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

American Express® Green Card Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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

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• It offers strong rewards on a wide variety of travel and transit purchases, as well as on dining worldwide.
• Cardholders gain access to valuable travel credits and protections, along with flexible points that can be transferred to many airline and hotel partners.
• New cardmembers can earn a generous Welcome Offer after meeting initial spending requirements.

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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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• Earns rewards on a wide range of travel and dining purchases, with flexible points that can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners.
• Offers valuable statement credits for popular travel services and includes travel protections like trip delay insurance.
• New cardmembers can earn a Welcome Offer, and there are no foreign transaction fees on international purchases.

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Cons

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• It comes with an annual fee, which may not be worth it for those who won't take full advantage of the card's specific travel credits.
• Maximizing rewards requires transferring points to airline and hotel partners, as other redemption options can offer lower value, and some transfers may incur a fee.
• Some of the card's travel benefits are for niche services, and a key lounge access perk is set to expire, potentially reducing the card's long-term value.

American Express® Green 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 Amex Green, it's essential to understand the primary purpose and target audience for each card.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is designed for students who are looking to establish and build their credit history. It is ideal for those with a limited credit file who want to learn responsible card use.
• American Express® Green Card: This card is best suited for individuals who spend frequently on travel and dining. It is geared toward travelers who can take advantage of its perks and rewards structure.

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Redemption

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Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Cardholders can redeem their cash back rewards in flexible ways, such as receiving a statement credit or a check.

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American Express® Green Card: This card earns points that can be redeemed in various ways, including transferring them to airline and hotel loyalty programs or using them to book travel directly.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make a data-driven decision, you can use a tool like Kudos, which helps you compare thousands of credit cards to find the best match for your spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards: Before you apply, you can simulate your potential earnings with a new card using your real transaction history.
• Approval odds analysis: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of approval, Kudos will match it.
• $100 Kudos Kickstart+: By adding select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet, you can unlock $100 in rewards.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards?

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The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards card is tailor-made for students looking to build their credit profile with a straightforward rewards card. It's also a strong contender for international students, as it charges no foreign transaction fees for purchases made outside the U.S. Finally, student travelers can benefit from 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal.

Who Should Choose the American Express® Green Card?

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The American Express® Green Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who spend a significant amount on travel and dining worldwide. It's particularly well-suited for rewards enthusiasts who are willing to put in the effort to maximize value by transferring points to Amex's airline and hotel partners. However, those looking for a simple, low-fee card or who don't travel often might find better value elsewhere.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Amex Green comparison has left you undecided, you're not out of options. Let's explore a few alternatives if neither the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards card nor the American Express® Green Card feels like the right fit for your wallet.

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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: Ensure your credit profile aligns with the card’s requirements, whether it’s for fair credit or excellent credit.
• Plan your spending: Make sure you can naturally meet any minimum spend requirements for a welcome offer without overspending.
• Review eligibility rules: Be aware of issuer-specific restrictions, such as welcome offer limitations or student status requirements.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application with large planned purchases to help meet any welcome offer spending requirements.
• For student-specific cards, like the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, be prepared to verify your enrollment status.
• If you cannot find a specific offer through one channel, try applying directly on the issuer’s website.

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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Which card is better for building credit?

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The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is specifically designed for those new to credit. The American Express® Green Card typically requires a good to excellent credit score, making the Quicksilver Student a more accessible option for building a credit history from scratch.

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

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After graduation, you may be eligible to upgrade your student card to a non-student Capital One card, like the standard Quicksilver. This allows you to keep your account open and continue building on your established credit history.

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Do these cards have annual fees?

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The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card comes with no annual fee. In contrast, the American Express® Green Card does have an annual fee, so it's important to review the current fee and benefits to see if it's worth the cost for you. Terms apply.

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