Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs Aeroplan Credit Card: Which Is Better In 2026?

Aeroplan® Credit Card Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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This section breaks down why we like the Aeroplan® Credit Card.

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• The Aeroplan® Credit Card provides a suite of valuable travel perks tailored for frequent Air Canada flyers.
• Cardholders get a fast track to elite airline status, unlocking premium benefits more quickly.
• It's a strong choice for international travel as it does not charge foreign transaction fees.

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Pros

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• Cardholders and their travel companions receive their first checked bag free on Air Canada flights.
• New cardmembers receive automatic Aeroplan Elite Status for the first year, which includes priority services.
• Offers key travel insurance benefits, such as trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

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Cons

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• An annual fee is charged from the first year.
• Reward value is heavily concentrated on Air Canada and its partner airlines, offering less flexibility for other travel.
• The card is less appealing for those who don't frequently fly with Air Canada or travel to Canada.

Aeroplan® Credit Card vs Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards

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Categories

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When trying to determine which is better, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured or Aeroplan Credit Card, it's important to look at what each is designed for.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card - This card is designed for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit history. It's an excellent choice for those who want to establish a positive credit record while also having the potential to graduate to an unsecured card.
• Aeroplan® Credit Card - This card is best suited for frequent travelers, especially those who often fly with Air Canada or its partners, and want to maximize their rewards on travel-related expenses.

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Redemption

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Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: Rewards are earned as cash back on your purchases, which can be redeemed for a statement credit or a check.

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Aeroplan® Credit Card: This card earns points directly within the Aeroplan loyalty program, which are primarily used to book flights with Air Canada and its partner airlines.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make the decision easier, you can use a financial companion like Kudos to compare nearly 3,000 credit cards and find the best fit for your spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards: Before you apply, you can simulate your potential earnings with a new card based on your actual spending history, giving you a clear picture of its value.
• Approval odds analysis: Get a detailed analysis of your approval chances for different cards based on your credit report.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer for a card you got through Kudos within three months, the platform will match it.
• Sign-up incentives and rewards: Earn rewards for signing up, like a $20 bonus after your first eligible purchase, and unlock a $100 Kickstart+ reward for adding approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.
• Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your regular credit card rewards when you shop at participating stores through the platform.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards?

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The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit history. This card is a great fit for those who can provide a security deposit and want to earn a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases without paying an annual fee. It's best suited for responsible users who plan to pay their balance in full each month, using the card as a tool to eventually graduate to an unsecured credit line.

Who Should Choose the Aeroplan® Credit Card?

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The Aeroplan® Credit Card is a strong contender for frequent Air Canada flyers and anyone who often travels to, from, or within Canada. It's also an excellent fit for points enthusiasts who enjoy strategizing to get the most value from their travel rewards. Additionally, travelers aiming for premium perks will appreciate the card's fast track to Aeroplan Elite Status, a key benefit for aspiring status holders.

Alternatives to Consider

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After a detailed Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs Aeroplan Credit Card comparison, you might find that neither card fully meets your needs. Fortunately, the credit card market is vast, and there are several other excellent alternatives to explore.

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[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "118"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Exceptional Value", "Generous Travel Rewards"]} ]]

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Review your credit - Issuers have minimum credit requirements you'll need to meet.
• Check issuer rules - Some banks have restrictions based on your history with their cards.
• Assess the benefits - Ensure the card’s rewards and perks align with your spending habits.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application - Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet spending requirements.
• Use pre-approval tools - Many issuers let you check for offers without a hard credit inquiry.
• Prepare for requirements - Be ready for specific needs, like a security deposit for a secured card.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a secured credit card?

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A secured credit card requires a refundable cash deposit that typically sets your credit limit. These cards are designed for individuals looking to build or repair their credit history through responsible management.

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What is an airline co-branded credit card?

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An airline co-branded credit card, such as the Aeroplan® Credit Card, is a collaboration between a card issuer and an airline. Cardholders earn rewards in the airline's loyalty program and often receive travel-specific perks like free checked bags or priority boarding.

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How do I choose between a cash back and a travel rewards card?

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Your choice depends on your spending habits and reward preferences. Cash back cards offer straightforward, flexible rewards, while travel cards provide higher potential value for frequent travelers who can leverage points and miles for flights and hotels.

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