Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit Review: A Just-Right Card If You’re in the Credit Middle

Having covered the wild world of credit products for many (many) years, one thing has always troubled me. There aren’t enough compelling cards for people in the credit middle. Sure, basic accounts ideal for first-timers and people with damaged credit exist, and there are countless perk-rich accounts for big spenders with excellent credit.  

But solid cards for the people in-between are a bit more sparse. Among them, though, is the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit. 

Watch on

When you’re graduating from a starter card to one that was developed for the pros, you may want an account that matches your needs and credit profile. The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit doesn’t require a super high credit score, a security deposit, or for you to be a student.

There is no annual fee, it offers a decent cash back rewards rate on everything you purchase, and it comes with a bunch of extras that can make your life easier. 

As Goldilocks would say, this card is not too hot, not too cold. It’s just right. 

If you have good credit, you probably already know how to borrow and repay responsibly. That means you don’t have to build your skills and establish trust with a beginner card. Therefore, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit may make a lot of sense.

For example, maybe you have been paying down your student loan for about a year, and have never missed a due date. Perhaps you’re also an authorized user on someone else’s account. But now you want a credit card in your name so you can charge all of your normal and extra expenses.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit

CardRates Expert Rating

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit

4.7/5.0

About this rating

Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.

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Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

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★★★★★ 4.7/5.0

Our Review »

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards
• Cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
• $0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized charges
• Top rated mobile app

Show MoreShow Less See application, terms and details »

Intro (Purchases) N/A

Intro (Transfers) N/A

Regular APR 28.99% (Variable)

Annual Fee $0

Credit Needed Good

See Rates & Fees »

Say you want to put almost everything on that account, from your gym membership and subscription services to groceries and gas. You also want to earn cash back on all those purchases. Since this card offers 1.5% back on everything you charge, it gives you the opportunity to profit from those purchases.

If your average monthly grand total spent is $1,500, you’d net $22.50, or roughly $270 per year — not bad! 

This is just one scenario, of course, but what is most important is that you pay the bill in full so interest is not added to the balance. Otherwise, that 28.99% (Variable) purchase APR will go into effect, making the debt expensive and eliminating the value of the rewards. 

The primary benefit of the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit is its unlimited cash back rewards. This feature alone enables you to come out ahead when you use the card. No stress. Simply charge what you want, then repay the entire bill by the due date.

But let’s get into other perks that make this card appealing to people with good credit. 

No Annual or Foreign Transaction Fee

I have nothing against annual fees. In fact, they can be more than worth their price when you take advantage of the embedded benefits. However, not everyone needs or wants those extras, so they not only go to waste, but they also cost you. 

Because the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit doesn’t charge an annual fee, you don’t have to worry about coming out ahead. 

Although this is not a travel card, it does have a few features that are common to those accounts. One is no foreign transaction fee. Since this fee is typically between 1% and 3% of the purchase price, it can really add up when you leave the country. 

Imagine you’re going on your honeymoon to Mexico. Parasailing, romantic meals, margaritas at the swim-up bar, a sunset cruise, some gorgeous silver jewelry… it all adds up to over $3,500. If your card charged a foreign transaction fee, around $100 would be added to the bill. 

But if you used your Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit card, you’d save that money. Now you can spend it on snorkeling!

Purchase Protections

Although paying for things with cash and debit cards can ensure a debt-free lifestyle, you’re also forfeiting various benefits. Stronger purchase protection is among them. 

When you buy items such as appliances, electronics, and cell phones, the manufacturer or seller may include a warranty. That’s your assurance that they will repair or replace an item if something goes wrong within a certain period. 

But if you buy the items with the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit, two additional years may be added to the original warranty of two years or less, with maximum coverage of up to $10,000 per claim.

So, for example, if your laptop stops working after the company’s warranty expires, you can still file a claim through the Mastercard Assistance Center at 1 (888) 531-4227 or www.mycardbenefits.com. 

This card also offers valuable fraud protection. If your card is lost or stolen, you won’t be responsible for charges made by someone else. And if you do become separated from your card, you can lock it by logging in to your account or through the mobile app. Find it again? Unlock. It’s a super simple way to thwart thieves.

For an additional layer of security, Capital One allows you to pay for your online purchases with virtual card numbers, too, so you won’t expose your real account numbers. 

