Chase Freedom vs. Discover it Cash Back Comparison

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Please note: Chase Freedom® may no longer be available to new applicants.

The Verdict: Chase Freedom® and Discover it® Cash Back are two of the most popular cash rewards cards for people with above-average credit. Both Chase Freedom and Discover it Cash Back have $0 annual fees and give 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent per quarter in rotating bonus categories (that require activation), plus 1% back on all other purchases. Freedom is best for people who want a sign-up bonus after three months, instead of 12 months, and those interested in 0% financing. Discover it Cash Back is best for double rewards the first year and no foreign transaction fee.

Specifically, one of the biggest differences between the two cards is how they award their bonuses. Freedom offers $200 for spending at least $500 within 3 months of opening an account. Plus, cardholders have more bonus rewards waiting for them the first year, as Freedom now gives 5% cash back on the first $12,000 you spend on groceries in the first 12 months your account is open. Discover, on the other hand, doubles all the rewards you earn the first year.

Similarly, both Chase Freedom and Discover it Cash Back offer 0% purchases. But Freedom has a slightly longer interest-free period on purchases. However, Chase Freedom has a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars and doesn’t offer an intro on balance transfers, while all Discover cards have no foreign fee.

You can learn more about how Chase Freedom and Discover it Cash Back compare below.

SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON

	Chase Freedom®   (2,537)	Discover it® Cash Back Sponsored Card (1,361) Proceed Rates & Fees
General
Network	VISA	Discover
Credit Card Company	Chase	Discover
Min Credit Required	Excellent or Good	Excellent or Good
Annual Fee	$0	$0
Purchases
Intro APR	0%	0%
Intro APR Period	15 months	14 months
Regular APR	14.99% - 23.74% (V)	11.99% - 22.99% Variable
Transfers
Intro APR	N/A	0%
Intro APR Period	N/A	14 months
Regular APR	14.99% - 23.74% (V)	11.99% - 22.99% Variable
Transfer Fee	5% (min $5)	3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Rewards
Reward Type	Cash Back	Cash Back
Reward Bonus	$200	N/A
Reward Details	Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening Earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year. Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - it's automatic Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.	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. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically. Redeem cash back in any amount, any time. Rewards never expire. Use your rewards at Amazon.com checkout.
Penalties
Max Late Fee	See Terms	$40
Max Overlimit Fee	See Terms	See Terms
Max Default APR	None	None
Cash
Cash APR	24.99% (V)	24.99% Variable
Cash Advance Fee	Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.	Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
Other
Additional Info	0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99% - 23.74% Free credit score, updated weekly with Credit Journey℠ No annual fee	#1 Most Trusted Credit Card according to Investor’s Business Daily. No annual fee. Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
One-time Setup Fees	None	None
Foreign Transaction Fee	3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars	0%
Grace Period	See Terms	See Terms

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