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Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs Wyndham Earner Plus: Which Is Better In 2026?
July 1, 2025

Editor's Picks
- The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option for building or rebuilding credit while earning flat-rate cash back on all purchases.
- The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is designed for travelers loyal to Wyndham properties who also want to earn high rewards on gas, dining, and grocery spending.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at what makes the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards a strong choice.
- It's an excellent card for those looking to build or rebuild their credit history with a major issuer.
- The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card (See Rates & Fees) allows you to earn cash back on your purchases, a valuable feature not always found on secured cards.
- You may be automatically considered for a higher credit line or even an upgrade to an unsecured card over time.
Pros
- Earns cash back rewards on all purchases, a valuable perk not always found on secured cards.
- Offers a pathway to an unsecured card and a higher credit limit through automatic account reviews.
- Allows you to check for pre-approval without a hard inquiry that could impact your credit score.
Cons
- A security deposit is required to open the account.
- The variable APR is high, which can be costly if you carry a balance from month to month.
- Approval isn't guaranteed, and some cardholders report that automatic upgrades to an unsecured card can be slow.
Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a look at why the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card stands out to us.
- It automatically grants you Wyndham Rewards Platinum status, which comes with valuable hotel perks like early check-in and car rental upgrades.
- Cardholders receive a substantial anniversary points bonus each year, which can be enough to cover a free night's stay.
- The card's rewards structure is generous for spending on everyday categories like gas and dining, not just on hotel stays.
Pros
- Offers accelerated rewards on popular spending categories beyond just hotel stays, including gas and dining.
- Cardholders receive automatic Platinum status in the Wyndham Rewards program and receive a yearly anniversary bonus.
- Provides flexible point redemption options, including transfers to airline partners, and has no foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Charges an annual fee without offering a free anniversary night certificate; the annual points bonus may only cover stays at lower-tier properties.
- Points are most valuable when redeemed for Wyndham stays, with other redemption options like airline transfers offering less attractive value.
- Lacks certain benefits found on competing cards, and some major retailers are excluded from its bonus rewards categories.
Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus vs Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards
Categories
Deciding which is better, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured or the Wyndham Earner Plus, comes down to your personal financial situation and goals. These cards serve very different purposes, one focusing on building credit and the other on travel rewards.
- Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is designed for individuals who are building or rebuilding their credit. It offers a path to establish a positive credit history while earning rewards on everyday spending.
- Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card: This travel card is best suited for frequent travelers who are loyal to Wyndham properties. It is designed to maximize rewards on hotel stays and other common spending categories for travelers.
Redemption
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: Rewards are earned as straightforward cash back on every purchase, which can then be redeemed for a statement credit or a check.
Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card: This card earns points within the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program that are primarily redeemed for free or discounted nights at participating hotels and resorts worldwide.
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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 personalized card recommendations and track your spending, rewards, and credit score in one place.
- Unlock exclusive benefits like a $100 Kudos Kickstart+ reward and a welcome offer guarantee.
Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards?
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is tailor-made for individuals focused on building or rebuilding their credit profile. According to a review of the card, it's an ideal match for the disciplined spender who pays their balance in full each month, sidestepping the high APR while still earning rewards on every purchase. With no annual fee and the potential to graduate to an unsecured card, it provides a rewarding pathway for those looking to improve their credit without sacrificing perks.
Who Should Choose the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus?
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is tailor-made for loyalists of the Wyndham brand who frequently stay at its portfolio of hotels, vacation rentals, or timeshares. Cardholders can maximize their earnings with 6X points on Wyndham and gas station purchases, plus 4X points on dining and at grocery stores. The automatic Wyndham Rewards Platinum status, which grants perks like early check-in and late checkout, further solidifies its value for regular Wyndham guests.
Alternatives to Consider
So, our Capital One Quicksilver Secured vs. Wyndham Earner Plus comparison didn't reveal your perfect match? No problem—let's explore a few other cards that might be a better fit for your wallet.
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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 top-tier cards require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
- Plan your spending: Make sure you can comfortably meet a welcome offer's spending requirement.
- Review issuer rules: Be aware of application restrictions, such as limits on how many cards you can open.
Application Strategy
- Look for pre-approval tools: Many issuers let you check your eligibility with no impact to your credit score.
- Time your application carefully: Avoid applying for too many cards in a short period to improve your chances.
- Confirm the offer is available: Some card offers may be paused or discontinued, so always check with the issuer.
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 cash security deposit to open the account, which typically becomes your credit limit. It's designed to help individuals build or rebuild their credit history with responsible use.
Who is the Wyndham Earner Plus card best for?
The Wyndham Earner Plus card is ideal for frequent travelers who often stay at Wyndham properties and want to earn points toward free nights and other travel perks.
Do I need good credit to get either of these cards?
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured card is designed for those with limited or poor credit, while the Wyndham Earner Plus card generally requires a good to excellent credit score for approval.
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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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