Capital One QuicksilverOne vs Hilton Honors Surpass: Which Is Better In 2026?

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why we recommend this card for Hilton loyalists.

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• It provides automatic Hilton Honors Gold status, which comes with valuable on-property benefits like room upgrades.
• The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (See Rates & Fees) offers strong earning potential on both hotel stays and common everyday purchases.
• Cardholders can earn free night rewards and statement credits, providing significant value that can outweigh the card's annual cost.

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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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• Automatic Hilton Honors Gold status unlocks valuable on-property perks, such as complimentary room upgrades when available.
• A strong welcome offer and accelerated rewards on both travel and everyday spending help you quickly accumulate points.
• Cardholders can earn a Free Night Reward through eligible spending and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on international purchases.

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Cons

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• The value of Hilton Honors points can be inconsistent, and they may offer less flexibility compared to other travel rewards programs.
• Some premium travel benefits, such as automatic free night certificates and airport lounge access, are not standard with this card.
• Bonus rewards on spending are limited to U.S. merchants, and the card may not be as widely accepted internationally as Visa or Mastercard.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® vs Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, Capital One QuicksilverOne or Hilton Honors Surpass, depends entirely on your spending habits and financial goals. Each card caters to a very different type of consumer, making a direct comparison essential for choosing the right one for your wallet.

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• Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for credit builders. It's a solid choice for those with average credit who want to earn straightforward rewards on everyday spending while improving their credit profile.
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is best suited for Hilton travelers. This card is ideal for frequent guests of Hilton properties who want to maximize their benefits and earn rewards within the Hilton Honors program.

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Redemption

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

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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Points are redeemed within the Hilton Honors ecosystem, primarily for booking free nights at Hilton properties or upgrading your stays.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To find the best card for your wallet, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated credit cards and see which one will earn you the most rewards.

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• Test drive credit cards: Before you apply, you can simulate how much you’d earn with a new card based on your actual spending history. This gives you a personalized projection of your potential rewards.
• Personalized matching: Discover new credit cards that are matched to your spending habits, ensuring you find the best fit.
• Approval odds analysis: Get a detailed analysis based on your credit report to understand your chances of being approved for different cards.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of applying through Kudos, they will match it.
• Kudos Boost rewards: Earn extra rewards on top of your credit card points when you shop at your favorite stores.

Who Should Choose the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards?

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The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card is an excellent choice for individuals looking to build their credit, particularly those with scores in the average range of 580 to 670. It also appeals to everyday spenders and international travelers who can benefit from its straightforward, unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and no foreign transaction fees. Additionally, entertainment enthusiasts will appreciate the exclusive access to special events and VIP packages through the Capital One Entertainment platform.

Who Should Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass®?

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The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a great fit for moderate travelers who often stay with Hilton and want to enjoy elite perks without paying for a premium card. With automatic Hilton Honors Gold status, cardholders receive valuable benefits like room upgrades and a daily food and beverage credit at U.S. properties; Terms apply. The card also rewards everyday spending, making it a strong choice for those who want to earn points on purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.

Alternatives to Consider

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Perhaps the Capital One QuicksilverOne vs Hilton Honors Surpass comparison has left you looking for something different. If neither of these cards is the right fit, here are a few other top-tier options 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. Most premium rewards cards require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
• Know the issuer's rules. Issuers like American Express often limit welcome offers to once per lifetime per card.
• Plan your spending. Make sure you can naturally meet the minimum spending requirement for the welcome offer without going into debt.

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Application Strategy

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• Try different application methods if you don't see the best offer.
• Target cards that match your credit profile, from average to excellent.
• Call the issuer's reconsideration line if your application isn't instantly approved.

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 Capital One QuicksilverOne card?

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The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is generally designed for individuals with fair or average credit. While credit scores are a key factor, Capital One considers your entire credit profile upon application.

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Is the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card good for beginners?

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The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is often better suited for those who travel frequently and can maximize its hotel-specific benefits. Beginners might prefer a card with a lower annual fee and more straightforward rewards.

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Does the Capital One QuicksilverOne card have an annual fee?

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Yes, the Capital One QuicksilverOne card typically comes with an annual fee. This is a key distinction from the no-annual-fee Capital One Quicksilver card, which is intended for users with higher credit scores.

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What are the main benefits of the Hilton Honors Surpass Card?

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Key perks include complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, bonus points on Hilton purchases, and various travel-related credits (Terms Apply). Benefits and welcome offers can change, so always check the current terms.

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