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Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business: Which Is Better In 2026?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is ideal for those looking to build or rebuild their credit while earning a flat rate of cash back on all purchases.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: This card is designed for frequent business travelers on Delta who want to enjoy premium perks like lounge access and a path to elite status. Terms apply.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why we recommend this card for those building or rebuilding their credit.
- The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards allows you to earn cash back rewards while building your credit history.
- With responsible use, you may have the opportunity to graduate to an unsecured card without a new application.
- This card is a great option for travelers as it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
Pros
- There is no annual fee.
- Your account may be automatically reviewed for a higher credit line without requiring an additional deposit.
- You can check for preapproval without impacting your credit score.
Cons
- A security deposit is required to open an account.
- Carrying a balance can be costly due to the card’s interest rate.
- Graduation to an unsecured card is not guaranteed and may take longer than expected for some users, according to cardholder reviews.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Breakdown
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Why We Like It
This section breaks down the key reasons why the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express card stands out.
- The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card (See Rates & Fees) offers a suite of premium travel perks designed to make flying with Delta more comfortable and convenient.
- It provides a clear pathway to earning Delta Medallion elite status, unlocking even more exclusive benefits for loyal flyers.
- Business owners can take advantage of features that help manage employee spending while consolidating rewards from business purchases.
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
- Enjoy a more comfortable travel experience with complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club®, a free first checked bag, and priority boarding on Delta flights.
- Accelerate your path to Medallion elite status and receive an annual Companion Certificate for a round-trip flight upon card renewal.
- Take advantage of business-focused benefits, including employee cards with spending controls and statement credits for services like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
Cons
- The card has a substantial annual fee, and unlocking its most valuable perks requires a significant spending commitment.
- Benefits are heavily focused on Delta, limiting the card's value for diversified travelers, and key perks like the Companion Certificate come with notable restrictions.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express vs Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards
Categories
When deciding which is better, Capital One Quicksilver Secured or Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business, it's essential to understand that these cards serve entirely different purposes.
- Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is a secured card designed for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit. It is also a strong choice for those who want to earn cash back rewards while improving their credit history, with the potential to graduate to an unsecured card.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is best for frequent travelers, specifically business owners and professionals who often fly with Delta. This premium card offers perks and benefits tailored to enhance the travel experience for loyal customers of the airline.
Redemption
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: With this card, you earn cash back on your purchases. You can redeem your rewards for a check or apply them as a statement credit to your account.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: This card earns miles that are primarily redeemed for flights with Delta and its partner airlines. Miles can also be used for other travel-related rewards like seat upgrades and lounge access.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
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- Test drive credit cards: Before you apply, you can use the Test Drive feature to simulate potential earnings from different cards using your actual spending data.
- Personalized recommendations: The platform analyzes your transaction history to provide data-backed card recommendations tailored to your spending.
- Compare thousands of cards: Evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards, including many that do not provide affiliate commissions, giving you a more comprehensive view than many other sites.
- Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better public welcome offer for a card you got through Kudos within three months of approval, Kudos will match it.
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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 building or rebuilding their credit, according to a Credit Karma review. It's a strong fit for those who want to earn cash back rewards while establishing a positive credit history, offering an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. The ideal cardholder can provide the minimum $200 refundable security deposit and is disciplined enough to pay their balance in full each month to avoid the card's high APR.
Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express?
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is designed for business owners and professionals who are frequent flyers with Delta Air Lines. It’s a strong fit for those who value premium travel experiences, like access to the Delta Sky Club®, and want an accelerated path to Medallion status. The card also serves companies with multiple traveling employees or significant travel budgets well, as benefits like the first checked bag free extend to companions on the same reservation. Terms apply.
Alternatives to Consider
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business comparison pits a secured card against a premium business travel card, so it's understandable if neither is the right choice for you. Let's explore a few other options that might be a better fit.
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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.
Tips for Application Success
Before You Apply
- Review issuer application rules: Be aware of any restrictions, such as limits on recent applications or existing cards with that bank.
- Confirm your eligibility: Ensure you meet basic requirements like income thresholds or having a business for a business card.
- Look for pre-approval tools: Use an issuer's pre-approval tool to check your odds without impacting your credit score.
Application Strategy
- Time your application strategically: Apply before a large purchase to help meet any spending requirements for a welcome offer.
- Applying for a business card: You can often apply as a sole proprietor using your own name and Social Security Number.
- Consider a secured card to build credit: These cards require a security deposit but can be a great way to establish a positive payment history.
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 the main difference between a secured card and a premium travel card?
A secured card, like the Quicksilver Secured, requires a security deposit and is designed for building or rebuilding credit. In contrast, a premium travel card like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business is for users with established credit and offers high-end travel perks in exchange for a significant annual fee.
How do cash back rewards differ from airline miles?
Cash back rewards offer a direct, flexible return on your spending, typically as a statement credit or deposit. Airline miles, like Delta SkyMiles, are a more specialized currency redeemed for flights and travel upgrades, with a value that can fluctuate based on how they are used.
Can I apply for a business credit card if I don't have a traditional business?
Yes, you can often qualify for a business card, such as the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business, as a sole proprietor. This includes freelancers, independent contractors, and individuals with a side business, who can typically apply using their Social Security Number instead of an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
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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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