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 Capital One QuicksilverOne: Which Is Better In 2026?
July 1, 2025

Editor's Picks
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is ideal for students looking to build credit while earning flat-rate cash back on everyday spending and bonus rewards on select travel.
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is designed for those with average credit to build their score while earning simple, flat-rate cash back on all purchases.
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 why we're fans of the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards .
- It's a great tool for students looking to build their credit history with responsible use.
- The card offers a simple way to earn cash back on every purchase without needing to track rotating categories.
- With no foreign transaction fees and travel-specific rewards, it's a solid choice for students who travel or study abroad.
Pros
- Designed for students new to credit, it helps build a strong credit history by reporting to all three major credit bureaus.
- You can earn cash back on every purchase with a simple rewards structure that doesn’t require tracking rotating categories.
- Cardholders get valuable benefits typically found on premium cards, including purchase protection and access to exclusive entertainment events.
Cons
- You must be an enrolled student to qualify and will need to verify your status.
- Approval isn't guaranteed, as it may require a minimum credit score.
- Initial credit limits can be on the lower side.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Breakdown
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "430", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Credit Builders", "headerHint": "Straightforward Cash Back"} ]]
Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why we recommend the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card.
- The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards is accessible to those with average credit, making it a solid choice for building your credit history.
- It offers a simple, flat-rate rewards structure on every purchase, so you don't have to worry about tracking categories.
- Cardholders get access to valuable travel benefits, including no foreign transaction fees and a travel portal for booking trips.
Pros
- Designed for those with average credit, making it a great tool for building or rebuilding your credit profile.
- The rewards structure is simple and straightforward, with no rotating categories to track.
- It's a good companion for international travel, as it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- The card charges an annual fee and has a high interest rate, which can be costly if you carry a balance.
- New cardholders will not find a welcome bonus or an introductory APR offer.
- It offers limited premium benefits compared to other cards and lacks bonus rewards categories.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards vs Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
Categories
Deciding which is better, the Capital One Quicksilver Student or the Capital One QuicksilverOne, comes down to understanding the specific user each card is designed for.
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for students who are new to credit and want to build their financial history. It's also a strong choice for those studying abroad or who travel frequently.
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is geared toward individuals with average credit who are looking to improve their score. This card is a good fit for everyday spenders and international travelers who may not yet qualify for more premium cards.
Redemption
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Cardholders can redeem their cash back rewards at any time and for any amount. Redemption options are flexible, including statement credits, checks, or covering recent purchases.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Similar to the student version, this card offers straightforward redemption with no minimums. Rewards can be redeemed as a statement credit or a check, providing simple ways to access your cash back.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
To simplify the decision-making process, a financial companion platform like Kudos allows you to compare thousands of credit cards to find the best fit for your spending habits.
- Test Drive Cards: Simulate potential earnings with a new card using your actual spending data—all before you apply and without impacting your credit score.
- Approval Odds Analysis: Get a detailed breakdown of your chances of being approved for a card based on your credit report.
- Personalized Recommendations: Discover the best cards for you with recommendations based on your real transaction history.
- Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your existing credit card rewards when you shop at your favorite stores.
- Welcome Offer Guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of getting a card through Kudos, the platform will match it.
- Financial Management: Track spending, monitor your credit score, and stay on top of all your credit card perks in one dashboard.
Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards?
This card is an excellent choice for students who are just starting to build their credit history and want a straightforward way to earn rewards. It's also particularly well-suited for international students, thanks to its lack of foreign transaction fees. Additionally, students who travel for breaks or study abroad can maximize their savings with this card's travel benefits, earning 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Who Should Choose the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards?
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card is an excellent choice for individuals with average credit scores looking to build their credit history while earning rewards. Its straightforward, unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases makes it ideal for everyday spenders who prefer simplicity over complex reward categories. Additionally, cardholders who travel internationally will appreciate the absence of foreign transaction fees, and entertainment enthusiasts can take advantage of exclusive access to special events through the Capital One Entertainment platform.
Alternatives to Consider
Perhaps after reviewing our Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Capital One QuicksilverOne comparison, you've decided that neither the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards nor the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card is the right fit. If so, let's explore a few other excellent alternatives.
[[ 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 - These cards are often designed for those with fair to average credit.
- Confirm your eligibility - Some cards may require you to be a student, so verify the specific requirements before applying.
- Review existing accounts - If you already have a card with the issuer, you may have limited eligibility for new offers.
Application Strategy
- Use pre-qualification tools to check your eligibility without impacting your credit score.
- Have documentation ready, as you may need to verify information like student status.
- Plan for responsible use to take advantage of automatic credit line reviews for potential increases.
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
What credit score do I need for the Capital One Quicksilver Student card?
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for students with fair or limited credit history. While there's no specific minimum score, applicants with scores in the fair range are often considered.
Can I upgrade from the Capital One QuicksilverOne card?
Yes, it's possible to upgrade from the Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards Credit Card to a card with better benefits after demonstrating responsible use over time. Capital One periodically reviews accounts for upgrade eligibility.
Do both the Quicksilver Student and QuicksilverOne cards have an annual fee?
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee, but the Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards Credit Card has a $39 annual fee.
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)







