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Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
vs. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Updated: December 5, 2024
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The best student credit card is the one that best fits your unique situation and circumstances. However, you can start your search by comparing fees, rewards, offers and features. For instance, the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card offers a 1% cash back on all purchases and an Amazon Prime Student subscription for a year. Meanwhile, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card offers 1.5% cash back on purchases.
There are other differences between the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card and the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card, but both have no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
Comparison Overview: Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students vs. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Deserve® EDU Mastercard for StudentsCapital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Has Annual Fee
- Has Balance Transfer Offer
- Has APR Offer
- Cash Back Rewards
- Travel Rewards
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students At a Glance
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card is a great option for individuals looking for a student credit card with unlimited cash back and no annual fee. Cardholders can also use the card when they travel because the card doesn’t have foreign transaction fees. Additionally, students can qualify even without credit history. Lastly, not needing a Social Security Number (SSN) requirement makes it a good choice for international students studying in the U.S.
- Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Best student cash back card for limited credit history
- 1% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 23.99% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- (No Credit History)Recommended Credit
Pros
- Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases
- There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee
- You will have complimentary Amazon Prime Student for a year
- Complimentary cell phone protection when you use your card to pay your cell phone bill
- Do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) to apply
- Access to Mastercard Platinum benefits
Cons
- High APR on purchases
Rewards
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases, making it easy for students to earn rewards on everyday spending.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- Enjoy no annual fee, helping you save money each year.
- Make purchases abroad without worrying about foreign transaction fees.
Perks & Benefits
- Get one year of Amazon Prime Student, adding value to your online shopping experience.
- Protect your cell phone with coverage up to $600 when you pay your phone bill with your card.
- Benefit from Mastercard Platinum perks, including rental car insurance.
- Use the easy-to-use app to manage your account and pause card access if you misplace it, all on the go.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card At a Glance
With this Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card, you can earn unlimited rewards at a 1.5% rate on everyday purchases. There are no annual and foreign transaction fees. This cash back credit card allows cardholders to use their rewards to cover purchases or redeem for gift cards. There is also the option of redeeming the rewards as cash.
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
A practical no-annual-fee student credit card with cash back
- 1.5%–5% cash backRewards Rate
- 19.99%–29.99% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Limited–FairRecommended Credit
Pros
- No annual fee
- Cash back on all purchases
- Offers welcome bonus
- Comes with security protections
Cons
- Potentially high APR
- No bonus categories
Introductory Offers
- Earn a $50 bonus when you spend $100 in the first three months.
Rewards
- Get unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, every day.
- Earn up to $500 annually by referring friends and family who are approved for a Capital One credit card.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees.
Perks & Benefits
- Benefit from $0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized charges.
- Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost, or stolen.
- Build your credit with responsible card use.
- Suitable for students at 4-year universities, community colleges, or other higher education institutions.
Comparison Summary
MoneyGeek created a Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students vs Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards comparison table to help you decide which one is the better option.
Card Detail | Comparison Summary |
|---|---|
Insurance and Protection | The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card includes cellphone protection up to $600 and rental car insurance. Cardholders also enjoy all the core benefits that Mastercardholders get. The Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card offers multiple insurance and protection features. These include additional warranty protection, travel accident insurance and fraud liability. Additionally, cardholders get security alerts for potential suspicious transactions, account alerts for potential mistakes and unexpected charges and card lock through the company’s mobile app. Winner: Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students |
Rewards | The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card offers 1% cash back on all purchases. Cash back is issued as a statement credit in increments of $25. The Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card also offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. The rewards don’t expire throughout the life of the account. Cardholders can redeem rewards for cash, to cover purchases or redeem for gift cards. Winner: Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards |
Annual Fee | The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card and Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card are both no annual fee credit cards. Winner: Tie |
Which Card Should You Get?
Before deciding if the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card or Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card is the right credit card for you, it’s important to consider your specific needs and situation.
Who Should Consider the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students?
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card is a great beginner card for students who want to build credit. It’s also a solid option for international students looking for a credit card. So if you fall in one of these categories below, this card may work for you:
International students studying in the U.S. can enjoy the benefits of having a credit card that earns cash back rewards on purchases. Applying for this credit card is simple and doesn’t require a SSN.
Students who want to start their credit journey may find the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students a good option. The company doesn’t require an established credit history from card applicants.
≫ More: Read Our Full Review
Who Should Consider the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card?
The Quicksilver Student Rewards is best for students looking for a cash back rewards card with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Additionally, if you fall in any of these categories, you may find this card to suit your needs:
Students looking to earn cash back rewards on everyday purchases. You will earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. You can use these rewards for purchases or redeem for cash.
Students who travel frequently or considering studying abroad may find this credit card a great choice. You can use it for international transactions without worrying about foreign transaction fees. It also offers travel accident insurance in case your travels go awry.
EXPERT OPINION
For students purely looking for a return on their spending, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card is clearly the better of these two cards. However, if you don’t mind sacrificing a small amount of cash back potential for benefits like cell phone protection and Amazon Prime Student for the first year of card membership, the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card is a solid choice.
Other Helpful Decision-Making FAQs
Finding the right student credit card can be a bit difficult, especially with multiple options available. MoneyGeek answers some commonly asked questions to help you see the difference between the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card and the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card.
Is the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card better than the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card?
That depends on certain factors. When choosing a credit card, you have to consider your situation, and how you anticipate using it. Both cards have no annual and foreign transaction fees. But, if you’re an international student studying in the U.S. or a student with no credit history, then Deserve EDU Mastercard may be the better option.
Can you get the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students if you have the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards?
Yes, these credit cards are from different issuers.
Can you transfer points from the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card to the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card?
No, you cannot. Transferring of points is not possible if the credit cards are from different issuers.
Can you switch from Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students to Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards?
If you decide on one card and later decide to go with another, you are able to do that.
What’s harder to get, the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card or the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card?
Capital One offers pre-approval. You will have to complete an application form, which is available online. If you’re pre-approved, you can finish your application by answering a few more questions. However, this credit card is for individuals with a fair credit score.
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card has pre-qualification. If eligible, you can finish the application online. Credit history is not a requirement. If you are an international student, you don’t need an SSN.
How much do you have to spend on the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card vs the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card to get the welcome bonus?
Both credit cards do not offer welcome bonuses.
Still Not Sure About These Cards? Consider These Options
Whether you choose the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card or the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card, you will enjoy several benefits. However, if you’re no longer a student or are simply looking for other options that offer the best rewards, consider choosing a rewards credit card.
Learn more about credit cards in general
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About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
sources
- Capital One. "Quicksilver Student Rewards." Accessed December 5, 2024.
- Deserve. "Deserve Credit Cards." Accessed December 5, 2024.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.