Capital One Quicksilver Student vs First Progress Select MasterCard Secured: Which Is Better In 2026?

First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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This section breaks down why we like the First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card.

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• This card is a great option for building credit because it doesn't require a credit check for approval.
• It helps you establish a positive payment history by reporting your activity to all three major credit bureaus.
• The First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card offers cash back rewards on purchases, a rare perk for a secured card.

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Pros

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• Features a competitive variable APR, which is beneficial if you need to carry a balance.
• Your credit limit is flexible and can be increased over time by adding to your refundable security deposit.
• Comes with no application fee and includes standard Mastercard benefits like fraud protection.

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Cons

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• An annual fee is required, and it's not ideal for international use due to a foreign transaction fee.
• There is no upgrade path to an unsecured card, limiting its long-term utility for credit builders.
• It lacks a robust rewards program and modern conveniences like a dedicated mobile app.

First Progress Select 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 Select MasterCard Secured, depends entirely on your current financial situation and goals. Each card serves a distinct purpose, one for students building credit and the other for those needing to establish or repair it.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is ideal for students looking to build their credit history while earning rewards on their everyday spending. It is also a great choice for students who travel or study internationally.
• First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card: This secured card is designed for individuals with poor or no credit history who want to build or rebuild their credit profile while also earning cash back on purchases.

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Redemption

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Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Cash back can be redeemed in several flexible ways, including as a statement credit or a check. You can also set up automatic redemptions at a certain time each year or when your rewards reach a specific amount.

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First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card: Rewards are earned as cash back and are automatically applied as a credit to your statement. This simplifies the redemption process by directly reducing your account balance.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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For a more personalized approach, Kudos is a financial platform that helps you compare and select credit cards based on your unique spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards: Simulate potential earnings from different cards using your real spending data before you apply, all without affecting your credit score.
• Personalized recommendations: Get matched with cards that will earn you the most rewards based on your actual transaction history.
• Approval odds analysis: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds for various cards based on your credit report.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of approval, Kudos will match it.
• Exclusive rewards: Unlock access to special offers, earn extra rewards when shopping with Kudos Boost, and get a $100 Kickstart+ reward for adding select cards to your Kudos Wallet.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards?

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The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards credit card is tailor-made for students looking to build their credit profile for the first time. With unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase and no annual fee, it offers a simple, low-maintenance way to earn rewards on daily spending. The card is also a strong contender for international students and those who travel, as it comes with no foreign transaction fees.

Who Should Choose the First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card?

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The First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is an excellent starting point for individuals with poor or nonexistent credit who are looking to build or rebuild their financial standing. It's particularly well-suited for those who have been denied other cards, as approval doesn't require a credit check, offering a straightforward path to establishing a positive payment history with all three major credit bureaus. Additionally, its relatively low 18.24% variable APR makes it a practical option for cardholders who may occasionally need to carry a balance, a detail confirmed in a 2026 card review.

Alternatives to Consider

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The Capital One Quicksilver Student vs First Progress Select MasterCard Secured comparison highlights two very different cards, but what if neither is right for you? Fortunately, there are several other excellent cards 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.}

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Know your credit standing - Different cards have requirements ranging from excellent credit to no history at all.
• Define your financial goal - Determine if you are building credit, earning rewards, or financing a large purchase.
• Check for special requirements - Some cards are designed for students, while others may require a security deposit for approval.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application around a large planned purchase to help meet any initial spending requirements.
• Select a card that aligns with your credit history, whether you're a student building credit or need a secured card to start.
• Look for application methods that don't require a hard credit check, such as with some secured cards, to protect your score.

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 refundable cash deposit that typically becomes your credit limit. It's designed for individuals who are building or rebuilding their credit history.

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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 and does not require a security deposit. It is specifically designed for students with fair or limited credit history.

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Which card is better for building credit?

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Both secured cards and student cards are excellent tools for building credit, as issuers report your payment history to the major credit bureaus. The best choice depends on whether you are a student and if you can provide a security deposit.

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