Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
vs. Discover it® Chrome

Shield Insurance

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When considering the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and Discover it Chrome, both cards have cash back rewards and lack annual fees. The Quicksilver edges ahead with its higher cash back rate on all purchases, making it the more rewarding choice overall.

Discover it Chrome's longer introductory APR period on balance transfers can be a significant advantage for those planning to transfer existing balances. While both cards are strong contenders, the Quicksilver's unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases offers consistent value that can quickly add up.

Credit Card logo for Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Discover it® Chrome
Discover it® Chrome
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ of 5
MoneyGeek Rating
3.8/ of 5
On Issuer's Site
On Issuer's Site

Which Card Is Better for You?

You might prefer the Quicksilver if you value a higher cash back rate on all purchases and a generous 0% intro APR period on purchases. Its straightforward rewards structure and low spending requirement for the welcome bonus make it a solid choice for everyday spending.

You might prefer the Discover it Chrome if your spending is concentrated on gas stations and restaurants, as it offers 2% cash back in these categories. The longer 0% intro APR period on balance transfers could also provide the extra time needed to manage existing debt.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards, introductory offers and other features will show which card aligns with your financial habits. For instance, if you frequently dine out or drive, Discover it Chrome's gas and restaurant rewards might appeal to you, while Quicksilver's flat-rate cash back could be more beneficial for varied spending.

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    Regular APR: Discover it Chrome

    Discover it Chrome has a lower starting APR of 18.24% compared to Quicksilver's 19.99%.

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    Annual Fee: Tie

    Both the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Discover it Chrome have no annual fee, making them equally attractive for users looking to avoid extra costs.

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    Introductory 0% APRs: Tie

    Both cards offer valuable introductory 0% APR periods, but for different needs. Quicksilver provides 0% APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, with a 3% balance transfer fee. Discover it Chrome offers a shorter 0% APR on purchases for six months but extends it to 18 months for balance transfers, albeit with a higher 5% transfer fee. Depending on whether you prioritize purchases or balance transfers, one may suit you better.

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    Rewards: Quicksilver

    The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers better rewards, providing unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% on travel booked through Capital One, compared to Discover it Chrome's 2% on gas and dining up to $1,000 each quarter and 1% on all other purchases.

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    Welcome Offers: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a more advantageous welcome offer with a higher immediate ROI (return on investment). Quicksilver provides a $200 cash bonus after a $500 spend within three months, compared to Discover it Chrome's year-end cash back match.

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    Recommended Credit Score: Tie

    Both the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Discover it Chrome require a credit score range of 670 to 850, indicating they are accessible to individuals with good to excellent credit.

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    Penalties and Fees: Discover it Chrome

    For penalties and fees, both cards have no foreign transaction fees, but Discover it Chrome offers a more lenient approach to the first late payment, waiving the fee entirely, whereas Quicksilver charges up to $40. Cash advance fees are slightly higher for Discover it Chrome, at $10 or 5%, compared to Quicksilver's 5% or $5.

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    Issuer Satisfaction: Discover it Chrome

    Discover, the issuer of Discover it Chrome, has a higher rating of 4.5 compared to Capital One's 4.2.

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    Other Features & Perks: Tie

    Both cards offer unique perks. Quicksilver provides up to six months of complimentary Uber One membership and exclusive cash back on travel booked through Capital One. Discover it Chrome matches all cash back at the end of the first year and offers online personal information removal services. Choosing depends on personal preferences for travel benefits or cash back and security features.

Rewards Comparison

The Quicksilver leads with a straightforward rewards program, offering an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Additionally, the 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel adds value for frequent travelers.

While the Discover it Chrome doesn't match the Quicksilver's overall rewards rate, it does offer a compelling 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. This could be more beneficial for those who spend heavily in these categories.

Please refer to the table below for a detailed comparison of the bonus categories for each card.

Category
Quicksilver
Discover it Chrome

Gas Stations

1.5%

2% on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter

Restaurants

1.5%

2% on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter

Travel

5% if booked through the Capital One Portal

1%

All Other Purchases

1.5%

1%

Redeeming Rewards

Both the Quicksilver and Discover it Chrome offer flexible redemption options. With Quicksilver, you can redeem your cash back for statement credits, checks or gift cards, and you can do so at any amount and any time. You can set up automatic redemptions either annually or when you hit a certain threshold. Discover it Chrome also has flexible redemptions, including as a gift card, donation, account credit, direct deposit, or for Amazon purchases and PayPal. Plus, Discover's cash back match after the first year can increase your rewards. Neither card imposes an expiration date on rewards, as long as your account remains open.

Methodology

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like Quicksilver and Discover it Chrome using a tailored scoring system for various use cases. Factors influencing these scores include the effective reward rate, introductory purchase offers, regular APR and issuer satisfaction.

These factors are weighted differently depending on the card's primary use, ensuring a comprehensive assessment. For a deeper understanding of our scoring process, you can review our ranking methodology. This methodology helps determine which card may best suit your financial habits and goals.

FAQ: Quicksilver vs. Discover it Chrome

What are the cash back rewards for each card?
How do the introductory APR offers compare between the two cards?
Are there any annual fees for either card?
Which card is better for international travel?
What credit score is required for each card?

About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

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.


*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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