Capital One Quicksilver vs First Progress Select MasterCard Secured: Which Is Better In 2026?

First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a breakdown of why we recommend the First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card.

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• It's a great option for building credit since you can get approved without a credit check.
• The card reports to all three major credit bureaus, which is essential for establishing a positive payment history.
• It also offers cash back rewards on purchases, a feature not commonly found on secured cards.

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Pros

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• The application process does not require a credit check, so there is no hard inquiry on your credit report.
• Monthly reporting to all three major credit bureaus helps you build a positive credit history with responsible use.
• Your credit limit is determined by a refundable security deposit, and you have the flexibility to increase your limit over time.

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Cons

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• The card charges an annual fee and includes a fee for foreign transactions.
• There is no option to graduate to an unsecured card, which means you will eventually have to close the account to get your deposit back.
• Account management can be inconvenient, as it lacks a mobile app and relies on a dated online portal and mail for some services.

First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card vs Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards

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Categories

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When deciding which is better, Capital One Quicksilver or First Progress Select MasterCard Secured, it's essential to understand that each card serves a very different audience.

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• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a straightforward cash back card ideal for everyday spenders who want a simple, flat-rate rewards program without having to track categories.
• First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is a credit-builder card designed for those with poor or no credit history who want to establish or rebuild their credit profile while earning some cash back.

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Redemption

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Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards: You can redeem your cash back for a statement credit or request a check, offering flexibility in how you receive your rewards.

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First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card: Rewards are automatically applied as a credit to your statement, which helps lower your balance as you focus on building your credit history.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make the decision easier, you can use a tool like Kudos to compare top-rated cards side-by-side.

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• Use the “Test Drive” feature to simulate earnings with a new card using your actual spending data, all before you apply.
• Get personalized card recommendations and side-by-side comparisons based on your transaction history.
• Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards.
• Unlock rewards like the $100 Kudos Kickstart+ and a welcome offer guarantee on select cards.
• Track spending, monitor your credit score, and earn Kudos Boost rewards when you shop.

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 a straightforward way to earn cash back without the hassle of tracking rotating categories. This card is particularly well-suited for everyday spenders whose purchases span a wide range of categories, as well as for international travelers looking to avoid foreign transaction fees. Additionally, frequent Uber users can take advantage of the complimentary Uber One membership, making it a practical option for those who regularly use the ride-sharing and food delivery service.

Who Should Choose the First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card?

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The First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is designed as a straightforward tool for those looking to establish or repair their credit profile. It's an ideal choice for individuals with poor or nonexistent credit history, especially those who have been denied other cards and want an application process that doesn't require a credit check. This card best serves users who are willing to provide a refundable security deposit in exchange for near-guaranteed approval and the benefit of monthly reporting to all three major credit bureaus.

Alternatives to Consider

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If the Capital One Quicksilver vs First Progress Select MasterCard Secured comparison didn't point you to the right card, don't worry. Here are a few other options to consider.

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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, but secured cards are an option if you're still building your history.
• Have a spending plan. Ensure you can meet any minimum spending requirements for a welcome offer through your normal purchasing habits.
• Know the card’s purpose. Decide if you prefer straightforward cash back or are willing to manage more complex travel rewards.

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Application Strategy

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• Use pre-qualification tools to gauge your approval odds without impacting your credit score.
• Choose cards that match your credit profile, from secured options for building credit to premium rewards cards.
• Time your application before a large purchase to help meet any welcome offer spending requirements.

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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What is the difference between a secured and an unsecured credit card?

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A secured credit card requires a refundable cash deposit that typically sets your credit limit, making it easier to get with a lower credit score. An unsecured card, like the Capital One Quicksilver, does not require a deposit and grants a line of credit based on your financial history.

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Can I get the Capital One Quicksilver card with a low credit score?

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The Capital One Quicksilver generally requires good to excellent credit for approval. Applicants with a limited or damaged credit history may have better luck applying for a secured option like the First Progress Select MasterCard® Secured card.

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Do both cards help build credit?

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Yes, both cards report your account activity to the three major credit bureaus. Consistent, on-time payments with either card can help you build or rebuild your credit profile over time.

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Which card is better for earning rewards?

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The Capital One Quicksilver is a rewards card that earns cash back on purchases. The First Progress Select MasterCard® Secured card does not offer a rewards program, as its primary purpose is to help users establish a credit history.

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