Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurants

Our review of the Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurants

The Discover It Chrome Gas & Restaurants Card is a cash back credit card designed for those who frequently spend their money on fuel or dining out. The card earns 2% cash back on every purchase made at either gas stations or restaurants and earn unlimited 1% cash back on every other dollar spent on purchases.

Cardholders also enjoy access to Discover’s Cashback Match program, providing a dollar for dollar match for every dollar earned during your first year, and no annual or foreign transaction fees.

Who Can Benefit from the Discover Chrome Card?

The Discover Chrome Card is ideal for individuals who want to maximize their rewards and earn cash back on their everyday spending. If you hate keeping track of rotating categories, the Discover it® Chrome is the perfect choice for you thanks to its set rewards in critical everyday categories.

Additionally, if you’re a new cardholder looking to make the most of your rewards, the Cashback Match feature of the Discover it® Chrome Credit Card can provide a significant advantage. By doubling your cash back earnings during the first year, you can quickly accumulate a substantial amount of rewards.

How to Get the Card

Getting your hands on the Discover it® Chrome is straightforward and follows the same process as the other Discover It credit cards.

Credit Needed

The credit score requirement for the Discover it® Chrome card is generally a credit rating of excellent or good credit, and a FICO credit score of 670+ for approval.

Pre-Qualify Before You Apply

One of the great features of Discover credit cards is the option to pre-qualify before applying. By pre-qualifying, you can check if you meet the initial criteria for the Discover it® Chrome credit card without impacting your credit score. This allows you to assess your chances of approval and make an informed decision before officially applying. It’s a convenient way to ensure you’re on the right track to maximize your rewards and getting the most out of your spending.

How to Apply

When applying for a Discover it® Chrome credit card, applicants are typically required to submit the following personal information and documentation:

• Full name
• Social Security number
• Birth date
• Address and duration of residence
• Annual income
• Current employer and duration of employment
• Email address and telephone number

How to Earn Cash Back

The Chrome Card is a powerful option for earning cash back, particularly when it comes to dining and gas expenses. Cardholders can enjoy a generous 2% cash back on all purchases made at gas stations or restaurants. Additionally, they can earn an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

It’s important to note that Discover places a cap on the 2% cash back for restaurant spending. This cap applies to up to $1,000 of combined purchases each quarter in those categories. While this limitation may be disappointing, it’s worth considering that if your annual purchases for fueling up or dining out amount to less than $4,000, there’s no need to worry.

What Does Discover Classify As Restaurant Purchases?

Discover classifies “restaurants” as any purchase made at merchants classified as full-service restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, fast-food locations, and restaurant delivery services. Purchases must be made with merchants in the U.S.

What Does Discover Classify As Gas Station Purchases?

Discover defines “gas stations” as any purchase made at merchants classified as places that sell automotive gasoline that can be bought at the pump or inside the station, and some public electric vehicle charging stations. Gas stations affiliated with supermarkets, supercenters, and wholesale clubs may not be eligible.

Cash Back Match Guarantee

One more reason not to worry about the cap on 2% cash back is that Discover automatically matches the cash back earned for the first year of membership. This means that if you use your Discover It Chrome Card and earn $500 in cash back, Discover will give you a dollar-for-dollar match, resulting in an impressive $1,000 cash back on your purchases automatically. Cash back rewards with Discover are simple and straightforward.

How to Redeem Cash Back

The Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurants credit card provides a simple and convenient method for redeeming your earned cash back. You have several options for redeeming your cash back:

• Statement Credits: Use your cash back to pay down balances on your Discover credit cards by requesting statement credits.
• Deposits: Deposit your cash back into a checking or savings account that you have linked to your Discover account.
• Gift Cards: Choose to redeem your cash back for gift cards from popular brands.
• PayPal or Amazon: Use your cash back points to make purchases through PayPal or Amazon.

There are no restrictions on when you can redeem, as Discover gives you the freedom to use your rewards when you like.

Introductory APR Benefits

All Discover credit cards (excluding the Chrome Card) offer a 0% intro APR. Cardholders enjoy 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.

