Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card [2023]: Which Cashback Card is Better?

CREDIT CARDS - CASHBACK CREDIT CARDS
Both the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards and the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards cards provide lucrative cash back on everyday expenses — but which card offers you the most value?
Updated Sept. 12, 2023
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Capital One’s credit card lineup includes a variety of personal and business credit cards designed to fulfill specific financial needs and goals. You can choose from travel rewards cards such as the ever-popular Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, cashback cards, credit-building cards, and more. Some of the best cashback credit cards include cards such as the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.

In this Capital One Savor vs. Quicksilver matchup, we’ll compare these two cashback cards and see how their rewards and benefits stack up against each other. This will help you see which card is the more valuable option for you and decide which card to go for.

In this article

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards vs. Quicksilver Cash Rewards card details

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards is a cashback card designed to reward cardholders who often dine out and spend money on entertainment purchases. The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards is also a cashback card, but you can use it to earn rewards on every purchase, regardless of the category it falls under.

If you compare credit cards, you can see that both cards provide valuable earning potential, but the best one for you depends on what you’re looking for. Look at how Capital One Savor and Capital One Quicksilver compete in a side-by-side comparison to see whether any particular benefits might bring you additional value:

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Annual fee $95 $0
Early spend bonus Earn a $300 cash bonus after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months of account opening Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Earning rate 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats (through 11/14/2024); 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment; 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and select streaming services; 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores such as Walmart® and Target®), and 1% cash back on all other purchases 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)
Redemption methods Redeem cash back for a statement credit or check, gift cards, or to cover previous purchases Redeem cash back for a statement credit or check, gift cards, or to cover previous purchases
Intro APR None 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months, then 19.99% - 29.99% (variable) APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months, then 19.99% - 29.99% (variable) APR; 3% fee for the first 15 months. No fee for amounts transferred at the Transfer APR
Annual credits None None
Travel perks
  • Travel accident insurance
  • Complimentary concierge service available at all times
  • 24-hour travel assistance services
  • Travel accident insurance
  • Complimentary concierge service available at all times
  • 24-hour travel assistance services
Other benefits
  • Extended warranty protection
  • Exclusive access to premium experiences like culinary, music, and sporting events
  • CreditWise alerts for Experian or TransUnion credit report changes
  • Eno alerts for potential duplicate purchases, recurring bill increases, and more
  • Extended warranty protection
  • Exclusive access to premium experiences like culinary, music, and sporting events
  • CreditWise alerts for Experian or TransUnion credit report changes
  • Eno alerts for potential duplicate purchases, recurring bill increases, and more
Foreign transaction fee None None
Credit needed Excellent Excellent, Good
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What both cards excel at

Because both Capital One Savor Cash Rewards and Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards earn cash back, their rewards and card benefits are going to have some similarities. Here are the ways both Capital One credit cards overlap in what they offer to cardholders:

  • Redemption options: Many cashback cards offer different redemption options for the cash back you earn. With the Capital One Savor and Capital One Quicksilver, you can apply your cashback rewards as a statement credit on your card or receive a check in the mail for the cashback amount. You can also use your cash back to cover a recent purchase you’ve made on your card or redeem your cash back for gift cards.
  • Travel benefits: Neither of these cards are considered travel credit cards, but they still provide useful travel benefits. On both cards, you get travel accident insurance for covered losses when you use your card to purchase your travel fare. You can also take advantage of travel assistance services if your card is lost or stolen while traveling. For other travel assistance, use the free concierge services to get personalized help with anything you need, including dining reservations, concert tickets, or travel suggestions. Lastly, neither card has foreign transaction fees, so feel free to use your card while traveling abroad without having to worry about additional fees.
  • Additional benefits: Capital One Quicksilver benefits are nearly identical to Capital One Savor benefits. The extended warranty protection can help protect eligible purchases by extending their manufacturer’s warranties. If you want new experiences, be sure to check out the Capital One exclusive events made accessible for cardmembers. And to keep on top of your finances, alerts from both CreditWise and Eno can help you manage your recent transactions and credit report changes.

