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Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Amex Blue Business Plus: Which Is Better In 2026?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is ideal for students building credit, especially those who study abroad or travel, thanks to its straightforward rewards and no foreign transaction fees.
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: This card is best for small-business owners and freelancers seeking a simple, flat-rate rewards card for everyday business expenses.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why we recommend the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards.
- The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards is an excellent tool for students looking to build their credit history with responsible use.
- It offers a simple rewards structure and premium benefits that are particularly valuable for students.
- The card is also a strong choice for students who study abroad, thanks to its travel-friendly features.
Pros
- Designed to help students with limited or fair credit build their credit history, as payments are reported to all three major credit bureaus.
- Features a simple, flat-rate cash back program, so you earn rewards on every purchase without having to track complicated bonus categories.
- A great option for studying abroad thanks to its travel-friendly features, plus it offers access to exclusive entertainment experiences.
Cons
- You must be a student to apply, and approval may depend on your credit score.
- Cash advance fees are relatively high, and initial credit limits may be low.
- The card’s best travel rewards are limited to hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why we’re fans of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (See Rates & Fees).
- It's a great choice for small business owners who want a straightforward rewards card without an annual fee.
- The card offers valuable flexibility, allowing you to make purchases beyond your stated credit limit for larger business expenses.
- This card is also a useful tool for business owners looking to build their company's credit history through responsible use.
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.
Pros
- The simple rewards structure lets you earn points on everyday business spending without tracking bonus categories.
- Expanded Buying Power gives you the flexibility to make purchases above your credit limit.
- You get access to valuable Amex Offers that can provide additional savings on business purchases.
Cons
- The elevated rewards rate is subject to an annual spending cap, which may be limiting for businesses with higher expenses.
- It lacks premium travel benefits, such as airport lounge access, that are often found on higher-tier business cards.
- A good to excellent credit history is generally required for approval.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express vs Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
Categories
Deciding between these two cards comes down to your primary financial goals, so let's determine which is better Capital One Quicksilver Student or Amex Blue Business Plus for your specific needs.
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for students, including those studying abroad, who want to build their credit history while earning simple rewards. It's an ideal choice for those with a limited credit file who want a straightforward card.
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is tailored for small-business owners, startups, and freelancers seeking a primary card for business expenses. It's best suited for entrepreneurs who value a simple rewards structure for their company's spending.
Redemption
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Redeeming rewards is straightforward, allowing you to receive your cash back as a statement credit or a check.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: This card earns flexible points that can be transferred to airline and hotel partners for travel or redeemed for statement credits and gift cards.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
To find the best card for your spending habits, a financial companion tool like Kudos can help you compare its database of nearly 3,000 different credit cards.
- Test drive credit cards: Before you apply, you can use your real spending data to simulate potential earnings from different cards without affecting your credit score.
- $100 Kudos Kickstart+: You can unlock $100 in rewards by adding certain approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.
- Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of being approved for a card, Kudos will match it.
- Approval odds: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval chances based on your credit report.
- Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your regular credit card rewards when you shop at your favorite stores through the platform.
Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards?
This card is an excellent choice for students with limited credit history who want to build their credit file while earning straightforward rewards on everyday purchases. It's also particularly well-suited for international students or those planning to study abroad, as the card has no foreign transaction fees. As a comprehensive review points out, students who travel can also benefit from 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal, making it a versatile option.
Who Should Choose the The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express?
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is an excellent choice for small-business owners, startups, and freelancers seeking a straightforward card to manage initial or moderate expenses. It's particularly well-suited for businesses with annual spending under $50,000, offering 2X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases up to that cap and 1X point per dollar after (Terms apply). With a $0 annual fee (See Rates & Fees) and the ability to build business credit, it's a valuable tool for entrepreneurs who prioritize a simple flat-rate rewards system.
Alternatives to Consider
If our Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Amex Blue Business Plus comparison didn't point you to the perfect card, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent options that might be a better fit for your specific needs.
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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 cards require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
- Plan your spending: Make sure you can comfortably meet any minimum spend requirements for a welcome offer.
- Review eligibility requirements: Some cards have specific criteria, such as student or business status.
Application Strategy
- Time your application: Apply before a large planned purchase to more easily meet spending requirements for a welcome offer.
- Leverage your status: Consider cards designed for specific profiles, like the Capital One Quicksilver Student Card or the Amex Blue Business Plus Card for business owners.
- Decline low offers: If an application process allows, review your offer before accepting to avoid a hard inquiry for a subpar bonus.
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
Can I get the American Express® Blue Business Plus Card if I don't have a registered business?
Yes, you can often qualify for business credit cards like the American Express® Blue Business Plus Card as a sole proprietor using just your Social Security Number. Many side hustles or freelance gigs can count as a business when you apply.
What credit score do I need for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card?
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for those who are building credit. While Capital One doesn't state an official minimum, it is generally intended for applicants with fair to good credit scores.
Are there annual fees for either of these cards?
No, both the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card and the American Express® Blue Business Plus Card have no annual fee. For the American Express card, terms apply.
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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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