At a Glance

Credit cards are a crucial financial tool for many consumers, offering convenience, rewards, and various features to cater to diverse needs and lifestyles. Two prominent players in the credit card arena are Discover and Capital One. Each of these financial institutions offers a range of credit cards, each with its own set of features and benefits. Read on to learn more:

Compare Popular Credit Cards of Discover and Capital One

Before delving into the differences between Discover and Capital One credit cards, let’s take a brief overview of the popular cards each issuer offers. Use Credello’s credit card comparison tool to help you understand the primary features and benefits of these cards.

Discover it® Miles

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Reward rate1.50%
Reward details1.5X Miles on every dollar of every purchase
Intro Bonus:Equal to the cashback you earn in first year Annual fee$0
Regular APR16.24% - 27.24%
Recommended Credit Score:Fair
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Bank of America® Travel Rewards

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Reward rate1.5x
Reward detailsEarn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time
Intro Bonus:25,000 Points Annual fee$0
Regular APR17.99% - 27.99%
Recommended Credit Score:Good

Features to distinguish between the two cards

To truly understand the distinctions between Discover and Capital One credit cards, it’s essential to examine the key differences. Here’s a summary of the comparison:

1. Rewards

Discover and Capital One both offer rewards-based credit cards. However, the types of rewards and their earning structures vary:

  • Discover’s cashback cards, such as the “Discover it Cash Back,” provide rotating categories that offer higher cashback rates. These rotating categories may offer up to 5% cash back.
  • Capital One’s “Quicksilver” card, on the other hand, offers a flat cashback rate on all purchases (1.5%).

The best choice for you depends on your spending habits and whether you prefer category-specific rewards.

2. Annual Fee

Discover is known for its no annual fee policy on most of its credit cards, making them a budget-friendly choice. Capital One offers both no annual fee and annual fee cards, so your preference for annual fees may influence your decision.

3. Card Acceptance

Both Discover and Capital One cards are widely accepted in the United States, but Discover may have limited international acceptance compared to Capital One. If you travel frequently, especially outside the U.S., Capital One cards might be more convenient.

4. Variety of Cards

Discover provides a range of cards catering to various consumer needs, including cashback, balance transfers, student benefits, and secured cards. Capital One offers a similar variety, allowing you to find a card tailored to your specific requirements.

Things to Know About Discover vs. Capital One Credit Cards

Now, let’s look at specific card matchups to help you make informed decisions based on your unique requirements:

1. Cash Back: Discover it Cash Back vs. Capital One Quicksilver

  • Discover it Cash Back: This card offers 5% cashback in rotating categories and 1% on all other purchases.
    Apply now: Discover it cash back
  • Capital One Quicksilver: Provides a flat 1.5% cashback on all purchases.
    Apply now: Capital one Quicksilver

2. Balance Transfer: Discover it Balance Transfer vs. Capital One Quicksilver

  • Discover it Balance Transfer: Get 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers and 3% intro fee on balances transferred before January 10, 2024.
    Apply now: Discover it Balance transfer
  • Capital One Quicksilver: This card offers 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on balance transfers.
    Apply now: Capital one Quicksilver

3. Travel Rewards: Discover it Miles vs. Capital One Venture

  • Discover it Miles: This card offers 1.5x miles on all purchases, which can be redeemed for travel.
    Apply now: Discover it Miles
  • Capital One Venture: Provides a flat 2x miles on all purchases for travel rewards.
    Apply now: Capital one Venture

4. Rebuilding Credit: Discover it Secured Credit Card vs. Capital One Platinum Secured

5. Students’ Benefits: Discover it Student Cash Back vs. Capital One Journey

  • Discover it Student Cash Back: Designed for students, this card provides cashback rewards.
    Apply now: Discover it Student cash back
  • Capital One Journey: Capital One’s offering for students, providing cashback rewards and credit-building features.
    Apply now: Capital one Journey

FAQs

In general, Discover and Capital One are different financial institutions, each offering its unique range of credit cards. The distinction lies in their rewards structures, card acceptance, and card variety.

The choice between Discover and Capital One often depends on personal preferences and financial goals. Compare and evaluate each issuer’s card offerings and match them with your specific needs.

While both Discover and Capital One cards are widely accepted in the United States, Capital One cards tend to have broader international acceptance. Therefore, if you’re a frequent international traveler, Capital One might be a better choice.