4 important differences between the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards and Quicksilver Cash Rewards cards

If you look at the differences between the Capital One Savor and Capital One Quicksilver cards, it’s easier to understand how one might suit you better than the other. These two cards are similar in many ways, but their differences highlight where you’d best find value from them.

Early spend bonuses

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Early spend bonus Earn a $300 cash bonus after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months of account opening Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Learn more Learn more

Although both cards come with early spend bonuses, their terms aren’t exactly the same. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards card offers a one-time $300 cashback bonus after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, and the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card offers a $200 one-time bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.

The better offer depends on your financial goals. If you’re looking for a bigger early spend bonus, the Savor is the clear winner. If you’d rather spend less money to earn your early spend bonus, the Capital One Quicksilver comes out on top.

For more details, read our Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card Review.

Earning rates

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Earning rate 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats (through 11/14/2024); 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment; 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and select streaming services; 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores such as Walmart® and Target®), and 1% cash back on all other purchases 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)
Redemption methods Redeem cash back for a statement credit or check, gift cards, or to cover previous purchases Redeem cash back for a statement credit or check, gift cards, or to cover previous purchases
Learn more Learn more

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards earns 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats (through 11/14/2024); 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment; 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and select streaming services; 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores such as Walmart® and Target®), and 1% cash back on all other purchases. So if you regularly make dining, entertainment, and grocery purchases, you can easily earn plenty of cash back with this card.

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards earns 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 don’t have to worry about any bonus categories or rotating categories — every purchase you make earns the same rewards rate. If you make a wide range of purchases in different categories, the Capital One Quicksilver is an excellent low-stress option.

The Capital One Savor has a higher overall earning rate than Capital One Quicksilver, though that doesn’t mean this credit card offers the best earning potential. The card that offers the most cash back depends on your typical spending habits.

Keep in mind that both cards offer access to Capital One Entertainment, an exclusive booking portal for Capital One cardholders that offers special access to tickets for sporting, music, and dining events. The Savor offers bonus rewards when using this portal while the Quicksilver provides its same flat rate.

For more details, read our Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card Review.

Annual fees

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Annual fee $95 $0
Learn more Learn more

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards has a $95 annual fee, and the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards has a $0 annual fee. With those details alone, the Quicksilver offers better value because you don’t have to worry about an annual cost.

However, it’s possible to still get more value out of the Capital One Savor if you often spend money on dining, entertainment, and groceries. Spend enough on purchases in these categories and it would be well worth it to pay an annual fee.

Intro APRs

The Capital One Savor Cash does not offer an introductory APR period on either purchases or balance transfers, while the Quicksilver does. 

Cardholders of the Capital One Quicksilver will get a 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months, then 19.99% - 29.99% (variable) APR. And also a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months, then 19.99% - 29.99% (variable) APR. There is a 3% fee for the first 15 months. No fee for amounts transferred at the Transfer APR.

Be aware that if you do take advantage of the balance transfer offer, there is also an associated balance transfer fee of 3% fee for the first 15 months. No fee for amounts transferred at the Transfer APR. You’ll also want to aim to pay off your balance before the regular interest rates kick in.

FAQs about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards and Quicksilver Cash Rewards cards

Which is better, Capital One Savor Cash Rewards or Quicksilver Cash Rewards?

The better card between Capital One Savor and Capital One Quicksilver is the one that best fits your spending habits and financial goals. Both cards earn cash back, but the Capital One Savor card is designed for use on dining and entertainment purchases. The Capital One Quicksilver, though, earns the same rate of cash back on any type of purchase, but it’s not as high of an earning rate as the bonus categories on the Capital One Savor. Ultimately, the right card for you depends on your personal finance goals and preferences.

Is the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards a good card?

The Capital One Savor could be one of the best cashback credit cards for you if you typically have a lot of dining, entertainment, and grocery purchases. Because the Capital One Savor earns bonus cash back in these categories, you can earn loads of cash back on purchases you already make. There’s no other credit card available that has quite the same unique earning rate as the Capital One Savor. However, if you are looking for a $0-annual-fee card that offers some similar perks, you may want to consider the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card instead.

