Students looking for the best credit card to build credit while earning rewards may find either the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card or the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card as a great option. MoneyGeek compares the two credit cards to help you decide which one best suits your needs.
Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students vs. Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students: Which Is Best for You?


The best student credit card is the one that best fits your unique situation and circumstances. However, you can start your search by comparing fees, rewards, offers and features. For instance, the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card offers a 1% cash back on all purchases and an Amazon Prime Student subscription for a year. Meanwhile, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card offers 1.5% cash back on purchases.
There are other differences between the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card and the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card, but both have no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
Comparison Overview: Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students vs. Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students
- Deserve EDU Mastercard for StudentsCapital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students
- Has Annual Fee
- Has Balance Transfer Offer
- Has APR Offer
- Cash Back Rewards
- Travel Rewards
Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students At a Glance
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card is a great option for individuals looking for a student credit card with unlimited cash back and no annual fee. Cardholders can also use the card when they travel because the card doesn’t have foreign transaction fees. Additionally, students can qualify even without credit history. Lastly, not needing a Social Security Number (SSN) requirement makes it a good choice for international students studying in the U.S.
- Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
Best student cash back card for limited credit history
- None-PoorCredit Needed
- $0Annual Fee
- 1% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 1xRewards Rate on Online Shopping
- 1xRewards Rate on Groceries
Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students At a Glance
With this Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card, you can earn unlimited rewards at a 1.5% rate on everyday purchases. There are no annual and foreign transaction fees. This cash back credit card allows cardholders to use their rewards to cover purchases or redeem for gift cards. There is also the option of redeeming the rewards as cash.
- Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students
A good no annual fee student credit card that offers cash back
- Limited-FairCredit Needed
- $0Annual Fee
- 1.5% Cash BackRewards Rate
Comparison Summary
MoneyGeek created a Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students vs Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards comparison table to help you decide which one is the better option.
- Card DetailComparison Summary
Insurance and Protection
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card includes cellphone protection up to $600 and rental car insurance. Cardholders also enjoy all the core benefits that Mastercard cardholders get.
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card offers multiple insurance and protection features. These include additional warranty protection, travel accident insurance and fraud liability. Additionally, cardholders get security alerts for potential suspicious transactions, account alerts for potential mistakes and unexpected charges and card lock through the company’s mobile app.
Winner: Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
Rewards
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card offers 1% cash back on all purchases. Cash back is issued as a statement credit in increments of $25.
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card also offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. The rewards don’t expire throughout the life of the account. Cardholders can redeem rewards for cash, to cover purchases or redeem for gift cards.
Winner: Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards
Annual Fee
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card and Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card are both no annual fee credit cards.
Winner: Tie
Which Card Should You Get?
Before deciding if the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card or Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card is the right credit card for you, it’s important to consider your specific needs and situation.
Who Should Consider the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students?
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card is a great beginner card for students who want to build credit. It’s also a solid option for international students looking for a credit card. So if you fall in one of these categories below, this card may work for you:
International students studying in the U.S. can enjoy the benefits of having a credit card that earns cash back rewards on purchases. Applying for this credit card is simple and doesn’t require a SSN.
Students who want to start their credit journey may find the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students a good option. The company doesn’t require an established credit history from card applicants.
≫ More: Read Our Full Review
Who Should Consider the Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students?
The Quicksilver Student Rewards is best for students looking for a cash back rewards card with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Additionally, if you fall in any of these categories, you may find this card to suit your needs:
Students looking to earn cash back rewards on everyday purchases. You will earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. You can use these rewards for purchases or redeem for cash.
Students who travel frequently or considering studying abroad may find this credit card a great choice. You can use it for international transactions without worrying about foreign transaction fees. It also offers travel accident insurance in case your travels go awry.
For students purely looking for a return on their spending, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card is clearly the better of these two cards. However, if you don’t mind sacrificing a small amount of cash back potential for benefits like cell phone protection and Amazon Prime Student for the first year of card membership, the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card is a solid choice.
Other Helpful Decision-Making FAQs
Finding the right student credit card can be a bit difficult, especially with multiple options available. MoneyGeek answers some commonly asked questions to help you see the difference between the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card and the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card.
Still Not Sure About These Cards? Consider These Options
Whether you choose the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card or the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card, you will enjoy several benefits. However, if you’re no longer a student or are simply looking for other options that offer the best rewards, consider choosing a rewards credit card.
Capital One Quicksilver Rewards
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sources
- Capital One. "Quicksilver Student Rewards." Accessed January 5, 2022.
- Deserve. "Deserve Credit Cards." Accessed January 5, 2022.
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