discover travel card apr

Discover it Miles review: Everything you should know

The information for the Discover it Miles has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Discover it Miles card overview

The Discover it Miles provides 1.5 miles per dollar spent on all purchases. Your miles are worth one cent each regardless of how you decide to redeem them. And, Discover will match the miles you earned during your first year so you'll earn an effective 3% return on purchases you make in your first year. The Discover it Miles card doesn't charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees and even waives the late fee on your first late payment. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

I tend to look at the cards my friends and family use, and I recently noticed a relative use the Discover it Miles card at a cafe. The Discover it Miles card isn't on our list of best cards for dining purchases , but I understand why he has and uses the Discover it Miles card: he'll earn 1.5 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and will get a redemption rate of one cent per mile regardless of how it decides to redeem his miles.

He's happy to get a consistent 1.5% return on all of his purchases and appreciates some of the free alerts and included features of the card. But, you can get an even better 3% return on purchases made in your first year as a cardholder, since Discover matches all the miles you earn during your first year. The Discover it Miles card is a good fit for many people , so let's consider whether it's a card you should add to your wallet in this Discover it Miles review.

Who is this card for?

The Discover it Miles is for anyone who is looking to earn rewards on their spending but doesn't want to worry about maximizing redemptions or remembering which purchases earn bonus miles. This is because the Discover it Miles card earns 1.5 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and offers one cent per mile regardless of how you decide to redeem your miles.

Some of the benefits provided by the Discover it Miles make it ideal for beginners , such as waiving the late fee on your first late payment and the ease of earning and redeeming miles. Users with lower credit scores may have a better chance of being accepted for this card than for similar cards offered by other issuers. Other benefits, such as being able to choose your card design and being able to easily freeze your account in a second, can make this card attractive for families .

Further reading: 5 reasons why families need a Discover it Miles card

Introductory offer

The Discover it Miles doesn't offer a standard sign-up bonus , but it does offer a few introductory offers to new cardholders.

New cardholders will get all of the miles they earn during their first year matched. Specifically, Discover will match all of the miles you earn during the first 12 consecutive billing periods that your new account is open. The match occurs at the end of the 12th consecutive billing period, as opposed to throughout your first year.

Further reading: The best balance transfer credit cards

Main benefits and perks

The Discover it Miles has benefits and perks that are well-suited for first-time or less experienced cardholders. The card's most appealing benefit is the ease and simplicity of earning and redeeming — but since earning and redeeming will be discussed in detail in subsequent sections, let's focus on the card's other benefits in this section.

One key benefit of the Discover it Miles card that can especially benefit new cardholders is that you won't be charged a late fee on your first late payment. So, if you accidentally forget to pay your bill on time or have an issue with auto-pay, you can avoid paying a late fee once. Plus, paying late won't raise your APR.

Other benefits and perks of the Discover it Miles card include:

• No foreign transaction fees.
• No over limit fee.
• No pay by phone fee.
• You can pick the color and style of your card.
• Free alerts that notify you if your social security number is found on any of thousands of dark web sites.
• Free alerts that notify you when any new credit card, mortgage, car loan or other account shows up on your credit report.
• Free overnight shipping for card replacement to any U.S. street address at your request.
• Freeze your account in seconds to prevent new purchases with an on/off switch available on both the mobile app and website.
• Get a free credit scorecard with your FICO credit score , number of recent inquiries and more.
• 100% U.S.-based customer service available any time.
• Pay your bill up to midnight Eastern Time the day it's due by phone or online.

Further reading: Your ultimate guide to Discover cards

How to earn miles

The Discover it Miles has a straightforward earning structure: you'll earn 1.5 miles for every dollar spent on all purchases. There's no cap to the miles you can earn. Plus, your miles will never expire (although Discover will credit your account with your miles balance if your account is closed or has not been used in 18 months).

However, note that you will not earn miles immediately after each purchase. Instead, miles are calculated at the end of each billing period based on your purchases made during that billing period. Discover will then round the miles you earned during that billing period to the nearest whole mile before adding the miles to your account.

Further reading: When to use the Discover it Miles card

How to redeem miles

Redeeming miles with the Discover it Miles is easy and straightforward. You don't need to worry about selecting the best or more valuable redemption since your miles are worth one cent each regardless of which redemption method you choose. You can choose from the following redemption options:

• Credit to your account for travel purchases made within the last 180 days (starting at one mile).
• Electronic deposit into an account you designate (starting at one mile).
• Pay with Miles at select merchants (starting at one mile).

Discover defines travel purchases as:

A purchase made within the last 180 days on commercial airline tickets; hotel rooms; car rentals; cruises; tour operators; vacation packages purchased through airlines, travel agents, online travel sites; local and suburban commuter transportation, including ferries; passenger railways; taxicabs and limousines; and charter/tour bus lines. Purchases made using third-party payment accounts, tap-and-pay, mobile or wireless card readers, virtual wallets or similar technology may not be eligible.

Further reading: How to redeem Discover it Miles

How does the Discover it Miles compare?

The Discover it Miles card provides straightforward earning and redeeming, so you don't have to worry about whether a particular purchase will earn bonus miles nor whether you're maximizing your miles when you redeem them.

However, there are other cards that earn a 1.5% return (or better) on all purchases. And, some of these cards provide multiple redemption options. So, let's compare the Discover it Miles to some similar personal cards.

Each of these cards has a particular type of person for which the card is best. For example, here are some ways each of these five cards stand out:

• Discover it Miles : No foreign transaction fees or annual fee.
• Citi Double Cash Card : You can transfer your rewards to an eligible linked Citi ThankYou Rewards-earning card.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited : You can transfer your rewards to an eligible linked Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning card.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Earns miles that can be used at a fixed value or transferred to airline partners.
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card : Earns additional miles on dining and travel, offers trip insurance protections and is an especially good choice for Preferred Rewards members.

Further reading: The best credit cards for everyday spending

Bottom line

The Discover it Miles provides 1.5 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, and allows you to redeem your miles for one cent apiece regardless of how you choose to use them. This means you don't have to worry about maximizing your miles when redeeming them or remembering to use a particular card for certain types of purchases.

The Discover it Miles card is a particularly good choice if you don't want to pay an annual fee or foreign transaction fees and prefer earning cash back instead of transferable points or miles . Plus, Discover will match all the miles you earn on your card in your first year.

Apply here: Discover it Miles card

Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox.

Updated 12/06/2023.

When you use our links to explore products, we may earn a fee but that in no way affects our editorial independence. Some of these links are from our partners and terms apply.

Advertiser Disclosure

Terms Apply

On Discover 's Secure Website.

Discover it® Miles

Discover it® Miles offers flexible travel rewards but lacks the benefits that come with some other travel rewards cards.

Credit Needed

Excellent, Good

Intro Offer

Discover will match all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Rewards Rate

1.5X Miles on every dollar of every purchase

Cardholders automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase .

Offers flexible redemption options to help you avoid blackout dates.

Lacks a traditional sign-up bonus.

Gives no opportunities to earn bonus rewards.

Offers no airline or hotel partners to transfer rewards.

Why Trust U.S. News

Your trust is important to us. To earn it, we conduct a rigorous, unbiased analysis with a transparent methodology, and maintain strict editorial standards and independence.

Discover it® Miles Summary

Discover it® Miles is a flexible travel rewards credit card with no annual fee. Cardholders automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase , which you can redeem as cash, a statement credit for travel purchases, at checkout with Amazon or as a PayPal payment.

Instead of a traditional sign-up bonus, Discover will match all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. Discover it® Miles features include Online Privacy Protection at no cost offered by Discover Bank, and free access to your FICO credit score.

• Rates and Fees
• Highlights from Issuer
• Issuer Name Discover
• Credit Needed Excellent, Good
• Annual Fee $0
• Regular APR 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
• Purchases Intro APR 0% Intro APR for 15 months
• Balance Transfer Fee 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
• Cash Advance Fee Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
• Foreign Transaction Fee None

On Discover's Secure Website.

Is the Discover it® Miles Right for Me?

Yes, if you:

• Want to earn flexible flat-rate travel rewards with no annual fee.
• Spend enough to get a lot of value out of the first-year miles matching bonus.
• Don’t need extensive travel benefits.

Tips for Using the Discover it® Miles

The Discover it® Miles card offers a lot of value in the first year, since Discover will match all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. It’s a good idea to maximize this bonus if you need to make big purchases in the first year.

New cardholders can take advantage of the 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. You’ll also get 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers from the date of your first transfer. After that, the 17.24% to 28.24% variable APR applies, so you should plan to pay off your balance before the introductory rate expires.

Editor's Take

This card is good if you want flexible travel rewards and don’t want to pay an annual fee. With a $0 annual fee and a flat-rate 1.5x Miles per dollar travel rewards, you can get a lot of value out of the Discover it® Miles card, especially if you can capitalize on the fact Discover will match all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

But the Discover it® Miles card’s 1.5x Miles per dollar isn’t the greatest rewards rate you can earn with a travel rewards card. You could get more value from a card that charges an annual fee but offers more in rewards and travel benefits. For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a $95 annual fee but earns a flat-rate 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day , with the opportunity to earn 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Travel hotel and rental car bookings. ( See Rates & Fees )

Current Welcome Offers 

You won’t get a traditional sign-up bonus with the Discover it® Miles card, but Discover will match all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

How to Maximize Rewards With Discover it® Miles

With a flat-rate 1.5x Miles per dollar on all purchases, there are no bonus categories to keep track of to maximize earnings – you can just use your card to earn miles. You'll get a boost in earning rewards since Discover will match all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Comparing the Discover it® Miles With Other Credit Cards

U.s. news credit card rating methodology, alternative pick.

