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Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Amex Blue Cash Preferred: 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 looking to build credit while earning simple, flat-rate cash back on every purchase.
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: This card is great for maximizing cash back on everyday household spending at U.S. supermarkets, on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, and on transit. Terms apply.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Breakdown
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Why We Like It
This section breaks down why we like the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card .
- It's specifically designed to help students build their credit history by reporting activity to all three major credit bureaus.
- With no annual fee or foreign transaction fees, it's an affordable option, especially for students studying abroad.
- The card provides access to valuable perks not always found on student cards, including exclusive entertainment access and travel benefits.
Pros
- The card is accessible to students with limited or fair credit, providing a clear path to building a strong credit history.
- You can redeem your cash back rewards at any time and for any amount, offering great flexibility.
- Cardholders get valuable benefits like purchase security and extended warranty, plus automatic credit line reviews that can help your credit limit grow with you.
Cons
- Eligibility is restricted to currently enrolled students, and you may need to provide proof of enrollment.
- While it's designed for those new to credit, approval isn't guaranteed, and initial credit limits are often low.
Blue Cash Preferred® 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 Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (See Rates & Fees).
- The card provides excellent value for common household spending categories, making it a workhorse for daily expenses.
- With fixed bonus categories, you don't have to worry about tracking rotating 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.
Pros
- A competitive welcome offer for new cardmembers who meet spending requirements.
- Cash back on a wide range of transit expenses, including rideshares, parking, and public transportation.
- Access to Amex Offers, which provide additional discounts and savings opportunities with various merchants.
Cons
- An annual fee applies after the introductory period, which may not be worth it for those who don't spend heavily in the card's bonus categories.
- The high cash back rate for U.S. supermarkets is subject to an annual spending cap, and purchases at superstores don't qualify.
- It's not ideal for international travel due to foreign transaction fees, and American Express isn't as widely accepted as other card networks.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express vs Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
Categories
Choosing between these two cards comes down to your spending habits and financial goals. The question of which is better, Capital One Quicksilver Student or Amex Blue Cash Preferred, depends on what you're looking for in a credit card.
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards: This card is best for students who are looking to build their credit history while earning straightforward rewards.
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: This card is ideal for established cash back seekers who want to maximize returns on everyday spending.
Redemption
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards: Rewards can be redeemed for cash back in several flexible ways, including as a statement credit or a check.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Cardholders earn Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit directly on their account.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
Kudos offers a data-driven card explorer tool to help you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards and find the best fit for your spending.
- Use the Test Drive feature to simulate a card’s potential earnings based on your actual spending history before you apply.
- Receive a welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better offer if you find one within three months.
- Unlock rewards like the $100 Kudos Kickstart+ for adding eligible cards or a $20 bonus for new users.
- Get personalized approval odds based on your credit report to make more confident decisions.
- Earn extra rewards on top of your credit card points by shopping with Kudos Boost.
Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards?
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards credit card is an excellent choice for students who are just starting to build their credit history. It's particularly well-suited for those who prefer a simple, no-fuss rewards structure, offering unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase without needing to track rotating categories. Additionally, as a Kudos review highlights, international students or those who plan to study abroad will find significant value in the card's lack of foreign transaction fees.
Who Should Choose the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express?
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a powerhouse for households that spend heavily on groceries and digital entertainment, offering an impressive 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%) and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. It also appeals to daily commuters by providing 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, which includes everything from rideshares to train tickets. Ultimately, this card is best for calculated spenders whose regular purchases in these high-yield categories will generate enough cash back to easily offset the annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95; see Rates & Fees). Terms apply.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards card is too limited and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is too complex, you're not out of options. The Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Amex Blue Cash Preferred comparison highlights two very different types of cards, but there are many others that might strike the right balance for you.
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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 rewards cards require a good to excellent score, though some student cards are more flexible.
- Plan your spending: Ensure you can naturally meet any welcome offer spending requirements without forcing purchases.
- Understand the benefits: Know the card’s key features, like its reward categories and whether it charges foreign transaction fees.
Application Strategy
- Confirm your eligibility: Some cards are designed for students, while others require an excellent credit history.
- Use a trusted platform: Applying through a service like Kudos can help you find the best available welcome offers.
- Time your application strategically: Aligning your application with a large purchase makes it easier to meet spending requirements.
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 Cash Preferred® Card as a student?
Yes, students can apply for the American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card, but it generally requires a good to excellent credit score and sufficient income to be approved. Terms apply.
What credit score do I need for these cards?
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for applicants with fair or limited credit history. The American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card, on the other hand, typically requires a good to excellent credit score.
Are there annual fees for these cards?
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card does not have an annual fee. The American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card has an annual fee, so it's important to ensure its benefits outweigh the cost for you. Terms apply.
Which card is better for building credit?
Both cards can help you build credit, as issuers report your payment activity to the major credit bureaus. However, the Quicksilver Student card is specifically aimed at those with limited credit history, making it a more accessible starting point.
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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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