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® Student Chrome offer enticing cash back rewards and no annual fees, making them strong contenders for your wallet. However, the Quicksilver edges ahead with its higher cash back rate on all purchases and longer 0% introductory APR period.
The Discover it Student Chrome is accessible without a credit history and offers a unique cash back match at the end of the first year. However, the Quicksilver's unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase and a one-time $200 cash bonus after meeting the spend requirement make it the superior choice if you have the required credit score.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Discover it® Student Chrome
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ of 5
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% variable
18.24% - 27.24% variable
0% APR Offer
0% for 15 months on purchases
0% for 6 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
Cashback Match
Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
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% – 2% cash back
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
10.99% for 6 months on balance transfers
Balance Transfer Fee
3% for the first 15 months
3% intro fee for transfers by May 10, 2024 with the 10.99% intro APR balance transfer offer, then 5% of the amount of each transfer
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
(No Credit History)
Penalty APR
-
None
Not sure?
Which Card Is Better for You?
You might prefer the Quicksilver if you value a simple cash back structure with 1.5% back on all purchases. Its longer 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers can be particularly beneficial if you're planning a large purchase or want to consolidate debt. Good to excellent credit is required, making it a solid choice for those with established credit histories.
You might prefer the Discover it Student Chrome if you're a student or someone with no credit history. This card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, which can add up if these are your primary spending areas. Plus, the automatic cash back match at the end of your first year can double your rewards.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features
Evaluating features like APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card is for you. For instance, if you plan to carry a balance, the Quicksilver's longer 0% APR period may appeal to you, while the Discover it Student Chrome could be more attractive if you frequently dine out or gas up.
Regular APR: Discover it Student Chrome
The Discover it Student Chrome is the better choice, offering a range of 18.24% to 27.24% variable, compared with the Quicksilver's 19.99% to 29.99% variable.
Annual Fee: Tie
Both the Quicksilver and the Discover it Student Chrome have a $0 annual fee.
Introductory 0% APRs: Quicksilver
The Quicksilver offers a more extended introductory 0% APR period on both purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, compared to the Discover it Student Chrome's six months on purchases and 10.99% on balance transfers for the same duration.
Additionally, Quicksilver's balance transfer fee remains lower at 3% for the first 15 months, whereas Discover it Student Chrome increases to 5% after the initial offer.
Rewards: Quicksilver
The Quicksilver outperforms the Discover it Student Chrome in rewards, offering unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% on travel booked through Capital One.
Welcome Offers: Quicksilver
The Quicksilver offers a more immediate and guaranteed return with its $200 cash bonus after a $500 spend in three months, compared with the Discover it Student Chrome's year-end cashback match.
Recommended Credit Score: Discover it Student Chrome
The Discover it Student Chrome is better for people with lower or no credit history, because it requires no credit history for approval. By contrast, the Quicksilver targets those with a credit score range of 670 to 850, indicating a need for good to excellent credit.
Penalties and Fees: Discover it Student Chrome
Discover it Student Chrome is better for penalties and fees, with no late fee compared with Quicksilver's up to $40. Both cards have no foreign transaction fees, and their cash advance fees are similarly structured.
Issuer Satisfaction: Discover it Student Chrome
Discover leads in issuer satisfaction with a rating of 4.5, compared wit the Capital One's 4.2. This indicates a slightly higher level of customer satisfaction with Discover Bank's services.
Other Features & Perks: Tie
Both cards offer unique perks. The Quicksilver provides no foreign transaction fees, complimentary Uber One membership for up to six months, and 5% cash back on travel booked through Capital One.
The Discover it Student Chrome offers assistance in reducing online personal information exposure and does not require a credit score to apply. Choosing depends on personal preferences for travel benefits versus online security and application requirements.
Rewards Comparison
The Quicksilver simplifies earning with a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases. It's straightforward, with no need to track rotating categories. Additionally, it offers a higher 5% cash back on travel booked through Capital One.
On the other hand, the Discover it Student Chrome caters to specific spending habits, offering 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, up to a quarterly maximum. For all other purchases, it provides 1% cash back.
While Quicksilver's flat rate is consistent, Discover's bonus categories could yield more rewards if you frequently dine out or fill up your tank. The table details the bonus categories for each card, allowing you to visually compare and decide which card aligns with your spending.
Category | Quicksilver | Discover it Student Chrome |
|---|---|---|
Travel | 5% if booked through Capital One Travel | 1% |
Dining | 1.5% | 2% on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter |
Gas Stations | 1.5% | 2% on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter |
All Other Purchases | 1.5% | 1% |
Redeeming Rewards
The Quicksilver allows for redemption via statement credits, checks, and gift cards, with no minimum amount and the ability to set automatic redemptions. Rewards remain valid as long as the account is open. Similarly, the Discover it Student Chrome provides various redemption choices, including statement credits and direct deposits, with no expiration on rewards. Both cards ensure that the rewards you earn are accessible and straightforward to redeem.
Methodology
MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like Quicksilver and Discover it Student Chrome using a ranking process tailored to specific 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 Student Chrome Card
What are the credit requirements for each card?
The Quicksilver requires good to excellent credit, while the Discover it Student Chrome has no credit score requirement.
How do the rewards programs compare between the two cards?
The Quicksilver offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, while the Discover it Student Chrome offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants.
Are there any introductory offers for new cardholders?
Both cards have introductory offers; the Quicksilver offers a cash bonus, and the Discover it Student Chrome provides a cashback match.
What are the APRs after the introductory periods?
The Quicksilver has a variable APR of 19.99% to 29.99%, and the Discover it Student Chrome has a variable APR of 18.24% to 27.24%.
Do either of the cards have an annual fee?
Neither card has an annual fee, making them both budget-friendly options.
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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