Capital One Quicksilver vs Aeroplan Credit Card: Which Is Better In 2026?

Aeroplan® Credit Card Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why we’re fans of the Aeroplan® Credit Card.

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• It's an ideal companion for frequent Air Canada flyers, offering valuable perks that streamline the travel experience.
• Cardholders get a jumpstart on earning Aeroplan Elite Status, which unlocks more premium travel benefits.
• The card offers great flexibility for international travel and for those who want to combine points from other rewards programs.

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Pros

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• A free first checked bag on Air Canada flights and automatic Aeroplan 25K Status for the first year offer immediate value and a shortcut to premium travel perks.
• The card includes valuable travel protections, such as trip cancellation insurance and an auto rental collision damage waiver.
• Points can be transferred from other major rewards programs, adding a layer of flexibility to your earning strategy.

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Cons

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• An annual fee is charged from the first year.
• The rewards earning rate is less competitive on travel purchases made outside of Air Canada.
• Points deliver the best value when redeemed for flights with Air Canada and its partners, which may not suit all travelers.

Aeroplan® Credit Card vs Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards

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Categories

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When deciding which is better, the Capital One Quicksilver or Aeroplan Credit Card, it's essential to look at what kind of spender you are. Each card caters to a different lifestyle and set of priorities.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is best for everyday spenders who want a simple, flat-rate cash back card without the hassle of tracking rotating categories.
• Aeroplan® Credit Card: This card is designed for frequent Air Canada flyers and travelers who want to maximize rewards, especially those who fly with Star Alliance partners.

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Redemption

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Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Redemption is straightforward, allowing you to receive your cash back in a variety of flexible ways. You can typically redeem your rewards for a statement credit or a check, with no minimum amount required.

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Aeroplan® Credit Card: Rewards are redeemed as points primarily for flights with Air Canada and its extensive network of airline partners. Points can also be used for other travel-related expenses like hotel stays, car rentals, and vacation packages.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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Kudos is a financial platform that helps you compare thousands of credit cards to find the best match for your spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards: Before you apply, you can use your real spending data to see personalized calculations of a card’s potential earnings, including a category-by-category breakdown.
• Get approval odds: The platform provides a detailed analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of approval, Kudos will match it.
• Stack your rewards: Through the Kudos Boost feature, you can earn additional rewards on top of what your credit card already offers.
• Discover new cards: Receive personalized recommendations for cards that will earn you the most rewards based on your spending history.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards?

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The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for individuals who value simplicity and want to earn straightforward, flat-rate cash back on all their spending. It's particularly well-suited for those who don't want the hassle of tracking rotating bonus categories or managing multiple cards to maximize rewards. Frequent travelers will appreciate the lack of foreign transaction fees, while regular Uber users can take advantage of the complimentary Uber One membership.

Who Should Choose the Aeroplan® Credit Card?

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The Aeroplan® Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent Air Canada flyers and travelers who often find themselves journeying to, from, or within Canada. It particularly suits those aspiring to gain premium travel perks, as the card provides a clear path to Aeroplan Elite Status and benefits like a free first checked bag. Points enthusiasts who are comfortable with the $95 annual fee and can strategically maximize rewards on Air Canada purchases and everyday spending will also find this card highly valuable.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Capital One Quicksilver vs Aeroplan Credit Card comparison didn't point you to your perfect card, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent rewards cards on the market that might better suit your spending habits and financial goals.

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score – Most rewards cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan for the welcome offer – Ensure you can meet the spending requirement organically without carrying a balance.
• Read the fine print on benefits – Perks can require enrollment, expire after an introductory period, or auto-renew into a paid subscription.

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Application Strategy

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• Compare different card types. Consider whether a simple cash-back card or a travel-specific card best fits your spending habits.
• Align the card with your goals. A card like the Aeroplan® Credit Card is ideal for frequent flyers, while a straightforward rewards card is better for everyday simplicity.
• Apply strategically and be patient. Don't accept a lesser offer and consider using pre-approval tools to check your eligibility without a hard credit inquiry.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Which card is better for someone new to credit card rewards?

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The Capital One Quicksilver is often a better choice for beginners because of its simple flat-rate cash-back rewards and lack of an annual fee. The Aeroplan card is more suitable for individuals who are already comfortable navigating airline loyalty programs to maximize value.

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Can I have both the Capital One Quicksilver and the Aeroplan Credit Card?

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Yes, it's possible to hold both cards at the same time, and it can be a smart strategy. This approach allows you to use the Quicksilver for general spending to earn straightforward cash back, while using the Aeroplan card for travel purchases to accumulate airline miles.

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How do I choose between a cash-back card and an airline card?

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Your decision should hinge on your personal spending habits and travel aspirations. If you value simplicity and flexibility, a cash-back card like the Quicksilver is an excellent choice; if you frequently fly with Air Canada or its partners, the Aeroplan card can provide significantly more value.

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