Discover it® Chrome
vs. Discover it® Miles

Updated: April 8, 2024

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If you're drawn to Discover's rewards and lack of annual fees, you may be considering Discover it® Chrome and Discover it® Miles. Discover it® Chrome is best for those who spend heavily on gas and dining, offering 2% cash back in these categories.

In contrast, Discover it® Miles is ideal for those seeking a simple rewards structure, with an unlimited 1.5x Miles on all purchases. Both cards offer a generous first-year match on rewards, but your spending habits will dictate which card offers the greater value.

Credit Card logo for Discover it® Chrome
Discover it® Chrome
Credit Card logo for Discover it® Miles
Discover it® Miles
MoneyGeek Rating
3.8/ of 5
MoneyGeek Rating
3.8/ of 5

  • Regular APR
    18.24% - 28.24% variable
    18.24% - 28.24% variable
    0% APR Offer
    0% for 6 months on purchases
    0% for 15 months on purchases
    Balance Transfer Offer
    0% for 18 months on balance transfers
    0% for 15 months on balance transfers
    Annual Fee
    $0
    $0
    Rewards Summary
    Earn 1%–2% cash back
    Earn unlimited 1.5X miles on every purchase
    Recommended Credit
    670-850 (Good to Excellent)
    670-850 (Good to Excellent)
    Not sure?

Discover it® Chrome vs. Discover it® Miles: Which Is Better for You?

You might prefer the Discover it® Chrome if: You frequently spend on gas and dining out. This card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, which can add up to significant savings for those specific categories. Additionally, the Discover it® Chrome card matches all of your cash back at the end of the first year, effectively doubling your rewards for that period. With no annual fee and a competitive cash back rate in these categories, it's a solid choice for everyday commuters and food enthusiasts.

You might prefer the Discover it® Miles if: You value simplicity and flexibility in your rewards. This card provides an unlimited 1.5x miles on every dollar spent, regardless of the category, making it a straightforward option for those who don't want to keep track of bonus categories or spending caps. The Discover it® Miles also offers the Discover Match® at the end of your first year, which can be a lucrative bonus for new cardholders.

MoneyGeek's Take on the Discover it® Chrome

The Discover it Chrome card is suitable for those looking to manage existing credit card debt. Ideal for everyday spenders, this card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.

With no annual fees and a generous introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, it's a practical choice for budget-conscious consumers. The card also matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, which could significantly boost your rewards without any spending cap.

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

Regular APR
18.24% - 28.24% variable
0% APR Offer
0% for 6 months on purchases
Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 18 months on balance transfers
Rewards Summary
Earn 1%–2% cash back
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

MoneyGeek's Take on the Discover it® Miles

The Discover it® Miles card is a solid choice for those who prefer a straightforward rewards program. It's also particularly well-suited for individuals who enjoy earning travel rewards on every purchase without worrying about specific bonus categories.

Having no annual fee makes it an economical option for many consumers. Cardholders automatically earn unlimited 1.5x miles on every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for travel, cash back or even as a statement credit for travel purchases.

The Discover Match® introductory offer doubles all the miles you've earned at the end of your first year, providing an additional incentive for new users. With an intro APR of 0% for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, this card offers a generous window for interest-free spending or debt consolidation.

The recommended credit score range from 670 to 850 indicates that this card is accessible to those with good to excellent credit. An expected reward value of $451.38 underscores the potential benefits for cardholders who take full advantage of the rewards program.

Discover it® Miles
Credit Card logo for Discover it® Miles
MoneyGeek Rating
3.9/ of 5

Regular APR
18.24% - 28.24% variable
0% APR Offer
0% for 15 months on purchases
Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
Rewards Summary
Earn unlimited 1.5X miles on every purchase
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

Details Comparison: Discover it® Chrome vs. Discover it® Miles

Our breakdown will help compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards, introductory offers and other features. This section is designed to guide you through each card's specifics, such as the Discover it® Chrome's gas station and restaurant rewards vs. the Discover it® Miles' flat-rate on all purchases.

By examining these details, you'll be able to pinpoint which card aligns with your spending patterns and rewards preferences. For instance, if you spend frequently on travel, the Discover it® Miles may be more beneficial, while the Discover it® Chrome could be better for those with high gas and dining expenses.

    discount icon

    Regular APR

    Both Discover it® Chrome and Discover it® Miles have the same Regular APR range from 17.24% to 28.24% variable. Neither card offers an advantage over the other in terms of regular APR.

    annualFee icon

    Annual Fee

    Both Discover it® Chrome and Discover it® Miles have a $0 annual fee. This makes them equally attractive for users looking to avoid yearly charges.

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    Introductory 0% APRs

    Both cards offer a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 months. For balance transfers, both also provide a 0% intro APR for 15 months. However, the Discover it® Miles card has a lower balance transfer fee of 3% compared to Discover it® Chrome's 5% after the introductory period. For balance transfers, Discover it® Miles is the better option.

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    Rewards

    Discover it® Miles is better for rewards due to its universally applicable 1.5x miles on every purchase compared to Discover it® Chrome's 2% cash back on gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. With an expected reward value of $451.38, Discover it® Miles offers a more flexible and potentially more lucrative rewards structure.

    rewards icon

    Welcome Offers

    Both cards offer compelling welcome offers tailored to different types of spenders. Discover it® Chrome matches all of your cash back at the end of the first year, which can significantly boost your rewards if you frequently spend in its bonus categories. On the other hand, Discover it® Miles offers an unlimited mile-for-mile match for all new cardmembers at the end of the first year, appealing to those who prefer travel rewards and plan to use their card for a wide range of purchases.

    creditApproved icon

    Recommended Credit Score

    Both the Discover it® Chrome and Discover it® Miles cards require a recommended credit score between 670 and 850 (good to excellent). This indicates that both cards are aimed at individuals with good to excellent credit histories, making neither card better based on credit score requirements alone.

    autopay icon

    Penalties and Fees

    Both Discover it® Chrome and Discover it® Miles have no penalty APR and similar fees for cash advances. However, Discover it® Miles specifies a late payment fee of up to $41 after the first late payment, indicating a tie in terms of penalties and fees.

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    Issuer Satisfaction

    Both cards have the same issuer satisfaction reputation, with Discover Bank issuing both the Discover it® Chrome and Discover it® Miles cards.

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    Other Features & Perks

    Both Discover it® Chrome and Discover it® Miles are offered by Discover, meaning they share similar issuer satisfaction scores and potentially similar perks. Without specific perks data provided, it's advisable for cardholders to consider their personal spending habits and travel preferences when choosing between the two. For detailed perks information, visiting Discover's official website is recommended.

FAQ: Discover it® Chrome vs. Discover it® Miles

What are the main differences in rewards between Discover it® Chrome and Discover it® Miles?
Do either of the Discover cards have an annual fee?
What are the APRs for purchases and balance transfers for both cards?
What credit score is needed for Discover it® Chrome and Discover it® Miles?
Are there any unique travel benefits associated with Discover it® Miles?

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.


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