Discover it® Cash Back Card
vs. BankAmericard® Credit Card

Updated: May 22, 2024

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If you're seeking a credit card with no annual fee and an introductory APR offer, you may be considering the Discover it Cash Back Card and the BankAmericard Credit Card. The Discover it Cash Back Card is better for maximizing rewards, offering 5% cash back in rotating categories and a unique first-year cash back match. In contrast, the BankAmericard Credit Card is the strong choice for those prioritizing a longer 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers, extending up to 18 billing cycles.

Credit Card logo for Discover it® Cash Back Card
Discover it® Cash Back Card
Credit Card logo for BankAmericard® Credit Card
BankAmericard® Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
3.8/ of 5
MoneyGeek Rating
3.8/ of 5

  • Regular APR
    18.24%–28.24% variable
    16.24% – 26.24% variable
    0% APR Offer
    0% intro APR for 15 months
    0% intro APR for first 18 billing cycles
    Balance Transfer Offer
    0% intro APR for 15 months
    0% intro APR for first 18 billing cycles
    Annual Fee
    $0
    $0
    Rewards Summary
    Earn 1%–5% cash back
    -
    Recommended Credit
    670–850 (Good to Excellent)
    670-850 (Good to Excellent)
    Not sure?

Discover it® Cash Back Card vs. BankAmericard® Credit Card: Which Is Better for You?

You might prefer the Discover it Cash Back Card if: You're interested in earning rewards on your purchases. This card offers a robust 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly purchases in various categories, which could produce significant savings over time, especially with the unique first-year cash back match. With no annual fee and a 15-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, it's a strong contender if you can take advantage of these rotating categories and plan to pay off your balance before the introductory period ends.

You might prefer the BankAmericard Credit Card if: Your primary goal is to save on interest charges during the introductory period. This card offers a longer 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on both purchases and balance transfers, which can provide a longer window for paying down debt without accruing interest. Although the card doesn't offer a rewards program, its lack of annual and balance transfer fees after the introductory period makes it a practical choice if you're looking to consolidate debt or finance a large purchase while minimizing extra costs.

MoneyGeek's Take on the Discover it® Cash Back Card

The Discover it Cash Back Card is a solid choice for those who value rewards and savings, offering a competitive edge for individuals with good to excellent credit. It's particularly beneficial for those who make the most of the 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly purchases in various rotating categories. Note that you must activate these categories before earning cash back. Additionally, Discover matches all the cash back earned at the end of the first year, which can be a substantial bonus for new cardholders. The card also boasts a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a variable APR of 17.24% to 28.24%. With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, the Discover it Cash Back Card is a cost-effective option for both domestic use and international travel.

Discover it® Cash Back Card
Credit Card logo for Discover it® Cash Back Card
MoneyGeek Rating
3.8/ of 5

Regular APR
18.24%–28.24% variable
0% APR Offer
0% intro APR for 15 months
Balance Transfer Offer
0% intro APR for 15 months
Rewards Summary
Earn 1%–5% cash back
Recommended Credit
670–850 (Good to Excellent)

MoneyGeek's Take on the BankAmericard® Credit Card

The BankAmericard Credit Card, issued by Bank of America, is a solid choice for those seeking a straightforward credit card that focuses on balance transfers and financing new purchases. This card stands out for its introductory offers and satisfaction ratings. It's particularly well-suited for individuals looking to consolidate debt or finance a large purchase upfront without incurring interest for the first 18 billing cycles, thanks to its 0% introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfers. The card also boasts a $0 annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for cardholders who prefer to avoid extra charges. With a recommended credit score range of 670 to 850, it caters to consumers with good to excellent credit. While it doesn't offer rewards, its value lies in its potential to save on interest and fees for those who plan to carry a balance or transfer existing debt.

BankAmericard® Credit Card
Credit Card logo for BankAmericard® Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.4/ of 5

Regular APR
16.24% – 26.24% variable
0% APR Offer
0% intro APR for first 18 billing cycles
Balance Transfer Offer
0% intro APR for first 18 billing cycles
Rewards Summary
N/A
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

Details Comparison: Discover it® Cash Back Card vs. BankAmericard® Credit Card

Our breakdown of the Discover it Cash Back Card and the BankAmericard Credit Card will help you compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards, introductory offers and other card features. Whether you want a card with a longer 0% APR intro period, focused on rewards or concerned about fees, the comparison will allow you to select a card that meets your financial goals and needs.

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    Regular APR

    The BankAmericard Credit Card offers a lower Regular APR range of 16.24% to 26.24% variable, compared to the Discover it Cash Back Card's APR range of 17.24% to 28.24% variable APR. If you are concerned with interest rates, you will find the BankAmericard Credit Card more favorable.

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    Annual Fee

    Both the Discover it Cash Back Card and the BankAmericard Credit Card have a $0 annual fee, making neither card better than the other in terms of the annual fee.

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    Introductory 0% APRs

    The BankAmericard Credit Card offers a longer introductory 0% APR period for purchases and balance transfers, lasting for the first 18 billing cycles, compared to the Discover it Cash Back Card's 15 months from the date of account opening. Both cards impose a 3% fee on balance transfers made during the introductory period, though Discover it Cash Back may increase the fee to up to 5% on future transfers.

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    Rewards

    The Discover it Cash Back Card offers rewards: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly purchases in rotating categories upon activation and 1% on all other purchases. The BankAmericard Credit Card does not offer any rewards. Therefore, the Discover it Cash Back Card is the better choice for rewards.

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    Welcome Offers

    The Discover it Cash Back Card is better for welcome offers, offering a match of all cash back earned at the end of the first year. The BankAmericard Credit Card does not offer a welcome bonus.

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    Recommended Credit Score

    Both cards require a credit score of 670 to 850 (good to excellent). There is no difference between the Discover it Cash Back Card and the BankAmericard Credit Card in terms of the recommended credit score.

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    Penalties and Fees

    When comparing penalties and fees, the Discover it Cash Back Card offers more favorable terms. While both cards charge a 5% cash advance fee, Discover it Cash Back provides leniency with no late payment fee for the first occurrence and no foreign transaction fees. On the other hand, the BankAmericard Credit Card charges up to $40 for late payments and 3% for foreign transactions.

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    Issuer Satisfaction

    Discover and the Bank of America have the same issuer satisfaction rating.

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    Other Features & Perks

    The Discover it Cash Back Card offers a unique perk with its first-year cashback match, effectively doubling the rewards for the year. The BankAmericard Credit Card does not provide additional perks beyond its financial terms, making Discover it Cash Back Card the better choice for those seeking extra benefits.

FAQ: Discover it® Cash Back Card vs. BankAmericard® Credit Card

What are the APRs for the Discover it Cash Back Card and the BankAmericard Credit Card?
How do the fees compare for Discover it Cash Back Card and BankAmericard Credit Card?
What are the credit score requirements for the Discover it Cash Back Card and the BankAmericard Credit Card?
How do the rewards compare for Discover it Cash Back Card and BankAmericard Credit Card?
What are the introductory offers for each card?

About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

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.


*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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