Quicksilver vs. BofA Unlimited Cash Credit Card Comparison

Q: Do either of the cards charge foreign transaction fees?

The Quicksilver is a no-foreign-transaction-fee card , whereas the Bank of America card charges 3%.

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Both the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card offer the simplicity of a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which might be why you're considering them.

The Quicksilver edges ahead with its higher cash back score and the perk of no foreign transaction fees, making it the better choice for many. But the BofA Unlimited Cash remains a strong contender, especially if you take advantage of the additional cash back for Preferred Rewards members.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ of 5

MoneyGeek Rating

3.9/ of 5

Rates & Fees

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

Regular APR
19.49% - 29.49% variable
18.74% - 28.74% variable
0% APR Offer
0% for 15 months on purchases
0% for 15 billing cycles on purchases
Intro Offer
Earn $200 Cash Back
Earn $200 cash back
Rewards Summary
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back
Earn 1.5% cash back
Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
0% for 15 billing cycles on balance transfers
Balance Transfer Fee
3% for the first 15 months
3% for the first 60 days, then 4%
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
670–850 (Good to Excellent)
Penalty APR
-
Up to 29.99% variable
Not sure?
The Quicksilver edges out with a slightly higher overall rewards rate and a lower spend requirement for its welcome bonus. While both cards offer 1.5% cash back on purchases, the Quicksilver card also provides 5% back on travel booked through Capital One.
The BofA Unlimited Cash could be more beneficial for Bank of America customers who qualify for the Preferred Rewards program. But ultimately, the Quicksilver card's additional travel rewards and easier bonus accessibility might tip the scales for many users.

Which Card Is Better for You?

You might prefer the Quicksilver if you're looking for a card that rewards travel spending. With no foreign transaction fees and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, it's tailored for frequent travelers. The lower spending threshold for the welcome bonus also makes it accessible for modest budgets.

You might prefer the BofA Unlimited Cash if you're a Bank of America customer who can take advantage of the Preferred Rewards program for additional cash back. Its straightforward 1.5% cash back on all purchases and slightly lower regular APR range make it a reliable everyday card.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features

Evaluating features like APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card is for you. For instance, if you frequently book travel through Capital One, the Quicksilver's additional rewards could sway your decision. Conversely, the BofA Unlimited Cash might appeal more if you're a Preferred Rewards member looking for consistent cash back on all purchases.

Regular APR: BofA Unlimited Cash

The BofA Unlimited Cash offers a potentially lower APR range starting at 18.24%, compared with the Quicksilver's starting APR of 19.99%.

Annual Fee: Tie

Both the Quicksilver and the BofA Unlimited Cash have no annual fee.

Introductory 0% APRs: Tie

Both the Quicksilver and the BofA Unlimited Cash offer 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months and 15 billing cycles, respectively, with a 3% balance transfer fee that increases to 4% for the BofA card after 60 days. Given the similar terms, the cards are tied.

Rewards: Quicksilver

The Quicksilver offers a slightly better rewards program. It stands out with unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, in addition to the 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome Offers: Quicksilver

The Quicksilver offers a better welcome bonus, providing a $200 cash bonus for a lower spending requirement of $500 within three months, compared with the BofA Unlimited Cash's similar cash bonus but higher spending requirement of $1,000 in the first 90 days.

Recommended Credit Score: Tie

Both the Quicksilver and the BofA Unlimited Cash require a credit score range of 670 to 850 (good to excellent), making them equally accessible.

Penalties and Fees: Quicksilver

The Quicksilver outperforms with no penalty APR and no foreign transaction fees, despite its higher cash advance fee. Both cards have a late fee up to $40, but the Quicksilver's lack of penalty APR and foreign transaction fees make it more favorable.

Issuer Satisfaction: BofA Unlimited Cash

Bank of America leads in issuer satisfaction with a rating of 4.5, compared to Capital One's 4.2. This suggests a slightly higher level of customer satisfaction with Bank of America's service and support.

Other Features & Perks: Tie

Both cards offer unique perks that cater to different preferences. The Quicksilver provides up to six months of complimentary Uber One membership and exclusive cash back on travel booked through Capital One Travel.

The BofA Unlimited Cash enhances cash back for Preferred Rewards members. Depending on your spending habits and preferences, either card could offer the additional value you're looking for.

Rewards Comparison

Both the Quicksilver and the BofA Unlimited Cash cards keep it simple with a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases. The Quicksilver, however, offers an additional perk for travelers: 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. This could tip the scales if you frequently book travel this way.

While the BofA Unlimited Cash doesn't have a standout bonus category, its consistent 1.5% rate across the board is reliable for those who prefer a no-fuss approach to earning rewards.

The bonus categories for each card are shown in the following table.

Category	BofA Unlimited Cash	Quicksilver
All Purchases	1.5% cash back	1.5% cash back
Travel (if booked through issuer's portal)	1.5% cash back	5% cash back

Redeeming Rewards

Both the BofA Unlimited Cash and Quicksilver cards offer user-friendly redemption processes. With the BofA Unlimited Cash, you can redeem your cash back directly into a Bank of America checking or savings account, or as a statement credit.

The Quicksilver provides a broader range of redemption options, including statement credits, checks, and gift cards. Additionally, the Quicksilver allows for automatic redemption at set times or when certain thresholds are met. Neither card imposes an expiration date on rewards, provided your account remains in good standing.

Methodology

MoneyGeek evaluates and reviews credit cards like Quicksilver and Bofa Unlimited Cash for various use cases. This approach ensures that the score reflects the card's performance in the scenario where it provides the most value.

For cash back cards, the primary factors we consider are the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. These elements — along with annual fees, introductory purchase rates and issuer satisfaction — contribute to a card's overall score.

FAQ: Quicksilver vs. BofA Unlimited Cash

What are the welcome bonus requirements for each card?

Both cards offer a $200 bonus, but the Quicksilver requires a $500 spend, while the BofA Unlimited Cash requires $1,000.

Do either of the cards charge foreign transaction fees?

The Quicksilver is a no-foreign-transaction-fee card, whereas the Bank of America card charges 3%.

How do the rewards rates compare between the two cards?

Both cards offer 1.5% cash back on purchases, though only the Quicksilver is among our best cash back cards.

Are there any additional perks for banking customers with either card?

Yes, the BofA Unlimited Cash offers more cash back for Preferred Rewards members.

What is the APR after the introductory period?

The APR ranges from 18.24% to 28.24% for the BofA Unlimited Cash and 19.99% to 29.99% for the Quicksilver.

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.

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*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card