Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
Discover it Chrome Card Review – Earn 2% on Gas & Dining
February 6, 2025
The Discover it Chrome Card is a no-annual-fee credit card that earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% on everything else. It’s often seen as the little sibling to Discover’s popular 5% rotating-category card.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2487", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "No Annual Fee Card Seekers", "headerHint": "Good Cash Back Card"} ]]
However, the Chrome card carves out its own niche with a simpler rewards structure, a 0% intro APR offer, and Discover’s unique “Cashback Match” bonus for new cardmembers. Below, we’ll dive into the key features, how it compares to its Cash Back counterpart, and tips to get the most value — so you can decide if the Discover it Chrome deserves a spot in your wallet.
Key Features and Rewards
Cash Back on Gas and Dining
The hallmark of Discover it Chrome is its 2% cash back on purchases at gas stations and restaurants. This bonus applies to a combined $1,000 in spending each quarter. In practical terms, you can earn up to $20 each quarter in these bonus categories. All other purchases earn 1% unlimited cash back. There’s no need to activate categories each quarter – it’s automatic, making this card more low-maintenance than the 5% rotating-category cards.
First-Year Double Cashback (Cashback Match)
Discover doesn’t offer a traditional upfront sign-up bonus on this card. Instead, at the end of your first year, they match all the cash back you’ve earned – effectively doubling your rewards.
0% Intro APR Offers
If you’re looking to finance a purchase or transfer debt, Chrome comes in handy. It offers a 0% intro APR for 6 months on new purchases, and a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. This long balance transfer period is one of the best among Discover cards.
No Fees
The card has no annual fee, so it costs nothing to keep forever. It also charges no foreign transaction fees – a nice plus if you travel abroad.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No Annual Fee: You can earn rewards at no cost, making it easy to justify keeping this card long-term.
- Easy Cash Back on Essentials: 2% back on gas and dining covers common expenses for many households, without rotating categories or activation.
- Excellent Intro APR for Transfers: A year and a half of 0% on balance transfers can help tackle debt interest-free. This is notably longer than many competing cards offer.
- First-Year Bonus Match: The Cashback Match effectively doubles all your earnings in year one – a unique perk that can yield high rewards for new users.
Cons:
- Quarterly Cap on Rewards: The 2% cash back is limited to $1K/quarter in spending on gas and dining. Heavy spenders in these categories might find $1,000 quarterly a low cap – any extra spend there drops to 1%.
- Mediocre Rewards Beyond Categories: Earning 1% on non-category purchases is average at best. In fact, if you want high rewards on gas and dining year-round, you “might be better off looking elsewhere,” as NerdWallet points out.
- Limited Bonus Categories: Gas and restaurants are useful categories, but if your spending doesn’t align with them heavily, the Chrome card’s rewards may underwhelm. The lack of broader or rotating 5% categories means you could earn more with other specialized cards depending on your habits.
- No Traditional Sign-up Bonus: Aside from the first-year match, there’s no immediate reward for signing up. For those who prefer an up-front bonus, this is a drawback.
Comparing Discover it Chrome Card with Other Credit Cards
When considering the Discover it Chrome Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the cashback credit card category:
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on all other purchases
- Standout feature: Flexible redemption options including cash back, travel, and gift cards
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card:
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores
- Standout feature: No foreign transaction fees
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $0
- Welcome offer: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% cash back up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout
- Standout feature: This card offers a generous intro of APR on purchases and balance transfers
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover it Chrome Card excels in offering cash back to customers
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers diverse category bonuses
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card rewards dining and entertainment spending
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express provides strong rewards on everyday purchases
[[ CARD_LIST * {"ids": ["497","3041", "260"]} ]]
Kudos Tip
Love optimizing rewards but hate remembering which card to use? The Kudos browser extension can help. Once installed, Kudos automatically recommends the best card from your wallet when you’re checking out online.
For example, if you’re paying for a restaurant takeout, Kudos will suggest your Discover it Chrome to snag that 2% cash back – but if you’re buying electronics, it might nudge you toward a different card that earns more. It’s like having a personal rewards advisor at checkout, ensuring you never miss out on extra cash back!