On Capital One 's Secure Website.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

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Credit Cards > Reviews

Discover it Miles review: Straightforward rewards and simple redemption choices

Harrison Pierce

Glen Luke Flanagan

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 2:29 p.m. UTC March 4, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

The Discover it® Miles is a solid choice for less-frequent travelers who value simplicity and want a card with no annual fee.

Why trust our credit card experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

• 50+ cards analyzed.
• 8 data points considered.
• 5-step fact-checking process.

Discover it® Miles

Welcome bonus

• UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

• 1.5 miles per dollar on purchases.
• Discover matches the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
• Doesn’t come with meaningful travel perks, like lounge access or travel insurances.
• Some other travel cards earn more miles per $1.

Card details

• Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
• No annual fee
• Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% – 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
• Terms and conditions apply.

About the Discover it® Miles  

The Discover it® Miles is a dependable card for low spenders who want a straightforward, easy-to-use travel rewards card. You earn an unlimited 1.5 miles per $1 on purchases, which you can redeem for a penny per mile. Those seeking flexibility will like that you can redeem miles for cash back or as statement credits to cover travel purchases, both at the same redemption rate. You can also use miles to pay with PayPal or check out with Amazon. 

The biggest drawback is that Discover might not be as widely accepted internationally as Visa and Mastercard credit cards, so if you spend a lot of time traveling outside of the United States, you should bring a backup card with you. The Discover it® Miles also doesn’t provide the travel protections and perks many mid-tier and premium travel cards do.

There’s a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. After that, a variable APR of 17.24% to 28.24% applies. There's a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms). There isn’t a traditional welcome bonus, but Discover will automatically match all miles earned at the end of the first cardmember year.

All in all, this is a solid — but basic — travel card designed for someone who wants a simple, no-fuss rewards program that allows you to earn and redeem miles with little effort. 

Discover it® Miles basics

• Annual fee: $0.
• Welcome bonus: Discover will automatically match all miles earned at the end of the first cardmember year. 
• Rewards: 1.5 miles per $1 on purchases. 
• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. After that, a variable APR of 17.24% to 28.24% applies. There's a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms).
• Other perks and benefits: Online privacy protection, view your FICO Score for free. 
• Does the issuer offer a preapproval tool? Yes.
• Recommended credit score: Good to excellent. 

Discover it® Miles details

Discover it® miles rewards.

The Discover it® Miles rewards program is quite simple — cardholders earn a flat 1.5 miles per $1 on purchases. You can then redeem your rewards as a credit to your account toward your bill, as a cash deposit into your bank account, or as a credit toward eligible travel purchases made on your account in the past 180 days. 

The definition of travel on this card is broad, ranging from flights and hotels to car rentals, restaurants, gas stations, travel agents, online travel sites and commuter transportation. 

Cardholders can also use miles at checkout with Amazon or to pay via PayPal. 

You will enjoy a flat rate of 1 cent per mile no matter how you redeem miles earned with this card. That’s good for travelers who value simplicity above all else. But unlike some more robust travel cards, there aren’t opportunities to maximize the value of rewards with the Discover it® Miles by transferring them to airline or hotel partners or booking travel via an issuer portal.

Currently, Discover will automatically match all miles earned at the end of the first cardmember year. There’s no limit to how much you can earn, but you must wait an entire year to enjoy your bonus. With each mile worth 1 cent, this rewards match means the card effectively functions as a flat-rate 3% cash-back card for your first year. If you’re a big spender, or have upcoming expenses, this could be an excellent opportunity to rack up additional rewards. 

Discover it® Miles rewards potential

Using government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for this card has an annual income of $84,352 and $25,087 in expenses they are likely to be able to charge to a credit card.

So, for a card that earns 1.5 miles per $1 on purchases, the household would earn about 37,630 miles annually. With the Discover Match® welcome offer, that balance would automatically be matched in the first year, resulting in a total balance of 75,260 miles in rewards after one year of spending. 

Discover miles are worth 1 cent each, so that balance is worth $752.60 toward travel purchases or directly into your bank account. This is a solid rewards potential for a card with no annual fee.

After the first year, our example household would earn rewards worth about $376.30 per year. 

Discover it® Miles APR

The Discover it® Miles offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. After that, a variable APR of 17.24% to 28.24% applies. There's a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms).

Discover it® Miles pros

• Redemption flexibility: You can redeem for a statement credit on any travel purchase on your account or for cash back at the same rate. 
• No annual or foreign transaction fees: More money can stay in your bank account when you do not have to pay these fees. 
• Intro APR period: If you need to finance a big purchase and pay it off over time, or transfer debt you’re carrying on a high-interest card from a different issuer, the Discover it® Miles could save you money on interest charges with its 15-month intro period.

Discover it® Miles cons

• No category bonuses: This card earns 1.5 miles per $1 on purchases, but you won’t get bonus miles for purchases in specific categories like other cards may offer. 
• No luxury perks and no transfer partners: You only get very minimal additional perks and benefits. It would be great to see protections such as trip delay reimbursement or cellphone insurance to add value to this card. Plus, unlike the best travel cards on the market, you can’t transfer points to travel loyalty programs.
• Requires good-to-excellent credit: If you’re looking to rebuild from poor or fair credit , this probably isn’t the right card. But if you already have good or better credit and are looking to earn rewards or take advantage of the intro APR offer, it’s a solid choice.

How the Discover it® Miles compares to other travel cards 

Discover it® miles vs. bank of america® travel rewards credit card.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card also earns 1.5 points per $1 on purchases. Points can be redeemed for a travel or dining credit or cash back starting at 2,500 points. We recommend the first option, because you get a value of 1 cent per point that way. Redeeming points for cash back nets a lesser value of 0.6 cents per point.

There is a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, followed by a 18.24% to 28.24% variable APR. A 3% intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days; then a 4% fee applies to future balance transfers.

For the welcome bonus, you can earn 25,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. 

Which one is right for you will come down to your individual needs. The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is a Visa, which means merchants abroad will likely accept it more widely than a Discover credit card. However, you must book through the issuer’s travel center to earn bonus points. And the redemption flexibility of the Discover it® Miles is hard to beat. 

Discover it® Miles vs. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Capital One VentureOne earns 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.25 miles per $1 on other purchases. 

There’s a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then a variable APR of 19.99% to 29.99%. There is a 3% fee on each balance transfer in the first 15 months but no fee for amounts transferred at the purchase APR after the first 15 months. It is important to note that there is no time limit on when you need to make that transfer — it can be any time within those first 15 months. 

The VentureOne also provides some basic protections, including travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver (secondary coverage) and extended warranty.¹

You also get the opportunity to transfer miles, mostly with a 1:1 ratio, to numerous travel partners — which can potentially net you greater value from each mile as you book award travel directly with your preferred airline or hotel. There’s no annual fee to carry the card, which is ideal for occasional travelers or those who already have a few cards with annual fees in their wallets. 

If you like to spend time optimizing your award travel potential, it could be worth looking into the VentureOne. The lineup of transfer partners might compensate for the card’s slightly lower base earning rate. 

Discover it® Miles vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card * The information for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Discover it® Miles is a general travel card with a cash-back option. If that type of card is not for you, look into the IHG One Rewards Premier Card. This co-branded hotel card from Chase is offering 140,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. 

For ongoing rewards, you will earn 10 points per $1 at IHG Hotels and Resorts, another 10 points per $1 as an IHG One Rewards member, 6 points per $1 from IHG with Platinum Elite Status (a benefit of this card), 5 points per $1 on travel, dining and gas stations and 3 points per $1 on all other purchases. 

For just a $99 annual fee, the IHG One Rewards Premier Card offers a slew of perks. On top of the massive earning potential, you also get an anniversary free night after each account anniversary, your fourth consecutive night free on award stays, and automatic Platinum Elite status. The IHG Hotels and Resorts group includes brands like Holiday Inn, Hotel Indigo and Regent. 

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• 15 billing cycles of intro APR financing on both new purchases and on qualifying balance transfers.
• Earn an unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees so it’s a good choice to use abroad.
• Points must be redeemed towards eligible travel and dining purchases for maximum redemption value.
• You can’t transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners.
• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want – you’re not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% – 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Should you get the Discover it® Miles ?

This card is best for the infrequent traveler who wants the option to either get cash back or redeem rewards for past travel purchases. It might not give you the best redemption rate or earning potential of any card on the market, but it can provide value if you are new to the points and miles arena and want a starter card that’s easy to use. 

Whether you should get this card will depend on what your needs are. If you want simplicity, then this card provides it. However, if you care about added perks — like the ability to transfer your miles to airlines — and you don’t mind adding in an annual fee, you could get more value from a travel card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . 

For those who want a couple of extra perks but would still like to avoid an annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne is a strong competitor. 

Note that Discover isn’t as widely accepted in some international destinations as cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. Thus, the Discover it® Miles is a fine choice for domestic travel, but might not be ideal if you’re headed outside the U.S.

