Capital One QuicksilverOne vs Amex Blue Cash Preferred: Which Is Better In 2026?

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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

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• It provides a competitive welcome offer for new cardholders, giving you a head start on earning rewards.
• You can earn generous cash back on everyday essentials, including at U.S. supermarkets and on select streaming subscriptions.
• Cardholders also gain access to valuable Amex Offers, which provide extra savings on shopping, dining, and 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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• Ideal for households, with high cash back earning potential on common expenses like U.S. supermarket purchases and select streaming subscriptions.
• Beneficial for commuters by offering cash back on everyday travel costs, including at U.S. gas stations and on various forms of transit.
• Simple to use with fixed rewards categories, so you don't have to activate or track rotating bonuses to maximize your earnings.

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Cons

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• An annual fee applies after the introductory period, which may not be suitable for those who don't spend heavily in the card's bonus categories.
• The high cash back rate on U.S. supermarket purchases is subject to an annual spending cap.
• It's not ideal for international travel, as it charges foreign transaction fees and American Express is not as widely accepted abroad as other networks.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express vs Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, Capital One QuicksilverOne or Amex Blue Cash Preferred, depends entirely on your spending habits. Each card excels in different areas, catering to distinct types of consumers.

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• Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card - This card is ideal for those who prefer a straightforward rewards structure for all everyday spending. It is also a strong choice for international travelers.
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express - This card is best suited for individuals and families with high spending on groceries, streaming services, and commuting costs. It rewards specific, common household expense categories.

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Redemption

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Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: You can redeem your cash back rewards at any time and for any amount. Redemption is flexible, available as either a statement credit or a check.

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Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Cash back is earned in the form of Reward Dollars. These can be redeemed as a statement credit directly to your account.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make the right choice, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards based on your own spending.

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• Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see potential earnings before you apply.
• Get personalized card recommendations and detailed approval odds based on your credit report.
• Monitor your transactions, spending, and credit score all in one place.
• Unlock rewards like the $100 Kudos Kickstart+ and a welcome offer guarantee on select cards.
• Track your progress toward credit card sign-up bonuses for free.

Who Should Choose the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards?

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The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card is primarily designed for individuals with average credit scores who are looking to build or rebuild their credit history through responsible use. It's an excellent fit for everyday spenders who prefer a simple, flat-rate rewards structure, offering unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase without the hassle of tracking categories. Additionally, travelers will appreciate the absence of foreign transaction fees, making it a practical choice for use abroad.

Who Should Choose the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express?

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The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a powerhouse for households with significant grocery bills, especially those who can maximize the high cash back rate on U.S. supermarket spending. This card also perfectly suits commuters who frequently pay for gas or transit and individuals with multiple U.S. streaming service subscriptions. Ultimately, it's designed for the savvy, calculated spender looking to earn substantial rewards on everyday essentials without the hassle of rotating categories.

Alternatives to Consider

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Still on the fence after the Capital One QuicksilverOne vs Amex Blue Cash Preferred comparison? If neither card feels like the perfect addition to your wallet, here are a few other top-tier cash back cards to consider.

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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 to see if you meet the card’s recommended profile.
• Review offer eligibility if you are already a customer with the card issuer.
• Analyze your spending habits to ensure the card’s rewards structure fits your lifestyle.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application to coincide with large planned purchases to help meet any minimum spending requirements.
• Use a trusted platform to find the best available offers and streamline the application process.
• Don't settle for a subpar offer; some issuers let you decline without impacting your credit score.

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 is needed for the QuicksilverOne and Blue Cash Preferred cards?

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The Capital One QuicksilverOne is generally aimed at applicants with fair credit, while the American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card typically requires a good to excellent credit score. Credit score requirements can vary, so approval is never guaranteed.

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Is the annual fee on the Amex Blue Cash Preferred worth it?

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For many, yes. If your spending at U.S. supermarkets, where you can earn 6% cash back on up to $6,000 per year (then 1%), and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions exceeds the card's annual fee, it often pays for itself. Terms apply.

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Do these cards have foreign transaction fees?

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The Capital One QuicksilverOne has no foreign transaction fees, which is a great perk for use abroad. The American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card does charge a foreign transaction fee, so it's less ideal for international purchases. Terms apply.

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