Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs United Gateway: Which Is Better In 2026?

United Gateway Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here are the main reasons we think the United Gateway℠ Card is a compelling option for many travelers.

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• It provides access to the United MileagePlus program without the commitment of an annual fee.
• The card also includes valuable travel benefits, such as select trip protections and no foreign transaction fees.

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Pros

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• Earn miles on more than just flights, with bonus rewards on spending at gas stations and on local transit.
• Travel with more peace of mind thanks to included travel and purchase protections, like trip cancellation/interruption coverage and an auto rental collision damage waiver.
• Add authorized users to your account at no additional cost, allowing you to pool miles from multiple spenders.

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Cons

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• Lacks premium airline benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding, which are common on higher-tier cards.
• The welcome offer is less substantial than what you might find on other travel cards, and it doesn't include annual perks like a companion certificate.

United Gateway vs Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card or the United Gateway℠ Card, depends entirely on your personal financial goals and spending habits.

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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 a strong option for those who want to earn rewards and eventually graduate to an unsecured card.
• United Gateway℠ Card - This card is an entry-level option for occasional United Airlines flyers. It's best for those who are loyal to the airline and want to earn travel miles on their spending.

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Redemption

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Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card allows you to redeem your cash back rewards in a straightforward manner, typically as a statement credit or a check. The flexibility of cash back means you can use your rewards for anything you choose.

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United Gateway℠ Card: With this card, you redeem your earned miles for travel rewards through the United MileagePlus program. This is ideal for booking flights, seat upgrades, and other travel-related experiences with the airline.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make the best choice, a tool like Kudos can be invaluable, offering a comprehensive comparison of nearly 3,000 credit cards to find the perfect match for your spending.

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• Test drive a credit card: Simulate your potential earnings with a new card using your actual spending history before you apply.
• Personalized approval odds: Get a detailed analysis of your chances of being approved for a card based on your credit report.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better public welcome offer within three months of approval, Kudos will match it.
• Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your regular card rewards when shopping at participating stores.
• Exclusive rewards: Unlock special offers like the $100 Kudos Kickstart+ for adding select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards?

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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 rewards while establishing responsible credit habits, offering a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, as noted in a Credit Karma review. The ideal cardholder is someone who can provide the minimum $200 security deposit and plans to pay their balance in full each month to avoid the card's high variable APR.

Who Should Choose the United Gateway?

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The United Gateway℠ Card is an excellent choice for occasional United flyers and those new to travel rewards who want to earn miles without committing to an annual fee. It's particularly well-suited for budget-conscious travelers, as it has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it a practical option for trips abroad. While it lacks premium perks like free checked bags, it serves as a straightforward entry point into the United MileagePlus program for those who don't need elite travel benefits.

Alternatives to Consider

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The Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs. United Gateway comparison pits a secured credit-building card against a co-branded airline card. If your needs fall somewhere in between, here are some other excellent options to consider.

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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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• Check your credit score. Most rewards cards require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
• Review your budget. Make sure your income meets any stated requirements and that you can naturally meet spending goals.
• Understand issuer rules. Be aware of any application restrictions or bonus eligibility rules that could affect your approval.

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Application Strategy

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• Look for pre-approval options. Many issuers let you check your odds without impacting your credit score.
• Time your application. Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet any welcome offer spending requirements.
• Start with an entry-level card. Consider a no-annual-fee or secured card to build a positive payment history.

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 security deposit that typically determines your credit limit. These cards are designed to help individuals build or rebuild their credit history with responsible use.

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How do airline co-branded credit cards work?

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Airline co-branded cards are partnerships between a card issuer and an airline, allowing you to earn frequent flyer miles directly with that airline's loyalty program. They often include travel-specific benefits like priority boarding or free checked bags.

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Can I upgrade from a secured card to an unsecured card?

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Yes, with consistent on-time payments, many card issuers will review your account and may offer to graduate you to an unsecured card. If this happens, your original security deposit is typically refunded.

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