Capital One Quicksilver vs Bilt Mastercard: Which Is Better In 2026?

Bilt Mastercard® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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This section breaks down why we like the Bilt Mastercard®.

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• It’s one of the few cards that lets you earn rewards on rent payments without charging a transaction fee.
• The card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective way to earn rewards.
• You must use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points.

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Pros

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• Points can be transferred to a number of airline and hotel partners, offering flexible travel redemption options.
• Even if your landlord doesn't accept credit cards, you can still pay your rent through the Bilt app, which will mail a check on your behalf.

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Cons

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• The rewards structure is centered around points, which may be less valuable than cash back for some users, especially when redeemed for statement credits.
• Some cardholders have reported issues with the mobile app and customer service.
• There's a monthly transaction minimum to earn rewards, and some applicants with strong credit profiles have reported being denied.

Bilt Mastercard® vs Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, the Capital One Quicksilver or Bilt Mastercard®, comes down to your primary spending habits and what you want from your rewards. Each card is built for a different type of user, offering unique advantages in its respective category.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is ideal for everyday spenders who want a simple, flat-rate cash back card without having to track different spending categories. It's particularly suited for those who value straightforward rewards on all their purchases and want a card with no annual fee.
• Bilt Mastercard®: This card is best for renters looking to earn rewards on their largest monthly expense without paying extra fees. It also offers competitive rewards for those who frequently dine out or travel.

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Redemption

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Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card offers simple cash back rewards that can be redeemed in several flexible ways, such as a statement credit or a check, without minimums.

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Bilt Mastercard®: Points earned with this card offer great flexibility, especially for travel, with options to transfer to various airline and hotel partners or book travel directly.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make the right choice, you can use a financial companion like Kudos, which allows you to compare nearly 3,000 credit cards with its data-driven card explorer tool.

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• Test Drive Feature: Simulate potential earnings with a new card using your actual spending history, all without a hard credit pull or application.
• Approval Odds: Get a detailed analysis of your approval chances based on your credit report before you apply.
• Welcome Offer Guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer for a card you got through Kudos within three months, they will match it.
• Personalized Recommendations: Receive card suggestions personally matched to your spending habits to maximize your rewards.
• Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your credit card points when you shop at participating stores.

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 cash back without tracking rotating categories. With its unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase and no annual or foreign transaction fees, it's a workhorse card for everyday spending both at home and abroad. Frequent Uber users can also extract significant value from the complimentary Uber One membership, making it a strong contender for city dwellers and travelers alike.

Who Should Choose the Bilt Mastercard®?

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The Bilt Mastercard® (See Rates & Fees) is primarily designed for renters looking to earn rewards on their largest monthly expense without incurring transaction fees. It's also an excellent choice for individuals who frequently dine out or travel, given its valuable bonus categories for those purchases. To earn points, including up to 100,000 points per calendar year on rent, cardholders must use the card 5 times each statement period.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Capital One Quicksilver vs Bilt Mastercard comparison has left you feeling like neither card is the perfect match, 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.
• Understand the requirements - Some cards, like the Bilt Mastercard® (See Rates & Fees), require a minimum number of monthly transactions to earn points.
• Know the perks - See how unique benefits, like paying rent or getting a complimentary membership, fit your lifestyle.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application - Apply before a large purchase or international trip to meet spending requirements and use travel perks.
• Choose a card that fits - Decide between simple cash back, like from the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, or a unique system for earning points on rent.
• Find the best welcome offer - Search different channels for the highest bonus, as offers can vary.

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 if I don't pay rent?

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The Capital One Quicksilver is likely the better choice if you don't pay rent, as its straightforward cash back on all purchases provides consistent value. The Bilt Mastercard's primary advantage is earning points on rent payments, making it less ideal if you can't use that benefit.

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What is the '5 transactions per statement period' rule for the Bilt Mastercard?

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To earn points with the Bilt Mastercard®, you must use the card 5 times each statement period. Failing to meet this requirement means you will not earn any points on your purchases for that billing cycle, including rent.

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Is the Capital One Quicksilver a good card for international travel?

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Yes, the Capital One Quicksilver is a solid choice for international travel because it does not charge foreign transaction fees. This can result in significant savings on purchases made outside the United States.

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