In the event a fraudster does get a hold of your account, Capital One will notify you via text, email, and by phone if there is any suspicious activity. 

Travel, Entertainment, and Cash Back Boost

If you haven’t used a credit card that comes with shopping portals yet, prepare for a new experience. You can use your Capital One card to make purchases and use earned rewards.

First up is Capital One Travel. Once you’re logged in, you can book flights, accommodations, travel packages, car rentals, and even activities such as tours and adventures. Browse the site, find what you want, and make the arrangements.

You may also see travel offers which are special promotions Capital One has with other companies, such as a free night’s stay at a hotel. 

Capital One Entertainment, which I personally love, is where to buy tickets to shows and sporting events. You can search for a huge number of live entertainment options all over the country, and when you find what you want, buy the tickets through the portal.

To make the portal purchases even more appealing? Your 1.5% cash back reward increases to 5% back for certain purchases made in the portal. That can make a massive difference on expensive tickets. 

For example, let’s say you’ve always wanted to see Ariana Grande in concert and are willing to pay for the best seats, costing $900. If purchased through the portal, you’ll get $45 back in cash. Enough for a commemorative T-shirt, maybe. 

Remember, this Capital One card is developed for people who have good credit. A good FICO Score is between 670 to 739. To find out what your credit score is, you can use Capital One’s free service, CreditWise, and you don’t even need an account with the bank to use it. 

Credit scores can be helpful in gauging what level of risk a lender may perceive you to be, but Capital One goes a step further with its requirements. To be eligible for this card, you can’t have declared bankruptcy or defaulted on a loan in the past five years. 

You should also have at least one credit card or loan and have not been more than 30 days late on any payment in the last year to qualify for this card. 

I completely understand the hesitation in applying for a new credit card. After all, you don’t want to have a hard inquiry on your credit report for no reason. If you don’t qualify for the card, that notation can unnecessarily shave a few points from your credit score. 

For this reason, I encourage you to start off with the preapproval process. You’ll be asked to input such information as your income and date of birth, and the system will guide you to the cards that match your credit profile without affecting your credit score. 

If the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit is among your options and you like it enough to apply, here’s what you can expect. Although it says there are nine screens to complete, there are actually 11. 

Step 1: Legal Name

When I click the first screen, there are fields for my first and last name, as well as my middle initial. Underneath the “Continue” button, there is a rate and fee summary, outlining various details of the account, including the APRs and fees. 

I highly encourage you to read and understand these fees before deciding to proceed with the application. 

Step 2: Citizenship Status

The next screen asks about my citizenship status: am I a US citizen, and do I have citizenship in another country? 

Step 3: Residential Address

This next screen is for personal data, including your residential address. When I started typing, it began the automatic fill-in process, locating my ZIP Code, city, and state to help speed things up. 

Step 4: Email Address and Phone Number

Here I am asked for my email address and phone number (mobile, home, or work) so Capital One can communicate with me. 

Step 5: Employment Status and Occupation

On this screen, I am presented with words of encouragement that assure me I’m over halfway through the process already. I hit the button for my employment status, and the options are: employed, self-employed, retired, student, unemployed, or other.

If I press the “employed” button, it asks me to complete a few more prompts about my profession.

Step 6: Income and Monthly Housing Payment

Now I come to a screen that asks about my financial situation. I input my annual income and monthly rent or mortgage.

It also asks me to specify how often I carry a balance on personal credit cards. This is optional, but the choices are between never, sometimes, often, and always. 

Step 7: Bank Accounts and Cash Advance Question

This screen pertains to bank accounts and asks whether I have a checking and savings account, checking only, savings only, or neither.

It also asks whether I will use the card for cash advances if I am approved. Answering this question is optional.

Step 8: Adding an Authorized User

Because this account would be in my name, Capital One wants to know if I would like to add an authorized user to my account. If I agree (by hitting the ”yes” button), I will be sent to another screen to add that person’s name, date of birth, and primary phone number.

If I choose to add an authorized user, inputting their Social Security number is optional.

Step 9: Birth Date and Social Security Number

Another encouraging sign appears, telling me I’m almost done! This screen explains that by adding my date of birth and Social Security number or individual tax ID number, Capital One can help protect me against fraud and to verify my identity.

