash Back | Citi Double Cash Card |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Back Rewards Rate | 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter upon activation; 1% cash back on all other purchases. | Earn unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, and an additional 1% as you pay, for a total of 2% cash back on every purchase. You can also earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked on the Citi Travel portal. |
| Introductory APR Offer | 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. | 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers from the date of account opening. To qualify, balance transfers must be completed within the first 4 months. |
| Regular APR | 18.24% to 27.24% variable. | The variable APR for purchases and balance transfers after the introductory period is 18.24% - 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness. |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Credit Score Requirement | Generally, a good to excellent credit score is needed, which typically means a FICO score of 670 or higher. Some sources suggest 640+ may be sufficient. | A credit score of 580 or higher is recommended. While some sources suggest good to excellent credit, the card is now also rated for those with fair credit. |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase. |
| Balance Transfer Fee | 3% introductory fee on the amount transferred, then up to 5% for future transfers. | Intro fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer (minimum $5). |
| Purchase Protection | Not specified in the search results. | While specific details on purchase protection for the Citi Double Cash Card weren't found in the search results, it's worth checking the card's official terms and conditions for the most up-to-date information. |
| Travel Insurance | Not specified in the search results. | The Citi Double Cash Card offers travel insurance benefits such as Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection reimburses up to $5,000 per trip for non-refundable travel expenses due to covered reasons such as severe weather, illness, or jury duty. Trip Delay Protection provides up to $500 per person per trip for essential expenses like meals and lodging when travel is delayed for at least six hours. As a cardholder, you will receive global travel accident and lost luggage insurance so you feel safe and secure wherever you travel with a Citi commercial card. |
| Sign-Up Bonus | Cashback Match - Discover will automatically match all the cash back you ve earned at the end of your first year. | Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first 6 months of account opening. This is fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou Points, redeemable for $200 cash back. |
| Rewards Redemption Options | Redeem rewards for cash in any amount. Other options include Amazon.com, gift cards, and charitable donations. | ThankYou Points can be redeemed for statement credits, direct deposit, or checks. You can also redeem for gift cards, travel, or Shop with Points at Amazon. There are no minimums when redeeming for statement credits or direct deposit. |
| Credit Limit | The average Discover it credit limit falls between $500 and $2,000, but some cardholders have reported limits as high as $11,000. | Information on the typical credit limit offered and how it varies based on creditworthiness wasn't found in the search results. |