Discover it Chrome Review: A Solid Starter Card With a Simple Rewards Structure
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Written by
Ashley Parks
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Edited by
Emily Gadd, CCC
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Reviewed by
Jasmin Baron
The Discover it® Chrome is a cash-back credit card with a no-fuss rewards structure that prioritizes two popular spending categories: gas and dining. Cardholders can earn 2% back at gas stations and restaurants, on up to $1,000 in combined spending each quarter (then 1%).
While the card doesn’t have a traditional welcome bonus, it comes with a perk that could be much more lucrative. With Cashback Match®, Discover will match all the rewards you earn at the end of your first year. Plus, new cardholders can take advantage of an introductory APR.
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Purchase and Balance Transfer APR
0% Intro APR on purchases for 6 months and 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, followed by 17.74% – 26.74% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent/Good
670 – 850*
Balance Transfer Fee
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Intro Bonus
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Annual Fee
$0
Cash Back
1% – 2%Earn 2% Cash Back At Gas Stations And Restaurants On Up To $1,000 In Combined Purchases Each Quarter.
Earn 1% Unlimited Cash Back On All Other Purchases – Automatically
CardCritics™ Opinion
The Discover it Chrome is a good choice if you can maximize its bonus cash back at restaurants and gas stations. You won’t have to track or activate rotating categories, but you will need to be mindful of the bonus cap (2% cash back on up to $1,000 in combined gas and dining spending per quarter, then 1%). Discover’s Cashback Match® intro offer means cardholders can earn an unlimited, dollar-for-dollar match at the end of the first year with the card. Just keep in mind that many other cards have the potential to earn higher rewards, including 2% cash back cards that earn the same flat rate everywhere.
Our Critical Analysis:
Discover it® Chrome
- Cashback Match earning potential is unlimited for your first year
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
- Introductory APR for new cardholders
PROS
- Spending cap for bonus earnings at restaurants and gas stations is low at $1,000 in combined spending per quarter
- Only earns 1% cash back on other purchases
- No purchase or travel protections
CONS
Discover it Chrome Benefits
Cashback Match
One of the most significant Discover it Chrome benefits is Cashback Match. With it, Discover matches all the cash back you earned at the end of your first year with the card. While the match potential is unlimited, be sure not to overspend simply to get a good rewards payout.
Intro APR Offer
The Discover it Chrome is one of the best balance transfer credit cards. While it primarily earns cash back, you’ll also enjoy 0% Intro APR on purchases for 6 months and 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, followed by 17.74% – 26.74% Variable APR. There’s also a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*. This intro offer is competitive, as many cash-back cards either have shorter APR offers or skip them altogether.
Forgiving on Fees
I consider the Discover it Chrome to be a great starter card due to its general leniency on fees. There’s no late fee the first time you miss a payment. After, the fee can be up to $41. There’s also no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees and no penalty APR, so you won’t get hit with sky-high interest if you miss a payment. This card was great for me as a college student because there were plenty of safety nets.
Discover it Chrome Drawbacks
Lackluster Flat-Rate Rewards
Spending outside of restaurant and gas purchases will only earn you 1% cash back. You could likely earn more with a flat-rate card that rewards all purchases if you aren’t spending heavily in these two categories. All my restaurant purchases go exclusively on my Discover it Chrome, so I know I’m always getting maximum value.
Limited International Acceptance
While merchants accept Discover cards in 99% of places nationwide in the US, according to the February 2025 issue of the Nilson Report, this acceptance is less certain internationally. A few years ago, I tried to use my Discover credit card to cover an unexpected expense on a trip abroad, but the merchant wouldn’t accept it. Luckily, I had another Visa credit card I could use instead.
Discover has an international acceptance map, so you can check if your destination will take your card. To be safe, you should carry a backup Visa or Mastercard — here’s a list of the best credit cards for international travel with all the top options.
Who Is the Discover it Chrome Best For?
People who want to learn how to manage cash back rewards without much hassle may do well with the Discover it Chrome. The card covers all of the bases, with few fees, a competitive intro APR offer and a simple rewards structure.
Is It the Right Card for You?
The Discover it Chrome may be worth it if:
- You’re new to cash back credit cards
- You prefer simplicity over strategy when earning rewards
- You’re a foodie or commute frequently
- You need to finance a purchase or pay down high-interest debt
Alternatives to the Discover it Chrome Card
Strong alternatives to the Discover it Chrome include:
- Citi Double Cash® Card: The Double Cash Card, an advertising partner, incentivizes both spending and paying. You’ll earn unlimited 2% cash back: 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay off the purchase. There are no spending caps or category limits either. The card also has a competitive intro APR offer of 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 17.74% – 27.74% (Variable). A 17.74% – 27.74% (Variable) APR will apply for purchases.
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card provides another opportunity to earn unlimited rewards on every purchase. You’ll get a competitive flat rate of 1.5% cash back on anything you buy. The Discover it Chrome and the Quicksilver Card have comparable intro APR offers, but the Quicksilver Card does have a valuable bonus: For a limited time, earn $300 in welcome bonuses. Enjoy a $100 credit to use towards flights, stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel during your first cardholder year. Plus, earn a $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Offer ends 12/8/25.
Card Details From Discover
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–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.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You’ll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Then 17.74% to 26.74% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No annual fee.
- Terms and conditions apply.
How Does the Discover it Chrome Stack Up Against Competitors?
Here’s how the Discover it Chrome compares to two other popular cash back cards:
| Discover it Chrome | Citi Double Cash Card | Capital One Quicksilver Card | |
| Welcome Bonus | Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. | Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. | For a limited time, earn $300 in welcome bonuses. Enjoy a $100 credit to use towards flights, stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel during your first cardholder year. Plus, earn a $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Offer ends 12/8/25 |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| APR | 0% Intro APR on purchases for 6 months and 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, followed by 17.74% - 26.74% Variable APR | 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 17.74% - 27.74% (Variable). A 17.74% - 27.74% (Variable) APR will apply for purchases. | 0% intro on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 18.99% - 28.99% (Variable) |
| Rewards Rate | Earn 2% Cash Back At Gas Stations And Restaurants On Up To $1,000 In Combined Purchases Each Quarter. Earn 1% Unlimited Cash Back On All Other Purchases - Automatically | Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel. | Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| Standout Feature | Discover’s Cashback Match matches your rewards at the end of your first year | Long intro APR on balance transfers | Compelling welcome offer |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Discover it Chrome Card
What’s the difference between Discover it® Cash Back and Chrome?
The Discover it® Cash Back offers 5% cash back in rotating bonus categories that vary by quarter. Categories require activation and are subject to maximum spending caps. You earn 1% after the cap is hit and on all of your other purchases. The Discover it® Chrome offers 2% cash back on your first $1,000 spent on gas and restaurant purchases per quarter and 1% after that, and for all other purchases.
What credit score do you need for the Discover it Chrome?
To have the best chance of qualifying for the Discover it Chrome, you should have at least a good credit score (670 or higher on FICO’s scale).
Is the Discover it Chrome a good credit card?
Yes, the Discover it Chrome is a good credit card for those who want a fairly low-effort rewards credit card with few fees.
What type of card is the Discover it Chrome?
The Discover it Chrome is a cash back credit card that runs on Discover’s network.
Does the Discover it Chrome offer travel insurance?
No, Discover cards no longer offer travel insurance. Check out the best credit cards for travel insurance if these benefits are important to you.
Does the Discover it Chrome offer car rental insurance?
No, Discover cards don’t offer car rental insurance anymore.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
*CardCritics™ references a FICO® 8 score, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when evaluating your application.
