AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays vs Discover it® Secured Cash Back
Discover it® Secured Cash Back earns more in 5 of the 8 categories we track. Neither has an annual fee.
The basics
| Detail | AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays | Discover it® Secured Cash Back |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Card type | Personal | Personal |
| Rewards | Cash Back | Cash Back |
| Each point is worth | 1.00¢ | 1.00¢ |
| Everywhere else | 1x | 1x |
| Welcome bonus | $100 after $500 in 90 days | Cashback Match: Discover matches all the cash back you earn in your first year |
What each earns
| Category | AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays | Discover it® Secured Cash Back |
|---|---|---|
| Dining & Restaurants | 1.0% 1x | 5.0% (higher) 5x, rotating (quarterly), up to $1,500 |
| Entertainment | 1.0% 1x | 5.0% (higher) 5x, rotating (quarterly), up to $1,500 |
| Internet & Cable | 1.0% 1x | 5.0% (higher) 5x, rotating (quarterly), up to $1,500 |
| Phone & Wireless | 1.0% 1x | 5.0% (higher) 5x, rotating (quarterly), up to $1,500 |
| Utilities | 1.0% 1x | 5.0% (higher) 5x, rotating (quarterly), up to $1,500 |
| Gas Stations | 3.0% (higher) 3x | 1.0% 1x |
| Drugstores & Pharmacies | 3.0% (higher) 3x | 1.0% 1x |
| Everything else | 1.0% 1x | 1.0% 1x |
Returns are the points per dollar times what a point is worth, using your smart setting. Caps and rotating categories change what you actually earn. How we value rewards
The better question is which one adds more to the cards you already have.
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