Business Insider's personal finance team compared the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card to the best cards for fair credit and found it to be a solid option for those looking to establish or rebuild their credit history and earn cash back in the process.
QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card Overview
$39
N/A
29.74% variable
N/A
Average, Fair and Limited
- Earn 5% back on Capital One Travel hotel and car rental bookings and 1.5% on everything else
- You're eligible to apply with limited or average credit
- You'll automatically be considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months
- No welcome bonus
- Annual fee
- High APR for purchases and balance transfers
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card could be the right choice for you if you're building your credit history. You could be able to qualify for the card even if you don't have an excellent credit score, and you'll earn at least 1.5% cash back on your purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
This card is best for individuals with fair credit who may not qualify for higher-tier rewards cards. With its straightforward cash-back structure and key benefits like no foreign transaction fees, the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card offers an accessible way to earn rewards on everyday purchases.
While it has some limitations, such as an annual fee and no welcome bonus, it stands out for its simplicity and potential to help cardholders improve their credit scores over time.
QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card Rewards
How the 1.5% Unlimited Cash Back Works
With the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card, you earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases. This means for every dollar spent, you receive 1.5 cents back. There are no rotating categories or limits to keep track of, and the cash back does not expire as long as your account is open. This ease of use is ideal for those who prefer a hassle-free rewards system.
5% Cash Back on Travel
The QuicksilverOne Card also offers 5% cash back on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. This higher rate is beneficial for travelers who book through the Capital One platform.
How to Maximize QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card Rewards
To maximize rewards with this card, consider the following tips:
Book through Capital One Travel: Use Capital One Travel for hotel and car rentals to earn 5% cash back.
Use for daily purchases: Charge everyday expenses to your QuicksilverOne Card to earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Avoid foreign transaction fees: Use the card for international purchases to earn cash back without incurring additional fees.
Redeem wisely: Redeem cash back for statement credits or apply it to recent purchases for maximum benefit.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Fees, APR, and Other Costs
Annual Fee
The QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card carries a $39 annual fee. This fee is charged annually and is standard for cards designed for individuals with fair credit. While the fee is relatively low, it's important to consider how it affects your net cash-back earnings.
APR
The card has a variable APR of 29.74% variable for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances. This high rate means that carrying a balance from month to month can lead to significant interest charges. To avoid these costs, it's advisable to pay off your balance in full each month.
Late Payment Fees
If a payment is missed, Capital One may charge a late payment fee. Additionally, late payments can negatively impact your credit score and may result in higher interest rates. To avoid these fees and potential credit score damage, ensure timely payments.
How the Annual Fee Impacts Your Overall Value
The primary value of the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card lies in its credit-building potential, especially if qualifying for other cards has been challenging. While the $39 annual fee does impact your net cash back, it can be offset by regular card use, including 5% cash back on travel booked through Capital One Travel. For many, the opportunity to gradually improve their credit score outweighs the fee, making it a solid choice for those focused on credit growth.
Credit-Building Features
How the QuicksilverOne Card Can Help You Build Credit
The QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card supports credit building by reporting account activity to all three major credit bureaus, helping boost your score with consistent, on-time payments. After six months of responsible use, you may qualify for a higher credit line, which can further improve your credit utilization ratio — all without the need for a security deposit.
Additionally, cardholders get free access to CreditWise, which helps you monitor your credit score without affecting it, receive alerts for major changes, and explore how financial decisions could impact your score.
Additional Tools
The Capital One Mobile app allows you to track spending, pay bills, and keep an eye on your account wherever you are. Eno, Capital One's virtual assistant, adds an extra layer of security by monitoring transactions 24/7, sending alerts for unusual activity, and answering questions on demand. Together, these tools make it simple to manage and protect your credit as you work toward building a stronger financial profile.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Accessible for applicants with fair credit: Designed for individuals with fair to average credit, this card provides an opportunity to earn rewards while building credit.
