Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Amex Business Platinum Card: Which Is Better In 2026?

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a breakdown of why we like The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (See Rates & Fees).

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• It provides an extensive suite of premium travel perks, including broad airport lounge access and automatic elite status with major hotel and car rental programs. Terms apply.
• The card offers numerous annual statement credits that can help offset costs for business essentials like technology, wireless services, and travel. Terms apply.
• Cardmembers gain access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program, which offers valuable benefits and a more luxurious travel experience. Terms apply.

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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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Pros

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• Unparalleled travel benefits, including extensive airport lounge access through the Global Lounge Collection, plus automatic elite status with partner hotel and car rental programs. Terms apply.
• A wide range of statement credits for business and travel expenses, including airline fees, technology purchases, and wireless services. Terms apply.
• A highly flexible rewards program that allows points to be transferred to numerous airline and hotel loyalty programs. Terms apply.

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Cons

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• It carries a significant annual fee that may not be justifiable for businesses with lower expenses or infrequent travel.
• The card’s value is tied to numerous statement credits and benefits that require active tracking and enrollment, which can be complex to manage. Terms apply.
• Bonus reward categories are narrowly focused on travel, limiting the card's earning potential on other everyday business expenses. Terms apply.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express vs Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards

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Categories

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When considering which is better Capital One Quicksilver Student or Amex Business Platinum Card, it's important to recognize they serve entirely different audiences. Each card excels in its own niche, catering to specific financial goals and lifestyles.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is best for students who want to build their credit history while earning straightforward cash back rewards. It is a strong option for those seeking a simple rewards card with some travel benefits.
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is tailored for business owners who travel frequently and want to access premium travel perks and benefits. This card is most valuable for businesses with significant expenses that can leverage its various credits.

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Redemption

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Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Rewards are earned as straightforward cash back, which can be redeemed in a variety of flexible ways, such as for a statement credit or a check.

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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: This card earns points that offer the most value when redeemed for travel, either by transferring them to airline and hotel partners or by booking trips directly through American Express Travel.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make the right choice, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards based on your own spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards: Use your real spending data to see potential earnings before you apply, without impacting your credit score.
• Personalized recommendations: Get matched to cards that will earn you the most rewards based on your actual transaction history.
• Approval odds: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds for various cards based on your credit report.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better public offer within three months of being approved, Kudos will match it.
• Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your credit card rewards when you shop at partner stores.

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 college students with limited or fair credit who are looking to build their credit history responsibly. This card is ideal for those who prefer a straightforward rewards structure, earning a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases without the hassle of tracking rotating categories or paying an annual fee. It's particularly beneficial for students studying abroad, thanks to no foreign transaction fees, and for those who book travel through Capital One Travel to take advantage of the elevated 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars.

Who Should Choose the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express?

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This card is tailor-made for business owners who are constantly on the move and have significant business expenditures. Whether you're a sole proprietor or running a larger corporation, its value shines if your spending is concentrated in travel and technology, allowing you to leverage its extensive travel benefits and statement credits (Terms apply). Ultimately, it's for businesses that can easily meet the spending requirements for the Welcome Offer and whose regular expenses are high enough to make the premium annual fee worthwhile.

Alternatives to Consider

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So, you've read our Capital One Quicksilver Student vs. Amex Business Platinum Card comparison and decided that neither the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards nor The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is for you. That's perfectly fine—the best credit card is a personal choice, and we have a few other top-notch alternatives for you to consider.

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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 - You'll generally need good to excellent credit for a premium card.
• Plan your spending - Make sure you can naturally meet the minimum spend for the welcome offer.
• Review the benefits - Have a plan to use the card's credits and perks to maximize its value.

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Application Strategy

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• Confirm your eligibility - Some cards require specific status, like being a student or business owner.
• Look for risk-free applications - Some issuers let you see your offer before a hard credit inquiry.
• Don't be afraid to ask for reconsideration - If denied, you can often call the issuer to review your application.

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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Can a student apply for a business credit card?

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Yes, students can apply for business credit cards if they have a qualifying business activity, such as freelancing, tutoring, or selling goods online. You don't necessarily need a formal business structure to be eligible.

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Do I need an LLC or corporation to get a business credit card?

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No, you don't need a formal business entity like an LLC or corporation to qualify for a business credit card. You can often apply as a sole proprietor using your Social Security Number.

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Why compare a student card to a premium business card?

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Comparing these two very different cards can highlight the unique financial needs and goals of different types of spenders. It helps illustrate the spectrum of credit card options available, from entry-level cards for building credit to premium cards for established businesses.

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