Discover it® Chrome
vs. Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card

Both the Discover it Chrome and the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card entice with cash back rewards and introductory APR offers. The BofA Unlimited Cash edges ahead with its higher cash back score, offering 1.5% cash back on every purchase and a $200 welcome bonus.

However, Discover it Chrome's balance transfer offer, with an 0% introductory APR for 18 months, makes it a strong contender, especially for those looking to manage existing debt. While neither is a co-branded or store card, each has its unique advantages that could benefit you based on your financial goals.

You might prefer the Discover it Chrome if you frequently spend on gas and dining, as you'll earn 2% cash back in these categories. The first-year cash back match can significantly increase your rewards, and there are no foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for international travelers. The extended 0% APR period on balance transfers can be beneficial if you're planning to transfer and pay down existing debt.

You might prefer the BofA Unlimited Cash if you value simplicity in earning rewards, with a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases. The $200 welcome bonus is an immediate perk, and the longer 0% APR period on purchases can help with financing larger expenses. If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you could also earn additional cash back.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features will illuminate which card, Bofa Unlimited Cash or Discover it Chrome, aligns with your needs. Use this section to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each card, such as BofA's flat-rate cash back versus Discover's bonus categories, to inform your choice.

The BofA Unlimited Cash card keeps it straightforward with an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. This flat rate is appealing for its simplicity and consistency across all spending categories. In comparison, the Discover it Chrome card caters to those who frequent gas stations and restaurants, offering 2% cash back on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter in these categories and 1% on all other purchases.

While the Bofa Unlimited Cash provides a steady reward on every swipe, Discover it Chrome could yield more for those who align with its bonus categories. The Discover it Chrome's gas and dining rewards are particularly compelling for commuters and food enthusiasts. Although both cards lack an annual fee, the Discover it Chrome may be better for those who can maximize the quarterly spending cap in its favored categories.

Following is a table of bonus categories to help you visualize the rewards for each card.

Moving from earning to using your rewards, both the BofA Unlimited Cash and Discover it Chrome offer flexible redemption options. With BofA Unlimited Cash, you can redeem via direct deposit, credit to Merrill accounts, or statement credits, and rewards don't expire as long as your account is open. Discover it Chrome expands choices to include gift cards, donations, and even Amazon payments, also without an expiration on rewards.

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like Discover it Chrome and Bofa Unlimited Cash using a ranking process tailored to specific cases. For instance, Discover it Chrome scores highest for balance transfers, while BofA Unlimited Cash excels in cash back rewards.

The evaluation considers factors such as introductory APR offers and regular APR for balance transfers, and effective reward rates for cash back. For a deeper understanding of our process, you can review our ranking methodology.