Capital One Platinum vs. Quicksilver: Card comparison

Capital One Platinum and Quicksilver credit cards both offer flexibility in everyday spending. And when used responsibly by doing things like making payments on time each month, they can help you build or maintain good credit scores.

But the two credit cards have a few differences. For example, they’re typically for people with different credit score ranges. And only one is a rewards credit card. Read on to learn more.

What you’ll learn:

• The Capital One Platinum card is designed for those interested in building, rebuilding or establishing credit scores.

• The Quicksilver cash rewards credit card can earn rewards on everyday purchases for those with excellent credit.

• Both cards come with other benefits, like free tools to help you manage your account.

The Platinum card is a great tool for building or rebuilding your credit when it’s used responsibly. Quicksilver is too, but it also lets you earn cash back. Here’s a quick overview:

The Platinum card can help you build or rebuild credit with responsible use. It’s designed for people with fair or average credit scores and has many useful features, including:

• No annual fee. Every dollar counts when you’re establishing stronger credit. Unlike some other cards meant to help rebuild credit, the Platinum Mastercard has a $0 annual fee. View important rates and disclosures.

• Potential credit limit increase. In as little as six months, you’ll automatically be considered for a credit limit increase. You can help improve your chances of approval by using your card responsibly.

If you’re looking to rebuild credit or haven’t established a credit history yet, a secured credit card can be a great solution. That’s a type of credit card that requires a security deposit to open the account and act as collateral for the credit card issuer.

The Capital One Platinum Secured card has all the benefits of the unsecured Platinum card. But it requires a minimum refundable deposit of $49, $99 or $200 to open an account with a credit line of up to $200. You can also raise your credit limit by depositing more than the minimum.

If you have excellent credit and are interested in earning rewards on every purchase, Quicksilver may be the card for you. Benefits include:

• Unlimited 1.5% cash back. Everyday spending adds up. Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase when you use your Quicksilver card. There’s no limit to how much you can earn.

• Unlimited 5% cash back on Capital One Entertainment. Earn 5% cash back on tickets to concerts, sporting events and more on Capital One Entertainment. You can also enjoy exclusive access to events and other cardholder perks.

• No annual fee. Enjoy Quicksilver for a $0 annual fee.

• Rewards redemption. Whenever you’re ready to cash in your rewards, there are plenty of options. You can redeem them for a statement credit or check. You can use them to cover the cost of a recent purchase or get gift cards from retailers, restaurants, hotels and more. You can even use them to shop at Amazon.com. 

• No foreign transaction fees. You won’t pay any foreign transaction fees when you use your card outside of the United States. 

• Low introductory APR. Enjoy a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers and a variable APR after that.

• New card offer. Earn a $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months of opening the account.

View important rates and disclosures.

Quicksilver is one of many cards that could help you earn more cash back on all your everyday purchases. Each offers 1.5% unlimited cash back. Annual fees, APR and new cardmember offers vary, though. 

• Quicksilver Rewards for Good Credit: If you have good but not excellent credit scores, the Quicksilver for Good Credit card could be a great option. The only difference with this Quicksilver card is that you won’t be eligible for new cardmember bonus cash or the 0% intro APR.

• QuicksilverOne: With fair credit scores, you could qualify for a QuicksilverOne card. You’ll earn 1.5% unlimited cash back with a $39 annual fee. With automatic credit line reviews, you’ll be considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months.

• Quicksilver Secured: Also for those with fair credit, the Quicksilver Secured card requires a $200 minimal deposit that’s refundable and has a $0 annual fee. 

• Quicksilver Rewards for Students: If you’re a student, Quicksilver for Students offers unlimited 1.5% cash back, 5% cash back on Capital One Entertainment and a $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within three months of opening your account. And there’s no annual fee. 

View important rates and disclosures.

Every Capital One credit card comes with access to tools to help you monitor your accounts and track your finances 24/7, including:

The Capital One Mobile app lets you manage your account anytime, anywhere. You can check your balance, view transactions, pay your bills and more.

Eno monitors your account around the clock and can reach out if it spots something unusual and help you fix it. You can also ask Eno questions about your accounts in the Capital One Mobile app, online or via text.

You can shop online more securely with virtual cards, which are randomly generated card numbers that are linked to your credit card account. When you shop with virtual cards, your actual card number isn’t shared with the merchant.

Capital One credit cards can help you keep your account and identity safer with security features like: 

• Security alerts: When you add your mobile phone number to your account, you’ll get notified if Capital One notices potentially suspicious activity.

• Card lock: Card lock can help if your card is ever lost or stolen. With just a few taps, you can easily lock your card from being used to make most new purchases. And unlocking it is just as easy.

• $0 fraud liability: If your card is lost or stolen, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges.  View important rates and disclosures.

Here are some common questions about the difference between the Platinum and Quicksilver cards.

If you’re wondering whether you’re better suited for a Capital One Platinum or Quicksilver credit card, the decision will likely come down to your credit history and financial goals. If you’re ready to apply, you could see whether you’re pre-approved for card offers. It only takes a few moments, and it won’t hurt your credit scores.