Capital One Venture Rewards Card vs. Quicksilver Card [Detailed Comparison]

Key Takeaways

• The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns 5x miles on hotels and rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2x miles on everything else.
• The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card also earns 5% cash-back on hotels and rentals with a flat 1.5% cash-back on everything.
• While the Capital One Venture card comes with a small annual fee, the welcome bonus offer is more attractive if you can meet the minimum spending requirements.

You have to hand it to Capital One — the card issuer is consistent at keeping things simple. You won’t find a lot of bells and whistles on most of the issuer’s cards, but you will find simplicity in the earnings structures, solid good-value redemption options, and enough travel and shopping benefits to add value to cardmembers holding 1 or more Capital One cards.

Today we’re focusing on 2 popular Capital One cards that have similarities when it comes to earning rewards and benefits, but when we look closely and compare the cards side by side, you may find a winner.

Join us as we look closely at the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card to determine which might be the better card for you.

Overview

While our featured cards are very similar, there are some earning level and benefit differences. Here’s a close-up of how the cards stack up against each other.

Welcome Bonus Comparison

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Cons

• $95 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A flexible, no-frills card that earns 1.5% cash-back on all purchases. Redeem rewards for any amount anytime you choose with no annual fee.

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

A flexible, no-frills card that earns 1.5% cash-back on all purchases. Redeem rewards for any amount anytime you choose with no annual fee.

Welcome Offer

One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Low maintenance, that’s your motto. When it comes to your credit cards, you don’t have the time or inclination to figure out which spending categories earn you the most cash-back.

A card that earns 1.5% cash-back for everything is more your speed.

That’s why you should consider the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card. You’ll never waste your time with changing categories, and there’s no limit to the cash-back you can earn.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unlimited 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
• No annual fee (rates & fees)
• No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

Cons

• Doesn’t offer bonus categories for those looking to maximize certain purchases
• Doesn’t earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• 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
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

This card’s rewards will accrue on the card and be available under capitalone.com.

Welcome bonuses provide an immediate opportunity to jump-start your earnings when you’re first approved for your new card. While the amount of the welcome bonus can vary depending on the current card offer, you’ll be required to hit a minimum spending level within a specified period after card approval to qualify and receive the bonus.

Always check for the current offering before applying for any card and keep track of the date you were approved to be sure to complete the required spending before the deadline.

A 50,000-mile welcome bonus is generally worth $500. You may be able to leverage your miles by transferring these rewards to travel partners for greater potential value. We’ll talk about this option shortly.

Bottom Line: Welcome bonuses can provide a jump-start to your earnings. Each Capital One mile is generally worth 1 cent each, but you may be able to realize greater value, depending on your redemption choice, versus the fixed value of cash-back.

Earning Rewards

With either of our featured cards, you’ll find a simple earning structure that ensures you’ll earn rewards on every purchase you make. You won’t have to keep track of any specific bonus category earning, just use your card for every purchase, every day, and earn rewards.

The Capital One Venture card earns a higher level of rewards than the Quicksilver card, but it also charges an annual fee (rates & fees). If you’re spending $20,000 each year, you would earn $400 worth of Capital One miles (when conservatively valued at 1 cent each) on the Capital One Venture card or $300 in cash-back on the Quicksilver card. Taking into consideration the annual fee, you would be approximately $5 ahead on the Capital One Venture card after spending that amount.

However, by leveraging airline and hotel partners, you may be able to redeem Capital One Venture card miles for greater value than 1 cent each, making it the better card for travel redemptions.

Bottom Line: The Capital One Venture card has a higher earning level of 2 miles per dollar spent, but has an annual fee (rates & fees). You would need to spend $20,000 to come out ahead over the Quicksilver card that has no annual fee (rates & fees). However, the Capital One Venture card comes with a much higher welcome bonus, making it the better choice from an initial earnings perspective if you can meet the initial spending requirements to earn this bonus. Miles earned on the Capital One Venture card could also potentially be redeemed for greater value when transferred to travel partners.

