The Discover it Miles and Chrome Gas & Restaurant credit cards are both popular choices among Discover customers.
In this article, we will take a closer look at both cards and compare their features, benefits, and drawbacks.
General Comparison
With the Discover it Miles card, you earn 1.5 miles for every dollar spent on all purchases, and at the end of your first year, Discover matches all the miles you've earned. You can redeem those miles for a range of rewards, including travel, merchandise, and statement credits.
Alternatively, the Discover it Chrome Gas & Restaurant card is designed for those who spend frequently on dining and gas. Both cards offer 0% intro APR and have no annual fee.
Discover it® Miles | Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant | |
Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
Rewards | unlimited 1.5x miles for every dollar spent on all purchases | 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% cash back on all your other purchases |
Welcome bonus | Discover matches your first year miles automatically. | Cashback Match
|
0% Intro APR | 15 months on purchases and balance transfers | 15 months on purchases and balance transfers |
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | 0% |
Purchase APR | 18.74% – 27.74% Variable APR | 18.74% – 27.74% Variable APR |
Read Review | Read Review |
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Rewards Battle: A Side-by-Side Analysis
The Chrome card offers cashback, while the Discover Miles card offers, you guessed right, miles. Overall, there is no significant difference in cashback between the cards for the average consumer.
Spend Per Category | Discover it® Miles | Discover it® Chrome |
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets | 15,000 miles | $100 |
$4,000 – Restaurants
| 6,000 miles | $40 |
$3,000 – Airline | 4,500 miles | $30 |
$3,000 – Hotels | 4,500 miles | $30 |
$4,000 – Gas | 6,000 miles | $80 |
Estimated Annual Value | 36,000 Miles (About $360) | $280 |
Which Extra Benefits You'll Get On Both Cards?
Both cards offer a few additional benefits, including:
Online Privacy Protection: This feature helps protect your personal information by removing it from people-search websites that may sell your data. You can activate this service for free through the Discover app.
View your FICO® Score for Free: You can check your credit score without affecting your FICO® Score, giving you valuable insight into your credit health.
Overall, when compared to other cash back and travel rewards cards on the market, the extra perks offered by Discover are relatively limited.
When You Might Prefer The Discover it Miles Card?
The Discover it Miles might be your preferred choice if:
- Versatile Spender: If your spending habits are diverse and extend beyond gas and dining, the Discover it Miles card, with its 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases, might be more appealing, offering flexibility and rewards on a broader range of expenses.
- No-Category Commitment: If you prefer not to be tied to specific spending categories and enjoy the simplicity of earning consistent rewards on every purchase, the Discover it Miles card offers a straightforward approach without the need to track or optimize spending in particular areas.
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When You Might Prefer The Chrome Card?
The Discover Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card might be your preferred choice if:
- You Spend On Gas And Dining Out: If you're a daily commuter and often find yourself dining out, the Discover Chrome Gas & Restaurant
- You Prefer Cashback: If you prefer cashback rather than accumulating miles, the Chrome card is a better fit.
Compare The Alternatives
Before you make a decision, it's smart to check out other choices to make sure you pick the one that's just right for what you need:
Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card | Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card | |
Annual Fee | $0
| $0
| $0
|
Rewards |
2%
2% cash rewards on purchases (unlimited)
|
1.5% – 5%
5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery), 3% on drugstore purchases, and 1.5% on all other purchases
|
1% – 5%
3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% cash back available on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%)
|
Welcome bonus |
$200
$200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
|
$250
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
|
$200
$200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | 3%
| 3%
| 3%
|
Purchase APR | 19.49% – 29.49% Variable APR
| 19.99 – 28.74% variable
| 18.74% – 28.74% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
|
Compare Discover It Miles
If you're looking for a basic travel card, the Discover it Miles is better, in our opinion. Here are our thoughts – and a full comparison.
The Capital One Venture is a clear winner as it offers a better miles rewards ratio and extra travel benefits. But it charges an annual fee.
Discover it Miles vs. Capital One Venture Card: How They Compare?