Is the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card better than the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card?

That depends on certain factors. When choosing a credit card, you have to consider your situation, and how you anticipate using it. Both cards have no annual and foreign transaction fees. But, if you’re an international student studying in the U.S. or a student with no credit history, then Deserve EDU Mastercard may be the better option.

Can you get the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students if you have the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards?

Yes, these credit cards are from different issuers.

Can you transfer points from the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card to the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card?

No, you cannot. Transferring of points is not possible if the credit cards are from different issuers.

Can you switch from Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students to Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards?

If you decide on one card and later decide to go with another, you are able to do that.

How much do you have to spend on the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card vs the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card to get the welcome bonus?

Both credit cards do not offer welcome bonuses.

Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students vs. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Which Is Best for You?

Q: What’s harder to get, the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card or the Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards card?

Capital One offers pre-approval. You will have to complete an application form, which is available online. If you’re pre-approved, you can finish your application by answering a few more questions. However, this credit card is for individuals with a fair credit score. The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card has pre-qualification. If eligible, you can finish the application online. Credit history is not a requirement. If you are an international student, you don’t need an SSN.

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.

Advertising & Editorial DisclosureLast Updated: 1/15/2023

Reviewed By

Brett Holzhauer

The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

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.

OUR COMPARISON AT A GLANCE

Comparison Overview
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students at a Glance
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card at a Glance
Comparison Summary
Which Card Should You Get?

Comparison Overview: Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students vs. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Has Annual Fee
Has Balance Transfer Offer
Has APR Offer
Cash Back Rewards
Travel Rewards
Hotel Benefits
Airline Benefits
Has Rewarding Welcome Offer
Has Foreign Transaction Fee
Recommended Credit
None–Poor
Limited–Fair

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–PoorRecommended Credit
- $0Annual Fee
- 1% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 1xRewards Rate on Online Shopping
- 1xRewards Rate on Groceries
Pros
Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases
There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee
You will have complimentary Amazon Prime Student for a year
Complimentary cell phone protection when you use your card to pay your cell phone bill
Do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) to apply
Access to Mastercard Platinum benefits

Cons
High APR on purchases
Students earn 1% cash back on all purchases.
There’s no annual fee, nor are there foreign transaction fees.
Cardholders receive Amazon Prime Student for one year.
Cell phone protection (up to $600) is included when you pay your phone bill with your card.
Mastercard Platinum benefits, such as rental car insurance, are included.
Easy-to-use app helps you manage your account and pause access to your card if you misplace it — all on the go.
Disclaimer: Card offers are always changing, and in some cases, the offer listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other student credit cards.

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card 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 Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
A good no annual fee student credit card that offers cash back
- Limited–FairRecommended Credit
- $0Annual Fee
- 1.5% – 10% cash backRewards Rate
Pros
Only requires fair credit score
Offers cash back for all purchases
Offers travel-related benefits
No annual fee
No foreign transaction fee

Cons
High APR
Exclusively for students
Earn a one-time $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within the first three months
Earn 1.5% cash back for all purchases made with the card
No annual fee
Has a high variable APR for purchases, transfers and cash advances
No transfer fee for balances transferred at the regular balance transfer APR (if balance is transferred at a promotional APR, there is a 3% transfer fee)
No foreign transaction fees
Cash back can be redeemed at any time, no expiration date
3% or $10 fee for cash advances, whichever is greater
Up to $40 fee for late payment
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other top-rated credit cards.

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 Detail
Comparison 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 Mastercardholders 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 Student Cash Rewards Credit Card?

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.

EXPERT OPINION

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.

View All Credit Cards

Learn more about credit cards in general

sources

Capital One. "Quicksilver Student Rewards." Accessed January 5, 2022.
Deserve. "Deserve Credit Cards." Accessed January 5, 2022.

*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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