If you're looking for a no-annual-fee credit card with introductory APR offers, you may be considering the Citi Simplicity Card and the Discover it Cash Back Card. Both cards cater to good-to-excellent credit profiles and waive annual fees. The Citi Simplicity Card has a 0% APR for 21 months on balance transfers. The Discover it Cash Back Card offers 5% cash back on rotating categories and a unique first-year cash back match. As such, the Citi Simplicity Card is ideal for those prioritizing a longer balance transfer period, while the Discover it Cash Back Card is better if you're seeking rewards.
Citi Simplicity® Card
vs. Discover it® Cash Back Card
Discover it Cash Back Card is better for earning rewards, while Citi Simplicity Card is ideal for balance transfers and a longer 0% APR period.
![First credit card image](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/v1670249479/Citi_Simplicity_Card_d14f41be99.png)
![Second credit card image](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/v1686770306/Discover_It_Cash_Back_Credit_Card_7863c935bf.png)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,w_100,b_white/v1585262247/bbgpw5eliaweh29jfpd8.png)
Doug Milnes, CFA
Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets. Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
Victoria Copans
Editor
Victoria Copans is a professional writer, editor and translator. She previously worked as the managing editor for online events industry publication XLIVE. As a self-described budgeting nerd, she was drawn to the personal finance space to help share important and useful information that people may not otherwise have access to. In her free time, she loves to travel, learn languages and explore the beautiful nature in her home of Vermont.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,w_100,b_white/v1585262247/bbgpw5eliaweh29jfpd8.png)
Doug Milnes, CFA
Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets. Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
Victoria Copans
Editor
Victoria Copans is a professional writer, editor and translator. She previously worked as the managing editor for online events industry publication XLIVE. As a self-described budgeting nerd, she was drawn to the personal finance space to help share important and useful information that people may not otherwise have access to. In her free time, she loves to travel, learn languages and explore the beautiful nature in her home of Vermont.
Updated: April 24, 2024
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![Credit Card logo for Citi Simplicity® Card](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,h_190,w_300/v1670249479/Citi_Simplicity_Card_d14f41be99.png)
![Credit Card logo for Discover it® Cash Back Card](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,h_190,w_300/v1686770306/Discover_It_Cash_Back_Credit_Card_7863c935bf.png)
- Regular APR19.24% - 29.99% variable18.24%–28.24% variable0% APR Offer0% for 12 months on purchases0% intro APR for 15 monthsBalance Transfer Offer0% for 21 months on balance transfers0% intro APR for 15 monthsAnnual Fee$0$0Rewards Summary-This card doesn't offer cash back, miles, or pointsEarn 1%–5% cash backEarn 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.Recommended Credit670-850 (Good to Excellent)670–850 (Good to Excellent)Not sure?
Citi Simplicity Card vs. Discover it Cash Back Card: Which Is Better for You?
You might prefer the Citi Simplicity Card if: you're looking for a credit card that can help you save on interest payments for an extended period. This card has a lengthy 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers, which can be particularly beneficial if you have existing high-interest credit card debt you wish to pay down over time. Additionally, the Citi Simplicity Card offers a 12-month 0% intro APR on purchases, no late fees and no penalty rates, making it a straightforward choice for those who value simplicity and potentially lower costs over rewards.
You might prefer the Discover it Cash Back Card if: earning cash back on your purchases is a priority. This card rewards you with 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly purchases in various rotating categories upon activation and 1% on all other purchases. The Discover it Cash Back Card also features a unique introductory offer that matches all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, which could significantly increase your rewards. If you can maximize the rotating categories and plan to use this card frequently, the potential cash back earnings could outweigh the benefits of a longer balance transfer intro period offered by other cards.
MoneyGeek's Take on the Citi Simplicity Card
The Citi Simplicity Card is ideal for those looking to manage existing credit card debt with a balance transfer. With a MoneyGeek balance transfer card rating of 4.6 out of 5, it's one of the top cards in this category. This card is particularly well-suited for individuals with good to excellent credit scores ranging from 670 to 850. The Citi Simplicity Card offers a generous 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers, which is among the longest available, making it an attractive choice for those who need ample time to pay down balances without accruing interest.
