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

United Quest Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a look at why we think this card is a strong choice for United flyers.

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• An annual credit for United purchases provides recurring value that helps justify holding the card.
• It offers a generous free checked bag allowance for the cardholder and a companion on United flights.
• The United Quest℠ Card provides an accelerated path to earning both redeemable miles and elite status within the MileagePlus program.

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Pros

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• Offers a suite of travel protections, including trip cancellation insurance and primary auto rental coverage.
• Provides valuable perks on United flights, such as priority boarding and statement credits on in-flight purchases.
• Includes a statement credit to cover the application fee for trusted traveler programs like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.

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Cons

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• The card’s benefits are heavily focused on United, making it less suitable for travelers who fly with multiple airlines.
• It does not include complimentary United Club lounge membership.
• The annual fee may be difficult to justify for those who don't fly United often enough to take full advantage of the card's perks.

United Quest vs Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, Capital One Quicksilver Secured or United Quest, depends entirely on your financial situation and spending habits.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit history. It offers a pathway to an unsecured card for those who demonstrate responsible use.
• The United Quest℠ Card is best suited for frequent United Airlines flyers who want to maximize travel benefits. The card is geared toward travelers who value airline-specific perks and want to earn rewards for their flights.

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Redemption

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Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: Rewards are earned as straightforward cash back on every purchase. You can redeem your cash back anytime for a statement credit or a check.

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The United Quest℠ Card: This card earns miles that are added to your United MileagePlus account. These miles are best used for booking award flights with United and its partners, or for other travel-related redemptions.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To eliminate the guesswork, a financial companion like Kudos allows you to compare nearly 3,000 credit cards to find the best match for your unique spending patterns.

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• Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see potential earnings before you apply.
• Receive detailed approval odds based on your credit report.
• Get a welcome offer guarantee, which matches any better offer you find within three months.
• Unlock a $100 Kudos Kickstart+ reward for adding select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.
• Track your progress toward credit card sign-up bonuses for free.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards?

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The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for people who are building or rebuilding their credit. It's a strong option for those who want to earn cash back on every purchase while establishing a positive payment history. However, given the card's high variable APR, it's best suited for cardholders who plan to pay their balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

Who Should Choose the United Quest?

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The United Quest℠ Card is tailor-made for frequent United Airlines flyers who travel with the airline several times per year. This card is particularly valuable for those who regularly check bags and can maximize the annual United purchase credit, effectively offsetting the annual fee. Additionally, travelers looking to accelerate their path to MileagePlus Premier status and earn bonus miles on dining and other travel will find this card to be a strong contender.

Alternatives to Consider

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The comparison of the Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs. the United Quest card highlights two very different financial tools: one for building credit and one for earning premium travel rewards. If neither of these options aligns with your goals, several other excellent cards might be a better match.

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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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• Know your credit score: Most card issuers require good to excellent credit for premium cards, so check your standing before you apply.
• Review issuer application rules: Be aware of any specific restrictions, such as the unwritten Chase 5/24 rule, that could affect your eligibility for a new card.
• Have a plan for the card: Make sure the card’s benefits align with your spending habits and travel goals to maximize its value.

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Application Strategy

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• Use pre-approval tools: Issuers like Capital One may offer a way to check your eligibility with a soft inquiry that won’t affect your credit score.
• Time your application: Apply before a large, planned purchase to help meet the minimum spend requirement for a welcome offer.
• Review the offer before accepting: Some application processes let you see your exact offer before a hard inquiry, allowing you to decline without impacting your credit.

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 cash security deposit to open, which typically becomes your credit limit. It's designed for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit history.

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How does a travel rewards card differ from a cash back card?

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A travel rewards card earns points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses, often providing the best value within a specific loyalty program. In contrast, a cash back card offers a straightforward percentage of your spending back as a statement credit or direct deposit.

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Is the United Quest Card good for beginners?

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The United Quest Card is generally better for those with good to excellent credit who fly with United frequently and can take advantage of its travel perks. Beginners to credit may find a card like the Capital One Quicksilver Secured more accessible and suitable for their needs.

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