Citi Double Cash is Claire's recommendation for most people reading this comparison. Score: 8.1/10. The math floor. 2% everywhere, no fee, no categories to track.
Discover it Cash Back (7.6/10) is the right choice for a specific situation: first credit card / building credit. If that describes you, the full review has the complete math.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Citi Double Cash or Discover it Cash Back?
Citi Double Cash (8.1/10) wins for most people. The math floor. 2% everywhere, no fee, no categories to track. Discover it Cash Back is the right choice if: first credit card / building credit.
What is Claire's score for Citi Double Cash?
Claire rates Citi Double Cash 8.1/10. Verdict: The math floor. 2% everywhere, no fee, no categories to track.
What is Claire's score for Discover it Cash Back?
Claire rates Discover it Cash Back 7.6/10. Verdict: Best first card. Year-one Cashback Match doubles every dollar earned.
Who should choose Citi Double Cash?
No-fee flat-rate cashback.
Who should choose Discover it Cash Back?
First credit card / building credit.
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Head to head, by the numbers
Citi Double Cash Card
Discover it Cash Back
Claire's score
8.1/10
7.6/10
Price
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—
Top strength
2% on everything (no categories)
Year-one Cashback Match effectively doubles all earnings
Balance transfer option (0% intro periods available)
The case for Discover it Cash Back
Year-one Cashback Match effectively doubles all earnings
No annual fee
Free FICO score monitoring
Good approval odds for limited credit history
Bottom line
Citi Double Cash Card takes this one on the numbers (8.1/10 vs 7.6/10). The best flat-rate no-annual-fee card. 2% on everything with no complexity and no fee. The math floor for any card comparison.
That said, Discover it Cash Back isn't a loser — it's a different answer. The best first credit card. The first-year Cashback Match makes it uniquely valuable for new cardholders building credit.