Discover it Cash Back vs American Express Platinum
Comprehensive comparison to help you choose the right option
Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
Discover it Cash Back takes the edge with a rating of 4.5/5. It's best for first credit card users and people who can track rotating categories. However, American Express Platinum is the better choice if you're looking for frequent flyers who can use all the travel credits and lounge access.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Discover it Cash Back | American Express Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Card Category | Cash Back | Premium Travel |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $695 |
| APR | 17.24%-28.24% | N/A (Charge Card) |
| Sign-Up Bonus | Cashback Match (all cash back matched first year) | 80,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months |
| Rewards Rate | 5% rotating categories (up to $1,500/qtr), 1% everything else | 5x flights booked direct, 5x prepaid hotels via Amex, 1x everything else |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Credit Score Needed | Good (670+) | Excellent (740+) |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 |
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
American Express Platinum: Pros & Cons
American Express Platinum Pros
- + Airport lounge access (Centurion, Priority Pass)
- + $200 airline credit
- + $200 hotel credit
- + $200 Uber Cash
- + Global Entry/TSA Pre credit
- + Hilton & Marriott Gold status
American Express Platinum Cons
- - $695 annual fee
- - 1x on most spending
- - Amex acceptance
- - Must use all credits to offset fee
Best for: Frequent flyers who can use all the travel credits and lounge access
Detailed Analysis
Who Should Choose Discover it Cash Back?
Discover it Cash Back is the better choice if you're looking for first credit card users and people who can track rotating categories. Its strongest advantages include first year cashback match is incredible and no annual fee. With a rating of 4.5/5, it stands out as one of the best options available.
Who Should Choose American Express Platinum?
American Express Platinum is ideal for those who want frequent flyers who can use all the travel credits and lounge access. Key strengths include airport lounge access (centurion, priority pass) and $200 airline credit. Rated 4.3/5, it delivers strong value for most users.
Final Verdict
Discover it Cash Back
American Express Platinum
Both Discover it Cash Back and American Express Platinum are solid credit card options. Choose Discover it Cash Back if you value first year cashback match is incredible. Choose American Express Platinum if you prioritize airport lounge access (centurion, priority pass).