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Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs Prime Card: Which Is Better In 2026?
July 1, 2025

Editor's Picks
- The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for those looking to build or rebuild their credit while earning cash back on everyday spending.
- The Prime Card is best for frequent Amazon and Whole Foods shoppers who hold a Prime membership and want to earn high rewards on their purchases.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Breakdown
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Why We Like It
This section breaks down why we like the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards.
- The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards is one of the few secured cards that allows you to earn cash back rewards on your purchases.
- With responsible use, you may be considered for an automatic credit line increase or even an upgrade to an unsecured card.
- This card helps keep costs low for credit-builders by not charging an annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
Pros
- Offers a pre-approval process that won't hurt your credit score.
- Provides flexible options for redeeming your cash back rewards.
- Reports your payment activity to the major credit bureaus to help you build credit.
Cons
- A security deposit is required to open an account, which may be a barrier for some applicants.
- It comes with a high variable APR, which can make it costly if you carry a balance from month to month.
- Some cardholders have reported that graduating to an unsecured card or getting a credit line increase can be a slow process.
Prime Card Breakdown
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Why We Like It
This section breaks down the key reasons why we're fans of the Prime Card.
- The Prime Visa is a must-have for frequent Amazon and Whole Foods shoppers, offering exceptional value on purchases.
- Cardholders gain access to useful benefits like purchase protection and extended warranties on their items.
- Rewards are easy to redeem, with a seamless option to apply them directly to your Amazon purchases at checkout.
Pros
- Offers strong rewards for shopping within the Amazon ecosystem, plus bonus rewards on other everyday purchases.
- Includes valuable cardholder protections like purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
- Provides a welcome bonus for new cardmembers and offers flexible ways to redeem rewards.
Cons
- A paid Amazon Prime membership is required to unlock the card’s highest rewards rate.
- Lacks the premium travel benefits that come with high-end travel credit cards.
- Reward rates are less competitive for purchases made outside of the Amazon and Whole Foods network.
Prime Card vs Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards
Categories
Deciding which is better Capital One Quicksilver Secured or Prime Card depends entirely on your current financial situation and spending habits.
- Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is designed for individuals who are building or rebuilding their credit. It is a secured card that allows users to establish a positive payment history while also earning rewards.
- Prime Visa: This card is best suited for frequent Amazon shoppers and existing Prime members. It focuses on providing value for purchases made through Amazon and its affiliated brands.
Redemption
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: Rewards can be redeemed for cash back in the form of a statement credit or a check, offering straightforward value with no minimum redemption amount.
Prime Visa: Points can be applied directly to purchases on Amazon.com at checkout or redeemed for cash back, gift cards, and travel through the card issuer's rewards portal.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
For those looking to find the perfect card, Kudos offers a tool that compares nearly 3,000 credit cards to find the best fit for your spending habits.
- Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see personalized earnings projections before you apply.
- Receive detailed approval odds based on your credit report.
- Unlock $100 in Kickstart+ Rewards when you add select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.
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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 focused on building or rebuilding their credit history. According to a Credit Karma review, this card is designed for those who may not have a perfect credit score but can afford the minimum $200 security deposit and want to earn cash back on their purchases. The ideal cardholder will use it for everyday spending, pay their balance in full each month to avoid the high APR, and leverage the card as a tool to establish a positive payment history.
Who Should Choose the Prime Card?
The Prime Visa is a natural fit for dedicated Amazon Prime members who channel a significant portion of their spending through Amazon.com or Whole Foods Market. Its standout 5% cash back rate on these purchases can lead to substantial savings over time, making it a powerful tool for maximizing value from an existing Prime subscription. Additionally, the card appeals to everyday spenders and international travelers by offering 2% back on dining, gas, and transit, all without any foreign transaction fees.
Alternatives to Consider
If the matchup in our Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs. Prime Card comparison didn't produce a winner for you, don't sweat it. There are plenty of other great cards out there that might be a better fit for your financial goals.
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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
- Check your credit score - Most cards require a good to excellent score for approval.
- Review issuer rules - Some issuers like Chase and Capital One have specific application restrictions.
- Confirm prerequisites - Certain cards require an existing membership, like the Amazon Prime Visa.
Application Strategy
- Look for pre-approval - Some issuers let you check eligibility with no impact to your credit score.
- Time your application - Apply before a large purchase to help meet any spending requirements for a bonus.
- Plan for instant use - Some cards, like the Amazon Prime Visa, can be used for purchases immediately after approval.
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
Can I upgrade from the Quicksilver Secured to an unsecured card?
Yes, Capital One regularly reviews secured card accounts for responsible use. After demonstrating good credit habits, you may be automatically considered for an upgrade to an unsecured card and have your security deposit refunded.
How does the security deposit for the Quicksilver Secured card work?
You'll need to provide a refundable security deposit, which then typically becomes your credit limit. This deposit is returned to you if you close your account in good standing or are upgraded to an unsecured card.
Do both cards earn the same cash back rewards?
Yes, both the Capital One Quicksilver Secured and the Quicksilver Prime card offer the same flat-rate cash back on every purchase. The primary difference between the cards lies in their credit requirements and whether a security deposit is needed.
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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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