Business Insider's personal finance team compared the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card to other top student credit cards and found it to be a standout option for college students who want to build credit while earning cash back on everyday purchases. With no annual or foreign transaction fees, it's also a budget-friendly choice that aligns with student lifestyles.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card Overview
$0
N/A
19.24% - 29.24% Variable
Earn a $50 cash bonus
Average, Fair, Limited
- Good welcome bonus with an easy spending requirement
- Solid cash back earning on all purchases with no bonus categories to track
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
- Only available to college students
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good choice for students who prefer a cash-back credit card but don't want to keep track of multiple bonus categories.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
- Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
- Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
- Build your credit with responsible card use
- Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
No matter what you're studying in college, there is one crucial piece you'll need for a successful future: a solid credit score. The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card can help you begin building that track record of on-time payments and responsible financial management.
Designed for simplicity and convenience, this card offers streamlined earning without the hassle of tracking bonus categories, making it ideal for students focused on both their studies and their finances. Access to Capital One's dining and entertainment experiences and travel protections further set it apart, positioning it as a valuable tool for those beginning their financial journey.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Card Rewards
Welcome Bonus
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within three months of account opening. That's not the best bonus we've seen on this card (it's been as high as $100), but the minimum spending requirement is easy to reach for most students.
How to Earn Rewards
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a straightforward cash-back system that makes earning rewards easy. Use your card for any of your purchases, and you'll earn cash back every time. There's no maximum limit to what you can earn, and there are no quarterly categories to track.
Cardholders earn:
- 5% cash back on hotels and car rentals booked through the Capital One Travel Portal
- 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
While you'll find that many of the best credit cards do come with extra earnings on certain purchases — 5x at restaurants for a three-month period, for example — monitoring those categories can create extra work when you're already managing your course load at school.
Cardholders earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, regardless of category, with no caps or restrictions. Plus, hotel and car rental bookings made through the Capital One Travel portal earn an elevated 5% cash back, making this card especially rewarding for students who travel.
How to Use Rewards
When it's time to redeem your cash back, you have several flexible options to suit your needs. You can apply your rewards as a statement credit to lower your card balance or use rewards to book travel directly through Capital One's portal. If you prefer gift cards, you can also convert your rewards, though it's wise to check rates since they can vary depending on the retailer.
By consistently using your card and redeeming rewards in a way that best fits your spending habits, you'll maximize the value you get from this card, while also building credit with regular, on-time payments.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Card Benefits and Features
This card packs a pretty solid punch in terms of benefits and perks. While student credit cards tend to have fairly limited reasons to celebrate, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card earns an A.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
For students studying or traveling abroad, having no foreign transaction fees is a major advantage. This feature allows cardholders to make purchases internationally without extra charges, keeping spending more affordable while overseas.
Price Protection
If you find a lower price on a new item paid for with your Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card within 120 days of purchase, you could be reimbursed for the difference.
Extended Warranty
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card automatically doubles the original manufacturer's or store's warranty on eligible purchases paid for with the card.
Car Rental Coverage
When you use the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card to pay for your eligible car rental, you may be covered for physical damage and theft of the vehicle.
Roadside Dispatch
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card cardholders get access to a 24-hour toll-free dispatch line that can help arrange services like towing, fuel delivery, and more for a flat fee.
Concierge Services
When you're looking for reservations for dinner, trying to find tickets to that summer music festival, or planning a vacation, you can take advantage of 24/7/365 concierge assistance.
Travel Accident Insurance
If you purchase your fare with your Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, you may get insurance coverage for eligible losses.
Capital One Travel
Through the Capital One Travel Portal, you can use rewards (or your card) to book flights, hotels, and rental cars. Hotel and car rental purchases earn 5% cash back, and you'll also get access to handy features like price prediction, price watch, and a price match guarantee.
Capital One Entertainment
Capital One Entertainment is a platform that gives you access to exclusive experiences, concert and theater tickets, festivals, sporting events, and more. Cardholders can redeem rewards from their card to pay for these experiences, or, for some experiences, use cash or a combination of rewards and cash.