- Unlimited cash back: Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, plus 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, with no caps or category restrictions.
- Credit-building features: Capital One reports to all three major credit bureaus, and cardholders may be automatically considered for a higher credit line after six months of responsible use.
- No foreign transaction fees: Ideal for international travelers, as there are no fees for purchases made abroad.
Potential Drawbacks
- Annual fee: The card charges a $39 annual fee, which may offset rewards earned, especially for those with lower spending habits.
- High APR: With an ongoing APR of 29.74% variable, carrying a balance can lead to significant interest charges.
- No introductory offer: The card lacks a welcome bonus and does not offer an introductory 0% APR period for purchases or balance transfers.
- Limited benefits: Compared to other cash-back cards, the QuicksilverOne offers fewer perks and benefits. But again, this card is targeted toward those who need to improve their credit scores.
Who Should Get the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card?
The QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card is well-suited to individuals with fair to average credit who want to build or improve their credit history while earning cash back on purchases. It's ideal for those comfortable with paying an annual fee in exchange for earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases and who can pay their balance in full each month to avoid the high APR. The card is also a good fit for frequent travelers, as it has no foreign transaction fees.
However, individuals with strong credit may want to consider other options that offer higher rewards rates, no annual fees, or additional perks like a welcome bonus or 0% introductory APR. Additionally, those who expect to carry a balance might find cards with lower APRs or balance transfer options more suitable, as the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card's high interest rate can result in costly charges on carried balances.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Application Process and Eligibility
How to Apply for the QuicksilverOne Card
To apply for the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, follow these five steps:
- Pre-approval check: Use Capital One's pre-approval tool to see if you're likely to qualify for the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card without affecting your credit score, as it performs a soft inquiry.
- Gather necessary information: Have your personal details (name, birthdate, Social Security number, contact information) and financial info (employment, income, housing expenses) ready. If you're 21 or older, you may also include someone else's income if it's regularly used to cover your expenses.
- Understand the terms: Review the card's interest rate, annual and late fees, and any balance transfer fees to ensure you understand what you'll be agreeing to.
- Submit your application: Apply online for a quick decision. You can also choose to apply in person, by phone or mail for additional options.
- Check application status: After applying, you can monitor your application status online or by contacting Capital One's customer service. If approved, expect your card to arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
Credit Score Requirements
The QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card is designed for individuals with fair credit, generally defined as a FICO score between 580 and 669. While meeting this credit score range doesn't guarantee approval, it indicates that the card is accessible to those working to build or rebuild their credit.
QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card Alternatives
Capital One QuicksilverOne vs. U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card
The QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card and the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card both cater to individuals looking to build credit, but they offer different rewards and features.
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card stands out with customizable cash-back options, providing 5% cash back on two categories of your choice each quarter (such as fast food, streaming, and department stores) and 2% on one everyday category, including gas, grocery, or dining, which is ideal for users seeking tailored rewards. Similar to the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card, it reports to all three major credit bureaus to support credit-building efforts.
Where they differ is in the security deposit requirement: The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card is a secured credit card, meaning requires a refundable security deposit. The deposit must be between $300 and $5,000, which determines the credit limit, while the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card is unsecured, allowing users to avoid an upfront deposit. Additionally, QuicksilverOne offers a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, whereas the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card provides tiered cash back but with higher rewards within specific categories.
Overall, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card is best for those comfortable with a deposit and seeking customizable cash-back options, while the QuicksilverOne is a better fit for users who want simpler rewards without a security deposit.
U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card Review
Capital One QuicksilverOne vs. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card stands out for its rewards structure and flexibility for credit builders. It offers 2% cash back on gas and restaurant purchases (up to $1,000 in combined spending per quarter) and 1% on all other purchases. Another unique perk is Discover's first-year cash back match, which effectively doubles all cash back earned during that time — a feature that sets it apart from the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Both the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card and Discover it® Secured Credit Card cards are designed for those looking to build credit and report to all three major credit bureaus. Each card also offers credit-monitoring tools: CreditWise from Capital One and FICO® Scorecard from Discover.
