Updated: November 5, 2024
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Both the Quicksilver and the U.S. Bank Cash+ offer enticing cash back rewards and no annual fees, appealing to those seeking value and simplicity. The Quicksilver card edges out with its straightforward unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
However, the U.S. Bank Cash+ card remains a strong contender with its potential for high cash back in chosen categories, making it worthy of consideration for those who prefer tailored rewards.
You might prefer the Quicksilver card if you're looking for a straightforward rewards program. With a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases and no foreign transaction fees, it's a great all-rounder, especially for those who travel abroad or prefer not to manage rotating categories.
You might prefer the U.S. Bank Cash+ if your spending is concentrated in specific areas. With the ability to choose high cash back rates in categories you frequent, such as gas stations or restaurants, you can tailor the rewards to your lifestyle. However, keep in mind the rewards structure is more complex and involves more active management.
Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features clarifies which card aligns with your financial needs. For instance, if frequent travel is part of your lifestyle, the U.S. Bank Cash+ may offer more tailored rewards, while the Quicksilver could be a fit for those who value simplicity in cash back earnings.
Regular APR: U.S. Bank Cash+
The U.S. Bank Cash+ offers a slightly better APR range, starting from 19.74% to 29.74% variable, compared to Quicksilver's 19.99% to 29.99% variable. This makes the U.S. Bank Cash+ marginally more favorable for those prioritizing lower interest rates.
Annual Fee: Tie
Both the Quicksilver and the U.S. Bank Cash+ cards have no annual fee, making them equally appealing for those looking to avoid extra costs.
Introductory 0% APRs: Tie
Both the Quicksilver and U.S. Bank Cash+ offer a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, with a 3% balance transfer fee. Given the identical terms, this category results in a tie.
Rewards: U.S. Bank Cash+
The U.S. Bank Cash+ edges out the Quicksilver in rewards, offering 5% cash back in two categories of the user's choice, with a cap of $2,000 per quarter and 2% back in one everyday category. While Quicksilver provides a steady 1.5% back on all purchases and 5% on travel booked through Capital One, the customizable nature of the U.S. Bank Cash+ card's rewards can yield higher returns for strategic spenders.
Welcome Offers: Quicksilver
The Quicksilver offers a better welcome bonus, providing a $200 cash back after spending $500 within three months of account opening, compared to the U.S. Bank Cash+ card's $200 bonus after a $1,000 spend in 120 days. The Quicksilver's higher return on the offer makes it the superior choice for welcome offers.
Recommended Credit Score: Tie
Both the Quicksilver and the U.S. Bank Cash+ require a credit score range of 670 to 850, indicating they are accessible to individuals with good to excellent credit. There is no difference between the two cards in terms of credit score requirements.
Penalties and Fees: Quicksilver
The Quicksilver is better for penalties and fees, with no foreign transaction fees and a slightly lower late fee. Both cards have similar cash advance fees, but the absence of foreign transaction fees with Quicksilver offers a clear advantage.
Issuer Satisfaction: Quicksilver
When it comes to issuer satisfaction, the Quicksilver leads with a rating of 4.2 for Capital One, compared to the U.S. Bank's rating of 3.5.
Other Features & Perks: Quicksilver
Quicksilver stands out for its unique perks, including up to six months of complimentary Uber One membership. U.S. Bank Cash+ does not list specific perks, making Quicksilver the better choice for additional features and benefits.
The U.S. Bank Cash+ card edges out the Quicksilver in terms of rewards flexibility. It offers 5% cash back in two categories you choose, including TV, internet, streaming services, fast food, cell phone providers, department stores and home utilities. You can also earn 2% back in one everyday category, like gas stations or grocery stores. This could lead to higher rewards for strategic spenders who can maximize these categories.
However, the Quicksilver card's simplicity, with an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, appeals to those who prefer a straightforward rewards program. In addition, Quicksilver also offers a lucrative 5% back on travel booked through Capital One.
The table below details the bonus categories for both cards to help you compare at a glance.
Category | Quicksilver | U.S. Bank Cash+ |
|---|---|---|
Travel | 5% if booked through Capital One Travel | 5% on prepaid bookings through Rewards Center |
Groceries | 1.5% | 2% if chosen as everyday category |
Gas Stations | 1.5% | 2% if chosen as everyday category |
Everyday Category of Choice | N/A | 5% on two categories of choice (up to $2,000 purchase limit per quarter), 2% on one everyday category |
All Other Purchases | 1.5% | 1% |
The Quicksilver card offers a flexible redemption process. Rewards can be redeemed at any time for statement credits, checks, gift cards and more. Rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open.
The U.S. Bank Cash+ card requires at least $25 in cash back to redeem and limits redemptions to U.S. Bank accounts. Rewards expire after 36 months.
MoneyGeek's ranking process assigns multiple scores to each credit card, reflecting its performance in various use cases like cash back and balance transfers. The Quicksilver and U.S. Bank Cash+ card's highest-scoring use case is cash back. The most significant factors influencing their cash back score include the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. For a deeper understanding of our scoring system, you can review our ranking methodology.
Both the Quicksilver and U.S. Bank Cash+ require good to excellent credit.
Quicksilver offers a flat rate on all purchases, while U.S. Bank Cash+ allows you to maximize their cash back rewards with customizable categories.
No, both cards have no annual fee.
Both cards have introductory APR offers, with U.S. Bank Cash+ offering a longer period for balance transfers.
Yes, both cards offer a welcome bonus. Check their terms for the latest offers.
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.