Capital One Dining
If you've ever found it tough to score a reservation at popular high-end restaurants, the Capital One Dining platform could make your life easier. In addition to giving you access to hard-to-get reservations, it allows you to input information like dietary preferences and special events like birthdays into your profile. This program is currently only available in a few major metropolitan areas, but if it's in your city, it could prove to be a useful feature.
Capital One CreditWise
Capital One CreditWise is a free program that offers credit monitoring and identity theft monitoring. It's available to anyone — you don't need the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card to enroll — but it's a useful feature, especially if you're a student just starting out with credit and want to keep an eye on changes to your credit score.
Extended Warranty
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers added warranty protection at no extra cost on eligible purchases made with the card. This benefit extends the original warranty, providing students with extra peace of mind on important buys.
$0
N/A
19.24% - 29.24% Variable
Earn a $50 cash bonus
Average, Fair, Limited
- Good welcome bonus with an easy spending requirement
- Solid cash back earning on all purchases with no bonus categories to track
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
- Only available to college students
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good choice for students who prefer a cash-back credit card but don't want to keep track of multiple bonus categories.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
- Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
- Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
- Build your credit with responsible card use
- Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
Capital One Quicksilver Student Card Fees and Interest Rates
There is no annual fee on this card, which is something you'll find with any good credit card for students. You're already paying plenty of money for tuition, room, and board, so this is not the time to add another line item to your expenses. As long as you make your payments on time and in full, you won't have to worry about the card's 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR.
Plus, that good behavior will put you in a position to continually improve your credit score so you can take advantage of some of the best rewards credit cards after you graduate.
That said, there are other fees that apply to certain situations that you should be aware of, such as cash advances, late payments, and balance transfers
While there are no foreign transaction fees, other charges apply, such as a cash advance fee and a late payment fee. There's also a fee for balance transfers ($0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you).
Capital One Quicksilver Student Card Pros and Cons
If you're weighing the pros and cons of the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, here's an overview of the biggest advantages and drawbacks:
Advantages
- No annual fee: Students can enjoy all the card's features without any annual cost.
- Easy-to-earn Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% on travel booked through Capital One Travel makes for simple, consistent earning.
- No foreign transaction fees: Ideal for students studying or traveling abroad, as they won't face extra charges on international purchases.
- Access to Capital One Dining and Entertainment: Offers exclusive reservations and event tickets, perks usually reserved for premium cards.
- Travel protections: Includes 24/7 travel assistance, travel protection and more, adding peace of mind on trips.
- Credit-building tool: Helps students start building credit responsibly with features like CreditWise monitoring.
Drawbacks
- Variable APR: High interest rates (there's an APR of 19.24% - 29.24% Variable) could lead to costly charges, especially for new credit card users.
- No introductory 0% APR: Unlike some student cards, the Quicksilver Student card lacks a 0% intro APR on purchases or balance transfers, which could be beneficial for those learning how to build credit.
- Modest welcome offer: The welcome bonus is easy to earn but smaller compared to other student credit cards.
- Lacks in bonus categories: Unlike some student cards, it doesn't offer higher rewards on categories like dining or groceries.
Who is the Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students Best For?
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is ideal for students who want to earn rewards while managing their everyday spending. With 1.5% cash back on every purchase, students can earn rewards whether they're buying groceries and school supplies or treating themselves to a meal. These rewards can be redeemed in several convenient ways, including statement credits, direct deposits into a Capital One checking or savings account, or even for purchases at participating retailers.
This card is also a great fit for students new to credit cards who want to start building their credit history. With no annual fee and the potential to graduate to a higher-tier Capital One card, it provides a low-risk opportunity to develop responsible financial habits. By using the card regularly and paying the balance on time, students can improve their credit scores, opening the door to more credit options in the future.
Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students Cardholder Insights
Feedback from users on platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit reveals mixed feelings about the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card. Many students appreciate the simplicity of earning a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase, especially when managing a busy schedule. However, some students prefer the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, which offers 3% cash back on popular categories like dining, entertainment, and streaming — expenses that tend to align well with a student lifestyle.
