The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card is a good option if you’re looking for uncomplicated rewards on your purchases. It offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, no annual fee, an easy-to-get sign-up bonus and a 15 month 0% intro APR period. However, excellent credit is needed to get this card.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card provides a flat 1.5% cash back card on all purchases and 0% APR intro offers that make it a good choice if you're looking ahead to a bunch of spending. However, you'll need excellent credit to qualify.
Updated: October 23, 2024
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When it's great: A cross-country move is a scenario where the Quicksilver card can be great. You've got a larger amount of upcoming spending that are outside of typical bonus categories like groceries or travel. Here, you'd earn the cash back and the sign-up bonus and then leverage the 0% APR period, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 29.74% to help you pay it off.
When it's not great: The card's 1.5% cash back rate is competive with most other flat cash cards, but there are flat-rate cards that get 2% cash back, making the Quicksilver less attractive if you're looking for the card to be 'the one'.
Helpful tip: It's easy to confuse the Quicksilver card with the QuicksilverOne. The Quicksilver card is the better option assuming you can qualify for it. QuicksilverOne offers the same cash back rate and isn't as hard to qualify for but it has a $39 annual fee and no 0% APR introductory offers.
- PROS
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% to 29.74% after that
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS- Requires good to excellent credit
- No bonus cash back categories
Introductory Offers
- Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 within the first three months of opening your account.
- Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After that, the variable APR ranges from 19.74% to 29.74%. A balance transfer fee applies.
Rewards
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day.
- Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
APRs, Fees, and Penalties
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Perks & Benefits
- Cash back rewards do not expire for the life of the account.
- No rotating categories or sign-ups are needed to earn cash rewards.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Card Overview
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card simplifies earning with an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. This card is particularly beneficial for consumers who value straightforward rewards without having to track spending categories.
In addition to cash back, the card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that, which can be a lifeline for managing debt or planning large expenses. The absence of an annual fee further enhances its appeal.
However, the card may not be the best fit for everyone. It requires excellent credit and lacks bonus categories. While the flat-rate cash back is convenient, you can find other cards that offer 2% cash back on all purchases.
MORE>> MoneyGeek's Best Cash Back Credit Cards
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Card Uses |
|
Annual Fee | $0 |
Introductory Offer | Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within three months from account opening |
Introductory APRs | 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 29.74% variable after that |
Rewards |
|
Regular APRs | 19.74% - 29.74% variable |
Penalty APR | None |
Balance Transfer Fees | 3% for the first 15 months, then 4% after that |
Late Fees | Up to $40 |
Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
Other Perks |
|
Rewards Program Overview
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. This flat-rate approach means you always get a consistent return, regardless of where you shop or what you buy. There are no rotating categories to track or sign-ups required to earn your cash back.
It also offers 5% cash back for hotel and rental car purchases on Capital One Travel. While the card doesn't provide additional bonus categories, its simplicity is ideal for consumers who prefer a simple card for earning rewards.
Capital One Quicksilver keeps redemption flexible. Your cash back won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your rewards in several ways, including statement credits, checks or gift cards.
Quicksilver Cash Back Estimator
Estimate the value of the cash back rewards you could earn with the Quicksilver card. Enter your spending in the categories below to see your potential rewards.
Important Disclaimers:
- This calculator is for planning and evaluation purposes and is not sponsored or endorsed by Capital One.
- Some of your purchases may not be eligible for earning points.
- The value of points at redemption will vary.
How much do you spend on hotels booked through Capital One Travel annually? (5% cash back)
How much do you spend on rental cars booked through Capital One Travel annually? (5% cash back)
How much do you spend on other purchases monthly? (1.5% cash back)
Benefits: Reasons to Consider This Card
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card simplifies earning with consistent rewards and added perks.
Unlimited Cash Back: Every swipe with the Capital One Quicksilver earns you 1.5% cash back. Whether buying groceries or fueling your car, your spending pays you back. For example, if you spend $1,000, you’ll get $15 back.
Welcome Bonus: The card's welcome offer is straightforward; if you spend $500 within the first three months, you earn a $200 cash bonus. This is a 40% return on your initial spending, substantially boosting your cash back earnings.
Intro APR Period: With a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 29.74% after that, this card gives you breathing room to manage large expenses or existing debt without the burden of interest charges.
No Annual Fee: The absence of an annual fee means you keep more of the cash back you earn, making this card a cost-effective choice for everyday use.