Additionally, cardholders benefit from no annual fee and no late fees, easing the burden of extra charges. While it doesn't offer rewards or cash back, its fee structure and introductory offers make it a strong contender for those focused on minimizing costs and simplifying their finances.
![Credit Card logo for Citi Simplicity® Card](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,h_190,w_300/v1670249479/Citi_Simplicity_Card_d14f41be99.png)
MoneyGeek's Take on the Discover it® Cash Back Card
The Discover it Cash Back Card, rated at 3.6 out of 5 by MoneyGeek for balance transfers, stands out for its reward structure and consumer-friendly policies. With a $0 annual fee and a unique first-year cash back match, this card is designed for those who appreciate earning rewards on their everyday spending. Cardholders enjoy 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly purchases in various rotating categories upon activation and an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The card also offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, making it a solid choice for individuals looking to manage existing debt or finance new purchases without immediate interest. Recommended for consumers with a credit score ranging from 670 to 850, the Discover it Cash Back Card is well-suited for savvy spenders who plan their purchases around the bonus categories and pay their balance in full each month to maximize rewards.
![Credit Card logo for Discover it® Cash Back Card](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,h_190,w_300/v1686770306/Discover_It_Cash_Back_Credit_Card_7863c935bf.png)
Details Comparison: Citi Simplicity® Card vs. Discover it® Cash Back Card
Our breakdown will help compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards, introductory offer and other features. By examining these specific aspects, you can align your financial preferences with the card that best suits your spending habits and goals. For instance, if avoiding fees is a priority, the Citi Simplicity Card's $0 late fee may appeal to you, while the Discover it Cash Back Card's potential for earning rewards might be more attractive if you're a frequent spender in rotating categories.
Regular APR
The Discover it Cash Back Card offers a slightly lower regular APR range of 17.24% to 28.24% variable APR compared to the Citi Simplicity Card's 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR. This makes the Discover it Cash Back Card slightly better for those concerned with interest rates.
Annual Fee
Both cards have a $0 annual fee, making them equally attractive for users looking to avoid extra costs.
Introductory 0% APRs
For balance transfers, the Citi Simplicity Card offers a superior introductory period of 0% APR for 21 months, compared to the Discover it Cash Back Card's 15 months. Conversely, for new purchases, the Discover it Cash Back Card provides a longer 0% intro APR period of 15 months, outpacing the Citi Simplicity Card's 12 months. Here are some of the best balance transfer credit cards for further exploration.
Welcome Offers
The Discover it Cash Back Card is better for welcome offers, offering a match on all cash back earned at the end of the first year. The Citi Simplicity Card does not offer a welcome bonus.
Recommended Credit Score
Both the Citi Simplicity Card and the Discover it Cash Back Card require a recommended credit score of 670–850 (good to excellent), so they're designed for individuals with similar credit profiles.
Penalties and Fees
The Citi Simplicity Card has no late fees, making it better for those concerned about occasional late payments. However, the Discover it Cash Back Card excels internationally with no foreign transaction fees. Both cards have the same cash advance fee structure. Considering penalties and fees alone, the choice depends on whether you prioritize avoiding late or foreign transaction fees.
Issuer Satisfaction
The Discover it Cash Back Card has a higher issuer satisfaction rating at 4.5, compared to Citi Simplicity® Card at 4.1.
Other Features & Perks
The Discover it Cash Back Card offers a unique perk with its cash back match at the end of the first year, which can significantly benefit new cardholders. For those prioritizing rewards and welcome offers, the Discover it Cash Back Card may be the better choice.
FAQ: Citi Simplicity® Card vs. Discover it® Cash Back Card
The Citi Simplicity Card does not offer rewards, while the Discover it Cash Back Card provides up to 5% cash back on rotating categories and a unique first-year cash back match. Learn more about maximizing cash back rewards.
Citi Simplicity offers 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and 21 months on balance transfers. Discover it Cash Back offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on both. Compare these best balance transfer credit cards.
Both cards generally require good to excellent credit (670–850).
Citi Simplicity has no late fees, while Discover it Cash Back waives the first late payment fee, then charges up to $41.
The Discover it Cash Back card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a better choice for international use than the Citi Simplicity®, which charges 3%.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
![Doug Milnes, CFA headshot](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,w_160/v1585262247/bbgpw5eliaweh29jfpd8.png)
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.