Capital One QuicksilverOne vs United Explorer: Which Is Better In 2026?

United Explorer Breakdown

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "106", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Luxury Travel", "headerHint" : "Explore the World" } ]]

‍

Why We Like It

‍

Here's a breakdown of why we like the United℠ Explorer Card.

‍

• It offers a variety of airline-specific perks that make flying with United more convenient and comfortable.
• The card includes valuable travel protections and credits for expedited security screening programs.
• Cardholders receive benefits like airport lounge passes and discounts on inflight purchases.

‍

‍

Pros

‍

• Receive complimentary checked bags and priority boarding on United flights.
• Get access to United Club℠ lounges with annual passes and receive statement credits for airport security programs.
• Includes valuable travel protections, such as primary car rental coverage and trip delay reimbursement.

‍

Cons

‍

• The card’s perks are heavily geared toward United loyalists, offering limited value if you fly with other airlines.
• An annual fee applies after the first year, and some of the card's main benefits come with notable restrictions.
• Earning rates on everyday spending are less competitive than what you might find with more general travel rewards cards.

United Explorer vs Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards

‍

Categories

‍

Deciding which is better, Capital One QuicksilverOne or United Explorer, comes down to your personal spending habits and financial goals.

‍

• Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card - This card is designed for individuals with average credit who are looking to build their credit history. It's also a great fit for those who prefer a straightforward rewards card for everyday spending.
• United℠ Explorer Card - This card is best suited for frequent travelers, particularly those who regularly fly with United Airlines. It offers a range of airline-specific perks and travel benefits that can enhance the travel experience.

‍

Redemption

‍

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: You can redeem your cash back rewards in a few flexible ways, such as a statement credit or a check. The process is designed to be simple and straightforward, letting you easily access the value you've earned.

‍

United℠ Explorer Card: Rewards are earned as miles that can be redeemed for flights with United and its partner airlines. You can also use your miles for other travel-related purchases like seat upgrades and hotel stays.

‍

Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

‍

To make the decision even easier, a financial companion tool like Kudos helps you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards using your real spending data, not just hypotheticals.

‍

• Test drive credit cards: Before you apply, you can simulate your potential earnings with any card based on your actual spending history to see which one offers the most value.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of getting approved through Kudos, they will match it.
• Detailed approval odds: Get a comprehensive analysis of your card approval odds based on your credit report.
• Kudos Boost rewards: Earn extra rewards on top of your credit card rewards when you shop at your favorite stores.

Who Should Choose the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards?

‍

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards credit card is an excellent choice for individuals with average credit who are looking to build their credit history while earning straightforward rewards. It's particularly well-suited for everyday spenders who appreciate a simple, flat-rate cash back structure on all purchases, as well as for international travelers who can benefit from the absence of foreign transaction fees. Additionally, entertainment enthusiasts can take advantage of exclusive access to the Capital One Entertainment platform, making it a versatile card for a variety of spending habits.

Who Should Choose the United Explorer?

‍

The United℠ Explorer Card is a great fit for travelers who fly with United a few times a year and want to elevate their experience without committing to a premium card's price tag. This cardholder values practical perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding, and occasional lounge access, which can easily offset the annual fee after the first year. Additionally, it's ideal for those who want to speed through airport security with a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® and save money on international purchases with no foreign transaction fees.

Alternatives to Consider

‍

So, you've weighed the Capital One QuicksilverOne vs United Explorer comparison and neither card feels quite right for your wallet. Fortunately, the world of credit cards is vast, and there are plenty of other great choices available.

‍

[[ 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 to ensure it aligns with the card’s requirements, which can range from average to excellent.
• Plan your spending to help you naturally meet any minimum spending requirements for a welcome offer.
• Review issuer application rules, as some banks limit welcome offer eligibility for existing cardmembers.

‍

Application Strategy

‍

• Time your application around large planned purchases to help meet spending requirements for a welcome offer.
• Use rewards platforms to find the best available offers, as some applications involve an initial soft credit check with no impact on your score.
• Match the card to your habits, such as picking a co-branded card like the United℠ Explorer Card for airline loyalty or a simple cash back card for flexibility.

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 is often a better starting point as it's designed for those with fair or average credit, while the United Explorer Card typically requires a good to excellent credit score for approval.

‍

What kind of rewards does each card earn?

‍

The Capital One QuicksilverOne earns a flat rate of cash back on every purchase. In contrast, the United Explorer Card earns United MileagePlus miles, which are best used for flights and other travel rewards with United Airlines.

‍

Can I transfer rewards between the QuicksilverOne and United Explorer cards?

‍

No, you cannot transfer rewards between these two cards. The cash back from the QuicksilverOne and the miles from the United Explorer Card belong to separate, unrelated loyalty programs from different issuers.

‍

‍