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Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Marriott Bonvoy Business: 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 looking to build credit while earning flat-rate cash back on everyday purchases and travel.
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: This card is best for business owners who frequently stay at Marriott properties and want to earn points on travel and common business expenses.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why we think this card is a top choice for students.
- The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards is an excellent tool for students looking to build a strong credit history, even if they're just starting out.
- It offers a simple and consistent cash back rewards program on every purchase, eliminating the need to track complicated bonus categories.
- With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, it's a cost-effective option for students, especially those studying abroad.
Pros
- Earn simple, flat-rate cash back on every purchase without having to track complicated rotating categories.
- It’s designed for students with limited or fair credit and reports to all three major credit bureaus, making it a great tool for building a positive credit history.
- New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus with a low spending threshold that is well-suited for a student budget.
Cons
- Applicants must be able to verify their student status to be eligible for the card.
- Approval may be difficult for students with a very limited or poor credit history.
- The card lacks some features found on competing student cards, such as introductory APR offers or a wider range of bonus reward categories.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a high-level look at why we think this card is a strong contender for business travelers.
- The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card (See Rates & Fees) offers a strong rewards structure that is especially valuable for stays at Marriott properties and on common business expenses.
- Cardholders receive automatic elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, unlocking valuable perks without needing to meet typical stay requirements.
- It comes with valuable travel benefits, including an annual free night award, which can easily offset the annual cost for frequent travelers.
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
- Earn accelerated rewards on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and in several key business spending categories.
- Receive automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, which unlocks valuable on-property perks like enhanced room upgrades and priority late checkout.
- Get an annual Free Night Award after your card renewal month, and pay no foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad.
Cons
- The card comes with an annual fee, which may not be ideal for small businesses with limited travel expenses.
- To maximize value, cardholders must be loyal to the Marriott brand, as points are most valuable when redeemed for hotel stays.
- The application requires a personal credit check, which can impact the business owner's personal credit score.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® 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 Business, it's essential to understand the distinct cardholder each is designed for.
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is best for student credit builders, as it is specifically designed for students who want to establish their credit history.
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: This card is best for frequent travelers and is tailored for business owners who often stay at Marriott properties.
Redemption
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Rewards are earned as straightforward cash back that can be redeemed for any amount, typically as a statement credit or a check.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Cardholders earn points that can be redeemed for stays at hotels and resorts within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio or transferred to airline loyalty programs. Terms apply.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
To cut through the noise and find the best card for your wallet, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards based on your unique spending habits.
- Test drive credit cards: Simulate potential earnings from different cards using your real spending data before you apply.
- Approval odds analysis: Get a detailed analysis based on your credit report to understand your chances of approval.
- Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of approval, Kudos will match it.
- Personalized recommendations: Receive card matches based on your spending history to maximize your rewards.
- Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your credit card rewards when shopping at participating stores.
Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards?
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a compelling option for students looking to build their credit history with a straightforward card. It's ideal for those who want to earn simple rewards on everyday spending, offering a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases without needing to track complicated categories. Furthermore, its lack of foreign transaction fees and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel make it a great fit for international students or those planning to study abroad.
Who Should Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express®?
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is tailor-made for small to medium-sized business owners who frequently stay at Marriott properties and want to maximize their loyalty. These cardholders can leverage automatic Gold Elite status and earn accelerated points on hotel stays, as well as on common business expenses like U.S. restaurants, gas, shipping, and wireless services. Furthermore, the card is a strong choice for businesses looking to consolidate spending with no-cost employee cards and benefit from travel perks like an annual Free Night Award. Terms apply.
Alternatives to Consider
If our Capital One Quicksilver Student vs. Marriott Bonvoy Business comparison has shown that neither card is the right fit for your wallet, don't worry. We'll explore a few alternative cards 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.
Tips for Application Success
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score to ensure it aligns with the card’s target profile, which can range from fair to excellent.
- Confirm your eligibility, as some cards are designed specifically for students or business owners.
- Plan your spending to ensure you can naturally meet the welcome offer’s spending requirement without carrying a balance.
Application Strategy
- Time your application to coincide with a large planned purchase to help meet any spending requirements for a welcome offer.
- Use a tool like Kudos to find the best available offer without needing to search across different browsers or incognito windows.
- Decline a subpar offer if the issuer uses a soft pull, as you can often reapply later with no impact to your credit score.
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
Who is the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card best for?
This card is designed for students with fair or limited credit who want to build their credit history while earning a flat rate of cash back on all purchases.
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card good for beginners?
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is generally better for established business owners who travel frequently and can take full advantage of its hotel-specific benefits. Beginners might find a simpler card more suitable. Terms Apply.
Do I need a business to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card?
Yes, you typically need to have a business to be eligible for this card, as it is designed for business expenses. This can include full-time businesses, side hustles, or freelance work.
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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.
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