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Capital One QuicksilverOne vs Delta SkyMiles Gold: Which Is Better In 2026?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is a great tool for everyday spending and for those with average credit looking to build their credit history.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: This card is designed for frequent Delta travelers who want to enjoy airline-specific perks.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a breakdown of what makes the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards (See Rates & Fees) card stand out.
- It’s an accessible option for those looking to earn rewards while building their credit history.
- The card offers a simple, flat-rate rewards structure on every purchase, so you don’t have to worry about tracking spending categories.
- Cardholders get access to travel and entertainment benefits often reserved for more premium cards.
Pros
- Earns flat-rate cash back on every purchase, so you don’t have to keep track of rotating categories.
- It’s designed for those with fair or average credit, offering a pathway to build a stronger credit history.
- Cardholders can avoid foreign transaction fees and get access to Capital One’s travel and entertainment portals.
Cons
- It comes with an annual fee, which can eat into your cash back earnings.
- The variable APR is on the higher side, so it’s not a great fit if you plan to carry a balance.
- You won’t find a welcome bonus or an introductory APR offer, which many competing cards provide.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Breakdown
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Why We Like It
This section breaks down why we like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express card.
- The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (See Rates & Fees) offers a variety of airline-specific benefits that provide tangible value for those who regularly fly with the airline.
- As a mid-tier travel card, it serves as an excellent and accessible entry point for travelers looking to earn rewards and enjoy perks without a premium-level commitment.
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
- Enjoy a complimentary first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights for you and your travel companions.
- Receive a discount when redeeming miles for award travel on Delta flights, helping your miles go further.
- Earn miles on a broad range of purchases, including at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, not just on Delta flights.
Cons
- Key travel benefits like complimentary lounge access and credits for expedited security programs are not included.
- Missing top-tier airline perks such as a companion certificate and priority upgrades.
- The rewards earning rate on non-Delta purchases is less competitive compared to other travel cards.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express vs Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards
Categories
Deciding which is better, Capital One QuicksilverOne or Delta SkyMiles Gold, depends entirely on your spending habits and financial goals.
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for individuals with average credit looking to build their financial profile. It's a solid choice for everyday spenders and international travelers who prefer a simple rewards structure.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is best suited for frequent travelers loyal to Delta. It offers travel-specific perks that enhance the flying experience for those who fly with the airline several times a year.
Redemption
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card offers straightforward cash back rewards that can be redeemed in flexible ways, such as a statement credit or a check. The redemption process is designed for simplicity, directly translating your spending into money back.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Rewards earned with this card are in the form of miles, which are primarily redeemed for flights with Delta Air Lines and its partners. Your miles can also be used for other travel-related perks, making it ideal for those looking to fund their next vacation through their spending.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
Kudos is a financial companion that helps you compare thousands of credit cards to find the best one for your spending habits.
- Test drive credit cards: Simulate your potential earnings with a new card using your actual spending data before you apply.
- Approval odds analysis: Get a detailed analysis of your approval chances based on your credit report.
- Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of getting a card through Kudos, they will match it.
- Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your regular card rewards when you shop at participating stores.
- Personalized recommendations: Receive card suggestions based on your transaction history and spending patterns.
Who Should Choose the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards?
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card is an excellent choice for individuals with average credit scores, typically between 580 and 670, who are looking to build their credit history while earning straightforward rewards. Cardholders benefit from an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it ideal for everyday spenders who value simplicity over complex reward categories. Additionally, the card appeals to international travelers thanks to its lack of foreign transaction fees and to entertainment enthusiasts seeking exclusive access to events through Capital One Entertainment.
Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express?
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is ideal for the frequent-but-not-fanatical Delta flyer who travels several times a year. These travelers can easily offset the annual fee with the free checked bag benefit alone, while also enjoying perks like priority boarding to make their journey smoother. The card also rewards everyday spending, offering 2X miles at restaurants and a 15% discount on award travel with the TakeOff 15 benefit, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy dining out and redeeming miles for their next trip (Terms apply).
Alternatives to Consider
If our Capital One QuicksilverOne vs Delta SkyMiles Gold comparison has you thinking that neither card is the right choice for your wallet, don't fret. There are several other rewards cards that might be a better match 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
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score to ensure it aligns with the card’s target applicant profile.
- Align the card’s rewards structure with your personal spending habits and financial goals.
- Review the issuer’s application rules to confirm your eligibility for a new card and its welcome offer.
Application Strategy
- Time your application to coincide with large planned purchases, making it easier to earn a welcome offer.
- Leverage pre-approval tools or application flows that let you view your offer before a hard credit inquiry.
- Target cards that fit your profile, whether you are building credit or are a loyalist with a specific travel partner.
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
How do I decide between a cash back card and a travel rewards card?
Your choice should hinge on your spending habits and redemption preferences. If you value simplicity and flexibility, a cash back card is a great option; if you're a frequent traveler loyal to a specific airline, a travel card might offer more value.
What credit score do I need for the Capital One QuicksilverOne and Delta SkyMiles Gold cards?
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for those with fair or average credit, while the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card generally requires a good to excellent credit score. Your approval odds will depend on your overall credit profile.
Can I have both the Capital One QuicksilverOne and the Delta SkyMiles Gold card?
Yes, it's possible to hold both cards simultaneously, and it can even be a strategic way to maximize rewards. You could use the Delta SkyMiles Gold card for travel purchases and the QuicksilverOne card for all other spending to earn simple cash back.
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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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