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.
Discover it® Cash Back Card
vs. BankAmericard® Credit Card
While both cards offer no annual fee and generous introductory 0% APR periods, the Discover it Cash Back Card is better for its rewards and first-year match.
![First credit card image](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/v1686770306/Discover_It_Cash_Back_Credit_Card_7863c935bf.png)
![Second credit card image](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/v1679925363/Bank_of_America_Bank_Americard_45de605c1c.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.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,w_100,b_white/v1693513866/1529558645083_bf5d47f035.jpg)
Denise Cristobal
Content Editor
Denise Cristobal is a MoneyGeek content editor with over 14 years of experience in writing, proofreading and copy editing. She has worked with various nonprofits (Chamber of Commerce, Environmental Conservation and Education and Literacy Development) to develop content that furthers their goals and causes. Denise has written on topics including women’s issues, mental health and fitness, among others.
![](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.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,w_100,b_white/v1693513866/1529558645083_bf5d47f035.jpg)
Denise Cristobal
Content Editor
Denise Cristobal is a MoneyGeek content editor with over 14 years of experience in writing, proofreading and copy editing. She has worked with various nonprofits (Chamber of Commerce, Environmental Conservation and Education and Literacy Development) to develop content that furthers their goals and causes. Denise has written on topics including women’s issues, mental health and fitness, among others.
Updated: May 22, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
MoneyGeek partners with leading industry experts and advertisers to help you get to your financial happy place. Our content is accurate when posted but offers may change over time. We may receive compensation for partner advertisements, but our editorial team independently reviews and ranks products. Learn more about our editorial policies.
![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)
![Credit Card logo for BankAmericard® Credit Card](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,h_190,w_300/v1679925363/Bank_of_America_Bank_Americard_45de605c1c.png)
- Regular APR18.24%–28.24% variable16.24% – 26.24% variable0% APR Offer0% intro APR for 15 months0% intro APR for first 18 billing cyclesBalance Transfer Offer0% intro APR for 15 months0% intro APR for first 18 billing cyclesAnnual Fee$0$0Rewards SummaryEarn 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?
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.
![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)
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.
![Credit Card logo for BankAmericard® Credit Card](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,h_190,w_300/v1679925363/Bank_of_America_Bank_Americard_45de605c1c.png)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Issuer Satisfaction
Discover and the Bank of America have the same issuer satisfaction rating.
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
The Discover it Cash Back Card has an APR range of 17.24% to 28.24% variable, while the BankAmericard Credit Card offers 16.24% to 26.24% variable APR.
Both are no annual fee cards, but the Discover it Cash Back Card waives the late fee on the first occurrence, then up to $41. The BankAmericard Credit Card charges a late fee of up to $40.
Both cards recommend a credit score range of 670 to 850, indicating they are suitable for individuals with good to excellent credit.
The Discover it Cash Back Card is a cash back card offering 5% on rotating categories. The BankAmericard does not offer rewards.
The Discover it Cash Back Card matches all cash back earned at the end of the first year, whereas the BankAmericard Credit Card does not have a similar offer.
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.