What Type of Card is the Capital One Quicksilver and Who is It Best for?

If you’re applying for a new credit card, it’s important to do your research and find the one that best fits your needs and financial goals. Maybe you're looking for the best balance transfer cards to help pay off debt, or you're an avid traveler looking for premium travel rewards cards. Or you might just be looking for a cashback card with straightforward rewards that are easy to redeem.

If you’re interested in a cash back card and curious about the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, read on to learn more about this card and its benefits.

Is the Capital One Quicksilver a Visa or Mastercard?

The Quicksilver is now a Mastercard. Recently, Capital One switched some of its credit cards from the Visa to Mastercard payment network, and the Quicksilver was one of them. Overall, differences between the two networks are minor, and the recent change will only impact new cardholders. So if you’re thinking about applying for a Quicksilver card, you can expect the same great benefits with Mastercard. Your card will be accepted at most locations worldwide, and you won’t notice a difference when you use it for everyday spending. Plus, you’ll still get the same cardholder perks.

Earning cash back with the Capital One Quicksilver

The Capital One Quicksilver credit card offers simple and straightforward rewards: cardholders earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). You can redeem your rewards for cash, apply your cash back to a recent purchase, or choose a gift card. If you’re looking for a robust rewards rate on all categories with simple redemption options, this card is a solid choice.

Although frequent travelers may be better served by a premium travel rewards credit card with a higher earning rate on travel purchases, the Capital One Quicksilver card has several benefits that make it appealing to the occasional traveler. There are no foreign transaction fees with this card, so you won’t get dinged on purchases made abroad. It also comes with travel accident insurance, concierge service, and travel assistance services.

The Capital One Quicksilver is also great to have in your wallet alongside a premium travel rewards card. Travel rewards cards often offer extra points in certain categories, but regular spending such as gas and groceries might only net you 1X points. With the Capital One Quicksilver, those gas and grocery purchases will earn 1.5% cash back. It’s an especially good companion for someone with a premium travel rewards card from American Express, as American Express isn’t accepted everywhere.

Capital One Quicksilver: The basics

Card Type	Cash Back
Card Issuer	Capital One
Annual fee	$0
Welcome offer	Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Rewards rate	1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
Credit needed	Excellent, Good
Introductory APR	0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 19.99% - 29.99% (variable) APR; Balance transfer fee applies

The final word on the Capital One Quicksilver card

The Capital One Quicksilver card is great for people who are new to credit card rewards or experienced travelers who want to add a cashback card to their wallet for everyday spending. We love the flexible redemption options, the generous early spend bonus, and the lack of foreign transaction fees. All-in-all, this card is an excellent option for people with a variety of financial needs and goals.