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If you are currently in college or about to head off to college, you might be considering applying for your first credit card. It's important to start building credit early, as your credit score can have a major impact on your ability to rent an apartment, get a car, or even get a job. Responsible credit usage from a young age can help you develop positive financial habits and boost your score over time.
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a solid option for those new to credit. With a flat-rate earning system and easy redemption methods, there isn't as much of a learning curve as there is with other cards.
Here's everything you need to know about the Quicksilver Student Card, and how to know if it's right for you.
Page Contents
Quicksilver Student Card Pros
- Designed exclusively for students
- Unlimited 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Quicksilver Student Card Cons
- Doesn't come with many benefits
- There are other no-annual-fee credit cards that are more rewarding
Quicksilver Student Card Benefits
The Quicksilver Student Card is no-annual-fee credit card designed for students, meaning it doesn't come with many benefits. However, it does offer a short list of perks that you can take advantage of.
No foreign transaction fees
If you are planning to study or travel abroad, you need a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. Even if you travel internationally once a year, paying an additional 3% on every purchase you make while you're abroad can quickly add up. If you want a rewards-earning no-annual-fee card to avoid these fees, the Quicksilver Student Card is a great choice.
Automatic insurance and protections
You'll receive a variety of insurance coverage when you use your card to make a purchase. Cardholders receive an extended warranty protection on eligible items and travel accident insurance, both of which can come in handy.
Plus, if your card is lost or stolen, you are never held responsible for unauthorized charges on your account. And if that does happen, you can get an emergency replacement card and lock your stolen card through the Capital One app.
Designed for students
The Quicksilver Student Card is designed exclusively for students. However, once you graduate, you'll also graduate to the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, which comes with all of the same benefits for no annual fee. You don't need to worry about your card becoming inactive after graduation.
Related: The Complete Guide to Earning Points and Miles as a College Student
Quicksilver Student Card Welcome Offer and Earning Rates
New cardholders of the Quicksilver Student Card can earn take advantage of the following welcome bonus: Earn $100 Cash Back when you spend $300 in the first three months.
It might not be the biggest welcome offer ever, but any college student can appreciate some extra spending money.
Plus, cardholders earn a flat rate of 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day. If you book hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars through Capital One Travel, you'll earn an increased 5% cash back. You'll also earn 5% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases through December 31, 2025.
There's no limit to the amount you can earn, and you don't need to keep track of rotating bonus categories. Simply use your card for your day-to-day purchases and watch your earnings increase. Your cash back won't expire as long as your account remains open.
Redeeming Cash Back With the Quicksilver Student Card
You can redeem your earnings as cash (in the form of a check), as a statement credit to your account, to cover a recent purchase, or as a gift card.
Redeeming rewards as cash back is incredibly easy. Simply sign in to your account online or use the Capital One app to select your redemption method.
Application Restrictions
You need to be a student to hold this card. According to Capital One, a student is anyone who is “currently enrolled, or admitted and planning to enroll in the next 3 months, at an accredited university, community college or other higher education institution.”
Since it's designed for students, you don't need to worry as much about having a perfect credit score before you apply. You can also see if you are pre-approved with no impact on your credit score.
Related: Understanding Rewards Credit Card Application Rules and Restrictions
Cards That Compete With the Quicksilver Student Card
There is heavy competition among the best credit cards for students. So, don't worry if you feel that the Quicksilver Student Card isn't right for you. Consider these cards instead:
- If you want a tiered earning structure, consider the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card. You'll earn an unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores, on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services. You'll also earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. It comes with the same benefits and redemption options, but you get increased earnings on select categories — for no annual fee.
- If your primary goal is to build your credit, consider the Chase Freedom Rise®. This card carries no annual fee, earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase, and offers plenty of credit-building benefits via Chase Credit Journey. Learn more about the Freedom Rise in our full review.
- If you already have a credit history, consider the Citi Double Cash® Card. This card provides an easy way to reward all kinds of spending, as you'll earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. And it charges no annual fee. Learn more about the Citi Double Cash in our full review.
- 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services. 5% Cash Back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
- 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- 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.
Related: The Best Credit Cards for College Students
Final Thoughts
Although it might not have the highest earning potential, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a solid option for college students. Choosing your first credit card can seem daunting, but it doesn't need to be. Focus on simplicity and accessibility above all else. And if you do want a different card, there are plenty of other student credit cards out there to choose from.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Citi Double Cash® Card (Rates & Fees)
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