Quicksilver vs. Citi Simplicity Credit Card Comparison

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The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Citi Simplicity® Card both offer appealing no-annual-fee structures and introductory APR periods. If you seek rewards on every purchase, the Quicksilver card leads with its unlimited 1.5% cash back.

But if your focus is on debt management, the Citi Simplicity Card's lengthy 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers may be more beneficial. While both cards serve distinct purposes well, the Quicksilver's cash back feature and welcome bonus offer a compelling case for everyday use. The Citi Simplicity remains a strong contender for its consumer-friendly fee structure.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Citi Simplicity® Card

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ of 5

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ 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% - 29.49% variable
0% APR Offer
0% for 15 months on purchases
0% for 12 months on purchases
Intro Offer
Earn $200 Cash Back
No current offer
Rewards Summary
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back
-
Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
0% for 21 months on balance transfers
Balance Transfer Fee
3% for the first 15 months
3 percent ($5 minimum) intro balance transfer fee for balance transfers completed within the first four months of account opening. After that, a 5 percent fee for each transfer (minimum $5) applies.
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Penalty APR
-
-
Not sure?
The Quicksilver outshines the Citi Simplicity for everyday spending with its unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. However, if your goal is to pay down debt, the Citi Simplicity's longer 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers is superior.
Both cards boast a $0 annual fee, but the Quicksilver's rewards offer ongoing value for purchases beyond the introductory period. Choose Quicksilver for rewards on everyday spending or opt for Citi Simplicity for debt management.

Which Card Is Better for You?

You might prefer the Quicksilver if you value earning cash back on every purchase. With its 1.5% cash back rate, a $200 cash bonus after a low spend threshold and a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, it's a solid choice for everyday spending and managing existing debt.

You might prefer the Citi Simplicity if your primary goal is to pay down debt without accruing interest over a long period. The card's standout feature is its lengthy 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers, coupled with no late fees or penalty APR, making it a strong candidate if you’re looking to consolidate and pay off your balances.

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. Use this section to determine the subtle yet impactful differences, like the Quicksilver's cash back on all purchases versus the Citi Simplicity's focus on balance transfers.

Regular APR: Citi Simplicity

The Citi Simplicity is slightly better due to its lower starting APR of 19.24% than the Quicksilver's 19.99%.

Annual Fee: Tie

Both the Quicksilver and the Citi Simplicity have no annual fee.

Introductory 0% APRs: Citi Simplicity

The Citi Simplicity is better for introductory 0% APRs, particularly for balance transfers, offering 0% for 21 months compared with the Quicksilver's 15 months. Both cards charge a 3% fee on balance transfers.

Rewards: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Quicksilver Cash is better for rewards, offering unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Rewards do not expire and can be redeemed in various ways. The Citi Simplicity does not offer rewards.

Welcome Offers: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Quicksilver is better for welcome offers, offering a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 within three months of account opening. The Citi Simplicity has no welcome offer.

Recommended Credit Score: Tie

Both the Quicksilver Cash and the Citi Simplicity require a credit score range of 670 to 850, indicating they are accessible if you have good to excellent credit.

Penalties and Fees: Tie

The Citi Simplicity offers no late fees, but it does charge a 3% foreign transaction fee. The Quicksilver has no foreign transaction fees but imposes up to $40 for late payments.

Issuer Satisfaction: Quicksilver

Capital One edges out slightly with a higher issuer satisfaction rating of 4.2 compared with the Citi’s 4.1.

Other Features & Perks: Quicksilver

Quicksilver includes up to six months of complimentary Uber One membership, unlimited 5% cash back on travel booked through Capital One and no foreign transaction fees. Citi Simplicity offers no perks beyond standard card features.

Methodology

MoneyGeek analyzes credit cards like Quicksilver and Citi Simplicity using a tailored scoring system for different use cases. Quicksilver scores highest for cash back, with a significant emphasis on the effective reward rate and the cost of the annual fee.

Citi Simplicity leads in balance transfers, where the introductory APR on purchases and the regular APR are weighted heavily. These factors, among others, contribute to a comprehensive score reflecting each card's strengths in its category.

FAQ: Quicksilver vs. Citi Simplicity

What are the cash back benefits of the Quicksilver?

The Quicksilver offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, putting it among our best cash back cards.

How long is the 0% intro APR period for balance transfers with the Citi Simplicity?

The Citi Simplicity offers a 0% intro APR period for balance transfers for 21 months, making it one of our best balance transfer cards.

Is there a welcome bonus for the Quicksilver?

Yes, the Quicksilver card offers a welcome bonus of $200 after spending $500 within three months of account opening.

Does the Citi Simplicity® Card charge late fees?

No, the Citi Simplicity does not charge late fees.

What are the APR rates after the introductory period for both cards?

The Quicksilver offers a 19.99% to 29.99% variable APR after the introductory period. The Citi Simplicity, which is one of our best zero-interest cards, offers a 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR after the intro period.

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. Citi Simplicity® Card