Capital One Platinum and Quicksilver cards comparison

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

But the cards have a few differences. 

What you’ll learn:

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

• The Quicksilver credit card is designed for cardholders with excellent credit.

• Quicksilver cardholders earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase and elevated rewards elsewhere. 

• Both cards have free account management tools, security protections and more.

When used responsibly, the Platinum card is a great tool for building or establishing credit. Quicksilver could be too, but it also lets cardholders earn cash back rewards. Here’s a quick overview:

The Platinum card is designed for people with fair credit scores. If you’re doing things like staying within your credit limit and paying statements on time every month, you can use it to build your credit. 

The card offers:

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

• Potential credit limit increase. In as few as six months, you’ll automatically be considered for a credit limit increase.

If you’re having trouble getting approved for a traditional card, a secured credit card can be a great solution. Because secured cards require a refundable security deposit, they can be easier to qualify for. The Platinum Secured card is one example.

It has all the benefits of the unsecured Platinum card. But it requires a refundable deposit of $49, $99 or $200 to open an account with a credit line of at least $200. But you can increase that 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. New cardholders can earn a $200 cash bonus by spending $500 within three months of opening an account.

Other 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 at Capital One Entertainment: Earn elevated cash back on tickets to concerts, sporting events and more. Plus, enjoy exclusive access to events and other cardholder perks.

• Elevated cash back at Capital One Travel: Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars. You can use your rewards to book travel too. 

• No hidden fees: Quicksilver cards have no annual fees. And you won’t have to pay foreign transaction fees when you use your card outside the U.S. either. View important rates and disclosures.

• 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.

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. But bonuses, annual fees and APR vary. 

• Quicksilver for Good Credit card: If you have good but not excellent credit scores, the Quicksilver for Good Credit card could be a great option. It has no annual fee. But one major difference between it and the Quicksilver card is that there’s no bonus or introductory rate for new cardholders.

• QuicksilverOne card: With fair credit scores, you could qualify for a QuicksilverOne card. You’ll earn 1.5% unlimited cash back, and it has a $39 annual fee.

• Quicksilver Secured card: The Quicksilver Secured card requires a $200 minimum deposit that’s refundable and has no annual fee. Like Platinum Secured cards, you can get a higher credit limit by depositing more than the minimum.

• Quicksilver Student card: If you’re a student, the Quicksilver Student card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back, 5% cash back on Capital One Entertainment and a $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 within three months of opening an 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 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 it can reach out if it spots something unusual to help you fix it. You can also ask Eno questions about your accounts in the Capital One Mobile app, online or via text.

Shop online more securely with virtual cards. These randomly generated card numbers are linked to your credit card account. But when you shop with virtual cards, your actual card number isn’t shared with merchants.

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 detects potentially suspicious activity.

• Card lock: 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 Platinum card or Quicksilver credit card, the decision will likely come down to your credit history and financial goals. 

If you’re new to credit or searching for your next credit card, Capital One can help: 

• See if you’re pre-approved for credit cards without harming your credit scores. 

• If you’re looking to build your credit with responsible use, explore cards for people with fair credit. 

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, with a cash back rewards card. 

• Monitor your credit report and score with CreditWise. It’s free for everyone, and using it won’t hurt your credit.