Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs Delta SkyMiles Blue: Which Is Better In 2026?

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Breakdown

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "263", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Entry-Level Card" } ]]

‍

Why We Like It

‍

This section breaks down why we like the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card (See Rates & Fees).

‍

• It's a great entry point into the Delta SkyMiles program without the commitment of an annual fee.
• The card rewards you for spending on both Delta purchases and at restaurants around the globe.
• You can enjoy savings on eligible in-flight purchases when flying with Delta.

‍

_{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.}

‍

Pros

‍

• No foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for international travel.
• Flexible payment options allow you to pay for certain purchases over time.
• Access to American Express Experiences for presales and other events.

‍

Cons

‍

• You won't get premium travel perks like free checked bags or priority boarding.
• The earning potential on everyday spending is lower than many competing travel cards.
• Redemption options are limited, with miles being most valuable within the Delta SkyMiles program.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express vs Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards

‍

Categories

‍

When considering which is better, Capital One Quicksilver Secured or Delta SkyMiles Blue, it's crucial to recognize they serve fundamentally different financial goals and target very different consumers.

‍

• Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card - This card is best for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit history. It is a secured card that offers a potential pathway to an unsecured card with responsible use.
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card - This card is designed for occasional Delta flyers and dining enthusiasts who want an entry-level way to participate in the Delta SkyMiles program without an annual commitment.

‍

Redemption

‍

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card offers straightforward cash back rewards on your purchases. You can redeem your earnings flexibly, either as a statement credit to lower your balance or by requesting a check.

‍

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: With this card, you accumulate miles within the Delta SkyMiles loyalty program. These miles are primarily redeemed for booking flights with Delta and its partner airlines.

‍

Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

‍

Kudos is an ultimate financial companion that helps you compare thousands of credit cards to find the best fit for your spending habits.

‍

• Test drive credit cards: Use your actual spending data to simulate potential earnings with any card before you apply, without a hard credit pull.
• Personalized recommendations: Get matched to cards that will earn you the most rewards based on your unique spending history.
• Approval odds: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of getting a card through Kudos, they will match it.
• Rewards and bonuses: Unlock incentives like the $100 Kudos Kickstart+ for adding select cards to your wallet or a $20 bonus for signing up.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards?

‍

The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for individuals who are actively trying to build or rebuild their credit. It's a strong fit for someone who doesn't want to sacrifice earning rewards, offering a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases while they establish a positive payment history. Ultimately, the ideal cardholder is a financially disciplined person who pays their balance in full each month, wants to avoid an annual fee, and has the goal of graduating to an unsecured card in the future.

Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express?

‍

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a great fit for occasional Delta flyers who want to earn miles without the commitment of an annual fee. It's also ideal for those who dine out often or travel internationally, as it earns 2x miles at restaurants worldwide and has no foreign transaction fees. Essentially, it serves as a risk-free entry point into the Delta SkyMiles program for travelers not yet ready for a premium card (Terms apply).

Alternatives to Consider

‍

So, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs Delta SkyMiles Blue comparison didn't reveal a clear winner for your needs? That's perfectly fine, as the credit card world is vast and full of other options worth exploring.

‍

[[ 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

‍

• Check your credit score - Most rewards cards require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
• Review application rules - Issuers often have restrictions on new accounts or welcome offer eligibility.
• Look for pre-approval - Many issuers let you check your eligibility with a soft inquiry that won’t affect your credit score.

‍

Application Strategy

‍

• Time your application - Align your application with a large planned purchase to help meet spending requirements for a welcome offer.
• Know the issuer's rules - Some issuers have unique restrictions, like application frequency limits or welcome offer eligibility rules.
• Look beyond the bonus - Make sure the card's ongoing benefits align with your lifestyle and spending habits.

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 credit score do I need for these cards?

‍

The Capital One Quicksilver Secured is designed for people who are building or rebuilding their credit. The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express® Card, on the other hand, typically requires a good to excellent credit score for approval.

‍

Is it better to earn cash back or airline miles?

‍

Choosing between cash back and airline miles depends entirely on your lifestyle and goals. Cash back provides straightforward, flexible rewards, while airline miles can offer significant value if you frequently fly with a specific carrier like Delta Air Lines.

‍

Can I upgrade from the Capital One Quicksilver Secured card?

‍

Yes, Capital One periodically reviews secured card accounts for potential upgrades to an unsecured card. Consistent on-time payments and responsible credit usage can help you become eligible for an upgrade and get your security deposit back.

‍

‍