Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Marriott Bonvoy Bold: Which Is Better In 2026?

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a breakdown of what makes the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® stand out.

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• The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a great entry point into travel rewards without the commitment of an annual fee.
• Cardholders receive automatic elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, unlocking perks and benefits during their stays.
• It also comes with valuable travel protections, offering peace of mind on your trips.

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Pros

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• No annual fee.
• Cardholders receive automatic Silver Elite status and a yearly head start toward earning higher status tiers.
• Comes with valuable travel protections, a rare perk for a card with no annual fee.

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Cons

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• Earning rates and elite status benefits are less generous compared to premium Marriott cards.
• It doesn't include an annual free night award, a common feature on other hotel rewards cards.
• The card is best suited for occasional travelers, not those seeking robust travel or luxury benefits.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® 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 Marriott Bonvoy Bold, it's important to consider your primary goal. One card is designed to help students build credit, while the other focuses on rewarding frequent travelers.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is best for student credit builders. It's an ideal choice for students with limited credit history who want to establish a credit file.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: This card is best suited for frequent travelers and those who often stay at Marriott properties. It's a great option for occasional hotel guests who want to earn points without paying an annual fee.

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Redemption

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Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: With this card, you earn straightforward cash back on your purchases. You can redeem your rewards for any amount as a statement credit or a check.

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Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: This card earns points within the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. These points are primarily redeemed for free night stays at hotels and resorts within the Marriott portfolio.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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Kudos is a financial companion and card comparison tool that helps you find the best card for your spending habits from a database of nearly 3,000 options.

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• Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see potential earnings before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.
• Get a detailed analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report.
• Take advantage of a welcome offer guarantee—if you find a better offer within three months, Kudos will match it.
• Receive personalized card recommendations based on your unique spending history.
• Earn extra rewards, called Kudos Boost, on top of your regular card rewards when shopping at participating stores.

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 looking to build their credit file with a straightforward card. It's particularly beneficial for international students due to its lack of foreign transaction fees and for frequent student travelers who can earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, according to a recent card review. Overall, it’s a strong option for any student who wants a simple, no-annual-fee card to earn flat-rate cash back on everyday spending while in school.

Who Should Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Bold®?

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The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is an excellent choice for travelers who occasionally stay at Marriott properties and want to earn points without committing to an annual fee. It's particularly well-suited for those new to hotel rewards programs, offering a straightforward way to gain automatic Silver Elite status. Budget-conscious individuals will also appreciate the card's travel protection benefits, a valuable feature for a no-annual-fee card that adds a layer of security to their trips.

Alternatives to Consider

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The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards vs. Marriott Bonvoy Bold® comparison highlights two very different cards, and it's possible neither one is the perfect match for your wallet. If that's the case, here are a few other top-tier cards to consider.

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score - Requirements can range from fair for student cards to excellent for premium travel cards.
• Plan for the welcome offer - Make sure you can meet the minimum spending requirement without overextending your budget.
• Review eligibility rules - Some cards have specific requirements, like being a student or not having earned a bonus from the issuer before.

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Application Strategy

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• Know the issuer's rules, as some have restrictions on recent applications or welcome offer eligibility.
• Target cards that fit your profile; some cards require student status while others are for applicants with excellent credit.
• Use the reconsideration line if your application isn't instantly approved, as a conversation can sometimes help secure an approval.

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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Which card is better for building credit?

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Both cards are good options for building credit, provided you make on-time payments and keep your balances low. The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is specifically designed for students, which may make it easier to get approved for if you have a limited credit history.

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How do I decide between earning cash back and hotel points?

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Your choice depends on your spending habits and travel goals. If you prefer flexible rewards for everyday expenses, cash back is ideal; if you're a frequent traveler who stays at Marriott properties, the points from the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card can offer significant value.

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Are there annual fees for these cards?

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Neither the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card nor the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card charges an annual fee. This makes both cards excellent choices for those looking to avoid yearly costs while earning rewards.

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