Are Capital One’s New Quicksilver Cards a Solid Choice for Travelers?

Capital One’s new Quicksilver credit cards provide a 1.5 percent cash return on all purchases billed to the card. Although many other cash-back cards give as much as 5 percent back on a few purchases—often short-term promotions—and frequently 2 percent back on gasoline and grocery purchases, I know of no other cards that offer more than 1 percent back on all purchases.

Quicksilver Rewards has no annual fee, no APR the first year, and then a subsequent variable 12.9 percent to 20.9 percent APR. It requires “excellent” credit.

QuicksilverOne Rewards carries an annual fee of $39, has no APR the first year, and then has 19.8 percent APR. It requires “average” credit. Like most other Capital One cards, these new options do not assess any foreign transaction surcharges or fees.

Capital One’s well-publicized and highly praised Venture Rewards cards provide an even higher return rate—2 percent—but only when used to purchase air tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, and other specified travel services. The return when you use Venture Rewards miles for non-travel purchases varies, depending on the individual seller.

Chances are that if you’re reading this, your primary interest is travel. For you, then, Venture cards remain the better choice. But if you just want the money, the new Quicksilver cards look like a solid choice.

You Might Also Like:

• Seven Weekend Trips You Should Take This Summer
• How to Pack Yourself (and Your Car) for a Summer Road Trip
• 10 Foreign Countries Where You Can Use U.S. Dollars