Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Amex Gold: Which Is Better In 2026?

American Express® Gold Card Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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This section breaks down why we like the American Express® Gold Card(See Rates & Fees).

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• It provides strong rewards on common spending categories like dining out and groceries at U.S. supermarkets.
• Cardholders can take advantage of annual statement credits for popular dining and rideshare services.
• Points are flexible and can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners, and the card itself comes in a premium metal design with color options.

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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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• High rewards-earning potential at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets.
• Annual credits for select dining partners and for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders in the U.S.
• Flexible point redemption options, including the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel loyalty programs.

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Cons

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• The card comes with a significant annual fee, which may not be worth it unless you can take full advantage of the available credits and rewards.
• Some benefits require enrollment, and statement credits are distributed in monthly increments at select partners, making them less flexible than a single annual credit.
• It isn't as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard, which can be a limitation for some purchases, especially when traveling internationally.

American Express® Gold Card vs Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards

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Categories

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To determine which is better, Capital One Quicksilver Student or Amex Gold, it's essential to understand the distinct user each card is designed for.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is best for students looking to build their credit history while earning straightforward rewards. It is also a strong choice for those studying abroad or who travel, thanks to its travel-friendly features.
• American Express® Gold Card is tailored for frequent spenders on dining and at U.S. supermarkets, as well as travel enthusiasts who book flights directly. This card is most valuable for users who can take full advantage of its various statement credits and benefits.

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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 at any time and for any amount, typically as a statement credit or a check.

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American Express® Gold Card: This card earns points that offer flexible redemption options, including booking travel, transferring to airline and hotel partners, or covering card charges.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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Kudos is a tool that helps you compare top-rated credit cards by analyzing your real spending data to find the best match.

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• “Test drive” credit cards using your actual spending data to see potential earnings before you apply, without impacting your credit score.
• Get a detailed analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report.
• Maximize rewards at checkout with a feature that autofills the best card for your purchase.
• Monitor your transactions, spending habits, and credit score all in one place.
• Unlock a $100 Kudos Kickstart+ reward for adding select approved cards and benefit from a welcome offer guarantee.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards?

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This card is an ideal starting point for students with limited credit history who want to build their credit file with responsible use. It's also a great fit for international students or those studying abroad, as it charges no foreign transaction fees. As a Kudos review points out, students who travel can also benefit from 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Who Should Choose the American Express® Gold Card?

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The American Express® Gold Card is tailor-made for foodies and frequent travelers who spend a significant portion of their budget on dining out and at U.S. supermarkets. These cardholders can maximize rewards by earning 4X points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year (then 1X), plus 3X points on flights. The card is also a great fit for organized individuals who can consistently use the monthly dining and Uber credits (Terms apply) to help offset the $325 annual fee (See Rates & Fees).

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Capital One Quicksilver Student vs. Amex Gold comparison has made it clear that neither card is right for you, don't worry. These two cards serve very different audiences, and there are plenty of other great alternatives available.

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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 to see if you meet the general approval criteria.
• Create a spending plan to comfortably meet any welcome offer requirements without overspending.
• Familiarize yourself with the card’s benefits and credits to maximize their value from day one.

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Application Strategy

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• Be patient - Try applying through different channels if you don't see the best offer at first.
• Confirm your eligibility - Have proof of enrollment ready if you are applying for a student card.
• Understand the requirements - Know that premium cards often require excellent credit for approval.

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 qualify for the American Express® Gold Card?

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While students can apply, the American Express® Gold Card typically requires a good to excellent credit score and a stable income, which may be a high bar for some students. Terms apply.

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What happens to my student card after I graduate?

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You can typically continue using your student credit card after graduation, and the issuer may eventually offer an upgrade to a non-student card with different features. For example, Capital One may review your account for an upgrade from the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card.

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Which card is better for building credit?

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Both cards report to the major credit bureaus, so responsible use of either will help build your credit history. However, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for those new to credit, making it a more accessible option to start with.

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