Capital One Quicksilver Student vs First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured: Which Is Better In 2026?

First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why we recommend the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card.

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• It’s highly accessible for those looking to build or rebuild credit, as there's no hard credit inquiry or minimum credit score required to apply.
• The card helps you establish a positive payment history by reporting your activity to all three major credit bureaus.
• Unlike many secured cards, it offers both cash back rewards on purchases and a relatively low APR, making it a well-rounded option.

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Pros

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• The application process does not involve a hard credit inquiry, so applying won’t negatively impact your credit score.
• You can earn cash back rewards on your purchases, a feature not commonly found on secured cards designed for credit building.
• It provides flexible options for funding the security deposit, making the card more accessible.

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Cons

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• The card comes with an annual fee, which can be a drawback when compared to other secured cards on the market.
• It does not offer an upgrade path to an unsecured card, meaning you will need to close the account to get your deposit back.
• Account management can be less convenient, as the card lacks a mobile app and relies on more traditional service methods.

First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card vs Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, Capital One Quicksilver Student or First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured, comes down to your individual financial situation and goals.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card - This card is best for students looking to build their credit history while earning rewards. It's also a strong choice for international students or those who travel, as it offers premium benefits often found on non-student cards.
• First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card - This card is ideal for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit, especially those who might carry a balance. It's a good fit for people who need easy approval and want to earn some cash back rewards while establishing a positive credit history.

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Redemption

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Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Rewards can be redeemed in several flexible ways, including as a statement credit or a check. There are typically no minimums to redeem your cash back.

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First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card: Cash back rewards are generally applied automatically as a credit to your statement. This helps to lower your overall balance without any extra steps.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make a data-backed choice, you can use a tool like Kudos to compare nearly 3,000 credit cards and see side-by-side quotes from top providers.

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• Test Drive Cards: A standout feature allows you to test drive cards using your actual spending data. This simulates your potential earnings before you apply, all without a hard credit pull.
• Approval Odds Analysis: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report to apply with more confidence.
• Welcome Offer Guarantee: If you find a better public welcome offer within three months of getting a card through Kudos, the platform will match it.
• Bonus Tracking: Keep track of your progress toward earning new card sign-up bonuses for free.
• Rewards and Incentives: Unlock a $100 Kudos Kickstart+ reward by adding select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet and earn other rewards for using the platform.
• Personalized Recommendations: Get matched with cards that will earn you the most rewards based on your unique spending history.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards?

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The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards credit card is an excellent choice for students who are just starting to build their credit history, as responsible use is reported to all three major credit bureaus. It's also particularly well-suited for international students or those planning to study abroad, thanks to its lack of foreign transaction fees. Additionally, students who travel often can take advantage of the 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal.

Who Should Choose the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card?

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The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is designed for individuals with limited or poor credit who are focused on building or rebuilding their credit history. It's particularly well-suited for those who might carry a balance from time to time, as its 14.24% variable APR is significantly lower than what most starter cards offer. Furthermore, the card offers an easy approval process that doesn't require a minimum credit score or a hard credit inquiry, making it an accessible starting point for many.

Alternatives to Consider

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If the Capital One Quicksilver Student vs First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured comparison didn't point you toward the right card, don't fret. Several other excellent options are available that might be a better match for your financial goals.

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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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• Know your credit score: Different cards require different credit levels, from no history to excellent.
• Review eligibility rules: Some cards have specific requirements, like student status or a security deposit.
• Have a plan: Understand how a new card fits your spending habits and financial goals.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application to coincide with large planned purchases.
• Apply through a trusted platform to find the best available offers.
• Don't be discouraged by a denial, as some cards offer approval without a hard credit check.

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 is a secured credit card?

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A secured credit card requires a cash security deposit to open the account, which typically determines your credit limit. This deposit minimizes the lender's risk, making these cards accessible for individuals building or rebuilding their credit.

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Do I need a security deposit for the Capital One Quicksilver Student card?

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No, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is an unsecured credit card designed for students. It does not require a security deposit to open an account.

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Which card is better for building credit?

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Both cards can be excellent tools for building credit, as both issuers report your payment activity to the three major credit bureaus. Consistent, on-time payments are the key to improving your credit score with either card.

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Do these cards charge an annual fee?

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The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee. In contrast, the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card has a $49 annual fee.

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