Learn while you earn: The Discover It Miles Travel Card

If you’re still fresh in the credit card and points world, the Discover It Miles card is a stellar option to learn and earn with minimal complications. Instead of offering an up front spending bonus, Discover chooses to match all of the miles you earn in your first year, doubling any points you’ve already earned.

With no annual fee and 1.5 points for every dollar you spend, you could easily save up a tidy little travel bonus for yourself. For example, an average spend of $1000 a month would earn you 36,000 miles in your first year, which you could redeem as cash or a travel statement credit.

Pros:

• No annual fee

• Simple earning system

• Solid first year bonus

• 1.5 points per dollar spent anywhere

• Points redeemable as cash or travel credit

• No foreign transaction fees

Cons:

• Points value drops heavily after first year

• No transfer partners

• Usage abroad may be limited