Redeeming Rewards

Each of our featured cards offers different redemption options. Here are the choices you’ll have for redeeming your Capital One miles earned on the Capital One Venture card and cash-back earned on the Quicksilver card:

Capital One Venture Card

Redeem for Travel

• Transfer Miles to Travel Partners — Transferring Capital One miles to airline or hotel partners offers the best opportunity for greater value. After transferring the miles, you can redeem the airline frequent flyer miles or hotel points for flights and free hotel nights. For more information on receiving the best value with transfer partners, our informative article has some creative ideas.
• Purchase Travel With Capital One Travel — Use your miles at the value of 1 cent each to redeem them for travel purchases via Capital One Travel.

Redeem for Shopping or Statement Credits

Redeem Capital One miles for gift cards, shop at Amazon, or redeem your rewards via PayPal. You may also use your miles for a statement credit for any purchase (not recommended). Values vary and can be less than 1 cent per mile.

Quicksilver Card

Cash-back is the most liquid form of rewards and is easy to redeem. You’ll receive the best value for your rewards when you request a check or a statement credit. However, you can also use your rewards (values vary) to shop at Amazon, redeem via PayPal, or purchase gift cards.

Bottom Line: The best potential value for your miles may be to transfer to travel partners and purchase airline award tickets or free hotel nights, though you can also redeem your miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit with Capital One Travel. While not the best value, miles can also be redeemed for gift cards and shopping. The Quicksilver card earns cash-back rewards that can be redeemed easily and for the best value in the form of a check or a statement credit.

Travel Benefits and Protections

Since travel benefits and protections are included at no extra charge, any value you receive is a plus. Here are some of the modest travel benefits and protections you can expect on the Capital One Venture card and the Quicksilver card:

• Car Rental Insurance — Pay for the entire rental with your card, decline the rental agency’s collision damage waiver coverage, and receive secondary car rental coverage within your country of residence. If you do not have auto insurance or if it does not cover you outside of your country of residence, coverage can be primary. Additional terms and conditions apply.
• Roadside Dispatch (Quicksilver card) — Pay 1 low price ($69.95) for each service call which can include towing, jump-start, emergency fuel, lockout service, and tire changing. Terms apply.
• Master RoadAssist® (Venture card) — Take advantage of 24-hour toll-free assistance to help with services like towing, gas delivery, jumpstarts, and tire changes. Customer is responsible for any and all costs incurred
• No Foreign Transaction Fees — Both of our featured cards travel well with no foreign transaction fees charged on your purchases.
  • Capital One Venture card (rates & fees)
  • Capital One Quicksilver card (rates & fees)
• Travel Assistance Services — Receive 24-hour assistance when you travel, including card replacement and assistance getting emergency cash.
• Travel Accident Insurance — Receive up to $1,000,000 for covered loss of life or qualifying dismemberment as listed in the cards’ Guide to Benefits.

Hot Tip: We’re just scratching the surface! Review all of the benefits of the Quicksilver card in detail and see even more benefits of the Capital One Venture card in our helpful guides.

Shopping Benefits and Protections

Here is a sampling of shopping benefits and protections you’ll find on our featured cards.

• Extended Warranty — Receive an extension of 1 to 2 years beyond the manufacturer’s warranty for eligible items purchased with your card. The length of the extension will depend on whether your card is issued as a Mastercard or Visa.
• Purchase Protection — Eligible items and purchases with your card will receive coverage for damage and theft for 120 days from the purchase date. Coverage limits include $250 per claim, up to 4 claims per 12-month period.
• Capital One Offers — Log in to your account and click through Capital One Offers for cash-back on purchases at select retailers.

The Quicksilver card, when issued as a Mastercard, will also include price protection. Purchase an eligible item with your card, and if you find the item advertised for less within 120 days from the purchase date, you could receive up to $250 per claim, for up to 4 claims per 12-month period.

Bottom Line: Travel and shopping benefits and protections will depend on whether your card is issued as a Mastercard or Visa. The source for the actual list of applicable benefits and protections received and the terms and conditions will be the specific card’s Guide to Benefits. 

