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Capital One QuicksilverOne vs First Progress Select MasterCard Secured: Which Is Better In 2026?
July 1, 2025

Editor's Picks
- The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a versatile option for everyday spending and international travel, while also helping those with average credit build their profile.
- The First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is designed for individuals with poor or no credit history to build or rebuild their credit through everyday purchases.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Breakdown
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Why We Like It
This section breaks down why we like the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card .
- It provides a pathway to earning rewards for those with average credit.
- The card offers a simple, flat-rate cash back structure without complicated bonus categories to track.
- It’s a solid choice for international travel, as it does not charge foreign transaction fees.
Pros
- It’s designed for applicants with average credit, providing an opportunity to build a stronger credit history.
- The card offers a straightforward rewards structure that applies to every purchase, eliminating the need to track complicated bonus categories.
- Cardholders get access to Capital One’s exclusive travel and entertainment platforms.
Cons
- It comes with an annual fee and carries a high variable APR.
- There is no welcome bonus or introductory APR offer for new cardholders.
- The card's benefits are limited compared to premium travel cards.
First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why we recommend this card for credit-builders.
- It's accessible to those looking to build or rebuild credit, as approval doesn't require a credit history.
- The First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card reports to all three major credit bureaus, which is essential for establishing a positive payment history.
- Cardholders can earn rewards on their spending, a valuable perk not often found on credit-builder cards.
Pros
- No credit check or minimum credit score is required to apply, making it highly accessible for those with poor or no credit.
- It reports to all three major credit bureaus, which is essential for building a positive credit history with responsible use.
- The credit limit is flexible and can be increased over time by adding to the initial security deposit.
Cons
- The card charges an annual fee and a fee for transactions made abroad.
- There's no option to 'graduate' to an unsecured card, so you'll eventually need to apply for a new card and close this account.
- The customer experience can feel dated; there's no mobile app, and some processes are handled manually rather than online.
First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card vs Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards
Categories
When considering which is better Capital One QuicksilverOne or First Progress Select MasterCard Secured, it's crucial to recognize they are designed for entirely different consumers and financial situations.
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card - This card is best for individuals with an average credit history who want to build their score while earning rewards on daily purchases. It is also a solid choice for those who travel internationally or want a simple rewards structure.
- First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card - This secured card is built for people with poor or no credit who need to establish or rebuild their credit profile. It provides an accessible option for building a positive payment history with the major credit bureaus.
Redemption
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Cardholders can redeem their cash back rewards in several flexible ways, including as a statement credit or a check.
First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card: As a card focused on building or rebuilding credit, it does not feature a rewards program, meaning there are no points or cash back to redeem.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
To take the guesswork out of choosing the right card, a financial tool like Kudos allows you to compare top-rated cards and simulate their benefits based on your actual spending habits.
- The ability to “test drive” credit cards using your real spending data to see personalized earnings projections before you apply.
- Detailed analysis of your approval odds for various cards, based on your credit report.
- A welcome offer guarantee that matches any better public offer you find within three months of approval.
- Access to Kudos Boost, which provides extra rewards on top of your card's earnings when shopping at participating stores.
- An automated tool that selects the best card in your wallet at checkout to maximize rewards on every purchase.
Who Should Choose the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards?
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards credit card is an excellent choice for individuals looking to build their credit, particularly those with scores in the average range of 580-670. It also appeals to everyday spenders who value a straightforward, unlimited 1.5% cash back rate on all purchases and international travelers who can benefit from having no foreign transaction fees. Additionally, entertainment enthusiasts can take advantage of exclusive access to events and VIP packages through the Capital One Entertainment platform.
Who Should Choose the First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card?
The First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is primarily for individuals with poor or no credit history who need a reliable tool to build or rebuild their financial standing. Because approval doesn't require a credit check, it serves as a stress-free entry point for those who may have been denied other cards. Not only does it report to all three major credit bureaus to help establish a positive payment history, but it also offers 1% cash back on purchases, making it a practical choice for everyday spending.
Alternatives to Consider
If our Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card comparison didn't help you find the perfect match, don't worry. There are several other excellent cards for building credit that might be a better 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.
Tips for Application Success
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score – Know where you stand, as some cards target average credit while others require no credit history at all.
- Review issuer rules – Be aware of any restrictions, as some issuers limit offers for existing cardmembers or lack upgrade paths.
- Prepare your information – Have your personal and financial details ready, including funds for a security deposit if required.
Application Strategy
- Target the right card - Align your application with cards designed for your specific credit profile.
- Know the card’s role - Determine if a card is a long-term keeper or a stepping stone to better options.
- Have a backup plan - If one application isn't successful, consider options with more flexible approval requirements.
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 is a secured credit card?
A secured credit card requires a cash security deposit, which typically determines your credit limit. These cards are designed to help individuals build or rebuild their credit history by minimizing risk for the issuer.
Do I need a security deposit for the Capital One QuicksilverOne card?
No, the Capital One QuicksilverOne is an unsecured credit card, so it does not require a security deposit. It is generally intended for applicants with fair or average credit.
Which card is better for building credit?
Both the Capital One QuicksilverOne and the First Progress Select MasterCard Secured can help you build credit, as both report to the three major credit bureaus. The right card for you depends on your specific credit situation and financial needs.
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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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