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 Marriott Bonvoy Bevy: Which Is Better In 2026?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great choice for students looking to build credit while earning a flat cash back rate on all their purchases.
- The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card is ideal for frequent travelers who stay at Marriott properties and want to earn hotel points on their spending.
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 the key reasons why the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards is a standout choice.
- The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent tool for students to build their credit history while earning straightforward cash back on every purchase.
- It's particularly valuable for students on a budget or those studying abroad because it eliminates certain common fees.
- Cardholders also get access to premium perks like exclusive entertainment events, which are not typically offered with student credit cards.
Pros
- Designed for credit-building: It’s accessible to students with limited or fair credit and helps build your credit history by reporting to all three major credit bureaus.
- Valuable perks and protections: Cardholders gain access to exclusive entertainment events and enjoy purchase protection benefits, which are not always found on student cards.
- Student-friendly features: The card is easy to manage with a robust mobile app and offers automatic credit line reviews to help grow your credit over time.
Cons
- Strict eligibility: You must be a currently enrolled student to qualify, and verification is required.
- Limited bonus rewards: The card's flat cash back rate is simple, but it lacks higher reward rates on common student spending categories, and some elevated rewards are restricted to bookings through the Capital One travel portal.
- Potential approval hurdles: Approval may depend on having a minimum credit score, which could be a barrier for some applicants with a very limited credit history.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Breakdown
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3362", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "6x at Marriot" } ]]
Why We Like It
This section breaks down why we like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card (See Rates & Fees).
- Cardholders automatically receive Gold Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program, unlocking enhanced hotel perks (Terms apply).
- It offers a strong rewards structure for both travel and everyday spending.
- The card provides a path to earning an annual Free Night Award, adding significant value for loyal Marriott guests (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
- Cardholders receive automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, unlocking a suite of hotel perks without meeting stay requirements (Terms apply).
- The card comes with no foreign transaction fees and includes key travel protections like car rental and baggage insurance (Terms apply).
- Provides a path to earning an annual Free Night Award, which can be redeemed at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties (Terms apply).
Cons
- Carries an annual fee that is not waived for the first year.
- The annual Free Night Award is not an automatic benefit and requires meeting a high spending threshold to earn (Terms apply).
- Offers limited value for travelers who are not loyal to the Marriott Bonvoy program.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® vs Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
Categories
Choosing between these two cards comes down to your primary financial goals. To determine which is better, Capital One Quicksilver Student or Marriott Bonvoy Bevy, it's essential to look at what each card is designed for.
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards is best for student credit builders, as it's designed for those new to credit who want to establish their financial history.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card is ideal for frequent travelers, specifically those who often stay at Marriott properties and want to maximize hotel rewards and elite status benefits.
Redemption
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards: With this card, you earn cash back on your purchases. You can then redeem your rewards for a statement credit or a check, offering a straightforward way to get value back from your spending.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card: This card earns points within the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. These points are primarily redeemed for free nights at participating Marriott hotels and resorts worldwide, but can also be transferred to various airline partners.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
Kudos is a financial companion that helps you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards to find the best match for your unique spending habits.
- Test Drive Feature: Simulate potential earnings from any card using your real spending data before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.
- Detailed Approval Odds: Receive a comprehensive analysis of your chances of getting approved for a card based on your credit report.
- Welcome Offer Guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of getting a card, Kudos will match it.
- Personalized Card Matching: Get recommendations for the best cards based on your actual spending history, not generic advice.
- Kudos Boost Rewards: Earn extra rewards when shopping at your favorite stores, which stack on top of your existing credit card rewards.
Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards?
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards credit card is an excellent choice for college students who are just starting to build their credit history. It's particularly well-suited for those who want to earn a simple, flat 1.5% cash back on all their purchases without worrying about rotating categories or an annual fee. Additionally, international students or those planning to study abroad will find the absence of foreign transaction fees especially valuable.
Who Should Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express®?
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card is a strong choice for frequent Marriott guests who value the automatic Gold Elite status but don't travel enough to earn it on their own. It's also designed for moderate-to-high spenders who can put $15,000 on the card annually to earn a Free Night Award (worth up to 50,000 points) while maximizing rewards on dining and U.S. supermarket purchases. For these users, the card's combined hotel and spending benefits can easily justify the $250 annual fee (see rates and fees); terms apply to all benefits.
Alternatives to Consider
So, you've reviewed the matchup between the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards card and the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card and neither feels quite right. Fortunately, the world of credit cards is vast, and we have a few other top-tier options for you to consider.
[[ 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: Most cards require good to excellent credit, but some student cards are available for those with a limited credit history.
- Plan your spending: Ensure you can meet any spending requirements for a welcome offer or annual benefits without overspending.
- Review eligibility rules: Some cards have specific requirements, like student status, or issuer-specific application restrictions.
Application Strategy
- Use pre-approval tools: Many issuers let you check for offers with no impact to your credit score.
- Gather required documents: Some cards require proof of student status or a loyalty account number to apply.
- Time it right: Apply before a large purchase to more easily meet a welcome offer's spending requirement.
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
Which card is better for someone new to credit?
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is specifically designed for students building their credit profile. The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, a premium travel card, generally requires a good to excellent credit history.
What are the main differences in rewards?
The Quicksilver Student card offers simple cash back rewards on all purchases. The Bonvoy Bevy card earns Marriott Bonvoy points, which are designed to be redeemed for hotel stays and other travel experiences.
Do these cards have annual fees?
The Capital One Quicksilver Student card typically comes with no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for students. Conversely, the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card has a significant annual fee to support its array of premium travel benefits.
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)
