Capital One Platinum vs. Quicksilver: Card comparison

The Capital One Platinum and Quicksilver credit cards both offer flexibility in everyday spending. But the cards have a few differences—like the credit scores needed to qualify for each and the types of rewards they offer.

When used responsibly by doing things like making on-time payments each month, both Platinum and Quicksilver can help you build and maintain healthy credit scores. Here’s a comparison to help you understand which card might be right for you.

What you’ll learn:

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

• The Quicksilver 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.

The main differences between the Platinum card and the Quicksilver card are the creditworthiness requirements and the potential to earn rewards. The Platinum card is for those building credit, and the Quicksilver card is for those with excellent credit. And Quicksilver also lets cardholders earn cash back rewards. Here’s a quick overview of both:

The Platinum card is designed for people with no credit history or 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 help build your credit. And in as few as six months, you may be automatically considered for a credit limit increase.

Learn all about the Capital One Platinum card.

The Capital One Platinum Secured credit card 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. You can increase that credit limit by depositing more than the minimum.

If you’re having trouble getting approved for a traditional card, a secured credit card could be a good option. Because secured cards require a refundable security deposit, they can be easier to qualify for.

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 on purchases within three months of opening an account.

Other benefits include:

• 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. 

• Rewards redemption: Whenever you’re ready to redeem your rewards, there are plenty of options:

  • Receive a statement credit or check.

  • Cover the cost of a recent purchase.

  • Get gift cards from retailers, restaurants and more. 

  • Use them to shop at Amazon.com.

Learn all about Capital One Quicksilver card benefits and features.

The Quicksilver suite offers options for different credit levels. And every Quicksilver card offers 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase. But bonuses, annual fees and APRs vary. Here’s a quick look at four similar cards:

• Quicksilver for Good Credit card: If you have good but not excellent credit scores, the Quicksilver for Good Credit card is an option with 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. It has a $39 annual fee. So if you’re looking for a cash back card that can help you build your credit, QuicksilverOne could be the card for you.

• Quicksilver Secured card: The Quicksilver Secured card requires a $200 minimum deposit that’s refundable and has no annual fee. This provides you with a $200 credit line. But 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 a one-time $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within three months from account opening. And there’s no annual fee.

View important rates and disclosures.

When applying for a credit card, you can consider what you want out of it and what you qualify for. 

You might apply for the Platinum card if:

• You have fair credit.

• Your focus is on establishing or building credit. 

You might consider the Quicksilver card if:

• You’re further along in your credit journey.

• You’re interested in earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

• You want to earn a $200 cash bonus when you open your account.

Yes, you may be able to upgrade your Capital One Platinum card to Quicksilver. Upgrading a credit card, also known as a product change, involves swapping your credit card for a different card with the same issuer. 

If you’ve been using your Platinum card responsibly and are considering an upgrade to Quicksilver, you can check for offers by signing in to your Capital One account and asking Eno, your Capital One virtual assistant, for help.

Every Capital One credit card comes with access to tools that help you monitor your accounts and track your finances 24/7, including:

• Capital One Mobile app: The mobile app lets you manage your account anytime, anywhere. You can check your balance, view transactions, pay your bills and more.

• Eno, your Capital One assistant: You can also ask Eno questions about your accounts in the Capital One Mobile app, online or via text.

• Virtual cards: Shop online more securely with virtual cards. These randomly generated card numbers are linked to your credit card account so your actual card number isn’t shared with merchants.

• Security alerts: When you add your mobile phone number to your account, you’ll get notified if Capital One detects 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.

Here are answers to some common questions about the differences between the Platinum and Quicksilver cards:

If you’re wondering whether you’re better suited for a Platinum credit card or a 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 whether 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 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 scores.