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

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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This section breaks down the key reasons why we're fans of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card.

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• Cardholders receive a complimentary night's stay each year after their account anniversary, which can provide significant value.
• The card grants automatic elite status, unlocking immediate perks and a faster path to higher tiers within the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.

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Pros

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• An anniversary free night award, redeemable at a wide range of properties.
• Automatic Silver Elite status provides immediate perks, with a clear path to earning Gold Elite status through card spending.
• No foreign transaction fees and built-in travel protections make it ideal for international travel.

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Cons

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• The card carries an annual fee and is primarily beneficial for travelers loyal to the Marriott brand.
• Redemption options have some limitations; the anniversary free night award excludes certain high-end properties, and points are less valuable when transferred to airlines.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® 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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, depends entirely on your personal spending habits and financial goals.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is best for student credit builders. It is specifically designed for students with limited or no credit history who are looking to establish their credit file.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: This card is ideal for Marriott loyalists. It is designed for those who frequently stay at Marriott properties and want to maximize their rewards and elite status within the Marriott Bonvoy program.

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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 then redeem your rewards for a check or apply them as a statement credit to your account.

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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: This card earns points directly into the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. These points are best used for booking free nights at participating hotels and resorts worldwide.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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Kudos is a financial companion platform designed to help you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards and make data-driven decisions based on your actual spending patterns.

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• Test drive credit cards: Use your real spending data to simulate potential earnings before you apply.
• Personalized recommendations: Receive card suggestions based on your transaction history.
• Approval odds analysis: Get a detailed analysis of your approval chances for various cards.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better offer within three months of approval, Kudos will match it.
• Kudos Boost rewards: Earn extra rewards when shopping at participating stores.
• Spending and credit monitoring: Track your transactions, spending habits, and credit score.
• Unlimited comparisons: Compare as many card options as you like without impacting your credit score.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards?

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The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards card is tailor-made for students who are just starting to build their credit history. It's an excellent choice for those who prefer a straightforward rewards system, earning a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases without the hassle of an annual fee. Additionally, students who study abroad or travel frequently will benefit from the card's lack of foreign transaction fees and bonus rewards on travel booked through Capital One.

Who Should Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®?

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The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent Marriott guests who want to accelerate their journey toward elite status. It's also a great fit for value-conscious travelers looking to offset the annual fee with the valuable anniversary free night award. Finally, everyday spenders can benefit by accumulating points on common purchases like groceries, gas, and dining, making every dollar count toward their next hotel stay.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Marriott Bonvoy Boundless comparison shows that neither card is the right fit for you, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent cards on the market that might better suit your spending habits and financial goals.

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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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• Review your credit score: Most rewards cards require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
• Plan your spending: Ensure you can comfortably meet any minimum spending requirements for a welcome offer.
• Know the benefits: Research the card’s unique perks and rewards to ensure they align with your lifestyle.

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Application Strategy

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• Know the issuer's rules: Some issuers have restrictions on how many cards you can open in a certain period.
• Confirm your eligibility: Certain cards require specific qualifications, such as university enrollment for a student card.
• Time your application strategically: Applying before a large planned purchase can help you meet spending requirements for a bonus.

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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The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is specifically designed for those new to credit, making it a great tool for building a positive credit history. In contrast, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is geared toward applicants who already have a good to excellent credit score.

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What credit score do I need for each card?

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While issuers don't publish exact score requirements, the Capital One Quicksilver Student card is accessible to those with fair or limited credit. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, however, generally requires a good to excellent credit score, which is often considered 670 or higher.

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Do these cards have annual fees?

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The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card comes with no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has a $95 annual fee, which is offset by its travel-related benefits.

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