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The Discover it® Miles credit card is a solid option for earning travel rewards without hefty annual fees or complicated loyalty programs. It offers a straightforward and user-friendly approach to earning rewards without the need for complex calculations or spending categories.
Discover it® Miles
1.50%
All purchases
1.5x
Fees and APR
Other features
Equal to the cashback you earn in first year
You can get a statement credit to pay for travel purchases, shop with Amazon.com and PayPal or redeem for cash.
Our Verdict
Best Suited for:
Always-on-the-road 
Travel is your middle name. When you aren’t taking advantage of transit for your daily commute in the form of cabs, rideshares and trains, you are looking for a weekend escape. And if there is an opportunity to go somewhere, you take it. You are into earning miles, getting hotel upgrades, eating out and making sure your car is always fueled.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Earn 1.5x miles on all purchases. |  Lower base earn rate compared to other travel-focused cards. |
| Double miles earned in the first year. | Limited rewards maximization on specific travel categories. |
| Redeem points for travel or cash. | No travel transfer partners. |
| Simple and straightforward process for earning miles with no bonus categories to track. | No elite travel benefits, such as airport lounge access, free ATM withdrawals, primary car rental insurance, or general travel insurance with the Discover it® Miles card. |
| No annual fee. | |
| No blackout dates or expiration on miles. |
Comparing Discover it Miles with similar cards
Discover it® Miles
Capital One Venture X Rewards
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Beyond the basics
| Balance transfer intro APR | For the first 15 months of your Discover it® Miles card, 0% APR on balance transfers – after that period, then regular APR applies. |
| Cash advance APR | 25.49% -27.49% based on creditworthiness. |
| Foreign transaction fees | None |
| Loan APR | None |
| Late payment fee | Late payments are subject to a penalty of up to $40, which is a standard penalty for missed payments across most Discover cards. |
| Penalty APR | 27.49% APR. |
| Credit score required | 670+ (Good – Excellent) |
Other Offers
Travel accident insuranceIn addition to purchase protection and a free FICO credit report, travelers will love certain perk this card can offer. The card offers travel accident insurance which provides coverage for accidental death or dismemberment while traveling on a common carrier, like a plane or train. It offers basic protection for unexpected situations.
Rental car damage waiverOptional coverage to waive collision damage liability on rental cars, excluding theft.
What we like about this card
We love how Discover doubles your miles in the first year, granting you a generous boost to jumpstart your travel fund. And a card that has no annual fee is always great by us, as it allows users to keep more of their money for actual adventures. We also love this card for occasional travelers who want flexible redemption options; from travel to cash back, it’s easy to choose what aligns with your needs.
Drawbacks and considerations
That being said, we don’t love this card for those who travel very frequently. There’s a lower base earn rate than some travel cards, so those who hit the road on a regular basis should consider other options if maximizing rewards on specific travel categories is your priority. There are also no travel transfer partners, which provides limited redemption options compared to cards with airline or hotel partnerships. Additionally, travelers won’t be getting any elite travel benefits like airport lounge access, which is a necessity for those who find themselves at the airport often.
How to decide if this card is right for you
Choosing a credit card that aligns with your financial needs and lifestyle requires careful consideration. The Discover it® Miles credit card is designed to cater to individuals who value travel rewards and want a straightforward, flexible rewards program. Here are key factors to help you decide if the Discover It Miles credit card is right for you
Rewards structure
Evaluate the rewards system to determine if it suits your spending habits. The Discover It Miles card offers unlimited 1.5x miles on every purchase, providing simplicity and consistency.
Travel benefits
Consider the travel perks offered, such as the absence of foreign transaction fees. If you frequently travel internationally, a card without foreign transaction fees can save you money on each transaction.
Sign-up bonus
Check for any sign-up bonuses available. Many credit cards offer welcome bonuses, and Discover It Miles may have promotions that align with your preferences.
Annual fee
Determine whether you prefer a credit card with no annual fee. The Discover It Miles card does not have an annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for those who want to avoid additional charges.
Redemption flexibility
Explore the flexibility of miles redemption. Discover It Miles allows you to redeem miles for statement credits on travel-related purchases, providing versatility in how you use your rewards.
APR and introductory periods
Examine the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and any introductory 0% APR periods for balance transfers or purchases. This is crucial if you plan to carry a balance or transfer existing balances.
Credit score requirements
Check the credit score requirements for approval. Ensure your credit profile aligns with the card's criteria to increase the likelihood of approval.
Customer service and cardholder reviews
Check the credit score requirements for approval. Ensure your credit profile aligns with the card's criteria to increase the likelihood of approval.
Budget and spending habits
Reflect on your budget and spending patterns. Ensure that the credit limit and features offered by the Discover It Miles card align with your financial habits and goals.
Found a prefect pair
Pair your Discover it Mileswith Citi® Double Cash Card
The Citi Double Cash Card is a cashback card that effectively provides 2% back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay). Pairing it with the Discover It Miles card allows you to earn cash back on expenses that may not earn travel miles, providing versatility in rewards.
Methodology
Credello’s credit card reviews aim to provide readers with clear and unbiased information to help them choose the right credit card that aligns with their financial goals and needs. Our methodology emphasizes transparency, disclosure of any potential biases, and regular updates to ensure the information remains relevant and accurate for readers.The methodology used to review the best Wells Fargo Credit Cards relied on a number of factors, with the most prominent of those being:
- Assess the interest rates charged on outstanding balances.
- Evaluate the cost of owning the credit card, including any annual fees.
- Examine rewards programs, cashback offers, travel perks, and other cardholder benefits.
- Analyze introductory APR, balance transfer offers, and sign-up bonuses.
- Consider the card’s credit limit and its suitability for different financial needs.
- Review late fees, foreign transaction fees, and other charges.
- Determine the credit score needed to qualify for the card.
- Research the quality and accessibility of customer support.
- Assess security measures such as fraud protection and chip technology.
The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you to visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.
FAQs
You earn 1.5 miles for every dollar spent on all purchases. There are no bonus categories or blackout dates, so you can rack up miles on everything from groceries to gas to online shopping.
No, your Discover it® Miles never expire, so you can use them at your own pace.
Discover will double all the miles you earn in your first year (up to $60,000 in spending) within 5-7 business days after your account anniversary.
You have several options:
1. Statement credit for travel purchases – Use your miles to get statement credits for past or future travel expenses like flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
2. Cash back – Get your miles deposited directly into your bank account.
3. Gift cards – Choose from a variety of gift cards for popular retailers and restaurants.
4. Amazon.com and PayPal purchases – Pay for eligible purchases on Amazon.com and PayPal with your Discover it® Miles.
You can redeem as few as 100 miles, which is equal to $1.
No, the Discover it® Miles card has no annual fee.
Good to excellent credit (generally 670+ score) is recommended for approval.
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