Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs Bilt Mastercard: Which Is Better In 2026?
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Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs Bilt Mastercard: Which Is Better In 2026?

Choosing between a card for building credit and one for earning rewards can be a tough decision.

July 1, 2025

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Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Breakdown

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3058", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Credit Builders", "headerHint": "1.5% Flat Cash Back"} ]]

Why We Like It

This section breaks down why we like the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards.

  • It's one of the few secured cards that offers cash back rewards on purchases, allowing you to earn while you build credit.
  • The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards provides a pathway to graduate to an unsecured card with responsible use.
  • Cardholders may be automatically considered for a higher credit line without needing to add to their security deposit.

Pros

  • You can check for pre-approval without a hard inquiry affecting your credit score.
  • Cash back rewards can be redeemed in several flexible ways.
  • The card issuer provides a highly-rated mobile app for easy account management.

Cons

  • An upfront security deposit is required to open an account.
  • Some users report delays in receiving credit line increases or graduating to an unsecured version of the card.
  • It can be costly to carry a balance from month to month.
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Bilt Mastercard® Breakdown

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2990", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Rent Rewards", "headerHint" : "RENT REWARDS" } ]]

Why We Like It

Here are the main reasons why the Bilt Mastercard® (See Rates & Fees) stands out to us.

  • It provides a rare opportunity to earn rewards on rent payments without being charged extra transaction fees.
  • The card also features competitive reward rates for common expenses such as dining out and travel.
  • You can redeem your earned points with impressive flexibility, including transferring them to various travel partners.

Pros

  • The card has no annual fee.
  • Bilt makes it possible to earn points on rent even if your landlord only accepts checks.

Cons

  • The card does not offer a welcome bonus.
  • Some users have reported issues with the mobile app and customer service.
  • The rewards program is focused on points, which may be less appealing for those who prefer cash back.
More:

Bilt Mastercard® vs Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards

Categories

To determine which is better, Capital One Quicksilver Secured or Bilt Mastercard, it's crucial to understand the distinct purpose each card serves.

  • Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is a secured credit card designed for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit history while also earning cash back rewards on purchases.
  • Bilt Mastercard® (See Rates & Fees) falls into the unique category of rent rewards cards, making it ideal for renters who want to earn rewards on their largest monthly expense.

Redemption

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

Bilt Mastercard®: Points can be redeemed for a variety of high-value options, including transferring to travel partners or for future rent payments.

Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

For a comprehensive comparison of nearly 3,000 credit cards, a tool like Kudos can provide personalized, data-driven recommendations.

  • The ability to 'test drive' a credit card, which simulates your potential earnings based on your actual spending data before you apply.
  • Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report.
  • A welcome offer guarantee that matches any better offer you find within three months.
  • Stack rewards by earning extra rewards on top of your credit card points when shopping with Kudos.
  • Unlock up to $100 in Kickstart+ rewards when you add select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards?

The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit history. It's particularly well-suited for those who want to earn a flat rate of 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases without paying an annual fee. This card also serves as a great stepping stone, offering the potential to upgrade to an unsecured card after a period of responsible use.

Who Should Choose the Bilt Mastercard®?

The Bilt Mastercard® is primarily designed for renters who want to earn rewards on their largest monthly expense without paying transaction fees. It's also a strong choice for frequent diners and travelers, offering 3x points on dining and 2x points on travel. To earn points, including up to 100,000 Bilt Points per calendar year on rent, you must use the card 5 times each statement period (see rates and fees).

Alternatives to Consider

If our Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs Bilt Mastercard comparison has you feeling like neither card is the perfect match, don't worry. There are several other excellent cards on the market that might better suit your financial goals and spending habits.

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

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.

Tips for Application Success

Before You Apply

  • Review your credit score, as most issuers require at least good credit for approval, like the Bilt Mastercard® (See Rates & Fees).
  • Understand the card’s obligations, as some cards require a minimum number of monthly transactions to earn rewards.
  • Check for issuer-specific rules, since some, like Capital One, may have restrictions on recent application velocity.

Application Strategy

  • Use pre-approval tools when available - Issuers like Capital One let you check for offers without impacting your credit score.
  • Time your application strategically - Applying before a large purchase can help you meet spending requirements for a welcome offer.
  • Understand approval is never guaranteed - Even applicants with high credit scores can be denied based on other factors.

Our Methodology

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.

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

What is a secured credit card?

A secured credit card requires a refundable cash deposit that typically establishes your credit limit. It's designed for individuals who are looking to build or rebuild their credit history.

Can I earn rewards on rent payments with the Bilt Mastercard®?

Yes, the Bilt Mastercard® allows you to earn points on rent payments without a transaction fee, for up to 100,000 points per calendar year. To earn points, you must use the card 5 times each statement period.

What happens to my security deposit with the Capital One Quicksilver Secured card?

Your security deposit is held by Capital One as collateral while the account is open. The deposit is refundable if you close your account in good standing or if you are upgraded to an unsecured card.

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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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