Capital One Quicksilver Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The Capital One Quicksilver is designed as a simple entry-level rewards card, but even beginners in the points and miles hobby will usually find better long-term options elsewhere. The card offers a 20,000 point bonus (redeemable as cash back) and unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases, but that simplicity comes at the expense of more valuable travel rewards. Because the rewards cannot be transferred to airline or hotel partners, the card lacks the flexibility and upside that make points and miles so powerful. While the card has no annual fee, it still takes up one of your 5/24 slots, which is usually better saved for stronger travel-focused cards.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The Quicksilver includes a few basic perks in addition to its 20,000 point bonus, which is redeemable as cash back:
- Earn the welcome offer after $500 in purchases within the first 3 months
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Because there is no annual fee, the card may look appealing at first glance. Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, Amazon purchases, or through PayPal. You’ll also receive extended warranty protection on eligible purchases and travel accident insurance.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
There are scenarios where the Quicksilver may not suit you:
- If you want to earn points or miles that can be redeemed directly for free travel, this card will not help you achieve that.
- If you plan on exploring the hobby more deeply, you might regret using one of your 5/24 slots on a card that does not offer more valuable or versatile rewards.
How The Capital One Quicksilver Credit Card Fits In The Cash in Cents Ecosystem
If you’re planning to stay in the points and miles hobby long term, it’s important to understand that Capital One offers several stronger travel-focused cards than the Quicksilver. The three Venture cards are the ones most travelers should focus on:
- VentureOne Rewards: No annual fee and a 20,000 point bonus. While it allows transfers to Capital One’s airline and hotel partners, we still generally don’t recommend it because of the low bonus and limited long-term benefits.
- Venture Rewards: $95 annual fee, 75,000 mile bonus, unlimited 2x miles on purchases, and useful travel perks like a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit.
- Venture X: Capital One’s premium travel card with a $395 annual fee, a $300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel, 10,000 anniversary miles each year, lounge access, and a 75,000 point bonus.
It’s also important to understand the Venture Family Rule, which requires you to apply for the Venture cards in order if you want to earn the welcome bonus on each. While we generally suggest skipping the VentureOne, the Venture Rewards card is often worth getting before the Venture X if you want to earn the signup bonus on both cards.
Card Information
Differentiating Perks
Rules
Historical Card Offers
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Estimated Next Offer
Capital One Quicksilver Application Rules
You will not be eligible for a signup bonus on the same card if you’ve received one for THAT card in the previous 48 months.
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
You won’t be approved for a second Capital One card if you’ve opened one in the past six months
