Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards review: Simple cash-back earnings
Editor's Note
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card overview
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a simple, unlimited 1.5% cash-back rewards rate. While you'll get better earnings with other cash-back cards, the QuicksilverOne is a solid option for those with limited credit history. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
With an annual fee of $39 (see rates and fees), the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for those looking to build up their credit score while still earning a modicum of cash-back rewards.
The QuicksilverOne boasts a simple earning structure of 1.5% back on all purchases, making it a solid choice despite its limited benefits. TPG recommends a credit score of 580 or above.
Let's dive into the card details.
Capital One QuicksilverOne pros and cons
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Capital One QuicksilverOne welcome offer
Unfortunately, the QuicksilverOne offers no traditional welcome bonus.
That's not unusual on a card for those with a limited credit history, but there are a few beginner options on the market with welcome offers.
Related: The best welcome bonuses available
Capital One QuicksilverOne benefits
You'll get just a few standard perks with this entry-level card, like $0 fraud liability for unauthorized charges, the ability to monitor your credit score with CreditWise and the option to be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months.
When you're first starting out with credit cards or working to rebuild your credit, you won't have access to cards with premium-level perks. While the lack of benefits on the QuicksilverOne may be disappointing, it does its job of setting you up for success as a beginner.
Related: 6 of our favorite under-the-radar credit card perks
Earning cash back on the Capital One QuicksilverOne
The Capital One QuicksilverOne earns 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and a simple 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
This is a great return on eligible travel booked through Capital One Travel and an acceptable rate for all other purchases.
If you regularly spend lots of money in a particular category, like dining, you'll eventually want to consider a card that earns more in that category.
Related: The best credit cards for each bonus category
Redeeming cash back on the Capital One QuicksilverOne
You can redeem your QuicksilverOne rewards online as a statement credit, check or gift card with no minimum redemption amount.
While you won't score any sweet spot redemptions with this card, you also won't have to spend time deciding among abundant redemption options. Cash-back rewards are excellent for those who prefer simplicity.
TPG credit cards editor Emily Thompson appreciates the versatility of cash-back rewards and likes to use her cash back to cover things that points and miles don't, like airport food and gifts.
Related: Why you should keep a cash-back credit card in your wallet
Which cards compete with the Capital One QuicksilverOne?
For those who want stronger earnings rates and additional perks, there are many better choices available.
- If you have a stronger credit history: The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card also earns at least 1.5% cash back on all purchases; plus, it comes with additional perks for no annual fee (see rates and fees). To learn more, see our full review of the Quicksilver Cash Rewards.
- If you want more earning potential: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns 2% on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay) and has no annual fee. To learn more, see our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
- If you prefer Chase: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees), also with no annual fee, earns 5% cash back on Chase Travel℠, 3% back at drugstores and on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and 1.5% back on all other eligible purchases. To learn more, see our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
For additional options, check out our full list of the best cash-back cards and best beginner cards.
Related: How to choose a cash-back credit card
Is the Capital One QuicksilverOne worth it?
The QuicksilverOne is a decent option for those with a limited credit history who want to earn cash back. But if you have a higher credit score or don't want to pay an annual fee while rebuilding your credit score, you'll do much better with a different card.
Bottom line
The QuicksilverOne offers a decent cash-back earning rate, but its lack of a welcome offer and $39 annual fee (see rates and fees) are significant drawbacks. No matter your credit score, there are options out there that offer comparable earnings and more perks, all without an annual fee.
Learn more: QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards
Related: Best Capital One cards
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.