Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs Upgrade Cash Rewards: Which Is Better In 2026?

Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® Breakdown

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2897", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "No Annual Fee Seekers", "headerHint": "$200 Bonus"} ]]

‍

Why We Like It

‍

Here’s a closer look at why we’re fans of the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®.

‍

• It combines the flexibility of a credit card with the predictable payments of a personal loan, helping you manage your spending.
• The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® is a great tool for building credit history since it reports your payments to all three major credit bureaus.
• This card offers a straightforward rewards program without complicated categories or spending caps to worry about.

‍

‍

Pros

‍

• You can see if you’ll qualify without impacting your credit score.
• No security deposit is required, making it an accessible option for building credit.
• Upgrade periodically reviews your account for potential credit limit increases.

‍

Cons

‍

• It doesn’t offer a welcome bonus for new cardholders.
• There is no introductory interest-free period for purchases or balance transfers.
• Rewards are automatically redeemed as a statement credit, so you can’t save them for a larger purchase.

Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® vs Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards

‍

Categories

‍

Deciding which is better Capital One Quicksilver Secured or Upgrade Cash Rewards depends on whether you need to build credit with a secured card or prefer the flexible repayment structure of a hybrid card.

‍

• Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card - This card is best for those looking to build or rebuild their credit history with a secured card that also offers cash back rewards. It is designed for individuals who can provide a security deposit to get started.
• Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® - This card is ideal for individuals seeking a card with no annual fee that combines the features of a credit card and a personal loan. It offers predictable, structured payments for those who want to avoid revolving debt.

‍

Redemption

‍

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards: Rewards earned with this card offer flexible redemption options. You can receive your cash back as a statement credit to lower your balance or request a check.

‍

Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®: Rewards are automatically applied to your balance after you make a payment. This simplifies the redemption process and helps you pay down what you owe faster.

‍

Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

‍

Kudos is a financial tool that helps you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards using its data-driven card explorer to find the best match for your spending habits.

‍

• Test drive a credit card: Before you apply, you can test drive a card to simulate potential earnings using your actual spending data, with no impact on your credit score.
• Approval odds: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval chances based on your credit report.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer for a card within three months of getting approved through Kudos, the platform will match it.
• Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your credit card rewards when you shop at your favorite stores through the platform.
• Personalized recommendations: Get matched with new credit cards based on your real spending history.
• Autofill at checkout: The browser extension can automatically select and fill in the best card from your wallet to maximize rewards on any given purchase.

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. It's particularly well-suited for those who don't want to sacrifice earning rewards while improving their credit, offering a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases. This card is ideal for someone who can pay their balance in full each month to avoid the high interest rate and has at least $200 for the required security deposit.

Who Should Choose the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®?

‍

The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® is designed for consumers who want the flexibility of a credit card combined with the predictable, fixed payments of an installment loan. It's particularly well-suited for individuals looking to make a large purchase they can pay off in structured installments or for those aiming to build or rebuild their credit history, as it reports to all three major credit bureaus. With a typical minimum credit score requirement of 600 and no annual fee, this card offers a straightforward financial tool for those with fair to good credit.

Alternatives to Consider

‍

If the Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs. Upgrade Cash Rewards comparison shows that neither card is the right choice for you, don't worry. Several other excellent secured and alternative cards are available that might be a better fit for your financial goals.

‍

[[ 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

‍

• Review your credit history to see where you stand before applying.
• Understand the card’s requirements, as some may need a security deposit while others have unique payment structures.
• Define your financial goal for getting a new card, whether it's building credit or financing a large purchase.

‍

Application Strategy

‍

• Look for pre-approval options to gauge your odds without impacting your credit score.
• Time your application before a large purchase to help meet any spending requirements.
• Evaluate different card types, as some cards like the Capital One Quicksilver Secured are designed specifically for building credit.

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 a secured credit card?

‍

A secured credit card requires a refundable cash deposit to open the account, which typically determines your credit limit. This deposit minimizes the lender's risk, making it easier for individuals with a limited or poor credit history to get approved.

‍

Can I get my security deposit back from the Capital One Quicksilver Secured card?

‍

Yes, the security deposit for the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Rewards Credit Card is refundable. Capital One may automatically review your account for an upgrade to an unsecured card, and your deposit is returned if you qualify or if you close your account in good standing.

‍

How does the Upgrade Cash Rewards Card differ from a traditional credit card?

‍

The Upgrade Cash Rewards Card functions as a flexible line of credit, combining features of a personal loan and a credit card. Balances are paid back in fixed monthly installments, which is different from the revolving balance structure of a traditional credit card.

‍

‍