Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
vs. Discover it® Student Chrome

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If you're looking for a rewarding credit card experience without an annual fee, you may consider the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and Discover it Student Chrome. In contrast, Discover it Student Chrome caters to students or individuals without a credit history, providing specific rewards on gas and restaurant purchases.

The Capital One Quicksilver is the better card for those with good to excellent credit, offering a more substantial cash bonus and a longer 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers.

Credit Card logo for Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Discover it® Student Chrome
Discover it® Student Chrome
MoneyGeek Rating
5/ of 5
MoneyGeek Rating
5/ of 5
On Issuer's Site
On Issuer's Site

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Discover it® Student Chrome: Which Is Better for You?

You might prefer the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card if: You have a good to excellent credit score and are looking for a card that offers a high reward rate on all purchases. With an effective reward rate of 3.6 out of 5, you can earn significant cash back on every dollar you spend. Additionally, the card comes with a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months, which can be a substantial immediate return on your spending. The card also boasts a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a variable APR based on your creditworthiness.

You might prefer the Discover it Student Chrome if: You're a student starting to build your credit history. This card is tailored to individuals with no credit history and offers a unique introductory Cashback Match, where Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. With a reward rate of 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% on all other purchases, it's a solid choice for students who want to earn rewards on their typical spending. The Discover it Student Chrome also provides a 0% intro APR for six months on purchases, which can help manage expenses during the school year.

MoneyGeek's Take on the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for those who value simplicity and rewards. With a MoneyGeek balance transfer card rating of 4.4 out of 5, it offers a competitive edge for managing debt. This card is perfect for everyday spending with a no-annual-fee structure and a welcome bonus that rewards new cardholders.

Cardholders can benefit from a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, which can be a strategic way to handle large expenses or existing debt. Additionally, the card offers an unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, making it an attractive option for frequent travelers. The regular APR ranges between 19.99% and 29.99% variable, underscoring the importance of paying off balances before the introductory period ends.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
5/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Regular APR
19.74% - 29.74% variable
0% APR Offer
0% for 15 months on purchases
Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
Rewards Summary
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

MoneyGeek's Take on the Discover it® Student Chrome

The Discover it Student Chrome Card, rated at 3.4 out of 5 for balance transfers by MoneyGeek, is tailored for students stepping into the world of credit. It's a solid starter card with no annual fee and a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first six months. Students can earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, plus unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. The card's hallmark feature is the Cashback Match, which doubles all the cash back earned at the end of the first year, making it a rewarding choice for those new to credit. It's especially appealing for individuals with no credit history, offering a pathway to build credit while earning rewards.

Discover it® Student Chrome
Credit Card logo for Discover it® Student Chrome
MoneyGeek Rating
5/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Regular APR
17.74% - 26.74% variable
0% APR Offer
0% for 6 months on purchases
Balance Transfer Offer
10.99% for 6 months on balance transfers
Rewards Summary
Earn 1% – 2% cash back
Recommended Credit
(No Credit History)

Details Comparison: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Discover it® Student Chrome

Our breakdown will help compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards, introductory offers and other features. This section is designed to guide you through each card's specifics. By examining these details, you can pinpoint which card aligns with your spending habits and financial goals, like whether unlimited cash back on travel or higher cash back at gas stations is more lucrative for your lifestyle.

    discount icon

    Regular APR

    The Discover it Student Chrome offers a lower Regular APR range of 18.24% to 27.24% variable, compared to the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card's APR of 19.99% to 29.99% variable. The Discover it Student Chrome is better for those concerned with Regular APR.

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    Annual Fee

    Both cards have a $0 annual fee. This makes them equally attractive for users looking to avoid extra costs.

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    Introductory 0% APRs

    The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a longer introductory 0% APR period on both purchases and balance transfers, lasting 15 months, compared to the Discover it Student Chrome's six months on purchases and 10.99% for six months on balance transfers.

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    Rewards

    Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit ard offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. In contrast, Discover it® Student Chrome provides 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% on all other purchases. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card is the better option for general and travel spending due to its broader and unlimited earning potential.

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    Welcome Offers

    Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card offers a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months. Discover it Student Chrome counters with an Unlimited Cashback Match for the first year, with no limit to the match amount. For those seeking immediate rewards, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card provides a clear upfront value.

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    Recommended Credit Score

    For individuals without a credit history, Discover it Student Chrome is the better option as it requires no credit history. In contrast, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card is aimed at those with a credit score of 670 to 850, indicating a need for good to excellent credit.

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    Penalties and Fees

    Discover it® Student Chrome is better for penalties and fees due to its policy of no late fees. Both cards do not have a penalty APR. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card charges up to $40 for late payments.

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    Issuer Satisfaction

    Discover it Student Chrome has a higher issuer satisfaction rating at 4.5 out of 5 compared to Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card with a rating of 4.2 out of 5.

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    Other Features & Perks

    The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card provides benefits like travel accident insurance and extended warranty protection, which can be valuable for frequent travelers or tech enthusiasts. On the other hand, Discover it® Student Chrome offers a good grade reward, giving students an extra incentive for academic performance.

FAQ: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. Discover it® Student Chrome

What are the APR ranges for the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and Discover it® Student Chrome?

Are there annual fees associated with either card?

What credit scores are needed for the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and Discover it® Student Chrome?

How do the rewards programs compare between the two cards?

Do either of the cards offer special introductory deals?

About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.


*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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