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 Hilton Honors: 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’ everyday spending and international use, thanks to its simple flat-rate cash back and no foreign transaction fees.
- Hilton Honors American Express® Aspire Card: Best for frequent travelers who want to maximize value and enjoy premium perks at Hilton properties. Terms apply.
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 like the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards card.
- It's an excellent tool for students to build their credit history with responsible use, as card activity is reported to the major credit bureaus.
- The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards offers a simple rewards structure without complicated categories to track.
- It also comes with valuable perks often found on non-student cards, making it a great fit for students, including those studying abroad.
Pros
- Designed for students with limited to fair credit, it helps build a strong credit profile by reporting to all three major credit bureaus.
- Offers a simple, flat-rate cash back rewards structure, which means you earn on every purchase without having to track rotating categories.
- Includes premium perks like access to exclusive entertainment events and purchase protection benefits.
Cons
- Eligibility is restricted to currently enrolled students, and you may need some credit history for approval.
- The flat-rate rewards structure, while simple, may be less lucrative if your spending is concentrated in specific categories where other cards offer higher bonus rates.
- Initial credit limits can be low, and the card has relatively high fees for cash advances.
Hilton Honors American Express Breakdown
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "781", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Most Premium Delta Offer"} ]]
Why We Like It
This section breaks down why we like the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card™ (See Rates & Fees).
- Cardholders receive automatic top-tier Hilton Honors elite status without needing to meet any stay requirements.
- The card provides an annual free night certificate that can be redeemed at some of Hilton's most luxurious and sought-after properties.
- A suite of valuable statement credits for travel and resort stays can help offset the card's annual cost for frequent travelers.
Terms apply.
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.
Pros
- Earns points at a high rate across several categories, including travel and U.S. restaurants.
- Comes with a suite of travel benefits beyond just hotel stays, such as complimentary airport security clearance and car rental status.
- Offers practical protections for travelers, including cell phone protection and no foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply.
Cons
- The card's high annual fee may not be suitable for infrequent travelers.
- Reward points are limited to the Hilton ecosystem and cannot be transferred to other loyalty programs.
- Many of the card's statement credits are time-restricted or limited to specific properties, requiring careful planning to maximize.
Terms apply.
Hilton Honors American Express vs Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
Categories
Deciding which is better, Capital One Quicksilver Student or Hilton Honors, comes down to your personal financial goals, as each card caters to a very different type of user.
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards - This card is specifically designed for students who are just starting out and want to build their credit history with responsible use.
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card - This premium card is best suited for frequent travelers who are loyal to the Hilton brand and want to maximize hotel-specific perks.
Redemption
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards: This card offers straightforward cash back rewards that can be redeemed at any time for a statement credit or a check, making it easy for students to see the value they're earning.
Hilton Honors American Express: Rewards are earned as Hilton Honors points, which are best redeemed for free nights and other perks within the Hilton portfolio of hotels and resorts.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
Kudos is an ultimate financial companion that helps you compare thousands of credit cards to find the perfect match for your spending habits.
- Test drive credit cards: Use your real spending data to see personalized calculations of potential earnings before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.
- Approval odds analysis: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.
- Rewards and tracking: Monitor your progress toward welcome offers, keep an eye on your credit score, and earn extra rewards through Kudos Boost when shopping at your favorite stores.
- Personalized recommendations: Get data-driven recommendations from an analysis of nearly 3,000 credit cards to ensure you’re maximizing your rewards.
- Welcome offer guarantee: Take advantage of a welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better public offer if you find one within three months of approval.
Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards?
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards credit card is an excellent choice for students with a limited credit history who want to build their credit file while earning straightforward rewards. It's particularly well-suited for those planning to study abroad or travel, thanks to its lack of foreign transaction fees and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Students who prefer simplicity will appreciate the unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which eliminates the need to track rotating categories.
Who Should Choose the Hilton Honors American Express?
The Hilton Honors American Express® Aspire Card is tailor-made for frequent travelers who consistently choose Hilton properties and want to maximize their loyalty. This user is someone who can take full advantage of the card's premium perks, such as the annual free night award and statement credits, particularly at high-end resorts. Ultimately, it's for the traveler who values the top-tier Diamond elite status and can easily offset the annual fee through the card's rich travel benefits (Terms apply).
Alternatives to Consider
If neither the straightforward cash back of the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards card nor the travel-focused perks of the Hilton Honors American Express® Card fit your spending habits, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent cards on the market that might be a better match.
[[ 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 - You'll generally need good to excellent credit for approval.
- Plan your spending - Make sure you can comfortably meet the minimum spend requirement for the welcome offer.
- Review eligibility rules - Be aware of restrictions like Amex's once-per-lifetime welcome offer policy.
Application Strategy
- Align the card with your profile - Some cards are designed for specific groups, like students, while others reward high annual spending.
- Time your application - Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet the welcome offer spending requirement.
- Don't settle for a lesser offer - If you see a lower welcome offer than is typically available, consider waiting or trying a different application method.
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 happens to my Capital One Quicksilver Student card after I graduate?
After you graduate, Capital One may allow you to upgrade your Quicksilver Student card to a non-student version, like the Quicksilver card, which often comes with better benefits.
Which card is better for building credit?
Both cards can help you build credit history as long as you make on-time payments and keep your balance low. The Capital One Quicksilver Student card is specifically designed for students with limited credit, potentially making it easier to get approved for.
Can I use Hilton Honors points for things other than hotel stays?
Yes, while redeeming for Hilton hotel stays typically offers the best value, you can also use your Hilton Honors points for other options like airline miles, car rentals, and shopping.
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)
