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Capital One Quicksilver vs Citi Double Cash: Which Is Better In 2026?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is ideal for simple, everyday spending with its flat-rate cash back, and it's also great for travelers thanks to its lack of foreign transaction fees.
Citi Double Cash® Card: This card is best for everyday spending and for those looking to pay down existing debt with its long introductory APR period on balance transfers.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Breakdown
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Why We Like It
This section breaks down why we like the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (See Rates & Fees).
- It offers a straightforward, flat-rate rewards structure that makes earning cash back on every purchase simple.
- The card is a great companion for international travel, as it eliminates certain fees often charged abroad.
- Cardholders can enjoy valuable perks, including a complimentary membership for a popular rideshare and delivery service.
Pros
- Its straightforward rewards structure means you earn cash back on everything you buy, with no need to juggle rotating categories.
- A solid companion for international travel, it helps you avoid extra charges on purchases made abroad.
- Redeeming your cash back is flexible with no minimums, and you can enjoy valuable perks like a complimentary membership with a popular rideshare and delivery service.
Cons
- Its flat-rate rewards structure may not maximize earnings for those who spend heavily in specific categories like dining or groceries.
- Balance Transfer Fee applies to balances transferred at a promotional rate.
- A good to excellent credit history is typically required for approval, which may exclude some applicants.
Citi Double Cash® Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why we’re fans of the Citi Double Cash® Card.
- It offers a simple, flat-rate cash back structure that rewards you for both spending and paying your bill.
- It's an excellent choice for consolidating debt thanks to its lengthy introductory period for balance transfers.
- The card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for long-term use.
Pros
- Earn cash back twice on every purchase—once when you buy and again as you pay.
- Offers a generous introductory period on balance transfers, making it a powerful tool for managing debt.
- No annual fee, which means all the cash back you earn is pure value.
Cons
- The introductory interest-free offer applies only to balance transfers, not new purchases.
- It charges a foreign transaction fee, making it less suitable for international travel.
- There are no bonus categories to earn accelerated rewards on specific types of spending.
Citi Double Cash® vs Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
Categories
When deciding which is better, Capital One Quicksilver or Citi Double Cash, it's helpful to look at what each card does best. Both are strong contenders, but they excel in different areas.
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards is a straightforward card best for earning flat-rate cash back on all your purchases without having to track different spending categories.
- Citi Double Cash® Card stands out as an excellent choice for balance transfers, making it ideal for consumers who want to consolidate and pay down existing credit card debt.
Redemption
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards: You can redeem your cash back rewards at any time and for any amount, with options like a statement credit or a check.
Citi Double Cash® Card: Cardholders can redeem their earnings as straightforward cash back or convert them to transferable points, offering flexibility for travel enthusiasts.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
To make the right choice, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards based on your own spending habits.
- Test drive credit cards: Use your real spending data to simulate your potential earnings with a new card before you apply, without impacting your credit score.
- Get approval odds: Receive a detailed analysis of your likelihood of being approved for specific cards based on your credit report.
- Earn extra rewards: Stack rewards by earning Kudos Boost on top of your credit card rewards when you shop at your favorite stores.
- Track sign-up bonuses: Monitor your progress toward earning valuable credit card sign-up bonuses so you don’t miss out.
Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards?
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for everyday spenders who value simplicity over complicated rewards structures. It's designed for those who prefer not to track rotating categories, offering a straightforward, flat 1.5% cash back on every single purchase. This card also appeals to travelers thanks to its lack of foreign transaction fees and to frequent Uber users who can take advantage of a complimentary Uber One membership.
Who Should Choose the Citi Double Cash®?
The Citi Double Cash® card is an excellent choice for individuals who value simplicity and want to earn a high, flat-rate cash back on all their spending without tracking categories. It's also particularly well-suited for those looking to pay down existing high-interest credit card debt, thanks to its lengthy 18-month 0% introductory APR on balance transfers. Ultimately, anyone seeking a straightforward, no-annual-fee card that delivers consistent value for everyday purchases will find this card to be a strong contender.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards vs. Citi Double Cash® Card comparison has you convinced that neither is the right choice, don't worry. There are several other excellent alternatives to consider that might better suit 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.
Tips for Application Success
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score: Most rewards cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
- Plan your spending: Make sure you can comfortably meet the minimum spend for the welcome offer.
- Know the rewards structure: Ensure the card’s benefits align with your typical spending habits.
Application Strategy
- Define your primary goal: Pick a card for simple rewards like the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card or for debt consolidation like the Citi Double Cash® Card.
- Factor in card-specific perks: Consider unique benefits like the lack of foreign transaction fees or introductory balance transfer offers.
- Review issuer application rules: Be aware of any restrictions that might affect your eligibility for a welcome offer.
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
What credit score do I need for the Capital One Quicksilver and Citi Double Cash cards?
Both the Capital One Quicksilver card and the Citi® Double Cash Card generally require good to excellent credit, which typically means a FICO score of 670 or higher. Issuers, however, consider multiple factors beyond just your credit score when evaluating an application.
Are there foreign transaction fees on these cards?
The Capital One Quicksilver card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it a solid choice for international travel. In contrast, the Citi® Double Cash Card does charge a foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the United States.
How does the cash back work on the Citi Double Cash card?
The Citi® Double Cash Card features a two-part cash back structure where you earn 1% on all purchases and an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To receive the full cash back, you must pay at least the minimum due on time each month.
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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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