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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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Capital One Quicksilver vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited: Which is better for cash back?
Madison Blancaflor is the managing editor for TPG's content operations team. She focuses on helping TPG's broader editorial team bring news, features and advice to readers. She has nearly six years of experience covering the credit cards and travel industries.
When Ryan worked as a TPG credit cards writer, he oversaw refreshes of card reviews and card offer stories. He enjoyed racking up cash back and helping readers maximize their points and miles for their next big trip.
also contributed to this story
July 8, 2024 • 7 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Quick summary
The article compares two popular flat-rate cash-back cards designed for everyday spending, both offering at least 1.5% back on all purchases.
One card stands out for its additional bonus categories and the ability to transfer rewards to travel partners for potentially higher value, especially when paired with certain premium cards.
The other card is highlighted for its lack of foreign transaction fees and unique perks such as complimentary membership credits for select services.
Redemption options for both cards are flexible, allowing for statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards or travel bookings.
What to consider
Some offers mentioned in the article are no longer available.
Foreign transaction fees differ between the two cards, which may impact frequent international travelers.
Reward transfer value varies, with one program's points valued at 2.05 cents each and the other's at 1.85 cents each as of July 2024 per TPG's valuations.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed side-by-side breakdown of benefits, earning structures and which card best fits different types of spenders.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Whether you're a newbie to the credit card universe or a seasoned veteran, it's always good to have a solid flat-rate card for everyday spending that might not fit into bonus categories on other cards. Several great choices on the market can help you earn rewards on every purchase.
Two top no-annual-fee everyday spending cards are the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees). Both offer 1.5% back on all purchases and many of the same benefits. So, which card is best for you?
Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver comparison
Card
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Annual fee
$0
$0 (see rates and fees)
Welcome offer
Earn an additional 1.5% back on all purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year) worth up to $300.
Earn $200 after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Rewards rate
5% back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
3% back on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
3% back at drugstores
1.5% back on all other purchases
1.5% back on all purchases
Other perks
Rental car protection
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
Zero liability protection
Extended warranty protection
Purchase protection
Complimentary DashPass membership for 3 months (activate by Dec. 31, 2027)
Up to six months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits (through Nov. 14)
Travel accident insurance
Extended warranty protection
Zero liability protection
Access to Capital One Entertainment
Foreign transaction fee
3%
None (see rates and fees)
Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver welcome offer
Capital One currently offers new Quicksilver Cash Rewards cardholders a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within three months of opening their accounts.
On the other hand, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers new cardholders an extra 1.5% back on all purchases, on up to $20,000 in spending in the first year. According to Chase, that's worth up to $300 cash back.
Winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited. If you maximize the welcome offer on this card, you'll get an extra $100 in cash back.
Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver benefits
The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers solid perks for a no-annual-fee card, including rental car protection, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, zero liability protection, extended warranty protection and purchase protection.
The card also offers a complimentary DashPass membership for three months (activate by Dec. 31, 2027). After that, cardholders will automatically be enrolled in the program at a 50% rate for nine months.
XAVIER LORENZO/GETTY IMAGES
On the other hand, the Quicksilver doesn't charge any foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), which can't be said for the Chase Freedom Unlimited. Other benefits include up to six months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits (through Nov. 14), 24-hour travel assistance services, travel accident insurance, extended warranty, concierge service, exclusive culinary experiences, sports and music events through Capital One Entertainment and zero liability protection.
Winner: Capital One Quicksilver. A complimentary six-month Uber One membership is a fantastic perk for a no-annual-fee card.
Earning cash back on the Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver
The Capital One Quicksilver offers a straightforward 1.5% back on all purchases — a solid general earning rate for a cash-back card.
However, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers 5% back on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3% back on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 3% back at drugstores and 1.5% back on all other purchases. So, while matching the general earning rate of the Quicksilver, the Freedom Unlimited also has valuable bonus categories.
Winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited. Its additional bonus categories make it the clear winner here.
Redeeming cash back on the Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver
The cash back accumulated from your Chase Freedom Unlimited card can be redeemed in multiple ways. You can redeem it as a statement credit or for a direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Additionally, you can use your rewards to obtain gift cards or book travel through Chase Travel.
MIXMEDIA/GETTY IMAGES
The cash back earned on the Capital One Quicksilver card can also be redeemed in various ways. You can apply it as a statement credit, receive it as a check or gift card or directly apply it to cover a specific charge on your statement. Furthermore, there is no minimum redemption amount required.
To redeem your cash back, sign in to your account via the app or computer and easily select your preferred redemption method.
Winner: Tie. These two cards have identical redemption options.
Transferring cash back with the Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver
If you hold the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you can convert your Chase Freedom Unlimited rewards and gain access to Chase's complete selection of 14 transfer partners.
This combination enables you to maximize the value of your rewards by expanding your redemption options across a wide range of travel benefits.
DAMIRCUDIC/GETTY IMAGES
On the Capital One side, you can turn the cash back earned on your Quicksilver card into Capital One miles if you have a miles-earning credit card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. This will grant access to Capital One's 15-plus transfer partners.
Winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth more than Capital One miles when utilizing transfer partners, according to TPG's July 2024 valuations (2.05 cents per point versus 1.85 cents per point).
Should I get the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One Quicksilver?
Both cards offer at least 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and neither charges an annual fee. The Chase Freedom Unlimited is the better choice for most, with higher earning rates and more valuable points if you hold a premium Chase card. Conversely, the Quicksilver offers Uber One statement credits and no foreign transaction fee (see rates and fees), so if those perks are important to you, this card is the better choice.
Bottom line
Each card is designed for a different audience. For beginners to the points-and-miles game, the Chase Freedom Unlimited can supplement a Chase Ultimate Rewards card. On the other hand, the Quicksilver is a solid stand-alone credit card if you're over 5/24, with its list of travel protections and no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees).
To learn more, read our full reviews of the Chase Freedom Unlimited and the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Learn more: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
