Capital One Quicksilver vs Bank of America Travel Rewards: Which Is Better In 2026?

Bank of America Travel Rewards Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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This section breaks down why we like the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card.

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• The card's simple rewards structure makes it easy to earn on every purchase without tracking bonus categories.
• You can flexibly redeem rewards for a statement credit against a wide variety of travel and dining expenses.
• It's a cost-effective option for travelers since it doesn't charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees.

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Pros

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• No annual fee and a simple rewards structure that lets you earn on every purchase.
• Flexible reward redemptions for a wide range of travel and dining purchases, with no foreign transaction fees.
• An introductory APR offer and a welcome bonus for new cardmembers.

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Cons

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• The card offers a flat rewards structure and lacks bonus categories for accelerated earnings on travel or dining.
• It does not include premium travel benefits like airport lounge access or the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners.
• Its highest earning potential is reserved for Bank of America customers with significant account balances.

Bank of America Travel Rewards vs Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards

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Categories

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When deciding which is better, Capital One Quicksilver or Bank of America Travel Rewards, it's essential to look at your primary spending habits. Each card is designed for a different type of user, with one focusing on straightforward cash back and the other on simple travel rewards.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card - This card is best for everyday spenders who value simplicity and want a flat-rate cash back card. It's ideal for those who prefer not to track rotating categories or spending limits.
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card - This card is designed for beginners and casual travelers who want a simple, no-fuss travel rewards program. It is also a strong choice for existing Bank of America customers who can unlock enhanced benefits.

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Redemption

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Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: You can redeem your cash back in a few straightforward ways, such as receiving a statement credit or a check.

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Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card: This card allows you to redeem your points as a statement credit to cover a wide range of travel and dining purchases.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make the decision even easier, you can use a tool like Kudos to compare thousands of top-rated cards side-by-side.

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• Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see personalized reward projections before you apply.
• Get a detailed analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report.
• Take advantage of a welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better offer if you find one within three months.
• Unlock rewards like the $100 Kudos Kickstart+ and earn extra Kudos Boost rewards when shopping at your favorite stores.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards?

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The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for the everyday spender who values simplicity over complex rewards structures. This cardholder prefers earning a consistent, flat-rate cash back on all purchases without the hassle of tracking rotating categories or spending limits. Additionally, it's a strong contender for international travelers who want to avoid foreign transaction fees and anyone looking for a solid rewards card with no annual fee.

Who Should Choose the Bank of America Travel Rewards?

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The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is an excellent choice for beginners and casual travelers who want a straightforward way to earn rewards without paying an annual fee. It's particularly valuable for existing Bank of America customers, as those with Preferred Rewards status can significantly boost their earning rate. This card also suits anyone looking for a simple, one-card solution for all their spending, thanks to its flat-rate rewards on every purchase.

Alternatives to Consider

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If the Capital One Quicksilver vs. Bank of America Travel Rewards comparison has left you feeling like neither card is the right choice, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent cards out there, and one of them might be the perfect fit for your wallet.

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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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• Check your credit score - You will generally need good to excellent credit for approval.
• Know your spending habits - Consider if a simple, flat-rate rewards card fits your lifestyle.
• Review issuer rules - Be aware of any application restrictions or bonus eligibility requirements from the card issuer.

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Application Strategy

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• Leverage existing relationships - Some issuers, like Bank of America, offer enhanced rewards for existing customers.
• Target the right card type - Choose a simple flat-rate card if you prefer not to track complex bonus categories.
• Time your application wisely - Apply when you can naturally meet the spending requirement for a welcome offer.

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 someone new to credit card rewards?

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The Capital One Quicksilver card is often recommended for beginners due to its straightforward flat-rate cash back, which is simple to understand and redeem. The Bank of America Travel Rewards card can also be a good starting point for those who want to dip their toes into travel rewards without complex point systems.

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What credit score is recommended for the Quicksilver and Travel Rewards cards?

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Both cards generally require a good to excellent credit score, typically meaning a FICO score of 670 or higher. However, approval depends on various factors beyond just your credit score, including your income and existing debt.

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Can I have both the Capital One Quicksilver and Bank of America Travel Rewards cards?

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Yes, it's possible to have both cards, and it can be a smart strategy for maximizing rewards. You could use the Quicksilver for everyday non-bonus category spending and the Travel Rewards card specifically for travel purchases to redeem against.

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Do these cards have foreign transaction fees?

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The Capital One Quicksilver card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for international travel. The Bank of America Travel Rewards card also does not charge foreign transaction fees, which is a key benefit for travelers.

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