Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Gemini Credit Card: Which Is Better In 2026?

The Gemini Credit Card® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why we like the Gemini Credit Card®.

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• The Gemini Credit Card® offers a straightforward way to earn cryptocurrency rewards on your daily spending.
• Its premium metal design enhances security by not displaying the card number on the physical card.
• Rewards are managed seamlessly within the Gemini platform, making it easy to track and use your crypto.

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Pros

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• Choose from a wide selection of cryptocurrencies for your rewards.
• Rewards are credited instantly to your Gemini account after a purchase.
• The metal card design enhances security by omitting the card number from the physical card.

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Cons

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• The value of your crypto rewards can fluctuate with the market.
• Rewards are only available in cryptocurrency, with no option for cash back or points.
• A Gemini Exchange account is required to earn and manage rewards.

The Gemini Credit Card® vs Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards

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Categories

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When deciding which is better, Capital One Quicksilver Student or Gemini Credit Card, it's important to look at what each card is designed for as they cater to very different consumers.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is best for students who want to build their credit history while earning rewards. It is also a strong choice for students who travel.
• The Gemini Credit Card®: This card is designed for crypto enthusiasts looking to earn cryptocurrency rewards on their everyday purchases.

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Redemption

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Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Rewards earned with this card can be redeemed for cash back at any time and for any amount, either as a statement credit or a check.

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The Gemini Credit Card®: This card allows you to earn rewards in the cryptocurrency of your choice, which are automatically deposited into your Gemini account in real time as you spend.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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For a more personalized comparison, tools like Kudos can help you evaluate cards based on your actual spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards: Simulate how much you could earn with a new card using your real transaction history, all without impacting your credit score.
• Unlock rewards: Get a $100 Kickstart+ reward for adding eligible cards to your Kudos wallet and take advantage of a welcome offer guarantee.
• Get detailed approval odds: The platform provides an in-depth analysis based on your credit report to show you where you stand.
• Earn extra rewards: Use Kudos Boost to earn additional rewards on top of your credit card rewards when shopping at your favorite stores.
• Optimize at checkout: An autofill feature suggests and fills in the best card to use for any given purchase to maximize your earnings.
• Track your finances: Monitor your spending, credit card perks, and credit score from a single dashboard.

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 college students who are just starting to build their credit. It's particularly well-suited for international students, thanks to its lack of foreign transaction fees, and for those who travel, offering 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Ultimately, this card is ideal for any student seeking a straightforward way to earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases without needing to track rotating categories or pay an annual fee.

Who Should Choose the The Gemini Credit Card®?

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The Gemini Credit Card® is tailor-made for crypto enthusiasts who want to seamlessly integrate their everyday spending with their digital asset portfolio. With no annual fee, cardholders can earn cryptocurrency on every purchase, maximizing returns with up to 4% back on gas and transit (on up to $300 in spend per month, then 1%), 3% on dining, and 2% on groceries. This card is best for individuals already using or willing to join the Gemini Exchange, who are comfortable with the volatility of crypto and see their daily expenses as an opportunity to invest in digital assets.

Alternatives to Consider

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If neither the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards nor The Gemini Credit Card® feels like the right fit, you're not out of options. Our Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Gemini Credit Card comparison may have highlighted features you don't need, so let's explore a few alternatives that might be a better match.

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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. Most cards require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
• Plan your spending. Ensure you can naturally meet any minimum spending requirements for a welcome offer.
• Review card-specific requirements. Some cards may require a specific account, like a crypto wallet, or verification of student status.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application.Apply before a large purchase or to take advantage of an early spend bonus.
• Follow the recommended application path.Some cards, like those for students or crypto rewards, have unique application processes.
• Don’t settle for a lesser offer.If you receive a lower-than-advertised welcome offer, you can sometimes decline it without a credit impact and try again later.

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 the Capital One Quicksilver Student card?

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The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for those with fair credit or a limited credit history, making it accessible for students just starting out. Capital One considers multiple factors beyond just your score, so a perfect score isn't necessary to be approved.

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How do crypto rewards from the Gemini Credit Card work?

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The Gemini Credit Card allows you to earn cash back rewards that are instantly converted into a cryptocurrency of your choice and deposited into your Gemini account. You can select from various digital assets, such as Bitcoin or Ether, for your rewards.

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Are there annual fees for either of these cards?

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Neither the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card nor the Gemini Credit Card charges an annual fee. This makes both cards cost-effective choices for managing your finances without extra yearly costs.

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