On This Page:
- Which Card Is Best?
- Head-to-Head Comparison
- Rewards
- Methodology
- FAQ
- Which Card Is Best?
- Head-to-Head Comparison
- Rewards
- Methodology
- FAQ
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Both the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Discover it Cash Back Card offer enticing cash back rewards and no annual fee. However, the Quicksilver card edges ahead with its unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it a better choice for consistent earners.
The Discover it Cash Back has 5% cash back in rotating categories, ideal for those who can maximize these quarterly bonuses. While the Quicksilver card may be the overall winner for its simplicity and higher cash back score, the Discover card's first-year cash back match is a compelling reason to consider it, especially for those planning significant spending in the bonus categories.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Discover it® Cash Back Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ of 5
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% variable
18.24%–28.24% variable
0% APR Offer
0% for 15 months on purchases
0% for 15 months on purchases
Intro Offer
Earn $200 Cash Back
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Matches cash back earned at the end of the first 12 months
Matches cash back earned at the end of the first 12 months
Rewards Summary
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Earn 1%–5% cash back
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
Balance Transfer Fee
3% for the first 15 months
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
670–850 (good to excellent)
Penalty APR
-
None
Not sure?
The Quicksilver and the Discover it Cash Back both offer appealing rewards and introductory APRs with no annual fee. The Quicksilver card provides a consistent 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it ideal for those who value simplicity and a straightforward rewards structure.
The Discover it Cash Back card caters to those who can maximize the 5% cash back in rotating categories. With a lower APR range, the Discover it Cash Back card might be more forgiving on interest charges. The best card for you depends on whether you prefer consistent rewards or can take advantage of higher cash back in specific categories.
Which Card Is Better for You?
You might prefer the Quicksilver if you value simplicity and consistency in your rewards. With a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases and a straightforward $200 welcome bonus after a $500 spend within three months, it's a solid choice for everyday spending.
You might prefer the Discover it Cash Back if you're adept at maximizing cash back categories and don't mind putting in the effort to activate them each quarter. The first-year cash back match can be helpful if your spending aligns well with the rotating categories, potentially outpacing the bonus offered by the Quicksilver card.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features
Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards, introductory offers and other features will help you determine which card suits you best. Assess how each card's specifics, like Quicksilver's flat-rate cash back or Discover it Cash Back's rotating categories, fit your spending patterns. For instance, if you prefer consistent rewards without tracking categories, Quicksilver may suit you, whereas Discover it Cash Back could benefit those who maximize category spending.
Regular APR: Discover it Cash Back
The Discover it Cash Back card offers a lower starting APR of 17.24% compared to the Capital One Quicksilver's 19.99%.
Annual Fee: Tie
Both cards have no annual fee, making them equally attractive for users looking to avoid extra costs.
Introductory 0% APRs: Tie
Both cards offer a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, with a 3% fee on balance transfers. The Discover it Cash Back card has a fee of up to 5% on future balance transfers.
Rewards: Quicksilver
The Quicksilver card offers better rewards for those seeking consistent earnings across all purchases. It offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, and 5% on travel booked through Capital One. The Discover it Cash Back card provides 5% back in rotating categories up to a quarterly maximum, and 1% on other purchases.
Welcome Offers: Quicksilver
The Quicksilver card offers a better welcome bonus, featuring a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 within three months from account opening, translating to a higher ROI (return on investment) compared to the Discover it Cash Back card's match offer at the end of the first 12 months.
Recommended Credit Score: Tie
Both cards require a credit score range of 670 to 850, indicating they are equally accessible to individuals with good to excellent credit.
Penalties and Fees: Tie
Both cards have no foreign transaction fees but differ in their approach to late payment and cash advance fees. The Quicksilver charges up to $40 for late payments and has a cash advance fee of 5% or $5, whichever is greater. The Discover it Cash Back waives the first late payment fee, then charges up to $41, with a cash advance fee of 5% or $10, whichever is greater.
Issuer Satisfaction: Discover it Cash Back
Discover leads in issuer satisfaction with a rating of 4.5, compared to Capital One's 4.2.
Other Features & Perks: Tie
Quicksilver provides up to six months of complimentary Uber One membership and exclusive cash back on travel booked through Capital One. Discover it Cash Back has a first-year cash back match.
Rewards Comparison
The Quicksilver card simplifies earning with a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases. This is ideal for those who prefer not to track category bonuses. Booking travel through Capital One gives you 5% cash back, offering extra value for frequent travelers.
The Discover it Cash Back card offers the potential for higher rewards. It offers 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter, up to a quarterly maximum and 1% back on all other purchases. This card is beneficial if you can align your spending with the rotating categories.
Some of the rotating categories may include drugstores and restaurants. However, you can find more detailed information on the rotating categories for the Discover it Cash Back. The upcoming table will provide a comparison of the bonus categories for both cards.
Category | Quicksilver | Discover it Cash Back |
|---|---|---|
Every Purchase | 1.5% | 1% |
Rotating Categories | 1.5% | 5% for the first $1,500 in combined quarterly purchases, then 1% |
Travel | 5% if purchased through the Capital One portal | 1% |
All Other | 1.5% | 1% |
Redeeming Rewards
Quicksilver allows cardholders to redeem their cash back for statement credits, checks or gift cards with no minimum redemption amount. Automatic redemption can be set up for a specific threshold or annually. Discover it Cash Back also provides various redemption options, including gift cards and account credits, with the added benefit that rewards do not expire as long as the account remains active.
Methodology
MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like the Quicksilver and Discover it Cash Back using a tailored scoring system for various use cases. This approach ensures that the score reflects the card's performance in the scenario where it provides the most value.
For cash back cards, the primary factors we consider are the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. These elements — along with annual fees, introductory purchase rates and issuer satisfaction — contribute to a card's overall score. For a detailed understanding of our process, you can review our ranking methodology.
FAQ: Quicksilver vs. Discover it Cash Back Card
What are the cash back rewards for each card?
Quicksilver offers 1.5% on all purchases; Discover it Cash Back card offers 5% on rotating categories.
Do either of the cards have an annual fee?
Neither card has an annual fee.
What are the introductory offers for these cards?
The Quicksilver card has a $200 bonus; Discover it matches cash back after the first year.
How do the APRs compare between the two cards?
Both cards offer 0% intro APR. Quicksilver's regular APR is 19.99% to 29.99%; Discover it's is 17.24% to 28.24%.
What credit score is required for each card?
Both cards recommend a credit score of 670 to 850.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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