Travel Rewards Credit Card Reviews

MILES BY DISCOVER CARD REVIEW:Apply Now | Back to Chart

Miles by Discover Card allows cardholders to earn 2 miles per dollar spent on the first $3,000 in travel and restaurant purchases each year, and 1 mile per dollar spent on these types of purchases thereafter, as well as 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases. Cardholders also earn 1,000 bonus miles each month that the card is used for the first 12 months. There is no limit to the number of miles that can be accumulated, and miles do not expire.

Miles can be redeemed for a credit to your account reimbursing you for any travel purchase, with no restrictions. Every 5,000 miles earns a $50.00 travel credit. Miles can also be redeemed for gift cards or cash. 5,000 miles can be traded for a $25.00 account credit or, if you prefer, the $25.00 can be deposited directly into your bank account.

The annual interest rate for Miles by Discover Card is 0% for the first 6 months, and anywhere from 11.99% to 18.99% thereafter. The balance transfer APR is 0% for the first 12 months, and the same as the purchase APR thereafter. There is also a 3% fee for balance transfers. There is no annual fee.

Miles by Discover Card is an excellent choice for anyone who would like to earn travel rewards. It will be most rewarding to consumers who are unlikely to spend considerably more than $3,000 on travel and restaurant purchases each year and who will use their credit card at least once each month. Even cardholders who only use the card occasionally or who do not travel frequently should still see benefits from this card, since miles are earned for all purchases and never expire. As far as travel rewards programs go, Miles by Discover card is quite flexible and rewarding.

DISCOVER MOTIVA REVIEW:Apply Now | Back to Chart

Discover Motiva gives cardholders a Pay-On-Time bonus when the minimum payment due is paid by the due date for six months in a row. This bonus is equal to the periodic finance charges shown on the upcoming statement. Cardholders also earn .25% cash back on all purchases until they have spent $1,500 with their Discover Motiva card, then .5% cash back until spending $3,000. After reaching the $3,000 threshold, cardholders earn 1% back on all purchases.

The interest rate for purchases is 3.99% for the first 6 months and anywhere from 11.99% to 18.99% thereafter, and the interest rate for balance transfers is 3.99% for the first 12 months and the same as the purchase APR thereafter. There is also a 3% transfer fee. There is no annual fee for the Discover Motiva card.

These terms are a bit more complicated than those of most credit cards. Since there are no limits on how much cash back you can earn, the rewards program could be quite strong, assuming that you are likely to spend $3,000 within a relatively brief length of time. The Pay-On-Time bonus could also be a nice feature, depending on whether you carry a balance or need extra incentive to pay your bill on time. If you are likely to reach the $3,000 threshold, do carry a balance, and would like an incentive to pay your bill on time, the Discover Motiva card may be just the card you’re looking for.