Discover it® Miles summary

Methodology

Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of travel credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. We factored the following into our analysis:

• Annual fees.
• Travel reward rates.
• Value of rewards.
• Redemption options.
• Additional benefits that a card may offer for travelers, such as travel insurance.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Discover does not provide an official average credit limit for this card, but Discover cardholders online have reported credit limits ranging from $500 to $1,500 at the low end to around $10,000 on the high end.

The maximum credit limit for your Discover it® Miles  will be based on your creditworthiness at the time of your application. Discover will consider your credit score, credit history, income, and how much you pay for rent or a mortgage, among others, when determining your limit.

Discover uses a flat rate of 1 cent per mile, so 50,000 Discover miles equals $500.

You’re in luck — Discover miles never expire, so your hard-earned rewards can be redeemed whenever you choose.

¹For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

*The information for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Harrison Pierce is a freelance writer and digital nomad that is passionate about all things personal finance and travel. While traveling full-time, he refined his love for writing and now enjoys working with various brands to tell stories and create meaningful content.

Glen Luke Flanagan is a deputy editor on the USA TODAY Blueprint credit cards team. Prior to joining Blueprint, he served as a deputy editor on the credit cards team at Forbes Advisor, and covered credit cards, credit scoring and related topics as a senior writer at LendingTree. He’s passionate about helping people understand personal finance so they can make the best decisions possible for their wallet. Glen holds a master's degree in technical and professional communication from East Carolina University and a bachelor's degree in journalism from Radford University.

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Discover it Miles benefits guide

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Key takeaways

• The Discover it® Miles is a good starter travel rewards credit card for those who don't want to spend much time tracking spending categories or redemption values.
• Unlike most other travel rewards credit cards, the Discover it® Miles offers a flat-rate rewards structure instead of boosted category rewards — and instead of using miles to book flights or hotel stays, cardholders redeem miles for statement credits for travel purchases charged to the card.
• The Discover it® Miles doesn't have nearly as many benefits as some other travel rewards credit cards on the market — especially the premium ones — but its ease of use and broad definition of what counts as "travel" might still make it worthwhile to some cardholders.

If you’re looking for a card that’s straightforward and easy to use to help you save on travel, the Discover it® Miles credit card should probably be on your radar.

The Discover it® Miles is a flat-rate travel rewards card with a structure that’s different from most travel rewards cards. You won’t get a boosted rewards rate for travel-related purchases like many other cards offer. The Discover it® Miles simply earns 1.5X miles back on every purchase, and instead of cardholders redeeming miles to book things like flights and hotels, they use miles to reimburse themselves for travel-related purchases.

Plus, unlike other travel rewards credit cards that put spending limitations on their category rewards, the Discover it® Miles card doesn’t offer levels or limits. You get the same 1.5X miles rate no matter what you buy, making this card great for those who want to earn miles without putting too much effort into tracking category spending.

The Discover it® Miles card also comes with some benefits that might make the card worthwhile for you, especially since it has no annual fee . Here’s a breakdown of all the perks you can get with the Discover it® Miles card:

Discover it Miles benefits

The benefits of the Discover it Miles can be broken down into the following travel and shopping categories:

Travel benefits

The Discover it Miles won’t net you airport lounge access or the ability to transfer points to high-value travel partners like premium travel cards would, but it still offers a solid range of starter travel benefits. Those looking for a straightforward travel credit card will appreciate that the Discover it Miles offers:

No points expiration dates

Your miles never expire, and you can redeem them for travel purchases charged to your account or for statement credits or cash back in your bank account. Plus, the miles you earn on your spending are worth 1 cent each, regardless of your redemption choice.

No blackout dates

The Discover it Miles lets you redeem miles to cover any eligible travel purchases you make with your card, including airfare, hotel stays and more. This means you don’t have to book travel through a specific portal, nor do you have to worry about blackout dates or capacity controls.

Find the travel you want, book it with your card and redeem your miles to cover all or part of the expense. It’s as simple as that.

No foreign transaction fees

Purchases you make abroad with the Discover it Miles will incur no foreign transaction fees , like every credit card from Discover . This can make a big difference when you’re traveling internationally, since these fees are typically around 3 percent of each transaction.

Double miles after the first year

As an added bonus for new cardholders, all the miles you’ve earned after the first year are doubled with Discover Match. That’s on top of the 1.5X miles you already earn on every purchase.

Say for example you make $20,000 in purchases over the first year you have this card. You would wind up with a total of 30,000 miles earned, and Discover would double this amount to 60,000 miles at the end of that year. With Discover’s 1:1 redemption rate, that’s worth $600 in travel.

Broad travel redemption opportunities

Discover’s definition of travel is rather broad and offers a lot of flexibility. Eligible purchases include:

• Hotel stays
• Car rentals
• Travel website bookings
• Travel agent bookings
• Commuter transit purchases
• Gas station purchases

Keep in mind: Cardholders who want to get reimbursed for travel must do so within 180 days of the initial purchase.

Shopping benefits

While the Discover it Miles is a travel rewards card, there are also some shopping benefits that can help you save money on interest, make it easier to build and monitor your credit and more. Those benefits include:

0% introductory APR offers

The Discover it Miles comes with a 0 percent intro annual percentage rate (APR) on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 17.24 percent to 28.24 percent. This 0 percent introductory rate can lead to significant savings if  you want to make a large purchase and pay it down over time, or if you have debt from other cards to consolidate.

In addition to the 0 percent introductory APR offer, the Discover it Miles also offers an introductory balance transfer fee of 3 percent. This fee applies to all balance transfers made before June 10, 2024. After that, the balance transfer fee will increase to 5 percent for future balance transfers.

FICO credit score checks for free

You’ll also get a FICO credit score for free on your credit card statement each month, which can help you make sure you’re keeping your credit score in check. The score is available to you whether you receive paper statements in the mail or opt to use the app or the bank’s online portal to access your account. Having this score readily available can help you track your progress as you build credit, as well as help you keep an eye out for any sudden dips that could indicate fraudulent activity.

The ability to freeze your card

For added safety, Discover offers a “Freeze it®” switch for your account, which lets you freeze your card if it’s lost or stolen. You can also freeze your card if you want to stop using it for a while and think it would help you avoid temptation.

Redemption options at PayPal and Amazon.com

You can link your Discover it Miles card to your PayPal or Amazon account and use your miles for purchases. Amazon and PayPal both have the same redemption rate at 100 miles for $1, so you won’t be losing any value by using your miles this way.

Maximizing the Discover it Miles card

There are many reasons to love the Discover it Miles , from the unlimited 1.5 miles for each dollar you spend to Discover Match bonus and no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.

To make the most of this card, your best bet is to use it for as many purchases as you can to maximize your 1.5X rewards. This is especially true for the first year of membership since Discover doubles all rewards earned during year one.

From there, you can use the Discover it Miles you’ve earned to cover any travel bookings by turning your miles into statement credits for travel purchases made within the last 180 days. It may be useful to bank your miles rewards, then redeem them when you’re ready to book your next big trip.

Keep in mind: Discover does not let you transfer miles to another travel rewards program. This means you cannot convert your Discover miles into frequent flyer miles or hotel points. Likewise, you cannot turn points or miles you've earned through another travel rewards program into Discover miles.

That said, you can still use the miles you earn for cash back or for online purchases through Amazon or PayPal if you want added flexibility. This might be beneficial during periods when you’re not traveling as often, but you still want to save.

The bottom line

If you want a card that will reward you for every dollar you spend without annual fees or complicated loyalty program rules, the Discover it Miles has a lot to offer. For some travelers, it might be the travel rewards card they never knew they needed — especially since there aren’t many other travel cards with comparable rewards rates and redemption options .

Before you decide, make sure you read our full review of the Discover it Miles card . And don’t forget to consider other travel card options that may better suit your travel spending and budget, including those with credit card rewards programs that let you transfer points to airlines or hotels or book travel through a portal at a better rate, like Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards .

Why I love the Discover it Miles

Discover it Miles vs. Capital One Venture

Is the Discover it Miles better for cash back or travel?

Discover it Miles review

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Best Discover Credit Cards of 2024

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The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Chase Freedom Flex℠. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Introduction to Discover Credit Cards

Discover offers a wide range of credit cards for different types of consumers. Discover credit cards never come with an annual fee, and offer online privacy protection, identity protection perks like Social Security Number monitoring, and free overnight card replacement if your card is lost or stolen.

Discover cards don't offer a traditional welcome bonus. Instead, Discover will match all the rewards you've earned at the end of your first cardmember year through the Discover Cashback Match™ program . There's no limit to the rewards you earn or the amount Discover will match after the first year.

Discover credit cards also make it easy to redeem your rewards at any time you want, in $1 increments. Redemption options can include applying your rewards to your Discover statement or depositing them into your bank account, as well as cashing in rewards for gift cards, charity donations, and at checkout with Amazon and PayPal. Cardholders also get free access to their FICO score .

Compare the Best Discover Credit Cards

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.

0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

17.24% - 28.24% Variable

Earn Unlimited Cashback Match™

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. From April 1 to June 30, 2024, you can earn 5% cash back at gas stations & electric vehicle charging stations, home improvement stores, and public transit on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Discover will match your cash back earned at the end of your first account year
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cap on how much bonus cash back you can earn each quarter
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If the quarterly categories aren't convenient for you, you can earn more cash back with a different card

The Discover it® Cash Back is one of the best credit cards that offers 5% back on popular rotating categories up to a spending limit. Your rewards are matched by Discover after the first 12 months, and the card has no annual fee.

• Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases-automatically.

• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It's free, activate with the mobile app.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• No annual fee.
• Terms and conditions apply.

• Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earns 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Discover matches your cash back after your first account year
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Low cap on earning cash back each quarter ($1,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and gas stations)
• Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

• Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase

Unlimited match of all the miles you've earned at the end of your first year

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Unlimited 1.5x miles on all purchases
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Discover matches all the miles you've earned at the end of your first year
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited benefits compared to other travel rewards cards

If you're looking for a no-annual-fee credit card with a simple rewards structure, the Discover it® Miles is worth considering. Its biggest strength is the 1.5x miles it earns across the board, along with Discover's Unlimited Bonus program that matches all the rewards you earn in the first year.

• Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers - only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
• No annual fee
• Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% - 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.

0% intro APR for six months on purchases

18.24% - 27.24% Variable

Fair/New to Credit

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Discover matches your cash back after the first year
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not the most rewarding cash-back card for non-bonus purchases

The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a great choice if you're a student with limited credit history and want to earn a strong rate of cash back on your everyday spending without paying an annual fee.

• Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
• No credit score required to apply.
• No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% - 27.24% applies.

28.24% Variable

New/Rebuilding

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers cash-back rewards, which isn't a given for secured credit cards
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Discover matches cash back after your first account year
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other secured cards let you start with lower minimum security deposits
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You must fund the security deposit from a bank account

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is worth considering if you're new to credit or are working on rebuilding your score, since it's unlikely you'll be approved for any of the best credit cards on the market. It's unique because it earns strong rewards when most other secured credit cards do not.

• No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history.
• Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
• Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
• Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months and on purchases for six months

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate each quarter on up to $1,500 in spending after enrollment (then 1%)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned after the first year
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 18 month
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No traditional welcome bonus
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other cards have longer introductory 0% APRs on purchases
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If the rotating categories don’t match your spending habits, you could earn more cash back with other cards

The Discover it® Balance Transfer is a rare card that combines a long introductory APR period with generous rewards earning. Cardholders can earn cash back in rotating quarterly categories, and Discover will match all the rewards you earn in the first 12 months with no caps.

• Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
• Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
• Your account may not always be eligible for balance transfers. Balance transfer eligibility is determined at Discover’s discretion.
• Discover it® Cash Back: Best for cash back
• Discover it® Chrome: Best for gas and dining
• Discover it® Miles: Best for travel
• Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best for students
• Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best for lower credit scores
• Discover it® Balance Transfer: Best for balance transfers

Best Discover Credit Card Reviews

 best for cash back: discover it cash back.

The Discover it Cash Back is similar to the Chase Freedom Flex℠ in that it lets you earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent each quarter in bonus categories once activated (then 1%) (from April 1 to June 30, 2024, you can earn 5% cash back at gas stations & electric vehicle charging stations, home improvement stores, and public transit on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%). 

New cardholders also get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then a 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR), which can save some cash if you want to spread out payments for large purchases.

Read our Discover it Cash Back card review to learn more.

Best for Gas and Dining: Discover it® Chrome

If you're looking for a Discover card and spend a lot at gas stations and restaurants, the Discover it® Chrome is worth considering. Cardholders earn 2% cash back on their first $1,000 in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each quarter (then 1%), and all other purchases earn 1% back, with no limits or bonus categories to keep track of.

Keep in mind there are cards from other issuers, like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card , that earn 2% cash rewards on purchases. 

Like other Discover cards, the Discover it® Chrome offers a Cashback Match™ after the first 12 months of opening the account. New cardholders can take advantage of a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then a 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR).

You can find out all the details in our Discover it® Chrome review .

Best for Travel: Discover it® Miles

The Discover it® Miles keeps things simple by earning 1.5 miles for each dollar you spend, and remember that all your miles will be matched after the first year. From there, you can redeem them for travel purchases charged to your card at a rate of 1 cent per mile.

You can also redeem miles for cash back or statement credits to cover other charges made to your card, so you aren't tied down to just travel redemptions. There is no annual fee to keep this card, and you can get access to your FICO score for free on your monthly statements. 

The Discover it® Miles also comes with a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR .

Read our Discover it Miles review to learn more.

Best for Students: Discover it Student Cash Back

The Discover it Student Cash Back is basically a student version of the Discover it Cash Back. You'll earn the same 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent in rotating quarterly bonus categories after activation, then 1%. You'll also earn 1% cash back on everything else you buy (from April 1 to June 30, 2024, you can earn 5% cash back at gas stations & electric vehicle charging stations, home improvement stores, and public transit on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%).

There aren't many student credit cards that come with an introductory APR, but the Discover it Student Cash Back offers a 0% intro APR for six months on purchases, followed by a 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR. You might want to take advantage of this if you have big expenses, like textbooks or dorm decor, that you can't pay off all at once.

It may be easier to qualify for this card with limited credit history. 

Best for Consumers with Lower Credit Scores: Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Where many secured credit cards charge annual fees, application fees, and other fees, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card doesn't charge any fees. You do have to put down a cash deposit to get started, but your deposit is fully refundable provided you close your account in good standing.

You'll also earn 2% cash back on the first $1,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each quarter (then 1%), as well as 1% back on everything else you buy. Like other rewards from Discover, you can earn unlimited cash back that never expires and redeem it for cash back, statement credits, and gift cards.

You can get free access to your FICO score on your credit card statement each month, which can help you monitor and improve your credit over time. Further, you won't pay a late fee on your first late payment, and there aren't any over-the-limit fees with this card, either. Automatic reviews start at seven months to see if Discover can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.

Read our Discover it Secured credit card review to learn more.

Best for Balance Transfers; Discover it® Balance Transfer

If you're carrying high-interest balances on other credit cards, it can make sense to transfer your balance to a card with a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers. The Discover it® Balance Transfer is one of only a handful of cards that offers a long intro 0% APR period  and earns substantial rewards.

New cardholders receive a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months and on purchases for six months  (after that, there's a 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR) — and the card offers a generous cash-back rewards structure. You'll earn 5% cash back in popular rotating quarterly bonus categories after enrollment, on up to $1,500 in combined spending (then 1%), and 1% back on all other purchases (from April 1 to June 30, 2024, you can earn 5% cash back at gas stations & electric vehicle charging stations, home improvement stores, and public transit on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%).

The card offers the same Cashback Match™ program as other Discover cards.

Read our Discover it Balance Transfer card review to learn more. 

Discover Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

The Discover it® Cash Back is a great fit for most people because flat-rate cash back is easy to understand, earn, and use. 

Discover credit cards do not have annual or foreign transaction fees, so they're a good choice if you're trying to minimize out-of-pocket costs. Like most other credit cards, there are fees for balance transfers, cash advances, late payments, and returned payments.

A Discover credit card can be a great addition to your wallet. Discover cards are accepted worldwide, although you might encounter a few merchants — like Costco — that don't accept Discover cards. Discover cards are accepted wherever you see the "JCB" logo in Japan, and in many countries when you see the "Diners Club International" logo.

Discover Cashback Match™ (called Unlimited Bonus with the Discover it® Miles card) is a program for new cardholders. After 12 months, Discover will match all the rewards you earned in the first 12 months with no limits — even on bonus categories. 

For example, if you earned $500 in rewards in the first year of having the Discover it Cash Back, Discover would match that for a total of $1,000 back in the first 12 months.

You can have a maximum of two Discover cards at one time, but you'll have to wait at least a year after opening your first card before you can get approved for a second.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Discover Credit Cards

We evaluated Discover's credit card lineup and looked at several factors:

• Earning potential — Does the card earn cash back or other rewards, and does it offer appealing bonus categories and a competitive rewards rate?
• Ease of use — Are there restrictions to be aware of, and is the rewards program easy to understand?
• Options for various types of consumers — We selected a variety of cards geared to different types of spenders, including students, credit card beginners, and those looking for an introductory 0% APR.

Here's a closer look at how we rate credit cards all Business Insider.

Other Discover Products

Discover also offers the following products:

• Discover Personal Loan Review
• Discover Student Loan Review
• Discover Bank Review
• Discover Savings Account Review
• Discover CD Rates
• Discover Home Loans

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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• Main content

Pros and cons of credit cards for EVs

What is a credit card for ev charging, how to choose the best credit card for you, how to maximize your ev charging card, alternatives to ev charging cards, how to apply for a credit card.

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Best Credit Cards for EV Charging for April 2024

You can earn rewards for charging your electric vehicle, but the best cards also come with a variety of other benefits.

Holly Johnson

Contributor

Holly Johnson is a credit card expert and writer who covers rewards and loyalty programs, budgeting, and all things personal finance. In addition to writing for publications like Bankrate, CreditCards.com, Forbes Advisor and Investopedia, Johnson owns Club Thrifty and is the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You'll Love."

Tiffany Connors

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.

The best cards for electric vehicles come with a range of benefits, including consumer protections and generous rewards for spending. Some of the best cards in this niche include both credit cards and debit cards that let you earn rewards and access other benefits.

If you’re looking for a card that rewards you for having an EV, you’ll want to compare options that offer cash back or points for EV charging and other “green” purchases. Other features to look for include built-in insurance protections and potentially introductory APR offers for purchases, balance transfers or both. The best cards for EV owners all come with no annual fee as well. 