Minimum Qualifications

Both of our featured cards recommend an excellent credit score (740 to 850). Capital One adds its own criteria to clarify that to qualify, an applicant “has never declared bankruptcy or defaulted on a loan, not been more than 60 days late on any credit card, loan, or medical bill in the last year, and has had a loan or credit card for 3 years or more with a credit limit above $5,000.”

Of course, the higher your score, the more likely you will be approved, but you can also find out in advance if you have card offers available to you. Potential card offers, including Capital One card offers, can be found by using the CardMatch tool. Using the tool is simple, risk-free, and no hard inquiry is done on your credit history. Enter some basic information and any offers waiting for you will be revealed.

Capital One also has its own version of the prequalification tool, but it requires you to submit more information than the CardMatch tool.

You’ll also want to know where your credit stands by obtaining a recent copy of your credit report and checking it for accuracy.

Alternative Cards To Consider

Capital One has a large collection of card offerings. To review some of the best Capital One cards available, we’ve put together this overview for comparing card options.

Capital One does a great job of offering credit card options for nearly every consumer and all levels of credit history. Depending on your objectives and spending habits, you may want to consider additional cards that could also be a fit for your situation.

Here are a few recommendations for alternatives to our featured cards.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

BEST BEGINNER CARD

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
• 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is one of our favorite travel rewards cards because it earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points and comes with a long list of travel benefits. Travel benefits like primary car rental insurance, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, trip delay coverage, and baggage insurance mean you’ll travel with peace of mind.

You’ll also receive good value at redemption time, when points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel via the Chase travel portal. Or, transfer to Chase travel partners for even greater potential value.

Chase Freedom Unlimited^® or Chase Freedom Flex℠

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Welcome Offer

Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
• 1.5% back on all other purchases

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel^SM, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% – 28.49%.
• No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited^® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Freedom Flex^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Flex^®

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ sure does pack quite a punch — especially for a no-annual-fee card.

The Freedom Flex card is an incredible option for those looking for a well-rounded cash-back card, or a powerful point-earner when paired with a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
• Powerful cash-back earner: 5% back on quarterly categories and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
• No annual fee

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99%-28.49%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex^® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee card that earns flexible rewards on every purchase you make, you’ll want to consider a card from Chase’s Freedom line. Either card partners well with Chase premium cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Chase Sapphire Reserve^® to deliver up to 50% more in value when redeeming transferred Ultimate Rewards points for travel.

Not sure which Freedom card is best for you? No worries, as we’ve done the legwork and offer our comparison of the Freedom Unlimited card and Freedom Flex card.

American Express^® Gold Card

BEST FOR DINING

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express^® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points for Uber Eats purchases made at restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 90k points with the Amex Gold card. The current public offer is 60,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

We like the everyday earning potential of the Amex Gold card. And while the card does have a moderate annual fee, U.S. supermarket purchases alone can net 100,000 Membership Rewards points each year (up to $25,000 in purchases with 4x earnings; 1x thereafter), which would be worth $2,200, by our valuations.

The card functions quite nicely as an everyday earning card, but also offers 3x earnings on airfare purchased directly with the airline or through AmexTravel.com, as well as flexible redemption options for travel.

Bottom Line: The Capital One Venture card and Quicksilver card offer simplified flat-rate earnings on every purchase plus several options for redeeming your rewards for travel. But if you have excellent credit, you will have a lot of great additional choices for travel rewards cards. 

Final Thoughts

While our 2 featured cards are similar, if you can accomplish the initial 1-year or 3-month minimum spending requirements, it may be worthwhile to secure the Capital One Venture card with its larger welcome bonus over the Quicksilver card.

However, on an ongoing basis, if you do not plan to spend more than $20,000 per year on the Capital One Venture card, the Quicksilver card could be a better choice for you.

Either card could serve you well, but if you have excellent credit, comparing travel rewards cards for the best fit makes sense.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa^® or Mastercard^® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.