Capital One Quicksilver Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The Capital One Quicksilver is the entry-level rewards credit card from Capital One. Even if you are new to points and miles, we do not recommend starting with this card. While it does provide a $200 sign-up bonus and 1.5% cash back on all purchases — giving you some “free” money — it will also occupy one of your 5/24 slots. The longer you stay in this hobby, the more you will realize how important it is to be selective about which personal cards you open. Although the Quicksilver has no annual fee, there are other cards (including some with no annual fee) that offer more valuable perks, especially if you want rewards you can redeem for free travel.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The Quicksilver provides a few basic perks in addition to its $200 sign-up bonus:
- $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on the card in the first 3 months
- 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal
- 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Because there is no annual fee, this card may appear appealing at first. You can redeem your rewards for cash back, through PayPal, or at Amazon. You also receive extended warranty protection on eligible items purchased with your card, as well as 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 are looking to start in the points and miles hobby, you should know that Capital One offers several credit cards, many of which are not ideal if you plan on pursuing this for an extended period. If you are serious about earning travel rewards, consider the Capital One Venture Rewards or Venture X cards instead.
- Venture Rewards: This card has a $95 annual fee and a sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles. It also includes useful travel perks like a TSA Precheck credit and 2x points on every purchase.
- Venture X: This is Capital One’s premium card. Its annual fee is $395, but you receive a $300 travel credit (when booking through the Capital One Travel portal) plus a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus, which help offset that fee. The card also has a 75,000-point sign-up bonus along with additional travel benefits that make the fee worthwhile.
Several other Capital One cards share features similar to the Quicksilver. For example, Capital One Savor Rewards and Capital One VentureOne are both entry-level cards with no annual fee, each offering $200 cash back or 20,000 points (equal to $200) as a bonus. They have slightly higher spending multipliers than the Quicksilver — Savor provides 3% back on groceries and dining, while VentureOne offers 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One portal and 1.25 miles on everything else. However, if you are interested in Capital One’s rewards ecosystem, we recommend skipping these introductory cards and starting with one of the Venture cards for more robust benefits and higher long-term value.
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20,000 | $500 | 1.0 ¢ | $0 | $0 |
$205
|
| Best Value | Differentiating Perks | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Easier approval for those looking to build credit | 5/24 |
Card Benefits
Using this card gives you secondary coverage on collision and theft, up to the cost of the vehicle for 15 days. Any international rentals are covered by primary insurance when using this card.
Travel accident insurance up to $250,000; trip cancellation insurance up to $1,500 per trip; lost luggage insurance up to $3,000 per trip; baggage delay insurance up to $100 per day for 3 days.
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
Call 1-800-953-7392 to get complimentary assistance making dinner reservations, buying theater tickets, getting travel guides, sending gifts/flowers, and dozens of other specific requests.
Call 1-800-847-2869; a flat $69.95 charge for towing up to 5 miles, tire changing, jump starting, locksmith service, fuel delivery and standard winching; cardholder will be charged for any additional services or goods provided.
You're covered on items lost or stolen within 90 days, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder.
You can double the warranty up to 1 additional year on eligible purchases with warranties of 3 years or less.
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes
Transfer To Friends Yes
Travel Partner Transfers
Outside Point System Cash in Cents
Transfers In From
1:1 71% value retained
1:1 100% value retained
1:1 91% value retained
1:1 63% value retained
1:1 91% value retained
1:1 71% value retained
Capital One Quicksilver Application Rules
Your application will be declined if 5 new cards are reported on your personal credit report in the past 24 months
