Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
Capital One QuicksilverOne vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business: Which Is Better In 2026?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards: This card is a great option for those with average credit who want a simple card for everyday spending and building their credit history.
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business: This premium business card is tailored for business owners who frequently travel with Southwest Airlines and want to enjoy airline-specific perks.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Breakdown
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "430", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Credit Builders", "headerHint": "Straightforward Cash Back"} ]]
Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why we think the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Cash Rewards is a solid choice.
- It's an accessible option for those with average credit who are looking to build their credit profile while earning rewards.
- The card offers a straightforward rewards structure without the complexity of rotating categories.
- Cardholders get access to valuable travel and entertainment benefits, making it useful both at home and abroad.
Pros
- Accessible credit-building tool: The card is designed for those with average credit, offering a pathway to improve credit scores with responsible use and automatic credit line reviews.
- Simple rewards structure: You can earn cash back on every purchase without worrying about activating or tracking complicated bonus categories.
- Valuable perks: Cardholders get access to exclusive entertainment events and travel booking benefits, and the card is a great option for international travel.
Cons
- Annual fee: The card comes with an annual fee, which may cut into the value of your cash back rewards.
- No introductory offers: It lacks a welcome bonus or an introductory APR offer, reducing its upfront value compared to competitors.
- High interest rate: The ongoing APR is high, making this a costly option if you plan to carry a balance.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Breakdown
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2163", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Top Travel Pick" } ]]
Why We Like It
This section breaks down the key reasons why we recommend the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business card.
- It provides a clear path to earning the highly sought-after Southwest Companion Pass®.
- The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business card is packed with valuable travel perks that enhance the flying experience on Southwest Airlines.
- Business-friendly features like free employee cards make it easy to pool rewards and manage company spending.
Pros
- Points earned from spending help you qualify for the valuable Southwest Companion Pass® and A-List status.
- Enjoy a suite of travel benefits, including inflight Wi-Fi credits, upgraded boarding opportunities, and a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
- Business-friendly features like free employee cards make it easy to pool points from company spending.
Cons
- The card’s value is heavily tied to frequent travel on Southwest, making it less ideal for businesses that use a variety of airlines.
- It lacks some premium perks found on other high-end business cards, such as airport lounge access.
- Points offer limited flexibility, as they are most valuable for Southwest flights and cannot be transferred to other airline or hotel partners.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business vs Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards
Categories
Deciding which is better, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card or the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, ultimately depends on your personal spending habits and financial goals.
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for individuals with average credit who want to earn straightforward cash back on all purchases. It's a solid choice for everyday spenders who prefer a simple, flat-rate rewards structure without complex categories.
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is tailored for business owners who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines. This card is best for those looking to maximize airline-specific rewards and take advantage of travel perks to enhance their flying experience.
Redemption
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: With this card, you can redeem your earnings as straightforward cash back, which can be received as a statement credit or a check. This provides flexibility, allowing you to use your rewards for anything you choose.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: Points earned with this card are redeemed through the Southwest Rapid Rewards program, primarily for flights with the airline. You can also use your points for other travel options like international flights, hotels, and car rentals through the program's partners.
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 using your real spending data to see potential earnings before you apply.
- Receive personalized, data-driven recommendations to find the best card for your unique spending patterns.
- Get detailed approval odds based on your credit report.
- Track your progress toward credit card sign-up bonuses for free.
- Unlock exclusive member benefits, including a welcome offer guarantee and a $100 Kudos Kickstart+ reward for adding select approved cards.
- Monitor your transactions, spending, and credit score all in one place.
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 who are looking to build their credit history while earning rewards. It offers a straightforward, unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, making it ideal for everyday spenders who value simplicity over complex rewards categories. Additionally, frequent international travelers will appreciate the lack of foreign transaction fees, adding another layer of value for those who make purchases abroad.
Who Should Choose the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business?
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business card is tailor-made for business owners who are loyal to Southwest Airlines and travel frequently for work. It's particularly valuable for companies with multiple traveling employees, as free employee cards allow rewards to be pooled into a single account, accelerating point accumulation. Ultimately, this card is for businesses aiming to earn the coveted Companion Pass and enjoy premium perks like upgraded boardings and inflight Wi-Fi credits, maximizing the value of their travel spending.
Alternatives to Consider
If our Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards vs. Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business comparison didn't reveal a clear winner for your wallet, don't sweat it. There are several other excellent options available that could be a better fit for your spending habits and travel goals.
[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "118"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Exceptional Value", "Generous Travel Rewards"]} ]]
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 – Most rewards cards require good to excellent credit, but some options are designed for those with average credit.
- Know the application rules – Be aware of issuer restrictions, like Chase's 5/24 rule or limits on welcome offers for existing cardholders.
- Have a spending plan – Ensure you can meet any minimum spending requirements for a welcome offer with your regular spending.
Application Strategy
- Target the right cards – Some cards are designed for average credit, while others require an excellent score.
- Know the issuer's rules – Some issuers have strict rules, like Chase's 5/24, that can affect your approval.
- Time your application strategically – Apply before a large purchase or when aiming for a specific goal like the Southwest Companion Pass.
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
Which card is better for someone new to credit cards?
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is generally a better choice for those new to credit or building their score. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a premium card with stricter approval requirements, making it less suitable for beginners.
Can I use the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card for personal expenses?
While it's designed for business spending, you can technically use a business credit card for personal purchases. However, it's best practice to keep business and personal finances separate for easier accounting and tax purposes.
What kind of credit score do I need for these cards?
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for applicants with fair to good credit. For the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, you will generally need a good to excellent credit score for approval.
Unlock your extra benefits when you become a Kudos member
Turn your online shopping into even more rewards
Join over 400,000 members simplifying their finances
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.
.webp)
