Capital One vs. Discover: How Their Credit Cards Compare
When it comes to finding the right credit card, Capital One versus Discover is one of the most common comparisons consumers make. After all, both card issuers have credit card products that offer flexible rewards, and none of the options from either one charge foreign transaction fees. Both Capital One and Discover also offer at least one secured credit card, as well as cards geared to students and consumers with good or excellent credit.
Capital One vs. Discover
| Category | Capital One | Discover |
|---|---|---|
| Best for ... | Credit builders and travelers | Credit builders and cash back enthusiasts |
| Wider acceptance (including international) | ||
| Card for poor or no credit | ||
| Easier to get a credit limit increase | ||
| Easier to graduate to a better card | ||
| Better travel options | ||
| No foreign transaction fees |
That said, there are some key differences between Capital One versus Discover:
-
- Discover cards never charge an annual fee
- Discover credit cards can be a better choice for credit newcomers since they are easier to upgrade and come with a free FICO Score
- Capital One, on the other hand, is the only one that offers a premium travel credit card with luxury perks
- Capital One lets consumers with some of their cards transfer points to airlines and hotels, whereas you can only redeem Discover rewards with Discover
Whether you’re trying to decide between Capital One and Discover for your next card or you’re comparing specific offers like Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card versus Discover it® Cash Back, read on to learn how these two card issuers stack up in different categories.
Credit cards for building credit
Both Capital One and Discover offer secured credit cards for building credit, for consumers with lower credit scores. Capital One offers the card with the lowest security deposit in this category — starting at just $49 for the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card. Capital one also offers a broader range of credit cards for fair credit applicants, whereas Discover only offers one card. That said, Discover shines in this category because it makes it easier to qualify for a credit limit increase, or even graduate to a better credit card altogether.
Capital One vs. Discover cards for building credit
| Card | Minimum deposit | Earning rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Platinum Credit Card (see rates & fees) | None | Non-rewards Card | $0 |
| Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card (see rates & fees) | $49, $99 or $200 | Non-rewards Card | $0 |
| Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | None | 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) | $39 |
| Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | $200 | 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) | $0 |
| Discover it® Secured Credit Card | $200 | Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. | $0 |
Winner: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Apply Now With cash back rewards on spending and no annual fee, it’s hard to beat the Discover it® Secured Credit Card when it comes to credit-building. This card even offers a free FICO Score on your statement, and you don’t even need a credit score to get approved.
Balance transfer credit cards
Comparing balance transfer credit cards between Capital One and Discover can be tricky. Both card issuers have their share of balance transfer cards that offer 0% APR for a limited time. However, the length of various balance transfer offers vary, and other terms and conditions can make some cards a better deal.
Capital One vs. Discover balance transfer credit cards
| Card | Intro balance transfer APR | Regular APR | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months* | 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) | $0 |
| Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months (Balance transfer fee applies)* | 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) | $0 |
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months* | 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) | $0 |
| Discover it® Chrome | 0% Intro APR for 18 months | 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR | $0 |
0% APR credit cards
When it comes to credit cards that offer 0% APR on purchases, both of these issuers offer quite a few. However, Discover stands out in this category once again due to the selection of student credit cards they offer with an interest-free period on purchases, including the Discover it® Student Cash Back and the Discover it® Student Chrome.
Capital One vs. Discover 0% APR credit cards
| Card | Intro purchase APR | Regular APR | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | 0% intro on purchases for 15 months | 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) | $0 |
| Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | 0% intro on purchases for 15 months | 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) | $0 |
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | 0% intro on purchases for 15 months | 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) | $0 |
| Discover it® Student Cash Back | 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases | 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR | $0 |
| Discover it® Student Chrome | 0% Intro APR for 6 months | 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR | $0 |
| Discover it® Cash Back | 0% Intro APR for 15 months | 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR | $0 |
| Discover it® Chrome | 0% Intro APR for 6 months | 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR | $0 |
| Discover it® Miles | 0% Intro APR for 15 months | 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR | $0 |
Winner: Discover it® Cash Back
The Discover it® Cash Back is a clear winner in this category due to the fact you get a 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and a 0% Intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, followed by a 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR. Cardholders also earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically. Redeem your rewards for cash at any time. In the meantime, Discover will double all rewards accrued after the first year for new cardholders.
Cash back credit cards
Capital One and Discover cash back credit cards can be difficult to compare since the earning structure varies widely. For example, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a generous, flat cash back rate of rewards on all spending, whereas the Discover it® Cash Back offers bonus rewards in categories that change every three months.
