Review
Updated
Fact Checked
Eric McWhinnie
The Discover it® Chrome is the popular card issuer's gas and restaurant rewards card. It's light on fees and has a nice 0%, 15 months intro APR offer, but it also has a low cash back rate that seriously limits its value. Find out whether you should apply for it or keep looking in our Discover it® Chrome review.
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Best
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= Excellent
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= Good
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= Fair
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Credit Score
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 15 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months
Regular APR
17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
Rewards 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically
1% - 2% Cashback
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Cashback Match™️
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Features the typically impressive slate of Discover card perks, but without the big bonus cash back.
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- Sign-up bonus offer
- Gas and restaurants rewards
- 0% intro APR
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- Low cash back rates
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- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- No annual fee.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Full Discover it® Chrome review
This credit card is a good fit for: Consumers looking for a straightforward cash back card that will earn a little extra at gas stations and restaurants.
Top perks
Here's a look at what you get with the Discover it® Chrome.
Unlimited Cashback Match sign-up bonus
Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This sign-up bonus is only available during the first year and for new cardholders, but it can be particularly lucrative since the match is unlimited. If you earn $300 in cash back, you'll get another $300 from Discover.
SEE MORE: Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
Up to 2% back
The Discover it® Chrome earns:
- 2% back at gas stations and restaurants, up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter in these categories
- 1% back on other purchases
It's far from the highest cash back rate, and the spending cap is on the low side. But you'll at least earn extra in two popular categories.
OTHER OPTIONS: Best Cash Back Credit Cards
0%, 15 months intro apr
This intro APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers for . The go-to variable rate applies after the 0% intro APR period expires. It's not the longest intro period we've seen, but it's a good offer for a cash back card.
There are a couple of ways to use the 0%, 15 months intro APR. If you have large expenses that you can't pay in full, you can pay them off over time. As long as you get the balance paid off within 15 months, you won't be charged any interest. You could also transfer over balances from other credit cards to refinance debt and save on interest charges.
SEE MORE: Best 0% APR Credit Cards
No foreign transaction fee
You don't need to worry about paying extra when you travel abroad. The Discover it® Chrome doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee. Many credit cards charge 3% for international transactions.
FICO® Score for free
Your FICO® Score can easily be accessed through Discover's web or app, or in every one of your monthly statements. Besides the score, users can see details about the five factors that impact it.
No cash back redemption minimum
You can redeem cash back at any time and for any amount. Your cash back also never expires as long as your credit card remains open.
Credit card comparison
We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.
| Account Name | Bottom Line | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Includes a robust rewards program and rich sign-up bonus offer that has unlimited upside. Somehow this card also packs in a great intro APR offer for no annual fee. |
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Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
A clear leader with a 0% intro APR offer that is among the longest we've come across. |
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
This is a strong premium level travel card with a big sign-up bonus, robust rewards program, and rich travel credits. |
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Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars.
4.75/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
With a long 0% intro APR offer, no late fees, no annual fee, and no penalty rate, this card is an unmatched pick. |
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor
Terms apply
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The high annual fee is justifiable for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of a deep bench of valuable perks, including the big welcome offer, robust rewards, and lucrative annual travel credits. |
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
No annual fee travel cards typically skimp on the sign-up bonus, but this card delivers with its intro bonus offer, unlimited rewards on purchases, and a generous 0% intro offer on purchases and balance transfers. |
Alternatives to consider
- If you want higher cash back rates: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns an incredible 6% back at U.S. supermarkets, up to a spending cap of $6,000 per year, 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, and 3% at U.S. gas stations (terms apply). There is a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees), but if you have high spending in those areas, then the card's elevated cash back rates will more than make up for that.
- If you want different bonus categories: Discover it® Cash Back cardholders earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum of $1,500 on purchases and when you activate. Other purchases earn 1% cash back.
MORE TOP PICKS: Best Credit Cards
As of Nov. 27, 2023
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| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Discover it® Cash Back |
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Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
|
Apply Now for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
On American Express' Secure Website. Terms apply |
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Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
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Welcome Offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. $250 |
Welcome Offer: INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300. Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. |
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Rewards Program: 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). 1% Cash Back on other purchases. 1% - 6% cash back |
Rewards Program: Earn 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. 1% - 5% Cashback |
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Intro APR: Purchases: 0%, 12 months Balance Transfers: 0%, 12 months |
Intro APR: Purchases: 0%, 15 months Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months |
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Regular APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable |
Regular APR: 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR |
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Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. |
Annual Fee: $0 |
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Highlights:
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Highlights:
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Apply Now for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
On American Express' Secure Website. Terms apply |
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What could be improved
There's only one notable drawback to this Discover card, but it's a big one.
Low cash back rates
The cash back rates for the Discover it® Chrome are mediocre at best. Many no annual fee credit cards earn rates of 3%, 4%, and even 5% back in bonus categories. That's much higher than this card's rate of 2%. There are also cards that offer a flat rate of 2% on purchases, in all categories. If you shop around and read more credit card reviews, you can easily find cards that offer higher rates, more bonus categories, or both of the above.
Find the best credit card for your needs
Compare credit card rewards, fees, APRs, and more using our side-by-side comparison tool.
Suggested credit score
A FICO® Score of at least 670 is recommended to apply for the Discover it® Chrome. It's a credit card for consumers with good to excellent credit.
Credit card companies weigh more factors than just credit scores in their decisions, so your credit score alone won't guarantee whether your application is approved or denied. There are reports of consumers getting the Discover it® Chrome with a credit score below 670, but there are also consumers with higher scores who have been denied.
The Discover it® Chrome is right for you if:
You're looking for a Discover card with bonus gas and dining rewards. It's also a good option for financing purchases or getting a lower rate on credit card debt, because of its 0%, 15 months intro APR.
If your focus is earning as much cash back as you can, you should check out what other cards are offering. The cash back rate on the Discover it® Chrome is nothing special, even compared to other cards with no annual fee. You could earn much more with one of the top rewards cards.
Read more: Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards
FAQs
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The minimum starting credit limit for the Discover it® Chrome card is $500. Depending on your creditworthiness, you may qualify for a higher credit limit. Some cardholders have reported limits of $5,000 or more.
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No, the Discover it® Chrome card isn't metal. It's made of plastic.
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Yes, you can use the Discover it® Chrome card internationally wherever Discover is accepted, and it doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee.
Our Credit Cards Experts
Lyle Daly is a personal finance writer who specializes in credit cards, travel rewards programs, and banking. He writes for The Ascent and The Motley Fool, and his work has appeared in USA Today and Yahoo! Finance. He was born in California but currently lives as a digital nomad with a home base in Colombia.
Fact Checked
Eric McWhinnie
Eric McWhinnie has been writing and editing digital content since 2010. He specializes in personal finance and investing. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance.
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.
Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Bank of America is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. American Express is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Bank of America, PayPal, and Target. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services and recommends the following options: short December 2023 $67.50 puts on PayPal. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
For rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here
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