Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Discover it Cash Back
Comprehensive comparison to help you choose the right option
Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
Chase Sapphire Preferred takes the edge with a rating of 4.7/5. It's best for frequent travelers who want flexible rewards without a huge annual fee. However, Discover it Cash Back is the better choice if you're looking for first credit card users and people who can track rotating categories.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Discover it Cash Back |
|---|---|---|
| Card Category | Travel | Cash Back |
| Annual Fee | $95 | $0 |
| APR | 21.49%-28.49% | 17.24%-28.24% |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months | Cashback Match (all cash back matched first year) |
| Rewards Rate | 5x travel via Chase, 3x dining & streaming, 2x other travel, 1x everything else | 5% rotating categories (up to $1,500/qtr), 1% everything else |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Credit Score Needed | Good to Excellent (670+) | Good (670+) |
| Our Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Pros & Cons
Chase Sapphire Preferred Pros
- + Excellent sign-up bonus
- + Flexible point transfers
- + No foreign transaction fees
- + Trip cancellation insurance
- + 25% more value on Chase portal
Chase Sapphire Preferred Cons
- - $95 annual fee
- - No airport lounge access
- - Limited premium travel perks
Best for: Frequent travelers who want flexible rewards without a huge annual fee
Discover it Cash Back: Pros & Cons
Discover it Cash Back Pros
- + First year cashback match is incredible
- + No annual fee
- + No foreign transaction fee
- + 5% rotating categories
Discover it Cash Back Cons
- - Must activate categories quarterly
- - $1,500 quarterly cap on 5%
- - Discover less widely accepted
Best for: First credit card users and people who can track rotating categories
Detailed Analysis
Who Should Choose Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Chase Sapphire Preferred is the better choice if you're looking for frequent travelers who want flexible rewards without a huge annual fee. Its strongest advantages include excellent sign-up bonus and flexible point transfers. With a rating of 4.7/5, it stands out as one of the best options available.
Who Should Choose Discover it Cash Back?
Discover it Cash Back is ideal for those who want first credit card users and people who can track rotating categories. Key strengths include first year cashback match is incredible and no annual fee. Rated 4.5/5, it is among the top picks we recommend.
Final Verdict
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Discover it Cash Back
Both Chase Sapphire Preferred and Discover it Cash Back are solid credit card options. Choose Chase Sapphire Preferred if you value excellent sign-up bonus. Choose Discover it Cash Back if you prioritize first year cashback match is incredible.