Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards
Is the Fee Worth It?
Based on $1,500/mo average spend
Worth it if you spend more than ~$192/month. You come out $267 ahead at $1,500/mo.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards
Quick Snapshot
- Annual Fee: $39
- APR: 30.74% variable
- Rewards: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- Bonus: None
- Best For: People with fair credit (580+) who want cash back rewards while building their credit score
- Credit Needed: Fair (580+)
Overview
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card is designed for people with fair credit who want to earn rewards while rebuilding their credit profile. It offers the same unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase as the regular Quicksilver, but comes with a $39 annual fee and higher APR to accommodate the higher risk profile of its target audience.
While the annual fee and lack of a welcome bonus make this less attractive than the standard Quicksilver, the QuicksilverOne serves an important role as a stepping stone. Capital One reports to all three major credit bureaus, and responsible use over 6-12 months can significantly improve your credit score. The card includes automatic credit line reviews, meaning Capital One may increase your credit limit without requiring a new application.
The card requires no security deposit, which distinguishes it from secured cards. For someone with a credit score in the 580-669 range who does not want to tie up cash in a deposit, the QuicksilverOne offers a path to credit improvement with the added benefit of earning cash back on every purchase. Once your credit improves, you may be able to upgrade to the no-annual-fee Quicksilver.
APR Breakdown
- Purchase APR: 30.74% variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 30.74% variable
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
- Penalty APR: None
Note: Your APR will be 30.74% variable based on the Prime Rate. This card does not offer a 0% introductory APR.
Benefits Overview
Cash Back Rewards
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- No spending caps or category restrictions
- Cash back never expires
- Simple earning with no activations needed
Credit Building
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- Automatic credit line reviews after responsible use
- No security deposit required
- Access to CreditWise credit monitoring tool
Account Features
- Real-time purchase notifications
- $0 fraud liability
- Virtual card numbers for online purchases
- Capital One mobile app with card lock feature
Rewards & Points
- 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase
Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, check, or applied to recent purchases at any amount. There is no minimum redemption threshold. Rewards are identical in structure to the regular Quicksilver card.
Welcome Bonus
This card does not offer a welcome bonus. The primary value proposition is access to 1.5% cash back rewards for applicants with fair credit who may not qualify for the no-annual-fee Quicksilver or other premium cash back cards.
Fees Summary
- Annual Fee: $39
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% for promotional, 4% for non-promotional
- Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40
Who This Card Is Best For
Ideal For
- Fair credit applicants with scores in the 580-669 range seeking rewards
- Credit rebuilders who want to improve their score with responsible use
- No-deposit seekers who prefer not to tie up funds in a secured card
- Simplicity seekers who want flat-rate cash back without category management
Not Good For
- Good credit applicants who qualify for the no-fee Quicksilver with the same rewards
- International travelers due to the 3% foreign transaction fee
- Balance carriers who would pay the high 30.74% APR on carried balances
Key Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back even with fair credit
- No security deposit required unlike secured cards
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Automatic credit line reviews and potential increases
- Access to CreditWise credit monitoring for free
- Simple flat-rate rewards with no categories to track
- Virtual card numbers for safer online shopping
- $0 fraud liability
- Potential upgrade path to the no-fee Quicksilver
Cons
- $39 annual fee reduces net cash back value
- No welcome bonus offered
- High 30.74% variable APR makes carrying a balance expensive
- No introductory 0% APR period
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- Lower initial credit limits compared to prime cards
- No travel protections or premium benefits
- Applicants with good credit should choose the regular Quicksilver instead
Alternatives to Consider
| Card | Best For | Annual Fee | Rewards | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards | Same rewards with no annual fee (good credit) | $0 | 1.5% | Good+ |
| Capital One Platinum | No-fee credit building without rewards | $0 | None | Fair |
| Discover it® Secured | Secured card with 2% gas and dining cash back | $0 | 2%/1% | Building |
How the Rewards Add Up
Example Annual Value
| Category | Annual Spend | Reward Rate | Earned | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Purchases | $12,000 | 1.5% | $180 | $180 |
Annual value: $141 after subtracting the $39 annual fee from $180 in cash back on $12,000 of spending. The card breaks even at approximately $2,600 in annual spending.
Should You Get This Card?
You Should Get It If...
- Your credit score is in the fair range (580-669) and you want rewards
- You prefer not to put down a security deposit for a secured card
- You want to build credit while earning cash back on every purchase
- You plan to use the card responsibly and eventually upgrade to the Quicksilver
- You want a simple card with no categories or quarterly activations
You Should Skip It If...
- Your credit score is 670 or above and you qualify for the regular Quicksilver
- You cannot justify the $39 annual fee on limited spending
- You plan to carry a balance and would face the 30.74% APR
- You would rather put down a deposit for a no-fee secured card
- You travel internationally and need no foreign transaction fees
Apply Now
Apply for Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards
Information accurate as of May 2026. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.
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