Capital One Quicksilver vs. Capital One QuicksilverOne

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card are both flat-rate cash back credit cards, and they look similar in almost every way. But there are subtle differences when it comes to how you can use them and the credit-building opportunities they offer.

Both cash back credit cards offer the same flat cash back rate, but one has a 0% intro APR period while the other only has a high regular APR. So, which one should you choose?

Ultimately, the difference between these two cards depends on your credit history, amount of debt and how you view certain benefits.

Capital One Quicksilver vs. QuicksilverOne

	Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card	Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rewards rate	1.5% cash back on every purchase	1.5% cash back on every purchase
Sign-up bonus	$200 after spending $500 in first 3 months	None
Annual fee	$0	$39
0% introductory APR	16.49%-26.49% variable	26.99% variable
Estimated yearly rewards value (for someone who spends $15,900)	$439	$200

Earning rewards

If you’re looking for a simple cash back card that will reward you for every purchase, either the Capital One Quicksilver or QuicksilverOne can be a good choice. Both cards carry a flat 1.5% cash back rate on all purchases every day. You can use either card at this rate without having to enroll in or track rotating categories. Compared to similar cash back options, the 1.5% rate is competitive among average rates with no rotating categories.

Neither card has earning limits, and your cash back won’t expire for the life of the account. The cards provide redemption flexibility, as well. You can redeem cash at any amount at any time – as well as redeem cash for statement credits, checks, gift cards and more.

Sign-up bonus

The Capital One Quicksilver is a great option for rewards card rookies. You can find other cards with rates higher than 1.5%, but you’ll sacrifice redemption simplicity to get there. The Quicksilver does have a sign-up bonus, allowing new cardholders to earn an extra $200 after spending $500 within the first three months of opening a new account. That extra bonus is pretty standard for no-annual-fee cash back cards like the Quicksilver and definitely gives it an edge over the Capital One QuicksilverOne.

Introductory APR

Unlike the QuicksilverOne card, the Quicksilver also offers an introductory APR on new purchases and balance transfers, as well as a lower APR overall, which makes the card a better choice if you’re planning to carry a balance. The 0% intro APR lasts 15 months, then the regular variable APR of 16.49% to 26.49% will kick in. The Capital One Quicksilver is great for those with a little credit debt or for those planning for a big purchase, like a washer and dryer.

Annual fee

As previously stated, the Capital One Quicksilver does not charge an annual fee. When also factoring in the card’s sign-up bonus, cash back rate and intro APR period, you see that you get lots of benefits for no cost at all.

The Capital One QuicksilverOne, on the other hand, does charge an annual fee of $39. It’s a relatively low annual fee (compared to the more common $95), but it could be difficult to budget for if you’re still recovering from major debt. However, the QuicksilverOne’s flat cash back rate makes it quite easy (spend $2,600 in a year) to make up for that annual fee.

Fees and other perks

Neither the Quicksilver nor the QuicksilverOne carry a foreign transaction fee. Holders of both cards are free to earn cash back domestically and overseas without limitations. Like all Capital One cards, these cards give you access to the CreditWise feature, letting you view and track your credit score for free.

Like many other rewards cards, the Capital One Quicksilver offers other travel benefits like roadside assistance, baggage insurance and fraud coverage. As for the Capital One QuicksilverOne, it really hones in on helping you build credit. So, if you miss a payment, Capital One will not charge you a penalty APR – only a late payment fee of up to $40. It will also not charge you a returned payment fee.

Capital One Quicksilver: Best for simple and easy rewards

Capital One requires cardholders to have a good or excellent credit history to be approved for the Quicksilver card. With its sign-up bonus, intro APR period and straightforward rewards, the Capital One Quicksilver is ideal for cardholders who want to easily earn rewards without having to worry about any bonus categories. Using this card for all your everyday purchases will give you steady stream of cash back, and it’s the perfect introduction for beginners interested in rewards credit cards.

Capital One QuicksilverOne: Best for earning cash back while building credit

As for the Capital One QuicksilverOne, it’s is much easier to get approved for those with fair credit. The card’s lack of intro APR, higher regular APR and 1.5% cash back all work to discourage you for splurging on items you cannot afford. The lack of big-time rewards doesn’t coax into buying items you wouldn’t normally buy, and its high APR encourages you to make your payments on time and in full. It’s a great card for credit building.

To help you build credit, the QuicksilverOne card usually starts with a $300 credit limit (up to $500 if you’re lucky) that will automatically be reviewed for a higher credit limit after six months of timely payments. Boosting your credit line can lower your credit utilization ratio, which is beneficial for your credit score.

Bottom line

In the end, it all comes down to which card you can qualify for based on your credit history. While the Quicksilver and QuicksilverOne feel the same when it comes to rewards rate, the Quicksilver card offers the clear advantage thanks to its sign-up bonus and $0 annual fee. On top of that, it comes with a lower ongoing APR and a low-interest offer on new purchases and balance transfers.

Still, you won’t lose too much ground by going with the QuicksilverOne card, especially if you’re looking to build credit and have a lower credit score. While you’re working on your credit, receiving 1.5% cash back on every transaction is an excellent deal. Plus, you can always request a product upgrade once your credit score improves.