In general, Discover stands out due to its rotating bonus categories, while Capital One offers a range of rewards cards that offer flat-rate rewards or bonus cash back in specific categories that never change.
Capital One vs. Discover cash back credit cards
| Card | Earning rate | Sign-up bonus | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card | Earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) and 1% on all other purchases. | Earn a one-time $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | $95 |
| Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases | $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | $0 |
| Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) | One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | $0 |
| Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) | N/A | $39 |
| Discover it® Cash Back | Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically. Redeem your rewards for cash at any time. | Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300. | $0 |
Winner: Discover it® Cash Back
The Discover it® Cash Back wins in this category once again due to its dynamic and rewarding cash back program. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically. Redeem your rewards for cash at any time. Discover will also double all rewards earned after the first year through their Cashback Match program, and there’s a $0 annual fee.
Student credit cards
Both Capital one and Discover have their share of student credit cards, and they all stand out in their own way.
Discover student cards come with an intro APR offer for purchases. All student cards from Discover also offer cash back rewards, and Discover will double all rewards earned after the first year.
Capital One student credit cards offer generous rewards in their own right. Some even offer traditional credit card sign-up bonuses you can earn after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months.
None of these cards charge an annual fee. All card options in this niche are available for students with limited credit history. That said, Discover doesn’t require student applicants to have a credit score, so they can be a better option for credit newcomers with no credit history.
Capital One vs. Discover student credit cards
| Card | Earning rate | Sign-up bonus | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) | Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months | $0 |
| Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases | Earn $50 Cash Back when you spend $100 in the first three months | $0 |
| Discover it® Student Cash Back | Earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically. | Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match. | $0 |
| Discover it® Student Chrome | Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. | Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match. | $0 |
Winner: Discover it® Student Cash Back
With a $0 annual fee and no credit score required to apply, the Discover it® Student Cash Back is hard to beat. Not only is this card easy to get approved for, but it lets you earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically. Discover will even double all rewards earned after the first year for new cardholders.
Travel credit cards
When it comes to travel credit cards, Capital One is the clear winner over Discover. Capital One travel credit cards stand out due to their travel features and benefits, as well as the fact they let users transfer points to Capital One airline and hotel partners. All Capital One travel credit cards also offer bonus points on hotel and rental car purchases made through Capital One Travel, which can help you boost your rewards haul over time.
Where Capital One has premium travel card options like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Discover has one mediocre travel card option — the Discover it® Miles. Not only does the Discover it® Miles offer a lower number of points for all spending, but rewards can only be redeemed for cash back, travel statement credits or purchases made through Amazon.com.
Capital One vs. Discover travel credit cards
| Card | Earning rate | Sign-up bonus | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel | 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year – that’s equal to $1,000 in travel | $95 |
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel | Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel | $0 |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel | Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel | $395 |
| Discover it® Miles | 1.5 Miles per dollar on all purchases. | Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match. | $0 |
Winner: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the winner in this category due to its generous rewards rate and reasonable annual fee. Cardholders pay just $95 per year for this card, yet they earn 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. New cardmembers can also earn 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year – that’s equal to $1,000 in travel. Other perks include transfer options to hotel and airline partners and a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Frequently asked questions
In addition to applying for a credit card over the phone, both Capital One and Discover offer online applications that can be completed in minutes.
When you apply, be sure to have your Social Security number and key financial information handy, including annual income and monthly rent or mortgage payment. This will allow the issuer to access your credit history and make a decision. In addition, Capital One will ask if you have any bank accounts, and Discover will ask your total available assets.
You can also apply for Capital One credit cards at Capital One branches and Capital One Cafes.
All Discover credit cards come with a $0 annual fee and offer the CashBack Match™ bonus, which matches all of the cash back or miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year of card membership (for new cardmembers only).
Additional Discover benefits include the ability to freeze and unfreeze your account, free FICO® credit scores on your monthly statements, 100% U.S.-based customer service and monitoring for suspicious activity on your account.
General Capital One credit card benefits include $0 fraud liability, security alerts, 24/7 customer service, card lock, CreditWise from Capital One and more.
Both Capital One and Discover allow you to prequalify for their credit cards online by performing a soft pull on your credit that doesn’t hurt your score.
There are several factors to consider when choosing between Discover and Capital One credit cards. Because Capital One cards are served by either the Visa or Mastercard networks, you’re much more likely to have worldwide acceptance when making purchases. Fewer merchants accept Discover products, especially outside of the U.S., which can limit your ability to use your Discover credit card.