For those planning international trips, the no foreign transaction fee on the Quicksilver card is a common highlight, as it saves money on purchases made abroad.
Another recurring trend is positive feedback regarding the approval rate for this card. Many students find the Quicksilver card easier to qualify for compared to general consumer cards, making it a convenient option for those with limited or fair credit histories. Yet, some reviews on Trustpilot express frustration from users who received promotional invites to apply, only to be denied after completing the application process. A number of these users eventually switched to the Savor Rewards card, citing its category-specific cash back as a better fit for their spending habits.
Compare the Capital One Quicksilver Student Card
Capital One Quicksilver Student Card vs. the Capital One Savor Rewards for Students
For students looking for an alternative, the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a different approach to cash-back rewards.
Unlike the Quicksilver Student card's flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, the Savor Student card provides 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and streaming services — categories that often match up with student spending habits.
Both cards have no annual and no foreign transaction fees, making them budget-friendly options for students. However, while the Quicksilver Student card is ideal for straightforward rewards on every purchase, the Savor Student Rewards card may be a better fit for students who frequently spend in bonus categories.
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Card Review
Capital One Quicksilver Student Card vs. the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students is another strong option, offering a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, similar to the Capital One Quicksilver Student card.
However, Bank of America provides 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account (followed by 16.99% - 26.99% Variable), which may appeal to students who want flexibility in managing unexpected expenses without immediate interest charges.
Additionally, new cardholders can earn $200 cash rewards bonus after making $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening — a higher bonus than the Quicksilver Student card's offer. Both cards feature no annual fee, making them budget-friendly, but the Bank of America card's introductory APR and welcome bonus give it a slight edge for students who may need more flexibility on payments.
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Card for Students Review
Capital One Quicksilver Student Card Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Quicksilver Rewards and Quicksilver Rewards for Student?
The difference between the Quicksilver Rewards Card and the Quicksilver Rewards Card for Students is that the former offers more perks. The Quicksilver Rewards Card requires excellent credit and offers a higher welcome bonus, plus an intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers. The Quicksilver Rewards for Students card, on the other hand, is designed for those new to credit. It doesn't include the same introductory offers but still provides 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Do I lose my Quicksilver Rewards for Student credit card when I graduate from school?
No, you won't lose the Quicksilver Rewards for Student card when you graduate. The card is yours to keep even when you're no longer a student. You still get to keep all the same rewards and benefits on your card.
Can I use my Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students credit card for international purchases?
Yes, you can use your Capital One Quicksilver Rewards Card for Students for international purchases without incurring foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for studying or traveling abroad.
What credit score do I need to be approved for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Card?
Most college students are still working on building their credit, so Capital One only requires "fair" credit or better to qualify for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card. In terms of FICO score, fair credit is considered anything between 580 and 669. If you're new to credit cards, your score will probably be in the fair credit range, which makes it easier to get approved for this card than non-student credit cards.
How old do I have to be to open a student credit card?
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for your own credit card. If you're between 18 and 20, you'll also need to show proof of income (or have a co-signer) to be approved. If you're under 18 but want a credit card, your best bet is to become an authorized user on a family member's or friend's credit card. This can also give your credit history a boost, as long as the primary cardholder has a good credit score.
Do I have to actually be a student to get the Quicksilver student card?
Yes, you must be a college student currently enrolled (or admitted and planning to enroll in the next three months) at an accredited university, community college, or other higher education institution.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our experts evaluated the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card relative to other student credit cards and cards for folks with fair or average credit. We looked at a number of factors, including:
- Ease of use — Does the card have an easy-to-understand rewards program, or are there complicated hoops to jump through?
- Earning potential — If the card has a welcome bonus and/or earns rewards, are there restrictions, and are the rates competitive with similar cards? We don't expect student credit cards to offer rewards on the same level as, say, premium credit cards.
- Benefits — Student credit cards don't normally come with a ton of benefits. Does the card offer extras that you won't get with comparable cards?
- Fees — While you usually don't get charged an annual fee on student credit cards, are there other fees to watch out for?
For a closer look at our methodology, read about how we rate credit cards at Insider.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.
Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
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