Is the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards a good card?

The Capital One Quicksilver is an excellent choice for a flat-rate, cashback rewards card. It doesn’t have bonus categories, so you earn the same rate of cash back on everything you purchase. In addition, it has a $0 annual fee and benefits like extended warranty protection and travel accident insurance. For a low-stress cashback card with helpful benefits, it’s hard to beat the Capital One Quicksilver.

What credit score do you need for the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards?

Credit card issuers look at a variety of factors when considering you for a card, and your credit score is just one of these factors. You may have better odds of approval if you have an excellent credit score. An excellent FICO credit score typically starts around 800. Ultimately, approval is at the credit card issuer's discretion and will likely depend upon your credit profile as well as other factors.

What credit score do you need for the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards?

Sources say the Capital One Quicksilver typically requires an excellent credit score to be approved. If your credit score is around 800 or higher, your chances of qualifying for this card should be higher. Again, approval is at the credit card companies' discretion and will likely depend on your credit history and other factors. If you have a good credit score or a fair credit score, you may want to consider an alternative like the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, which also offers generous cashback rewards. With this card, you also get benefits like automatic credit line reviews, which could result in automatic credit limit increases if you use your card responsibly.

What are some alternatives to the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards and Quicksilver Cash Rewards?

If you are open to applying for a card with a different issuer, you have several great options for cashback cards besides the Capital One Savor and Quicksilver, including:

  • Chase Freedom Unlimited®: This card offers a generous sign-up bonus: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back. And while it's marketed as a cashback card, you actually earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points when you spend. Those points can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, travel, and more. Unlike the Capital One cards, this Chase card is a Visa.
  • Citi® Double Cash Card: If you don't want the hassle of tracking spending categories an just want simple, flat-rate cash back, this card is worth considering. While there is no welcome bonus, cardmembers can balance transfer only offer: 0% intro apr on balance transfers for 18 months. after that, the variable apr will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness. The Citi Double Cash is a Mastercard.

Which card should you choose?

From how the earning rates are set up on each of these cards, it’s clear the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards and Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards are intended for different types of people or financial situations. The Capital One Savor has bonus categories that cater to people who spend a lot on dining, entertainment, and groceries. On the other hand, the Capital One Quicksilver earns a flat, unlimited 1.5% rate on everything. The Capital One Quicksilver also has a $0 annual fee, whereas the Capital One Savor has a $95 annual fee.

With a few calculations, you can more easily see how the earning potential lines up between both cards. For the Capital One Savor, if you spent $2,000 per year on dining and entertainment in your first year as cardholder, you’d earn $80 ($2,000 x .04 = $80) in cash back. If you also spent $2,000 per year on groceries, you’d earn another $40 ($2,000 x .02 = $40) in cash back, equaling $120 total in cash back. That’s a difference of $25 ($120 - $95 = $25) after you offset the annual fee.

Still, you have nothing to offset on the Capital One Quicksilver. So spending $4,000 in a year on any types of purchases equals $60 ($4,000 x .015 = $60) in cash back. You’d have to maximize your earnings more on the Capital One Savor to both offset the $95 annual fee and provide more value than the Capital One Quicksilver. That would mean either spending more money overall or spending more in the higher bonus categories.

Ultimately, the best Capital One card for you comes down to where you spend your money. If it’s frequently on dining and entertainment, the Capital One Savor is an excellent choice, as it’s one of the best credit cards for dining. If not, the Capital One Quicksilver provides plenty of value on all your purchases.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details

Author Details

Ben Walker, CEPF Ben Walker, CEPF, is a Senior Credit Cards Writer at FinanceBuzz. For over a decade, he's leveraged credit card points and miles to travel the world. His expertise extends to other areas of personal finance — including loans, insurance, investing, and real estate — and you can find his insights on The Washington Post, Debt.com, Yahoo! Finance, and Fox Business.