How to Get the Most from the Chrome Card
Maximizing the Discover it Chrome Card is all about playing to its strengths:
Use it for Gas and Dining
This sounds obvious, but make the Chrome your primary card at gas stations and restaurants up to the $1,000 quarterly cap. Hitting that cap each quarter would earn you $20 in rewards. If you consistently hit the cap, that’s $160 in first-year cash back just from bonus category spend.
Leverage the First Year
During the first 12 months, every bit of cash back is worth double. Take advantage by using the Chrome card for as many purchases as sensible. Some cardholders even shift most spending onto this card in year one to maximize the match – effectively earning a minimum 2% on everything when matched.
Pair with a Flat-Rate Card
After you’ve exhausted the 2% gas/dining each quarter, switch to a flat-rate 2% card for additional spending in those categories. For instance, once you’ve spent $1,000 on dining in a quarter on Chrome, using a 2% back card for the rest of your dining will keep the rewards flowing.
Plan Balance Transfers Wisely
If you got the Chrome card to take advantage of the 0% APR balance transfer, make sure to initiate that transfer within the applicable period. Then focus on paying down that balance in the 18-month window. It might be wise to avoid new purchases on the card until the transferred debt is paid off.
By following these steps, you’ll squeeze the most value out of the Discover it Chrome’s features. Whether you’re using it for everyday gas fill-ups, Friday night dinners, or a strategic balance transfer, the key is to capitalize on what it does best.
FAQ – Discover it Chrome Card
What credit score do I need for the Discover it Chrome Card?
You’ll typically need a good credit score (around 700 or above) to be approved for the Discover it Chrome. Discover markets this card to those with good-to-excellent credit. Of course, approval isn’t based on score alone – your income, existing debts, and overall credit history also play a role. If you’re around the high-600s, you might still have a chance, but if you’re below 660 it may be tough to qualify.
Does the Discover it Chrome have a sign-up bonus?
Not in the traditional sense. Instead of an upfront bonus, Discover offers the Cashback Match: at your 12-month mark as a cardholder, they automatically double all the cash back you earned in your first year.
Can I have both the Discover it Chrome and Discover it Cash Back cards?
Yes. Discover allows customers to hold multiple cards. In fact, some people do get both. Typically, you need to have one Discover card open for at least a year before applying for a second. Having both the Chrome and the 5% Cash Back card can make sense if you want to maximize rewards – you’d use the 5% card when its rotating categories are useful, and use the Chrome for gas/restaurants in quarters when those aren’t 5%. Since neither has an annual fee, there’s little downside to carrying both if you’re approved.
What are the card’s fees (annual fee, foreign transaction fee, etc.)?
The Chrome card has no annual fee. It also has no foreign transaction fees on overseas purchases, which is great for travel. Balance transfers have a fee. There’s no fee for paying late the first time (Discover gives one free pass), but subsequent late payments or returned payments would incur a fee. There is also no over-limit fee. Overall, it’s a very fee-light card.
Is the Discover it Chrome Card worth it?
It depends on your spending habits. The Discover it Chrome is worth it if you spend moderately on gas or dining and prefer a no-annual-fee card with straightforward rewards. It’s especially valuable in the first year due to the Cashback Match – few cards can effectively give you ~4% on gas and dining and ~2% on everything else like Chrome does in year one. It’s also a great choice if you need to transfer a balance and want a long 0% APR period to pay it off.
On the other hand, if you rarely dine out or drive, or if you want the absolute highest rewards on all purchases, you might earn more with a different cash-back card. In that case, consider either Discover’s 5% rotating category card or a flat 2% card. In summary, Chrome is worth it for users who fit its niche – no fee, solid (if limited) 2% categories, and a big first-year boost – but less exciting for those with spending outside its bonus areas.
Conclusion
The Discover it Chrome Card can be a terrific tool for certain users: it simplifies earnings on gas and dining, helps pay down debt with a lengthy 0% balance transfer offer, and supercharges your cash back in the first year. While its rewards beyond those two categories are humble and the quarterly cap limits big spenders, it still delivers dependable value for a card with no fee. If you pair it with other cards (or use smart tools like Kudos) to cover its weak spots, the Chrome card can shine as part of a broader rewards strategy.
For a casual spender who wants easy cash back on everyday fuel and food – or someone plotting to crush some credit card debt – Discover it Chrome is absolutely worth a look. And with Discover’s Cashback Match doubling your fun in year one, it’s a card that certainly pays you back for giving it a try.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