Other Card Benefits

Cardholders also enjoy a range of security protections and benefits provided by the Discover payment network. Discover, the fourth largest payment network in terms of size, offers many of the same features as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. These include:

• Fraud Protection
• Freeze It credit lock
• Cardmember Inquiry Services
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• No over-the-limit fees

In addition to these benefits, the Discover it® Cash Back card offers the following notable features:

• U.S. Based Customer Service: Cardholders have 24/7 access to Discover’s customer service agents, who are based in the United States. Discover is well-known for its exceptional customer care, making this a valuable but often overlooked feature.
• EMV Chip Technology: Shop securely with a contactless-chip enabled card.
• Digital Wallets Access: The card is compatible with popular mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal.
• SSN Alerts: Discover provides an alert if your Social Security Number is found on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. This service is free, but you need to activate it separately.
• FICO Score: Cardholders also receive complimentary access to their updated FICO® Score through Discover’s Credit Scorecard.

Comparison

Maximizing Rewards at Gas Stations

If you want to maximize your rewards at gas stations with the Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurants Card, there are a few strategies you can employ.

• Choose Gas Stations that Accept Discover Cards: First, it’s important to choose gas stations that accept Discover cards. While most major gas stations do accept Discover, it’s always a good idea to double-check before fueling up.
• Use Your Card for All Gas Station Purchases: Next, consider using your card for all your gas station purchases, not just fuel. With the Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurants Card, you’ll earn cash back on everything you buy at gas stations, including snacks, drinks, and car accessories. By using your card for these purchases, you’ll earn even more cash back that can be used towards future expenses.
• Pay Off Your Balance In Full Each Month: Finally, be sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid paying any interest charges. This will allow you to enjoy the full benefits of the rewards program without incurring any additional costs.

Maximizing Rewards On Dining

When it comes to dining, the Discover it® Chrome offers a fantastic rewards program. To get the most out of your dining rewards, it’s important to use your card for all your dining expenses.

• Maximize Your Card Use at Restaurants of All Sizes: This includes not only restaurant meals, but also coffee shops, fast-food chains, and even food delivery services. By using your card for these purchases, you’ll earn cash back that can be used towards future dining experiences.
• Keep an Eye on Promotions: Additionally, be on the lookout for special dining promotions and offers that are exclusive to Discover cardholders. These promotions can provide even more value and savings on your dining experiences. By taking advantage of these offers, you’ll be able to stretch your dollars further and enjoy dining out in style.

Competitive Cash Back

The Chrome Card offers a competitive cash back program. Cardholders can earn 2% cash back on gas station and restaurant purchases, up to $1,000 in combined spending each quarter. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals who frequently dine out or commute by car.

Cashback Match

When it comes to the best features of the Discover It Chrome Card, the cash back match guarantee stands out as a major advantage. Not only does Discover automatically match the cash back earned for the first year of membership, but they do so dollar-for-dollar. This means that cardholders can potentially earn double the cash back on their purchases, making it a lucrative option for those looking to maximize their rewards.

No Hidden Fees

Additionally, the card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to maximize their rewards without incurring extra charges.

Things to Consider

One of the drawbacks of the Discover It Chrome Card is that the highest earning cash back categories have a spending cap each quarter. This limitation makes the card less rewarding compared to other competing cards. Another downside is that the card doesn’t offer as many perks as some of its competitors.

For example, while the Discover It Chrome Card does offer cash back rewards, it doesn’t provide any additional benefits such as travel insurance or extended warranty protection. This can be a disadvantage for cardholders who value these extra perks. However, if you prioritize simplicity and straightforward cash back rewards, the Discover It Chrome Card may still be a good option for you.

Should You Apply for the Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurants?

The Discover family of credit cards are complimentary of each other in that they typically have some overlap while being very proficient in one area. With the Discover It Chrome Gas & Restaurants Card, that area of expertise is – you guessed it – gas and restaurants.

If you plan on using your credit card for mostly restaurant purchases or when fueling up and want that solid 2% cash back rate all year long, the Chrome Card is perfect for your road trip needs. If, however, you want a little more wiggle room and are willing to earn 1% in three quarters for the chance to earn 5% in select categories, the Cash Back may be your better bet.