However, a key difference is the Discover it® Secured Credit Card's refundable security deposit, which starts at $200 and sets the credit limit, whereas the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card is unsecured, with no deposit required. Discover will refund your security deposit on your seventh month if you made all payments on time for the previous six consecutive billing cycles — a redeeming factor for those hesitant about providing a security deposit.
The QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card offers a simple, uncapped 1.5% cash back on all purchases and charges a $39 annual fee, while Discover's category-based rewards have a quarterly cap but no annual fee. For those comfortable with a security deposit and interested in category-based rewards, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers a strong choice, while QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card is ideal for those who prefer a straightforward rewards card without the need for a deposit.
Discover it® Secured Card Review
$39
N/A
29.74% variable
N/A
Average, Fair and Limited
- Earn 5% back on Capital One Travel hotel and car rental bookings and 1.5% on everything else
- You're eligible to apply with limited or average credit
- You'll automatically be considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months
- No welcome bonus
- Annual fee
- High APR for purchases and balance transfers
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card could be the right choice for you if you're building your credit history. You could be able to qualify for the card even if you don't have an excellent credit score, and you'll earn at least 1.5% cash back on your purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
Cardholder Insights
We searched Reddit, Trustpilot, and other forums to consolidate customer reviews and experiences on the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card, finding a mix of positive and critical feedback.
Some users expressed frustration over the card's $39 annual fee, feeling that it doesn't provide enough value to justify the cost. Additionally, many noted they were reluctant to cancel the card due to concerns about how it might impact their credit score, thus making them feel stuck paying the annual fee.
On the positive side, several users acknowledged the QuicksilverOne as a useful credit-building tool, appreciating its cash-back rewards and the opportunity to establish or improve credit. Some cardholders also praised Capital One's customer support as a high point of their experience.
However, feedback on Trustpilot included a few customer service complaints, with one notable example of a cardholder who accidentally applied for the QuicksilverOne over the phone, mistaking it for the more premium Quicksilver Rewards Card due to similar naming. This confusion highlights some frustration with the card's branding, as the customer felt they'd missed out on the benefits they originally intended to receive.
Overall, while many view the QuicksilverOne as a helpful credit-building option, opinions vary on its value and service experience.
QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card Frequently Asked Questions
The difference between the Quicksilver Rewards card and the QuicksilverOne Rewards card is that the Quicksilver is designed for those with excellent credit while the QuicksilverOne Rewards is designed for people with fair credit. The Quicksilver card has no annual fee and offers a welcome bonus, while the QuicksilverOne has an annual fee and doesn't offer a welcome bonus to new cardholders.
Yes, you can upgrade to the regular Quicksilver from the QuicksilverOne card after demonstrating responsible use, such as making on-time payments and maintaining low balances. Transitioning to the regular Capital One Quicksilver card can provide benefits like no annual fee and potential welcome bonuses. To maximize QuicksilverOne rewards and improve your credit standing, focus on consistent, responsible card usage.
Yes, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card has an annual fee of $39.
The QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card is an all-purpose cash-back rewards card for those wanting to earn back a percentage of their money back through rewards categories.
Yes, the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card is good for building credit. In fact, that's the main use case for the card, as it's targeted toward those with fair or average credit. You can increase your credit score through consistent, on-time payments.
The QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card is a good fit for those with fair to average credit, which FICO defines as a score between 580 and 669.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed the Capital One QuicksilverOne
We rate credit cards by weighing five factors equally, and comparing them against other, similar credit cards currently available. For this review, we looked at other credit cards for fair credit scores, and we rated the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card across these categories:
- Welcome bonus offer
- Annual fee
- Rewards rates
- Using rewards
- Benefits
Read more about how we rate credit cards at Business Insider.