Drawbacks: Reasons to Consider a Different Card
Here are some reasons why the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card may not be your best fit.
Requires Excellent Credit: Access to this card is gated by a high credit score requirement. If your credit is less than stellar and you want a flat-rate cash back card, the Citi® Double Cash Card may be an alternative.
Limited Earning Potential: The card's flat-rate cash back is simple but can limit your earnings compared to cards with bonus categories. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card lets you earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining and grocery stores. You can also find other flat-rate cards with a higher cash back rate. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and the Citi® Double Cash Card both offer 2% cash back on all purchases.
How Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Compares
To help you find the best cards for your needs, we’ve compared the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card with similar cash back cards.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards
The Savor card offers 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, which is double Quicksilver’s cash back rate. It also provides up to 8% cash back on purchases via Capital One Entertainment and Travel. It could be the more lucrative choice if your expenses align with Savor's bonus categories.
Read More: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards vs. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards
Citi® Double Cash
The Double Cash card's 2% cash back rate outshines Quicksilver's 1.5%. You can also qualify for the Citi card with a fair credit score, making it more accessible for consumers. If you’re looking for a flat-rate cash back card and want to get higher rewards, the Citi® Double Cash is a solid alternative.
Read More: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards vs. Citi® Double Cash
All Quicksilver Card Comparisons
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Citi Simplicity Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Citi Double Cash Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Capital One Walmart Rewards Mastercard
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Blue Cash Everyday Card From American Express
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Discover it Cash Back Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Discover it Student Chrome
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Citi Custom Cash Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Wells Fargo Reflect Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Discover it Chrome
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Wells Fargo Reflect Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. US Bank Cash Visa Signature Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Discover it Student Chrome
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. American Express Cash Magnet Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. BankAmericard Credit Card
"I’ve had the Capital One Quicksilver in my portfolio of cards for years. It’s great if you want to earn cash back, but with further analysis of my own spending trends, other cards could net even more cash back rewards. If cash back is your preferred reward, do a deep dive into several card options to find the one that fits your habits and expenses the best." — Brett Holzhauer, contributing expert for MoneyGeek
Cards to Pair With Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
As a flat-rate cash back card, you can pair the Quicksilver Cash Rewards card with a card that provides bonus rewards on specific categories.
For example, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express complements Quicksilver's flat-rate reward structure by offering higher cash back at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. Use the Blue Cash Everyday card for purchases that qualify for the 3% rate on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout, and the Quicksilver card for everything else to earn 1.5% back consistently.
Is Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Right for You?
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card is best if you prefer a straightforward, hassle-free cash back program. The card's unlimited 1.5% cash back provides consistent returns on all purchases. Its $200 welcome bonus is easily accessible, and the 0% APR period for 15 months provides a cushion for new purchases or balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 29.74% after that.
However, the card requires excellent credit; at that level, you have several options that may provide more lucrative rewards. Moreover, if your spending is concentrated in specific areas, you might find more value in a card with bonus categories.
Still trying to decide about the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card? Check out our list of the best cash back credit cards to help you find one that matches your spending habits and lifestyle.
How We Evaluated the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Card
In evaluating the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card, we considered a range of features to determine its overall effectiveness as a cash back card. Our process included reviewing 47 cards, with the following weights applied to key features, each measured on a scale from 1 to 5, where 5 represents the best rating:
- Effective Reward Rate (50%): Calculated the rewards earning potential.
- Balance Transfer Offer (10%): Assessed the value of balance transfer promotions.
- Intro Purchase (10%): Reviewed the benefits of introductory purchase APR offers.
- Regular APR (10%): Examined the long-term cost of carrying a balance.
- Annual Fee (5%): Evaluated the cost-effectiveness of the card's fees.
- Recommended Credit (5%): Considered the accessibility of the card based on credit requirements.
- Issuer Satisfaction (5%): Based on J.D. Power's issuer satisfaction study.
- Penalties (5%): Analyzed the card's penalty rates and fees.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
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.
sources
- American Express. "Blue Cash Everyday® Card." Accessed October 23, 2024.
- Capital One. "Savor Rewards from Capital One." Accessed October 23, 2024.
- Capital One. "Quicksilver from Capital One." Accessed October 23, 2024.
- Citi. "Citi Double Cash® Credit Card." Accessed October 23, 2024.
- Wells Fargo. "Wells Fargo Active Cash®." Accessed October 23, 2024.
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