Discover it® Cash Back

The Discover it® Cash Back* stands out due to its unique earning structure that awards cardholders for different types of purchases throughout the year. Members earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent when activated in rotating categories that change every quarter (then 1% back) and 1% cash back on other purchases. The current bonus category  includes gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, home improvement stores and public transit. Categories will change when the next quarter begins on July 1, 2024. 

There’s no annual fee, and Discover will essentially double all rewards earned at the end of your first year. As an added bonus, this card comes with an introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers.

FutureCard Visa® Debit Card

The FutureCard Visa® Debit Card * is a debit card that earns rewards for spending with no monthly fees or annual fees and no credit check required. Cardholders earn 6% back when you shop with one of its 40+ “ FuturePartners ” and 5% cash back on up to $25,000 spent on public transportation, electric charging, bikes and scooters, secondhand clothes and furniture, and plant-based meat, dairy and eggs (then 1% back) and 1% back on other purchases, and all spending is funded with cash you deposit in your own FDIC-insured bank account.

Cardholders also earn 2.72% APY on cash they keep in their account.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card* lets users earn accelerated rewards on select travel purchases and other spending. Cardholders earn 4x points on travel, gas stations and EV charging stations through Sept. 8, 2024. After that, cardholders will earn 4x points on the first $1,000 spent at gas stations and EV charging stations each quarter (then 1x points). 

Cardholders also earn 2x points on dining, streaming services at grocery stores and on grocery delivery and 1x points on other eligible purchases. There’s no annual fee for the first 12 months, then $95 after that. Other notable benefits include a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, four free visits to Priority Pass airport lounges and built-in travel insurance protections. New cardholders can even earn 50,000 bonus points worth $500 after spending $2,000 on purchases within 120 days of account opening.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card stands out since it offers bonus points in so many categories with no annual fee. Members earn an unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations and EV charging stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Other purchases earn 1x points.

This card also lets new members earn 20,000 bonus points when they spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. An intro APR offer for purchases sweetens the deal and helps cardholders save money on interest for a limited time. Other benefits include cellphone insurance, travel and emergency assistance services and select Visa Signature perks.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

While the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card doesn’t offer bonus rewards specifically for EV-related purchases, it does offer an exceptional flat rewards rate of 2% cash rewards on purchases. There’s no annual fee, and new cardholders can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 on purchases within three months of account opening.

The flat rewards rate makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card a winner for people who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories over time. Other benefits include cell phone insurance and a generous intro APR for purchases and qualifying balance transfers.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

While you need to be a Costco member to apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa ® Card by Citi * , this card offers generous rewards for all kinds of purchases, including EV charging. Specifically, cardholders earn 4% cash back on the first $7,000 spent on EV charging and gas station purchases each year (then 1% back), 3% back at restaurants and on eligible travel purchases, 2% back on purchases at Costco and Costco.com and 1% back on other purchases.

There’s no annual fee with a paid Costco membership (which costs $60 per year). Also note that, with the top rewards category alone, cardholders have the potential to earn $280 back on the first $7,000 spent on gas and EV charging expenses every year.

If you plan to use a credit card for EV-related spending, including charging your vehicle at home or away , you should know about the potential advantages and disadvantages.

Earn rewards for spending and possibly bonus points or cash back for EV charging purchases

Offers a convenient payment option on the road

Many credit cards that let you earn rewards on EV charging also offer perks like travel insurance or cellphone insurance

Credit cards could lead to overspending and debt

Can be a hassle to keep track of cards that have rewards caps or changing categories

Credit cards that earn rewards often require good or excellent credit

Missing a credit card payment could damage your credit

A credit card for EV charging is just like any other credit card, but they offer benefits for EV-related purchases. For the most part, benefits come in the form of cash back or rewards points for EV charging bills, which can add up over the course of a year.

Credit cards for EV charging let users earn rewards when they charge their cars on the road or at home. Cardholders who want to take advantage can pay for EV charging stations and their home electric bill with their credit cards. It’s important to pay credit card balances in full to avoid interest charges.

Consider these tips to find the right credit card for your needs.

Assess your personal credit . The best credit cards for EVs require good or excellent credit. If your credit score isn’t quite in the good credit range, but you want to earn rewards for EV purchases, use these tips to help boost your score or consider credit cards for fair credit .

Compare cardholder benefits . Look at the benefits each card offers and decide which ones are most helpful for you. These could include 0% intro APR offers for purchases or balance transfers, travel insurance benefits, cellphone insurance and more.

Consider annual fees . The best credit cards for EV purchases don’t charge an annual fee, but some top rewards credit cards do. Apply for a credit card with an annual fee only if you know you’ll get enough in benefits and rewards to justify the fee each year .

Look closely at rewards rates . The best EV credit cards tend to offer better than average reward rates on EV charging purchases, but many have other bonus categories as well. There are also flat-rate rewards credit cards that offer the same cash back rewards rate on purchases, which could be attractive if you don’t want to bother tracking rewards categories.

Select the type of rewards you want to earn . Finally, make sure you’re earning rewards you can use. Investigate rewards programs to confirm you like the redemption options available with different cards.

To make the most of your EV charging credit card, you’ll want to use it to pay for expenses related to charging up whether at home or on the road. You can also use your card for other purchases you make to boost your rewards haul, depending on your credit card’s reward categories. 

Most importantly, you can maximize your card’s benefits by paying your credit card statement balance in full every billing period. If you carry a balance on your EV card and end up paying interest on purchases as a result, the rewards you earn won’t be worth the cost.

If you want to earn rewards for spending but you don’t necessarily want to prioritize rewards on EV purchases, you can expand your search to the following: :

• Best cash back credit cards
• Best rewards credit cards
• Best travel credit cards

Cards that fall into each of these categories offer different types of rewards you can earn for spending, each with their own benefits and features. Compare the best credit cards before you make your decision.

And if you want to skip using a credit card altogether, check out this list of no-fee charging options .

Follow these steps to apply for an EV credit card:

• Compare cards to find the right fit . Use this guide to find a credit card that matches your lifestyle and spending habits. 
• Apply securely online using the links above . The best credit cards let you apply for an account on a card issuer’s secure website. Some card issuers also let you apply for a new account over the phone.
• Submit your application . Be prepared to share information like your household income, your Social Security number, your monthly housing payment and your contact information. The card issuer will conduct a hard inquiry on your credit reports during the application process.
• Use your card responsibly . If you’re approved for the card, make sure to pay your credit card bill in full each month to avoid the high interest rates most credit cards charge for carrying a balance.

The best EV credit card varies from person to person. However, some of the top options available today include the Discover it® Cash Back, the US Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card and the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card.

The best gas credit cards also offer bonus rewards on EV charging, including the Costco Anywhere Visa ® Card by Citi.

*All information about the FutureCard Visa Debit Card, US Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi and Discover it Cash Back has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

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You don't need an annual fee for generous credit card rewards and top benefits. At Discover ® , every credit card has no annual fee . Check if you're pre-approved with no harm to your credit score. 14

Earn rewards. Pay no annual fee.

Get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, automatically. There is no limit to how much we'll match. 1

You can always redeem for cash. And some cards let you get gift cards or redeem travel rewards as a statement credit for travel purchases. 3

Your Discover rewards card will earn Cash Back or Miles on everyday purchases, big or small.

Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards. 4

Every Discover rewards credit card has no annual fee

Bonus rewards for eligible purchases vary by card. Redeem for cash in any amount, any time 2

x out of 5 Average of  x Reviews

See how we calculate our ratings

Cards for all 32 teams

No annual fee card advantages

You simply handle purchases, any balance transfer or other account activity without paying or financing an annual fee on top of it all.

Because every Discover credit card has no annual fee , your rewards simply stay in your pocket.

Paying a credit card annual fee won't guarantee a higher credit limit. Discover reviews your credit score and more before offering a credit line with rewards and benefits but no annual fee , whether you have excellent credit, good credit or are working on your credit.

More about no annual fee credit cards

Are there any hidden costs because i'm not paying an annual fee.

You can check your account terms any time for details on your interest rate and more. But Discover it ® Cards have no annual fee, no pay-by-phone fee no late fee on your first late payment and no changes to your interest rate for paying late. See pricing details .

Does my credit score limit which no annual fee credit cards I can get?

Your credit score is one factor we consider when making a decision about your Discover Card application. If you have excellent credit or good credit, you'll likely be interested in a card like Discover it ® Cash Back or Discover it ® Miles Card. If you're working on your credit score, we may still be able to offer you a Discover it ® Secured Card.

How do you know if a no annual fee credit card is right for you?

Should you have to pay a fee to keep your credit card account open? Should you expect to lose your first $50, $100 or more in cash rewards to your card issuer as an annual fee? Do you want an extra charge each year that have to pay or finance? Or do you want to keep more money in your pocket by not charging any annual fee? We prefer the latter.

What are the bonus rewards on eligible purchases for Discover it ® credit cards?

Discover it ® Cash Back, NHL ® Discover it ® , Discover it ® Student Cash Back

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.  Plus, earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Discover it ® Miles Travel Card

Earn unlimited 1.5x Miles for every dollar you spend on purchases.

Discover it ® Gas & Restaurants, Discover it ® Student Chrome, Discover it ® Secured

Earn 2% Cashback Bonus ® at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. 7 Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Unlimited Welcome Bonus

We'll automatically match all the Cash Back or Miles you've earned at the end of first year. 1

No annual fee . Yes, top benefits.

We’ll help you regularly remove your personal info from select people-search websites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the Discover app. 11

Get an alert if we find your Social Security Number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. 8  Activate for free.

