Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Bilt Mastercard: Which Is Better In 2026?

Bilt Mastercard® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here's a high-level look at what makes the Bilt Mastercard® (See Rates & Fees) a standout choice.

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• It’s one of the only cards that lets you earn rewards on rent payments without transaction fees.
• The card provides access to premium reward categories and perks without an annual fee.
• You can redeem points for a wide variety of valuable options, from travel with major airlines and hotels to a down payment on a home.

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Pros

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• It's the first major credit card that allows you to earn points on rent payments without any extra fees, even if your landlord doesn't accept credit cards.
• The card carries no annual fee, making it a cost-effective way to access valuable travel and dining rewards.
• Points can be transferred to an impressive list of airline and hotel partners, often providing outsized value for your rewards.

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Cons

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• Earning rewards requires making a minimum number of transactions each month, and there’s an annual cap on points you can earn from rent payments.
• Points have a lower value when redeemed for cash back compared to transferring them to travel partners.
• Some users report issues with customer service and have experienced difficulty getting approved, even with a high credit score.

Bilt Mastercard® vs Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, the Capital One Quicksilver Student or Bilt Mastercard, depends entirely on your primary financial goals. Each card excels in a different area, catering to specific types of spenders.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is best for student credit builders. It is designed for students with a limited credit history who want to establish their credit file while earning straightforward rewards.
• Bilt Mastercard®: This card falls squarely into the rent rewards category. It's built for renters who want to earn rewards on their monthly rent payments without incurring extra fees.

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Redemption

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Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards: This card offers simple cash back rewards that can be redeemed in a few straightforward ways, such as for a statement credit or a check.

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Bilt Mastercard®: Bilt offers a versatile points system, allowing you to redeem rewards for travel with various partners, future rent payments, or even toward a down payment on a home.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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If you're looking to compare these or other top-rated cards, a tool like Kudos can help you make a data-driven decision.

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• Test drive credit cards: Simulate how much you could earn with a new card using your actual spending data—before you apply.
• Get personalized recommendations: Kudos analyzes your spending history to match you with the cards that will earn you the most rewards.
• See detailed approval odds: Receive an in-depth analysis based on your credit report to understand your chances of approval.
• Receive a welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better public welcome offer within three months of being approved, Kudos will match it.
• Unlock extra rewards: Earn a $100 Kudos Kickstart+ reward for adding select cards to your wallet and get extra rewards with Kudos Boost when shopping at partner stores.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards?

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The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards credit card is designed for college and university students who have a limited credit history and want to build their credit file. It's an ideal match for students who prefer a simple, flat-rate rewards structure for everyday purchases without needing to track rotating categories. Furthermore, with no foreign transaction fees, the card is particularly well-suited for international students or those who plan to study abroad.

Who Should Choose the Bilt Mastercard®?

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The Bilt Mastercard® (See Rates & Fees) is a game-changer for renters, as it's one of the only cards that lets you earn Bilt Points on rent payments without a transaction fee, earning you up to 100,000 points per calendar year on this major expense. Beyond rent, it's also a strong contender for those who frequently dine out or travel, given its competitive 3x points on dining and 2x points on travel. Just remember you must use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points, making it ideal for anyone looking to maximize rewards on their daily spending without paying an annual fee.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Bilt Mastercard comparison has you looking for other options, you're in luck. Several other cards offer compelling rewards and benefits that might be a better fit for your specific needs.

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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 - Card requirements can range from fair to excellent credit, so know where you stand.
• Review your spending habits - Ensure you can meet any minimum spend requirements and ongoing usage rules.
• Confirm your eligibility - Some cards have specific requirements, such as needing to be a student.

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Application Strategy

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• Prepare your documents - Have personal information ready, as some cards require specific verification like student status.
• Check for pre-approval - Many issuers let you check your eligibility with no impact on your credit score.
• Pace your applications - Applying strategically is key, as different cards target different credit profiles.

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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What credit score do I need for a student credit card?

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While requirements vary by issuer, many student credit cards are designed for applicants with limited or no credit history. Issuers often consider other factors like your income instead of relying solely on your credit score.

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Can I earn rewards for paying my rent with a credit card?

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Yes, some cards like the Bilt Mastercard® (See Rates & Fees) let you earn points on rent without paying a transaction fee. To earn rewards, you must use the card 5 times each statement period, and you can earn up to 100,000 points on rent per calendar year.

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Do I have to be a student to apply for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card?

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Yes, you generally must be enrolled at a qualifying university, community college, or other higher education institution to be eligible for this card. Lenders will typically ask you to provide your school information during the application process.

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