Capital One Quicksilver vs Delta SkyMiles Blue: Which Is Better In 2026?

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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This section breaks down why we like the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card (See Rates & Fees).

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• It's an accessible way to start earning Delta SkyMiles without the commitment of an annual fee.
• Cardholders can earn bonus miles on dining purchases worldwide, a valuable perk for an airline card.
• The card offers savings on eligible in-flight Delta purchases and has no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid companion for travel.

Terms apply.

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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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Pros

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• The only Delta co-branded card without an annual fee.
• No foreign transaction fees, a notable perk for a no-annual-fee travel card.
• Cardholders receive savings on eligible in-flight Delta purchases and get access to American Express Experiences.

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Cons

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• Lacks key travel benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding.
• Offers fewer premium perks, such as lounge access or travel credits, compared to other Delta cards.
• Redemption options are less flexible than those of general travel rewards cards.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express vs Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, Capital One Quicksilver or Delta SkyMiles Blue, depends entirely on your spending habits and travel goals, as each card excels in a different area.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a top choice for simple cash back rewards. It's designed for everyday spenders who value a consistent return on all purchases without needing to track specific categories.
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card serves as an excellent entry-level card for travelers loyal to Delta. It allows occasional flyers to earn miles on their spending without the commitment of a yearly fee.

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Redemption

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Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Rewards are earned as straightforward cash back, which you can redeem as a statement credit or a check, offering simple and flexible value.

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Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: This card earns miles within the Delta SkyMiles program, which are primarily redeemed for flights with Delta and its airline partners.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make an informed decision, a tool like Kudos can help you compare thousands of cards using your own spending data to find the best fit.

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• Test drive a credit card: Simulate potential earnings based on your actual transaction history before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.
• Personalized approval odds: Get a detailed analysis of your likelihood of being approved for a card based on your credit report.
• Stacked rewards: Earn extra Kudos Boost rewards on top of your existing credit card rewards when you shop at partner stores.
• Customized recommendations: Discover new cards that are matched to your specific spending habits.

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 straightforward spender who values simplicity over complex reward schemes. It's particularly well-suited for individuals who prefer not to track rotating bonus categories and want to earn a consistent, flat 1.5% cash back on every single purchase. This card also appeals to frequent travelers, thanks to its lack of foreign transaction fees, and to Uber users who can take advantage of its complimentary Uber One membership.

Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is tailor-made for the occasional Delta flyer who wants to earn SkyMiles without being tied down by an annual fee. This card is a great fit for budget-conscious travelers who value a no-fee structure over premium travel benefits like priority boarding or lounge access. It also serves dining enthusiasts looking to maximize the 2x miles on restaurants and international travelers who benefit from no foreign transaction fees. Terms apply.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Capital One Quicksilver vs Delta SkyMiles Blue comparison shows that neither the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards nor the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express is the right choice for you, don't worry. There are plenty of other rewards cards that might be a better fit for 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.}

Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score – Most rewards cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan your spending – Ensure you can naturally meet any minimum spending requirements for a welcome offer.
• Review issuer rules – Be aware of any application restrictions, like limits on welcome offers for existing customers.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application – Apply before a large purchase or when you can maximize limited-time benefits.
• Match the card to your lifestyle – Choose a card that rewards your typical spending habits and travel patterns.
• Be patient and strategic – Try different methods or wait to reapply if you don't receive the best 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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What credit score do I need for the Capital One Quicksilver or Delta SkyMiles Blue card?

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While issuers don't publish exact credit score requirements, both cards generally require a good to excellent credit score, typically 670 or higher. Your approval odds also depend on other factors like your income and existing debt.

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Can I have both the Capital One Quicksilver and the Delta SkyMiles Blue card?

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Yes, you can absolutely hold both cards at the same time. This can be a good strategy to earn flexible cash back for everyday spending and airline miles for travel on Delta.

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Are there upgrade options for the Delta SkyMiles Blue card?

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Yes, American Express offers a portfolio of Delta SkyMiles cards, and you may be eligible to upgrade to the Gold, Platinum, or Reserve cards over time. These cards offer more premium travel benefits for a higher annual fee, and Terms Apply.

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How do I redeem rewards with the Capital One Quicksilver card?

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You can redeem your cash back from the Capital One Quicksilver card in several ways, including as a statement credit, a check, or for gift cards. Rewards are earned for the life of the account and can be redeemed at any time with no minimum amount.

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