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

Both the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Discover it® Student Chrome offer enticing cash back rewards and no annual fees, making them strong contenders for your wallet. However, the Quicksilver edges ahead with its higher cash back rate on all purchases and longer 0% introductory APR period.

The Discover it Student Chrome is accessible without a credit history and offers a unique cash back match at the end of the first year. However, the Quicksilver's unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase and a one-time $200 cash bonus after meeting the spend requirement make it the superior choice if you have the required credit score.

You might prefer the Quicksilver if you value a simple cash back structure with 1.5% back on all purchases. Its longer 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers can be particularly beneficial if you're planning a large purchase or want to consolidate debt. Good to excellent credit is required, making it a solid choice for those with established credit histories.

You might prefer the Discover it Student Chrome if you're a student or someone with no credit history. This card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, which can add up if these are your primary spending areas. Plus, the automatic cash back match at the end of your first year can double your rewards.

Evaluating features like APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card is for you. For instance, if you plan to carry a balance, the Quicksilver's longer 0% APR period may appeal to you, while the Discover it Student Chrome could be more attractive if you frequently dine out or gas up.

The Quicksilver simplifies earning with a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases. It's straightforward, with no need to track rotating categories. Additionally, it offers a higher 5% cash back on travel booked through Capital One.

On the other hand, the Discover it Student Chrome caters to specific spending habits, offering 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, up to a quarterly maximum. For all other purchases, it provides 1% cash back.

While Quicksilver's flat rate is consistent, Discover's bonus categories could yield more rewards if you frequently dine out or fill up your tank. The table details the bonus categories for each card, allowing you to visually compare and decide which card aligns with your spending.

The Quicksilver allows for redemption via statement credits, checks, and gift cards, with no minimum amount and the ability to set automatic redemptions. Rewards remain valid as long as the account is open. Similarly, the Discover it Student Chrome provides various redemption choices, including statement credits and direct deposits, with no expiration on rewards. Both cards ensure that the rewards you earn are accessible and straightforward to redeem.

MoneyGeek conducts thorough reviews and evaluations of credit cards like Quicksilver and Discover it Student Chrome using a ranking process tailored to specific 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.