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Capital One Quicksilver Student vs First Latitude Assent Mastercard Secured: Which Is Better In 2026?
July 1, 2025

Editor's Picks
- The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is ideal for students looking to build credit while earning flat-rate cash back on everyday purchases and bonus rewards on travel.
- The First Latitude Assent Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is designed for individuals who need to build or repair their credit history, offering a path to a better financial future with responsible use.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here's a breakdown of why we like the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards.
- It's designed to help students build a credit history, even those with limited or fair credit.
- The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards (See Rates & Fees) offers a straightforward rewards structure without confusing rotating categories.
- Cardholders benefit from no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it a cost-effective choice, especially for those studying abroad.
Pros
- The card helps build a strong credit foundation through features like automatic credit line reviews and consistent reporting to all major credit bureaus.
- Cardholders gain access to premium perks not always found on student cards, including exclusive entertainment events and purchase protection benefits.
Cons
- You must be able to verify your student status to be eligible, and approval may depend on meeting a minimum credit score.
- The card’s flat-rate rewards structure doesn’t offer bonus cash back on popular student spending categories like dining or groceries.
- It lacks an introductory APR offer, a common feature on other student cards, and cash advance fees are relatively high.
First Latitude Assent Mastercard® Secured Credit Card Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why we think this card is a strong choice for credit builders.
- The First Latitude Assent Mastercard® Secured Credit Card helps you build credit history by reporting your activity to the three major credit bureaus.
- Its application process is accessible and won't negatively impact your credit score.
- It offers a unique rewards program that rewards you for paying your bill.
Pros
- You won't have to pay a yearly fee to keep the card open.
- It's designed for applicants with poor or no credit history, as no minimum credit score is required.
- The card can serve as a stepping stone toward qualifying for unsecured credit cards in the future.
Cons
- The card has a high interest rate, so carrying a balance can become expensive.
- A security deposit is required, which also sets your credit limit.
- There's no clear path to upgrade to an unsecured card, and you must mail in your physical card to get your deposit back after closing the account.
First Latitude Assent Mastercard® Secured Credit Card vs Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
Categories
Choosing between these two cards isn't about which one is universally superior. Instead, determining which is better, Capital One Quicksilver Student or First Latitude Assent Mastercard Secured, comes down to your specific needs as a cardholder.
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for students with limited or no credit history who want to establish their credit file. It's a strong option for those currently enrolled in a college or university.
- First Latitude Assent Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is best for individuals who are building or repairing their credit. This secured card is aimed at those with a poor or non-existent credit history who need to establish a positive payment record.
Redemption
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Cardholders can redeem their cash back rewards through several flexible options, such as a statement credit or a check.
First Latitude Assent Mastercard® Secured Credit Card: This card is primarily focused on helping users build or rebuild their credit history, so it does not offer a traditional rewards or cashback redemption program.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
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Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards?
The Quicksilver Student card is an excellent choice for college students looking to build their credit history from scratch. It's especially valuable for international students or those who travel frequently, as it has no foreign transaction fees and offers elevated rewards on travel booked through Capital One. Overall, it’s ideal for any student who wants a straightforward, no-annual-fee card to earn flat-rate cash back on all purchases while establishing a positive credit file.
Who Should Choose the First Latitude Assent Mastercard® Secured Credit Card?
The First Latitude Assent Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is an ideal choice for individuals focused on building or repairing their credit. This includes people with bad or no credit history, those just starting out, or anyone recovering from past financial missteps who may not qualify for traditional unsecured cards. By using this card responsibly for small purchases and paying the bill on time, cardholders can establish a positive payment history with all three major credit bureaus and work towards a better credit score.
Alternatives to Consider
If our Capital One Quicksilver Student vs. First Latitude Assent Mastercard Secured comparison didn't lead you to a clear winner, don't fret. There are several other excellent cards designed for building credit that might be a better match for your financial situation.
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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.
Tips for Application Success
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score to understand which cards you are likely to be approved for.
- Gather required documents, as some cards may ask for proof of student status or require a security deposit.
- Plan your spending to meet any welcome offer requirements and to use the card responsibly from the start.
Application Strategy
- Choose the right card type for your financial situation, whether you're a student or building credit.
- Look for soft-pull applications to check for pre-approval without impacting your credit score.
- Prepare for specific requirements like providing a security deposit or verifying student status.
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 is the difference between a student credit card and a secured credit card?
A student credit card is an unsecured card designed for college students who may have a limited credit history, whereas a secured credit card requires a refundable cash deposit that typically determines your credit limit. Secured cards are generally for anyone looking to build or rebuild their credit.
Do I need a security deposit for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card?
No, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is an unsecured credit card, so it does not require a security deposit to open an account.
Which type of card is better for building credit?
Both student and secured credit cards are excellent tools for building credit history, as long as you make on-time payments and manage your balance responsibly. The best choice depends on whether you are an eligible student and if you are able to provide a security deposit.
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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.













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