Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Aeroplan Credit Card: Which Is Better In 2026?

Aeroplan® Credit Card Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here's a closer look at what makes the Aeroplan® Credit Card a compelling option.

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• It provides a valuable shortcut to elite status with Air Canada, unlocking premium travel perks right away.
• Cardholders receive practical travel benefits like a free first checked bag on Air Canada flights and statement credits for trusted traveler programs.
• The card makes it easy to accumulate points through everyday spending, which can be redeemed for flights across a vast network of partner airlines.

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Pros

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• Automatic Aeroplan 25K Status for the first year, offering a fast track to elite travel perks.
• Valuable travel benefits include a free first checked bag on Air Canada flights and no foreign transaction fees.
• Points can be redeemed for flights across Air Canada’s extensive network of partners, including the Star Alliance.

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Cons

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• Carries an annual fee that is not waived in the first year.
• Offers a lower rewards rate on travel purchases made outside of Air Canada.
• Point redemptions provide the most value when used for flights on Air Canada and its partners.

Aeroplan® Credit Card vs Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards

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Categories

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When deciding which is better Capital One Quicksilver Student or Aeroplan Credit Card, it's important to understand that they are designed for completely different users.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for students with limited credit history who want to establish their credit file. It falls squarely in the student credit builder category.
• Aeroplan® Credit Card is a travel rewards card linked to Air Canada’s loyalty program. It's best suited for frequent travelers who want to maximize their rewards on flights.

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Redemption

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Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card offers straightforward cash back rewards that can be redeemed in flexible ways, such as for a statement credit or a check.

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Aeroplan® Credit Card: You earn points that can be redeemed through the Aeroplan program for flights on Air Canada and its partner airlines, seat upgrades, and other travel perks.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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Kudos is a financial companion that helps you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards to find the best match for your spending habits.

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• The 'Test Drive' feature lets you simulate potential earnings from a new card using your actual spending history—before you apply and without a hard credit pull.
• Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.
• Get a welcome offer guarantee, which means Kudos will match a better offer if you find one within three months of getting approved.
• Unlock rewards like the $100 Kudos Kickstart+ for adding select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.
• Access personalized card recommendations based on your real spending data, not generic marketing.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards?

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The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards card is an excellent choice for students with limited to fair credit who are looking to build their financial history. Its straightforward rewards structure, offering unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases without an annual fee, makes it ideal for managing everyday expenses. Additionally, students who travel or study abroad will benefit from the 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and the absence of foreign transaction fees.

Who Should Choose the Aeroplan® Credit Card?

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The Aeroplan® Credit Card is a strong choice for specific types of travelers, particularly frequent Air Canada flyers and those who regularly travel to or within Canada. It also appeals to points enthusiasts dedicated to maximizing travel rewards and individuals aiming for the perks of Aeroplan Elite Status. Ultimately, this card is a strategic choice for travelers whose loyalty lies with Air Canada and its extensive network of Star Alliance partners.

Alternatives to Consider

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So, the Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Aeroplan Credit Card comparison didn't reveal a winner for you? No problem. Let's explore a few other top-tier cards that might be the perfect addition to your wallet.

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[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "118"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Exceptional Value", "Generous Travel Rewards"]} ]]

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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.
• Plan your spending: Ensure you can meet any minimum spending requirements for a welcome offer without overspending.
• Review eligibility rules: Some cards have specific requirements, such as student status or restrictions on previous cardholders.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application around large purchases to meet spending requirements for welcome offers.
• Research reward redemption options beforehand to ensure you can maximize their value.
• Take advantage of pre-approval tools to check for offers without impacting your credit score.

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 happens to my Capital One Quicksilver Student card after I graduate?

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After graduation, you can often request to upgrade your Capital One Quicksilver Student card to a non-student version, like the standard Quicksilver card. This typically allows you to keep your credit line and history while potentially accessing better rewards or benefits.

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Are Aeroplan points valuable if I don't fly with Air Canada?

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Yes, Aeroplan points can still be very valuable as Air Canada is part of the Star Alliance network. This means you can redeem your points for flights on numerous partner airlines, such as United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines.

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Can I have both the Quicksilver Student and the Aeroplan Credit Card?

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Yes, it is possible to have both cards, provided you meet the eligibility and credit requirements for each one. Holding both could allow you to earn cash back on everyday purchases with one card and travel rewards with the other.

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