You can talk to a real person from our customer service team any time. 13

You're never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card. 9

Deciding on the right no annual fee rewards credit card

3 ways to make your call:.

What's your lifestyle?

Have you established your credit? Are you a student? Need to build or rebuild your credit history? There's a Discover credit card to fit your need. 12

Which rewards credit card fits the way you shop?

Do you spend all over? Or mostly on gas or restaurants? Do you prefer earning cash back or Miles? Discover has a card to reward you.

How do you like to redeem rewards?

Cash rewards or travel rewards? Prefer a statement credit? Ever take your rewards shopping at Amazon. com 5 or get gift cards? Discover has many ways to redeem.

Let us help you decide

Checking to see if you’re pre-approved is fast, easy and won’t impact your credit score.

Helpful articles on no annual fee credit cards

Opening a new credit card account could lower or hurt your credit score in the short term, because it usually results in a hard inquiry on your credit report.

Cash or credit? Learn about each payment method, including the pros of credit cards and the benefits of paying with physical cash.

Learn all about the advantages of a credit card, how credit cards compare to debit cards and more with this Discover credit card advantages guide.

These money saving credit card travel benefits can help you stretch your budget and enjoy your next vacation. Learn more about travel cashback rewards.

Intro purchase APR  is  x % for  x   months  from date of account opening then the standard purchase APR applies.  Intro Balance Transfer APR  is  x %  for  x months  from date of first transfer, for transfers under this offer that post to your account by   then the standard purchase APR applies.  Standard purchase APR: x %  variable to  x %  variable, based on your creditworthiness.  Cash APR: x %  variable. Variable APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Minimum interest charge: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $.50.  Cash advance fee:  Either  $10  or  5%  of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.  Balance transfer fee: x %  Intro fee on balances transferred by   and up to  x %  fee for future balance transfers will apply.  Annual Fee: None . Rates as of  . We will apply payments at our discretion, including in a manner most favorable or convenient for us. Each billing period, we will generally apply amounts you pay that exceed the Minimum Payment Due to balances with higher APRs before balances with lower APRs as of the date we credit your payment.

Student Credit Cards

Intro purchase APR  is  x %  for  x months  from date of account opening then the standard purchase APR applies.  Intro Balance Transfer APR  is  x %  for  x months  from date of first transfer, for transfers under this offer that post to your account by   then the standard purchase APR applies.  Standard purchase APR: x % - x %  variable, based on your creditworthiness.  Cash APR: x %  variable. Variable APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Minimum interest charge: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $.50.  Cash advance fee:  Either  $10  or  5%  of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.  Balance transfer fee: x %  Intro fee on balances transferred by   and up to  x %  fee for future balance transfers will apply.  Annual Fee: None . Rates as of  . We will apply payments at our discretion, including in a manner most favorable or convenient for us. Each billing period, we will generally apply amounts you pay that exceed the Minimum Payment Due to balances with higher APRs before balances with lower APRs as of the date we credit your payment.

Travel Credit Card

Intro purchase APR  is  x %  for  x  months  from date of account opening then the standard purchase APR applies.  Intro Balance Transfer APR  is  x %  for  x  months  from date of first transfer, for transfers under this offer that post to your account by   then the standard purchase APR applies.  Standard purchase APR: x %  variable to  x %  variable, based on your creditworthiness.  Cash APR: x %  variable. Variable APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Minimum interest charge: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $.50.  Cash advance fee:  Either  $10  or  5%  of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.  Balance transfer fee: x %  Intro fee on balances transferred by   and up to  x %  fee for future balance transfers will apply.  Annual Fee: None . Rates as of  . We will apply payments at our discretion, including in a manner most favorable or convenient for us. Each billing period, we will generally apply amounts you pay that exceed the Minimum Payment Due to balances with higher APRs before balances with lower APRs as of the date we credit your payment.

Secured Credit Card

x % standard variable purchase APR  .  Intro Balance Transfer APR  is  x %  for  x  months  from date of first transfer, for transfers under this offer that post to your account by   then the standard purchase APR applies.  Cash APR: x %  variable. Variable APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Minimum interest charge: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than  $.50  .  Cash advance fee:  Either  $10  or  5%  of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.  Balance transfer fee: x %  Intro fee on balances transferred by   and up to  x %  fee for future balance transfers will apply.  Annual Fee: None . Rates as of  . We will apply payments at our discretion, including in a manner most favorable or convenient for us. Each billing period, we will generally apply amounts you pay that exceed the Minimum Payment Due to balances with higher APRs before balances with lower APRs as of the date we credit your payment.

Reviews for Cash Back Credit Card : Discover it card's average "Overall Rating" based on reviews by cardmembers as seen at  https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/it-card/reviews/

Reviews for Student Credit Card : Discover it card's average "Overall Rating" based on reviews by cardmembers as seen at  https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/student-it-card/reviews/

Reviews for Travel Credit Card : Discover it card's average "Overall Rating" based on reviews by cardmembers as seen at  https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/travel/reviews/

Reviews for Secured Credit Card : Discover it card's average "Overall Rating" based on reviews by cardmembers as seen at  https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/secured/reviews/

Cashback Match:  Only from Discover as of February 2024.   We'll match all the cash back rewards you've earned on your credit card from the day your new account is approved through your first 12 consecutive billing periods or 365 days, whichever is longer, and add it to your rewards account within two billing periods. You've earned cash back rewards only when they're processed, which may be after the transaction date. We will not match: rewards that are processed after your match period ends; statement credits; rewards transfers from Discover checking or other deposit accounts; or rewards for accounts that are closed. This promotional offer may not be available in the future and is exclusively for new cardmembers. No purchase minimums.

Discover Match ® :  Only from Discover as of February 2024. We'll match all the Miles rewards you've earned on your credit card from the day your new account is approved through your first 12 consecutive billing periods or 365 days, whichever is longer, and add it to your rewards account within two billing periods. You've earned Miles rewards only when they're processed, which may be after the transaction date. We will not match: rewards that are processed after your match period ends; statement credits; rewards transfers from Discover checking or other deposit accounts; or rewards for accounts that are closed. This promotional offer may not be available in the future and is exclusively for new cardmembers. No purchase minimums.

Rewards Redemption:  Rewards never expire. We reserve the right to determine the method to disburse your rewards balance. We will credit your Account or send you a check with your rewards balance if your Account is closed or if you have not used it within 18 months.

Redeem Miles:  Starting at 1 Mile, you can redeem your Miles as a credit to your account to pay for all or part of your bill, for cash as an electronic deposit to your bank account, or for a credit for Travel Purchases made on your statement within the last 180 days. Travel Purchases include airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, travel agents, online travel sites, commuter transportation, restaurants and gas stations. Restaurant purchases include those made at merchants classified as full-service restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, fast-food locations, and restaurant delivery services. Gas Station purchases include those made at merchants classified as places that sell automotive gasoline that can be bought at the pump or inside the station. Gas Stations affiliated with supermarkets, supercenters, and wholesale clubs may not be eligible.

Even if a travel purchase on your statement appears to fit in a Travel Purchase category, the merchant may not have a merchant category code (MCC) in a Travel Purchase category. Merchants and payment processors are assigned an MCC based on their typical products and services. Discover Card does not assign MCCs to merchants. Certain third-party payment accounts and digital wallet transactions may not be eligible for credit redemption if the technology does not provide sufficient transaction details or a qualifying MCC. See  Terms and Conditions  for more information.

Acceptance : According to the Feb 2023 issue of the Nilson Report.

Use Rewards at Amazon.com: For complete details on how to Pay with Rewards at Amazon.com see  Amazon.com/DiscoverRewards . Amazon is not a sponsor of this promotion. Amazon, the Amazon.com logo, the smile logo and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. To redeem your rewards at checkout, you must select the Discover Card from which you want to redeem rewards. If you do not pay for your full purchase with rewards, you may use the Discover Card from which the rewards were applied or an Amazon.com Gift Card to pay for the remainder of your purchase. You may not use a credit card from an issuer other than Discover or another Discover credit card enrolled in Shop with Points in conjunction with the rewards transaction.

Use Rewards with PayPal : For complete details on how to Pay with Rewards with PayPal see PayPal.com/Discover . Pay with Rewards with PayPal will be available for eligible credit cards on eligible purchases or rewards can be donated to support a charitable cause with PayPal Giving Fund. To learn more about Pay with Rewards, see terms and conditions .

All reward redemptions are subject to Discover’s reward program terms. To redeem your rewards at checkout, you must select the Discover Card from which you want to redeem rewards. If you do not pay for your full purchase with rewards, you must use the Discover Card from which the rewards were applied to pay for the remainder of your purchase. You may not use a credit card from an issuer other than Discover or another Discover credit card enrolled in Pay with Rewards in conjunction with the rewards transaction.

PayPal, and the PayPal logo are trademarks of PayPal and its Affiliates.