Step 10: Language Preference and Paperless Billing

Now I am asked to begin finishing up my application. I need to hit a button requesting paperless communications and statements. My options for languages are English or Spanish, and I am asked for my preference. 

Step 11: Read Disclosures and Submit the Application

The final step is finally here! This screen is asking me to verify my information and review the account terms. If I click the green “Submit my application” button, I will confirm that I have read and agree to the important disclosures. 

This also authorizes Capital One to check my credit and employment history, and agrees to let them use a third-party service to validate my identity, using the information that I have included. 

And that’s it. If I submit the application, I will find out most immediately if I qualify. If I don’t, Capital One may still consider me for other cards among its suite of options. I am assured that they will only check my credit once, thus avoiding another hard inquiry from appearing on my consumer credit file. 

One of the more frustrating aspects of applying for any credit card is that you never really know how much of a credit line you will get. And that includes this card. You will learn that if you apply and are approved. 

According to Credit Karma, “The average credit limit for [Credit Karma] members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $6,499, with $500 being the most common.” It then goes on to show a chart of the percentage of its members who have this card and what their credit limit range is. You can see the majority fall below $3,000:  

$0-$3,000	$3,000-$5,000	$5,000-$10,000	$10,000-$20,000	$20,000+
41%	17%	23%	14%	5%

If your credit rating is on the lower end of “good” and you don’t earn a lot of money and have high housing costs, Capital One will probably start you out with a low credit line. You may automatically get a credit line increase if you manage the account well for at least six months. That means making your payments on time and keeping your balance low or paid off. 

If you’d rather not wait for their decision to raise your limit, you can also request a credit line increase either from the website after logging in or through the mobile app. You may have to update your income and housing expenses for the bank to make a decision. 

Unlike some other credit card issuers, Capital One will not require a hard inquiry when you request a higher credit line.

Ready to go shopping without dipping into your checking account? Or what about paying down your credit card bill without using your own money? Here we come to the beauty of cash back rewards. 

The cash value you’ve earned will be in your rewards balance bank.

An interesting note about cash back rewards: it’s considered a redemption, not income. That means you don’t have to pay taxes on it, so whatever that figure is, that’s the amount you can use. 

To redeem those rewards, you can make purchases through Capital One’s Travel or Entertainment portals. If you don’t have enough cash back to buy something, you can split the cost and also charge the rest to your credit card. 

If you have a balance on your card, you can use the cash back as a statement credit. For example, let’s say you owe $500 and you have $300 in cash back. If you use your rewards as a statement credit, you just need to send $200 to zero out your bill. 

Who doesn’t like gift cards? OK, they’re not my favorite, but I do know that many people love them, and they’re great for quick gifts. You can use your cash back to buy them through your account. You will see what is available when you log on. 

Even better, many of the retailers Capital One has partnered with offer incredible discounts, such as 25% off the card’s value. Therefore, you’re not only using “free money,” you’re getting quite a savings on the purchase. 

And the list of ways to redeem your cash back goes on. Link your Capital One card to Amazon or PayPal, and you can use your rewards as payments. You can even donate your rewards to a qualified charitable organization.

Just want the money in cold, hard cash? You can do that too by requesting it, and it will come to you in the form of a check. 

As for me, I have no particular favorite way to use my rewards. It totally depends on the situation. Since I love to travel, I will definitely check out what is available on Capital One Travel, but I recently bought tickets to a hockey game through Capital One Entertainment. It was so easy, and my checking account thanked me because I only used my rewards. 

I have the Capital One mobile app open right this moment. It immediately shows my current account balance and when my payment is scheduled. Because I have arranged to pay off the bill in full so I don’t pay any interest, it shows how much that payment will be. The remainder will go onto next month’s billing cycle. 

I really recommend doing this, especially on the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit card, because the APR is pretty high. 

Under that, you will see your rewards balance and benefits. Click on that, and you will be presented with the opportunity to redeem your cash back. It will take you to different screens.

For example, you can book a trip, transfer rewards to Capital One’s travel partners (for miles and points cards), cover the cost of travel purchases, buy gift cards, redeem for experiences, request cash, shop with Amazon, or redeem with PayPal.

