Capital One® Platinum Credit Card vs. Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card: Which is best for you?
December 23, 2019

For many, a credit card without an annual fee is the best way to go if they won’t use it often enough to break even. If you share a similar view, then the Capital One Platinum Credit Card and the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card are solid options worth considering. Both are simple products that won’t cost you anything to keep, assuming you repay your outstanding balance in full each month.
Despite sharing some similarities, these two cards are actually designed to serve very different cardholder needs. The Capital One Platinum offers a potential pathway for accessing higher credit; the Capital One Quicksilver, on the other hand, is all about getting cash back rewards. So when choosing between these two cards, it’s important to factor in your credit level and overall financial goals.
At a glance comparison
The basics reveal just how different these two cards are — the Capital One Platinum doesn’t come with spending rewards, while the Capital One QuickSilver gives you cash back on every purchase.
Platinum from Capital One | Quicksilver from Capital One | |
---|---|---|
Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
Rewards Rates | None | 1.5% cash back on every purchase |
Sign Up Bonus | None | $150 cash bonus when you spend $500 within the first three months; 0% Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After that, there is a variable APR of 15.49% – 25.49%. |
Credits | None | None |
Lounge Access | None | None |
Authorized User Fee | $0 | $0 |
Standout features
Capital One Platinum
Quicksilver from Capital One
The case for the Capital One Platinum
The Capital One Platinum is great if you have average or fair credit but would like to improve your credit profile.
Boost your credit limit, fast
Having average credit often means getting low limits on credit products even when you’re approved for them. What makes Capital One Platinum’s offering so appealing is that you can extend your credit line after making just five monthly payments on time, so you can build your credit for the future and get more out of your card, fast.
Seriously low fees
With no annual, foreign transaction or balance transfer fees, this card delivers outstanding value. But bear in mind that your credit limit might not be big enough for you to transfer existing balances, and the 26.99% variable APR is high, so balance transfers may not make financial sense.
Useful Mastercard benefits
While there isn’t a glamorous rewards program, you still get useful Mastercard benefits like extended warranty, roadside assistance and travel accident protection. Given the lack of foreign transaction fees and Mastercard’s acceptance worldwide, the Capital One Platinum is handy for international travel.
The case for the Capital One Quicksilver
If you’ve got excellent credit level though, the Quicksilver might be more appealing because it edges out the Platinum on several fronts.
Effortless rewards
Unlike the Capital One Platinum, the Quicksilver card has a cash rewards program. Your 1.5% cash back rate applies to all purchases, with no caps or limits. You’ll feel like you’re getting something back for your spending. There is more certainty with cash rewards too, as you know exactly how much your benefits are worth.
Welcome offers to sweeten the deal
The Quicksilver also has the edge if you have a big purchase coming up or if you have an existing credit card balance to transfer. It gives you 0% introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfers, which can potentially save you a lot of interest over 15 months (though there is a 3% balance transfer fee). Of course, the $150 cash bonus is attractive too.
Lower APR
Ideally, you’ll repay your outstanding balance in full each month, but when this isn’t possible, Quicksilver’s lower APR range is 15.49% – 25.49% variable means you’ll pay less interest compared with the Capital One Platinum.
In a nutshell
If you already have excellent credit, then Capital One’s Quicksilver makes a lot more sense. You’ll get 0% introductory APR, a cash bonus and a lower purchase rate. The clincher? A cash rewards program where you get 1.5% cash back for every purchase.
But those with fair or average credit will do well with the Capital One Platinum. With useful Mastercard benefits and the option to access higher credit, it’s a practical card to have for long term gain.