You earn a full 2%  Cashback Bonus ® on your first $1000 in combined purchases at Gas Stations (stand-alone), and Restaurants each calendar quarter. Calendar quarters begin January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Purchases at Gas Stations and Restaurants over the quarterly cap, and all other purchases, earn 1% cash back. Gas Station purchases include those made at merchants classified as places that sell automotive gasoline that can be bought at the pump or inside the station, and some public electric vehicle charging stations. Gas Stations affiliated with supermarkets, supercenters, and wholesale clubs may not be eligible. Restaurant purchases include those made at merchants classified as full-service restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, fast-food locations, and restaurant delivery services. Purchases must be made with merchants in the U.S. To qualify for 2%, the purchase transaction date must be before or on the last day of the offer or promotion. For online purchases, the transaction date from the merchant may be the date when the item ships. Rewards are added to your account within two billing periods. Even if a purchase appears to fit in a 2% category, the merchant may not have a merchant category code (MCC) in that category. Merchants and payment processors are assigned an MCC based on their typical products and services. Discover Card does not assign MCCs to merchants. Certain third-party payment accounts and digital wallet transactions may not earn 2% if the technology does not provide sufficient transaction details or a qualifying MCC. Learn more at  Discover.com/digitalwallets . See  Cashback Bonus  Program Terms and Conditions  for more information.

Discover ® Identity Alerts (Alerts) are offered by Discover Bank at no cost, are available only online, and do not impact your credit score. The Alerts currently provide: (a) daily monitoring of your Experian ® credit report and an alert when a new inquiry or account is listed on your report; (b) daily monitoring of thousands of Dark Web sites known for revealing personal information and an alert if your Social Security Number is found on such a website. Alerts are only provided to Primary cardmembers who agree to receive them online and whose accounts are open, in good standing, have a Social Security Number, and an email address on file. This benefit may change or end in the future. Discover Bank is not a credit repair organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. To see a list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit discover.com/freealerts .

$0 Fraud Liability:  An “unauthorized purchase” is a purchase where you have not given access to your card information to another person or a merchant for one-time or repeated charges. Please use reasonable care to protect your card and do not share it with employees, relatives, or friends. Learn more at  Discover.com/fraudFAQ .

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Citi Double Cash Review: A Solid Choice for Everyday Spending

What’s on This Page

The bottom line, pros and cons, detailed review, compare to other cards, benefits and perks, drawbacks and considerations, how to decide if it's right for you.

Although the market has started to catch up, this remains one of the better top-of-wallet cards. Use it by itself every day, or as a companion to bonus category cards.

Rewards rate

Bonus offer

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months

Ongoing APR

APR: 19.24%-29.24% Variable APR

Cash Advance APR: 29.99%, Variable

Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%, Variable

Balance transfer fee

Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min).

Foreign transaction fee

• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

No annual fee

High rewards rate

Intro balance transfer fee

No intro APR period on purchases

The Citi Double Cash® Card is a valuable workhorse among credit cards. With superior flat-rate cash back, it’s ideal for consumers who want low-hassle cash rewards on everything they charge. What it lacks in sizzle, it makes up for in daily dependability. It’s a Honda Accord in a credit card market that's lately gotten jammed with Lamborghini wannabes.

Most of what you need to know: The card gives you 2% cash back on every purchase — 1% when you make it, and another 1% back when you pay it off. Rewards are unlimited, and the annual fee is $0 .

The Citi Double Cash® Card stands up well on its own, but it also makes an ideal companion to a bonus-category credit card for those who use a two-card strategy to maximize cash back. And you can transfer rewards to a handful of partners to potentially snag outsize value.

On the downside, the card offers no 0% introductory period for purchases, which is nearly table stakes for top-tier cash back cards. Even so, to get good, reliable rewards with minimum effort (or cost), this card should be among the top few you consider.

» MORE: Credit cards that earn 2% cash back or more on purchases

Citi Double Cash® Card : Basics

Card type: Cash back .

Annual fee: $0 .

Sign-up bonus: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

Rewards: 2% cash back on purchases, distributed in two stages:

1% back for every dollar spent.

1% back for every dollar paid off.

Through Dec. 31, 2024, cardholders also get 5% total cash back on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel portal.

Technically, rewards earned on the Citi Double Cash® Card appear in a cardholder's account as Citi ThankYou points , but that will not affect your ability to earn or redeem cash back. You'll earn 1 point per $1 spent and 1 point per $1 paid off. Points are worth 1 cent apiece when redeemed for cash back, meaning you'll still get 2% cash back on purchases. See here for more information .

Redemption options: Statement credit, bank account deposit or a check. You can also transfer your points to a handful of partners, including JetBlue, Wyndham and more.

Interest rate: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months, and then the ongoing APR of 19.24%-29.24% Variable APR .

Balance transfer fee: 3% of the amount transferred or $5 (whichever is greater) for transfers completed within the first four months of account opening; 5% fee or $5, whichever is greater, after that.

Foreign transaction fee: 3%.

» MORE: Citi credit cards mobile app review

The industry standard for cash back used to be 1%. As its name implies, the Citi Double Cash® Card essentially doubles that rate, paying 1% back on purchases and 1% after paying the bill. The sooner you pay your balance, the sooner you earn the second half of the rewards. That's a powerful incentive to pay your credit card bill in full every month, which we recommend you do anyway to avoid interest.

While we still think this is a fine card, it’s not quite the industry unicorn it used to be. Other cards also offer 2% cash back or more on purchases .

When you redeem cash back for a credit on your statement, you don’t earn the second 1%. That’s because you’re not actually paying off that amount; it’s just subtracted from your bill. But that’s a minor consideration. Redeeming a hefty $1,000 per year would mean forgoing $10 in rewards for the convenience of taking the money in the form of a statement credit. That’s still very close to a 2% return on spending, assuming you pay your bill in full every month.

» MORE: Citi Flex Plan: What it is and how it works

Many cash-back cards offer bonus categories — some of them permanent, some that change from time to time and some that adjust with your spending. They allow you to earn extra rewards in featured categories, such as gas stations, restaurants and home improvement stores. They can be a hassle to keep track of. Some limit the amount of spending eligible for bonus rewards, and all spending over that limit earns a mundane 1% cash back.

With the Citi Double Cash® Card , you can be a lazy optimizer and whip out the same card all the time, without thinking about where you’re using the card and whether you’ve reached the limit for a bonus spending category. That said, there's one opportunity to earn extra rewards, at least temporarily: Through Dec. 31, 2024, you earn 5% total cash back on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel portal.

Flexibility

Even though the Citi Double Cash® Card is considered a cash-back credit card, technically what you're earning are Citi ThankYou points . And while those points can easily be turned into cash at a rate of a penny each, they could potentially be even more valuable when used for travel.

The card features a handful of travel partners, including JetBlue, Wyndham and Choice Privileges, and depending on your credit card strategy and travel goals, this conversion flexibility could potentially increase the value of your rewards, should you find a good deal on flights or hotels with those partners.

That's especially true if you happen to hold multiple Citi cards because you can combine points across them all. While the Citi Double Cash® Card features only a few transfer partners, other Citi products — like the Citi Premier® Card or Citi Prestige® Card — feature more than a dozen.

The Citi ThankYou rewards program is not as straightforward as others and requires a little know-how to navigate in order to get the best value. For example, transfer ratios with the Citi Double Cash® Card are less than favorable: 1,000 ThankYou points would get you only 800 points with JetBlue or Wyndham.

» READ: Citi trifecta: Earn 2% to 5% on every purchase

No everyday bonus categories

Double cash on all purchases is great, but it’s less than you’ll find on cards that offer elevated rewards on spending at everyday places like restaurants, supermarkets or gas stations.

Indeed, some cards offer 5% back on bonus categories that change quarterly. In the past, categories have included gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, Amazon.com and PayPal. Good examples are the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Discover it® Cash Back . Both offer 5% back on categories that you activate, on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter (equal to $75 in cash back), and 1% on all other spending.

Other cash-back cards have bonus categories that don't change. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a good example. The card earns 3% cash back on up to $6,000 spent per year in each of three categories: U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases. Other spending earns 1% cash back. Terms apply ( see rates and fees ). It has an annual fee of $0 .

By contrast, bonus rewards on the Citi Double Cash® Card are limited to certain travel bookings when done through Citi.

For optimizers, the decision is not either-or, but both. Boost cash rewards by using a bonus-categories card to get higher earnings on certain purchases, and use the Citi Double Cash® Card for everything else. That reaps a superior return with a little more effort.

And some cards offer a combination: a good flat rate on most purchases, a sign-up bonus and bonus categories. Example: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® .

Flat rate: 1.5%

Bonus category rewards: 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and drugstore purchases and 5% on travel purchased through Chase.

Sign-up bonus: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

» MORE: NerdWallet’s best rewards credit cards

No intro APR on purchases

The intro APR offer for this card is: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months, and then the ongoing APR of 19.24%-29.24% Variable APR .

Noticeably absent is an intro APR rate on purchases. Why is that important? After you transfer a balance to this card, future purchases you charge to it will begin accruing interest immediately. You won’t have a credit card grace period , even if you pay off your new purchases in full. You only get the grace period back if you also completely pay off the balance transfer amount. That’s why many other cards feature an intro APR offer, often for the same number of months, for both balance transfers and purchases.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best 0% intro APR cards

Its 3% fee for foreign transactions means this is a poor choice of card to use abroad. To be fair, this fee is more common on cash-back cards, but rarer on travel cards.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best no foreign transaction fee credit cards

If you want a low-hassle, flat-rate rewards card, the Citi Double Cash® Card fits the bill because its rewards apply to all spending and have no limit. Your return rate can be even better if you use it in conjunction with a bonus-categories card.

Need more information to help you compare your cash-back credit card options? Our best credit cards page can help.

» MORE: Benefits of the Citi Double Cash® Card

To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express , see this page .