The app is extremely intuitive. You can browse and buy what you want with a swipe and review all of your transactions. If you need assistance, the help icon at the bottom of your screen will bring you to “Eno,” a bot that can answer most of your questions.

I’ve used it a number of times, and when I was unable to get the answer I needed, it connected me with a human representative. 

You can also get customer support by simply calling (800) 227-4825. Sometimes I prefer this method. After following a series of prompts to confirm your identity, you will be connected to a representative. 

I’ve never had a problem or had to wait too long. I would say the longest wait time was around 10 minutes. In fact, I had to call recently because I was confused about my reward balance after needing to change my flight I used rewards to purchase. The representative was friendly and professional.

Doing so well with your Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit that you want to get an even better card? You may be able to, and then score even more compelling perks. 

Capital One offers several better card options, such as the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (same name, just without “For Good Credit” at the end), which has a slightly lower regular APR of 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) and a 0% for 15 months both on purchases and balance transfers. 

Maybe you’re more interested in a travel card that rewards you with miles, though. If so, check out the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Both have annual fees, but the embedded perks can outweigh the cost. 

Call the number on the back of your card, and a representative can help you upgrade your account if you qualify.

Cardholder Beware: The big downside of upgrading your card this way is that you do not get the signup bonus. 

If you want the signup bonus, which you should if you can spend the amount needed to get it without going into debt, it’s better to just apply for the new Capital One card you want — but don’t forget to prequalify first.

As with all credit cards, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit, which is issued as a Mastercard, has a myriad of advantages and disadvantages. Here are the top three for each:  

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit card is certainly not the only option you may have. Here are a couple of comparable accounts: 

Citi Double Cash® Card

CardRates Expert Rating

Citi Double Cash® Card

4.8/5.0

About this rating

Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.

See Our Review»

Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

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★★★★★ 4.8/5.0

at Citi’ssecure website

Our Review »

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% – 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Show MoreShow Less See application, terms and details »

Intro (Purchases) N/A

Intro (Transfers) 0% 18 months on Balance Transfers

Regular APR 17.49% – 27.49% (Variable)

Annual Fee $0

Credit Needed Excellent/Good

See Rates & Fees »

If simplicity is your thing, the Citi Double Cash® Card makes a compelling case for itself. Earn 1% cash back when you buy, then another 1% when you pay it off — 2% total on everything, no rotating categories or activation required. No annual fee either.

It’s not the flashiest card in the wallet, but for a no-fuss rewards experience that actually pays you to be responsible with your bill? That’s a pretty good deal.

Discover it® Cash Back

CardRates Expert Rating

Discover it® Cash Back

4.9/5.0

About this rating

Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.

See Our Review»

Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

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★★★★★ 4.9/5.0

at Capital One’ssecure website

Our Review »

• INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
• Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Show MoreShow Less See application, terms and details »

Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR for 15 months

Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR for 15 months

Regular APR 17.49% – 26.49% Variable APR

Annual Fee $0

Credit Needed Excellent/Good

See Rates & Fees »

If you love a little variety in your rewards, the Discover it® Cash Back is worth a serious look. You’ll earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories — groceries, restaurants, gas stations, and more — plus 1% on everything else.

The real showstopper for new cardmembers? Discover automatically matches every dollar of cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. No minimums, no gimmicks. Just don’t forget to activate those quarterly categories — or you’ll leave money on the table.

It can be challenging to find a credit card that offers great rewards and fair terms without needing an excellent credit score to qualify. It’s equally annoying to have to go down several notches and be restricted to accounts that don’t have attractive perks and benefits. 

So yes, I certainly would recommend this Capital One account to people who don’t want to sacrifice rewards or be denied premium products. The travel and entertainment portals are easy and fun to use, whether you have accumulated enough cash back rewards or just want to charge the purchase. 

Redeeming your cash back is simple, and the options are flexible. As someone who has basic tech skills, I appreciate the mobile app’s clean interface, too. 

“Yes, I certainly would recommend this Capital One account to people who don’t want to sacrifice rewards or be denied premium products.”

And if you do want to take that trip out of the country, you won’t have to pay extra in foreign transaction fees. When you use the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit the right way, this account will grow with you.  

When your credit is good, you want a credit card that meets you in the middle, which is where the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit fits. Neither too hot nor too cold. Just right.