Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card Review
Opening a credit card in college can be a stepping stone for building credit.
With the right student credit card, you could even earn some valuable rewards in the process.
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card is one card worth considering if you'd like to earn cash back on purchases.
This card offers unlimited cash back rewards when you spend with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. You could use the card to build your credit history while getting money back.
Not sure if the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card is a good fit? Our detailed review can help you compare the features and benefits.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card Pros & Cons
Main Highlight: Unlimited Cash Back Rewards for Students
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card takes a simple approach to cash back rewards.
Students earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases, with no caps.
That makes it easy to estimate how much cash back you could earn in a year. For example, say you typically spend (annually):
- $3,000 on dining and food
- $1,000 on gas
- $1,000 on travel
- $1,000 on entertainment
- $2,000 on miscellaneous purchases
Altogether, that's $7,000 in spending. If you're getting 1.5% cash back that works out to $105.
One thing you don't get with this card is an introductory sign-up bonus. But that's pretty typical of student rewards cards.
The rewards you earn won't expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. When you want to use your rewards you can redeem them for:
- Cash
- Statement credit
- Purchases
- Gift cards
You just need to log in to the Capital One website or the Capital One mobile app to redeem rewards.
Build Credit With Responsible Credit Use
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card can be a great way to build positive credit history.
Having a good credit score matters when you want to borrow money for other things.
For example, if you want to buy your first car you might need a loan. The rate you pay for a car loan can hinge on your credit score.
And later, you might want to buy a home. Again, having a good credit score can help you qualify for a mortgage and lock in the best rates.
So how do you use your Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card to build credit?
You can start by practicing good money habits, including:
- Paying your bill on time (easy to do if you schedule automatic payments or set up payment reminders)
- Keeping your balance low (you can set up alerts to track your spending)
- Monitoring your credit for suspicious activity (which you can do for free with Capital One CreditWise)
Using a student rewards card wisely while you're in school can make it easier to graduate to a regular rewards card once you've earned your degree.
Other Card Perks
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card is designed to help students earn cash back on purchases.
But you do get some additional features and benefits as a card member. For example, that includes:
- Extended warranty protection
- Travel accident insurance
- $0 fraud liability in case your card is lost or stolen
- Discounts through Capital One Shopping
- Shop with rewards at Amazon.com
- Pay with rewards through PayPal
- 24-hour travel assistance services
- Complimentary concierge service
- Instant purchase notifications
- Access to dining, music and sporting events
- Card lock services in case your card is lost or stolen
- CreditWise credit monitoring
All of these features and benefits help add to the card's value.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card APR & Fees
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card doesn't charge an annual fee or a foreign transaction fee.
That's good if you're looking for a student rewards card with low fees. And no foreign transaction fee could make it a good option if you're planning to study abroad for a semester or two and need a convenient way to pay.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card vs. Other Rewards Cards
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card is one of several student rewards cards you might consider.
As you compare cards, here are three others that might catch your eye.
Deserve EDU Mastercard
Deserve EDU Student Credit Card Pros & Cons
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The Deserve EDU Mastercard is also a cash back rewards card for students. But it has some features that set it apart from the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card.
The Deserve EDU Mastercard offers a lower cash back rewards rate than the Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card. But you get valuable benefits like Amazon Prime Student and cellphone protection.
Since this card doesn't require a Social Security number to apply, it could be attractive for students with no credit history or international students.
Read the Deserve EDU Mastercard editor's review.
Capital One Journey Student Rewards
Capital One Journey Student Rewards Card Pros & Cons
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The Capital One Journey Student Rewards Card pays you cash back and helps you build credit.
You won't get the same rewards rate with this card that you would with Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards.
But, you do get a chance to have your credit limit increased automatically. So if you're interested in getting a higher credit line over time you might consider this card.
Read the Capital One Journey Student Rewards editor's review.
Capital One Platinum Secured
Capital One Platinum Secured Pros & Cons
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Secured credit cards can help you build credit history if you have none. These cards typically require a cash deposit to open, which doubles as your credit line.
The Capital One Platinum Secured requires a security deposit of $49, $99 or $200 to open. This deposit is refundable and your initial credit limit will be $200.
This card isn't designed specifically for students. But students can use it to build credit.
The Capital One Platinum Secured has no rewards programs. So you won't earn cash back on purchases.
But you could build credit over time if you use the card wisely. And Capital One includes CreditWise monitoring and automatic credit limit increases to help you out.
You might consider this card if you're not sure you'll be approved for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card, based on your credit history.
Read the Capital One Platinum Secured editor's review.
Final Verdict: Should You Apply?
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card offers students a simple way to earn cash back rewards and grow their credit scores.
This card could be a good option for you if:
- You're a student who's looking for your first credit card
- You want to earn a competitive cash back rewards rate on purchases
- You don't want to pay an annual fee or a foreign transaction fee for a credit card
This card can be good for everyday spending or travel. And the more you spend, the more cashback rewards you can earn.
Keep in mind that this card doesn't have an introductory APR for purchases. So carrying a balance month to month could mean paying significant interest charges.
Overall, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card could work for you if you're ready to start building credit. On the other hand, you might consider other cards if you're looking for a higher rewards rate or a different type of rewards, such as travel miles or points.
