Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Amex Plum: Which Is Better In 2026?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is a great choice for students looking to build credit through everyday spending, especially those who study abroad or travel.
- The Plum Card® from American Express: This business charge card is ideal for established business owners who value flexible payment options, like an early pay discount or extra time to pay, over traditional 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.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Breakdown
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3059", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Student Credit Builders", "headerHint": "No Annual Fee"} ]]
Why We Like It
This section breaks down the key reasons we recommend the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards.
- The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards is designed to help students build a credit history while earning simple, flat-rate cash back on every purchase.
- It’s a budget-friendly option with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for students studying abroad.
- Cardholders gain access to premium perks not always found on student cards, including exclusive entertainment access and travel benefits.
Pros
- Simple, flat-rate cash back on all purchases, eliminating the need to track rotating categories.
- Helps build credit history by reporting to all three major credit bureaus and offering automatic credit line reviews for responsible use.
- Includes valuable perks like access to exclusive entertainment events and travel benefits through Capital One.
Cons
- Applicants must be currently enrolled students, and approval may depend on credit history.
- Initial credit limits can be low, which might limit purchasing power.
- Bonus cash back on travel is restricted to bookings made through the Capital One Travel portal.
The Plum Card® from American Express Breakdown
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2305", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Business Owners", "headerHint": "Financial Flexibility"} ]]
Why We Like It
Here is a breakdown of why we like The Plum Card® from American Express (See Rates & Fees). Terms apply.
- It provides unique payment flexibility, allowing businesses to choose a payment schedule that best fits their cash flow needs.
- The card’s purchasing power adapts to your business's spending patterns, offering more freedom than a traditional credit limit.
- Cardholders gain access to a suite of business management tools that help streamline expense tracking and reporting.
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
- Exceptional payment flexibility helps businesses manage cash flow, with options to pay early for a discount or defer payments without interest.
- Purchasing power adapts to your business’s financial profile instead of being constrained by a preset spending limit.
- Includes business-friendly perks like no foreign transaction fees and employee cards at no additional cost.
Cons
- Carries an annual fee, which may not be justified for businesses with minimal monthly expenses.
- Does not offer a traditional rewards program, such as points or miles, for spending.
- As a charge card, it is not suitable for businesses that need to carry a balance for extended periods.
The Plum Card® from American Express vs Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
Categories
Deciding which is better, Capital One Quicksilver Student or Amex Plum, depends entirely on your financial profile and goals. These two cards are designed for completely different audiences, making their primary use cases distinct.
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is best for students who are just starting their financial journey. It's designed to help those with limited or no credit history build a solid foundation.
- The Plum Card® from American Express is tailored for established business owners who need financial flexibility. It's an ideal tool for managing cash flow and business expenses.
Redemption
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Cardholders earn straightforward cash back that can be redeemed for any amount, offering flexible options like a statement credit or a check. This makes accessing your rewards simple and direct.
The Plum Card® from American Express: This card operates differently, offering a statement credit as a reward for paying your balance early. It is designed to directly benefit a business's cash flow rather than accumulating points for travel or merchandise.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
As an ultimate financial companion, Kudos helps you compare thousands of credit cards to find the best fit for your spending habits.
- Test drive a credit card: Before you apply, you can simulate your potential earnings with a new card using your actual spending data. This provides a personalized projection of annual rewards and net value.
- Approval odds analysis: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval chances based on your credit report.
- Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of approval, Kudos will match it.
- Personalized recommendations: Get matched with new credit cards based on your unique spending history.
- Reward stacking: Earn extra rewards through Kudos Boost on top of what your credit card already offers when you shop at participating stores.
Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards?
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is tailor-made for college students who are just starting their financial journey and want to build credit history with responsible use. It's an excellent choice for those who prefer a straightforward rewards structure, offering a simple 1.5% cash back on all purchases without the hassle of tracking rotating categories. Additionally, its lack of foreign transaction fees makes it a strong contender for international students or those planning to study abroad.
Who Should Choose the The Plum Card® from American Express?
The Plum Card® from American Express is designed for established businesses with fluctuating cash flow and substantial monthly expenses. Its primary appeal lies in payment flexibility, offering up to 60 days to pay without interest or a 1.5% discount for early payment, which is perfect for companies that can clear their balance quickly. Therefore, it's less suitable for startups or businesses seeking traditional travel rewards, as its strengths are in cash flow management rather than points accumulation (Terms apply).
Alternatives to Consider
If neither card in our Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Amex Plum comparison feels like the right fit, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent business and student credit cards on the market to consider.
[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "118"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Exceptional Value", "Generous Travel 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.
Tips for Application Success
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score – Most issuers look for good to excellent credit, but some cards are designed for building credit.
- Assess your spending habits – Make sure the card’s benefits align with your typical purchasing patterns.
- Review eligibility rules – Some cards have specific requirements, like student or business status, or restrictions on past card ownership.
Application Strategy
- Time your application strategically – Applying before a large purchase can help you meet a welcome offer's spending requirement.
- Understand the card type – Be aware if you're applying for a charge card, like The Plum Card® from American Express, which has different payment expectations than a traditional credit card.
- Know when to walk away – If an issuer's offer isn't what you expected, you can often decline it with no impact to your credit score.
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 a student apply for a business credit card?
Yes, students can apply for business credit cards as long as they have a qualifying business activity. This can include freelancing, tutoring, selling items online, or any other side hustle that generates income.
Is The Plum Card® from American Express a charge card or a credit card?
The Plum Card® from American Express is a charge card, but it offers flexible payment features. Cardmembers can get up to 60 days to pay without interest, which is a unique benefit for a business charge card. Terms apply.
Are student credit cards a good way to build credit?
Absolutely. Student credit cards are designed to help young adults establish a credit history, often with more lenient approval requirements. By using the card responsibly and making timely payments, you can build a positive credit profile.
Unlock your extra benefits when you become a Kudos member
Turn your online shopping into even more rewards
Join over 400,000 members simplifying their finances
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.
.webp)
