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Capital One Quicksilver vs Capital One Savor Student: Which Is Better In 2026?
July 1, 2025

Editor's Picks
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is ideal for simple, flat-rate cash back on all everyday spending and for travelers who want to avoid foreign transaction fees.
- Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is great for students looking to build credit while earning high cash back rates on dining, entertainment, streaming, and at grocery stores.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Breakdown
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Why We Like It
This section breaks down why we like the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (See Rates & Fees).
- The card offers a simple rewards program that's easy to manage without tracking special categories.
- It's a great companion for international travel, helping you avoid extra charges on purchases made abroad.
- Cardholders can take advantage of valuable perks, including a complimentary membership with a popular rideshare service.
Pros
- A straightforward rewards structure that earns cash back on every purchase, with no need to track special spending categories.
- Rewards are available for the life of the account and can be redeemed flexibly.
- Includes valuable perks, such as a complimentary membership for a popular rideshare and delivery service.
Cons
- Some competing cards offer higher rewards rates in specific spending categories.
- A fee applies to balances transferred at a promotional rate.
- Approval generally requires a good to excellent credit history.
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Breakdown
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Why We Like It
This section breaks down why we like the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card(See Rates & Fees).
- It offers a robust rewards structure tailored to common student spending categories.
- The card provides tools and features designed to help students build their credit history responsibly.
- With no annual fee and features friendly to international students, it's an accessible and cost-effective option.
Pros
- Offers generous cash back rewards on popular spending categories for students, including dining, entertainment, streaming services, and at grocery stores.
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees, making it a cost-effective choice for students, especially those studying abroad.
- Includes valuable credit-building tools, such as automatic credit line reviews and free credit monitoring, to help establish a positive credit history.
Cons
- May be more difficult to qualify for than other student cards due to credit requirements.
- A balance transfer fee applies to balances transferred at a promotional rate.
- The rewards structure is most beneficial for students with specific spending habits, potentially limiting its value for others.
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards vs Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
Categories
When deciding which is better, Capital One Quicksilver or Capital One Savor Student, it's essential to compare where each card shines in its reward categories. This will help you determine which card best aligns with your spending habits.
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is best for earning consistent rewards on every single purchase. It’s designed for those who value simplicity and want to earn on all their spending without tracking specific categories.
- Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is ideal for students who spend frequently on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores. It focuses on rewarding common student lifestyle expenses.
Redemption
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: You can redeem your cash back rewards at any time and for any amount, offering flexibility through options like a statement credit or a check.
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card also provides straightforward redemption choices, allowing students to easily access their cash back as a statement credit or have a check mailed to them.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
Kudos is a financial companion that helps you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards to find the best one for your spending habits.
- Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see potential earnings before you apply.
- Receive personalized card recommendations and side-by-side comparisons based on your transaction history.
- Get a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.
- Manage all your cards in the Kudos Wallet and earn extra rewards with Kudos Boost when shopping at your favorite stores.
- Take advantage of a welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better offer if you find one within three months.
Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards?
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for consumers who prioritize simplicity and consistent value over complex rewards programs. It's particularly well-suited for everyday spenders who don't want the hassle of tracking rotating categories, as it offers a straightforward, unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. Furthermore, individuals with good-to-excellent credit who travel internationally or frequently use Uber will find its lack of foreign transaction fees and complimentary Uber One membership especially beneficial.
Who Should Choose the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards?
The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards card is an excellent choice for college students with fair credit who want to build their credit history while earning rewards. It's particularly well-suited for those who frequently spend on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores. Additionally, its lack of foreign transaction fees makes it a strong option for international students or those planning to study abroad.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Capital One Quicksilver vs. Capital One Savor Student comparison has you convinced that neither card is quite right for you, there are other excellent options to consider. Let's explore a few alternatives that might better align with your financial goals and spending style.
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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.
Tips for Application Success
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score – Most rewards cards require a good to excellent credit profile for approval.
- Plan your spending – Make sure you can comfortably meet any minimum spending requirements for a welcome offer.
- Review eligibility rules – Some issuers have restrictions based on your card history or other personal circumstances.
Application Strategy
- Choose the right card for you – Some cards are designed for specific profiles, like students, while others are better for general spending.
- Know the issuer's rules – Issuers may have limits on how many cards you can have or how often you can earn a bonus.
- Use pre-approval tools when available – Many issuers offer a way to check your approval odds without impacting your credit score.
Our Methodology
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.
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
What credit score do I need for a Capital One student card?
Capital One student cards are generally designed for applicants with fair credit or a limited credit history. While there isn't a strict minimum score, building a positive payment history can increase your chances of approval.
Can I upgrade my Capital One student card after I graduate?
Yes, it's often possible to upgrade your student card to a non-student version after establishing a track record of responsible use. You can contact Capital One to see if you are eligible for a product change to a card with different benefits.
What happens to my student card when I'm no longer a student?
Your Capital One student card will remain active and usable even after you graduate. As your credit profile grows, you may become eligible to upgrade to a card with more comprehensive rewards and features.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.













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