Earn 5% cash back in rotating categories that you activate (on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending), and 1% on all other spending. Bonus: INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300. Annual fee: $0 .

Looking For Something Else?

Methodology.

NerdWallet reviews credit cards with an eye toward both the quantitative and qualitative features of a card. Quantitative features are those that boil down to dollars and cents, such as fees, interest rates, rewards (including earning rates and redemption values) and the cash value of benefits and perks. Qualitative factors are those that affect how easy or difficult it is for a typical cardholder to get good value from the card. They include such things as the ease of application, simplicity of the rewards structure, the likelihood of using certain features, and whether a card is well-suited to everyday use or is best reserved for specific purchases. Our star ratings serve as a general gauge of how each card compares with others in its class, but star ratings are intended to be just one consideration when a consumer is choosing a credit card. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

This card pays you 2% cash back on all purchases, but that money comes in two parts: You get 1% cash back on every dollar you spend, then another 1% back on every dollar you pay back.

The rewards structure gives you an incentive to pay off your charges as quickly as possible.

The simplest way to redeem cash back with the Citi Double Cash® Card is to take the money as a statement credit. If you have, say, $50 in cash back, you can apply it to your account and reduce your balance by $50. You can also get your cash back as a direct deposit into a bank account or as a paper check.

The standard offer on the Citi Double Cash® Card does not include a sign-up bonus. Its value comes with the higher rate it pays on every purchase.

The Citi Double Cash® Card is a Mastercard.

About the author

Gregory Karp

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Find the best credit card for you

Here are the 3 best chase balance transfer credit cards of 2024, save money with these chase credit cards that offer 0% introductory aprs on balance transfers..

Credit card interest rates are often higher than other financial products like personal loans or mortgages so it's best to pay off your credit card balance in full every month . However, that isn't always possible so many people may wind up with high-interest credit card debt. In these situations, taking advantage of a 0% balance transfer offer can reduce the interest you pay and help you pay off your credit card debt more quickly.

Chase is known for issuing some top travel credit cards , but it also has several cards that offer an intro 0% APR for balance transfers. Consider these Chase balance transfer credit cards if you're hunting for a balance transfer offer. (See our methodology for information on how we chose the best Chase balance transfer credit cards).

Best Chase balance transfer credit cards

• Best for long intro APR: Chase Slate Edge℠
• Best for cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Best for rotating bonus categories: Chase Freedom Flex℠

Best for long intro APR

Chase slate edge℠, welcome offer.

Get an automatic review for a credit limit increase when you pay on time and spend $500 in your first six months.

0% for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR

20.49% - 29.24% variable

Balance transfer fee

Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Excellent/Good

Member FDIC. Terms apply. Information about the Chase Slate Edge℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

• No annual fee
• Lower your interest rate by 2% each year: Automatically be considered for an APR reduction when you pay on time, and spend at least $1,000 on your card by your next account anniversary
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• No rewards program

Who's this for? The Chase Slate Edge℠ does one thing, and it does it well — reduce the interest you pay. Its longer-than-usual introductory APR offer makes it ideal for those seeking more time to pay off their balance.

Balance transfer offer : New cardholders are eligible for an intro 0% APR on eligible balance transfers and purchases for 18 months from account opening, then a 20.49% to 29.24% variable APR applies. This is one of the longest intro APR offers available and is especially useful since it applies to purchases, too.

An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer (whichever is higher) applies to transfers completed in the first 60 days of account opening. After that, the balance transfer fee is $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer (whichever is higher).

[ Jump to more details ]

Best for cash back

Chase freedom unlimited®.

Enjoy 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus

INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Member FDIC. Terms apply.

Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.

• Rewards can be transferred to a Chase Ultimate Rewards card
• Generous welcome bonus
• 3% fee charged on foreign transactions

Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is geared toward those who want to earn cash back on their everyday spending and still want access to a helpful intro APR offer.

Balance transfer offer : New card members receive an intro 0% APR for purchases and balance transfer for the first 15 months, after that a variable 20.49% to 29.24% APR applies. For the first 60 days of account opening, there's an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer ($5 minimum). After that, a standard balance transfer fee of $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer applies, whichever is greater.

Best for rotating bonus categories

Chase freedom flex℠.

5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1%), 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on drugstore purchases and on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 1% cash back on all other purchases

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Member FDIC. Terms apply. Information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

Read our Chase Freedom Flex℠ review.

• Opportunity to earn up to 5% cash back in select categories upon activation
• Bonus categories must be activated each quarter

Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a great card for anyone who enjoys squeezing the most value out of their credit card thanks to its generous rotating quarterly bonus categories.

Balance transfer offer : New cardholders can take advantage of a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balances transfer, then a 20.49% to 29.24% variable APR applies. An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer applies to transfers completed in the first 60 days. After that, the standard balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount of each transfer or $5, whichever is greater.

More on our top Chase balance transfer credit cards

The Chase Slate Edge℠ is a no annual fee card with several features that can help you pay less interest, but doesn't earn rewards.

Get an automatic review for a higher credit limit when you pay on time and spend $500 in the first six months.

Notable perks

With the Chase Slate Edge , you are automatically considered for a 2% APR reduction if you pay your monthly bill on time and spend at least $1,000 on the card before your next account anniversary (terms apply). While you'll want a plan to pay off your balance transfer before the interest kicks in, this feature can help you lower your APR compared to what you might pay with other credit cards.

This card's insurance benefits include purchase protection, extended warranty protection, roadside dispatch and rental car collision and theft coverage (secondary in the U.S.).

[ Return to card summary ]

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of CNBC Select's top no-annual-fee cash-back credit cards with a unique intro bonus and a handful of useful benefits to complement its cash-back earnings.

• 6.5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel
• 5% back on Lyft rides (through Mar. 31, 2025)
• 4.5% cash back on dining
• 4.5% cash back at drug stores
• 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year)

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).

Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025 and enroll for three complimentary months of DashPass (activate by Dec. 31, 2024). Purchases are also covered by a range of built-in protections like rental car collision damage insurance (secondary in the U.S.), extended warranty coverage, purchase protection and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

While this is a cash-back credit card , you can boost the value of the rewards you earn by pairing this card with a Chase card that allows points transfers (such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ). By transferring the rewards you earn to travel partners like World Hyatt, United MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan, you can potentially book luxury hotels and flights for fewer points.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ packs a punch with generous rewards in bonus categories that change every quarter and an easy-to-earn welcome bonus.

• 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent in categories that change each quarter, then 1% cash back (activation required)
• 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• 3% cash back on dining
• 3% cash back at drug stores
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 

Cardholders receive discounts and special perks with partners like Lyft and DoorDash. There are also many valuable built-in protections for a no-annual-fee card, including:

• Cell phone insurance
• Rental car insurance (secondary in the U.S.)
• Extended warranty coverage
• Purchase protection
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

When you have a Chase card that unlocks the ability to transfer Chase points to hotel and airline partners (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card) , it increases the value of the Freedom Flex. So this isn't only a strong standalone rewards credit card , but it has synergies with other cards.

How to complete a Chase balance transfer

Chase typically charges a balance transfer fee from 3% to 5% with a $5 minimum. Before you complete a balance transfer , be sure the interest you save will outweigh the fee.

There are several ways to do a balance transfer with Chase. One of the best and easiest options is to complete a balance transfer when you apply for a card. When you do this, you'll be able to make the most out of your intro APR because any 0% interest timeframe you qualify for begins when you open the card.

If you want to perform a balance transfer with a Chase card you already have, you'll need to log in to your account and follow these steps:

• Click "Pay & Transfer"
• Then click on the "Transfer" dropdown menu
• Select "Card balance transfers"

You can then select any of your Chase cards from a dropdown menu and see what balance transfer offers are available.

Are Chase balance transfers worth it?

When you make a balance transfer, you'll generally pay a fee of 3% to 5% of the balance. To determine whether a balance transfer is worth it, calculate how much you would save in interest compared to how much you'd pay in transfer fees.

What is one disadvantage of a 0% interest balance transfer card?

Aside from the balance transfer fees, the biggest downside to a balance transfer is you'll have the same amount of credit card debt as before. If you don't have a plan, or the resources, to pay off your debt before the intro APR expires, you'll be stuck paying interest once again.

Do balance transfers hurt your credit?

A balance transfer doesn't directly hurt your credit score and could help improve your credit if you're able to pay down your debt. However, you'll want to keep in mind that your credit score will temporarily dip when you apply for new credit (including a balance transfer card).

Bottom line

The top balance transfer cards Chase issues offer intro APR periods of 15 to 18 months, and these intro APR offers also apply to purchases, making them even more useful. If you're interested in paying less interest , these are some of the best offers available. When you're in credit card debt, your primary focus should be repayment, not earning rewards, but the fact that some of the cards on this list earn rewards is a nice bonus.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card   article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card   products .  While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See  our methodology  for more information on how we choose the best Chase balance transfer credit cards.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Our methodology

To determine which Chase cards are best for balance transfers, CNBC Select analyzed the Chase credit cards with intro APR balance transfer offers. We compared each card on a range of features, including the annual fee, rewards, welcome bonus and balance transfer fee. We also considered additional perks, consumer protections, the application process when available and how easy it is to redeem rewards. However, when you're in credit card debt, your priority should be repayment, so we focused more on the cards that provide consumers with the cheapest ways to pay off their debt rather than the number of rewards they could potentially earn.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

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