Key takeaways

  • Building credit as a student can set you up for financial success once you graduate, and a credit card can help you along the way.
  • Student credit cards have lower approval requirements than regular credit cards, so those over the age of 18 can qualify without a lengthy credit history.
  • The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers simple cash back rewards, so you can work on building your credit and dip a toe in the credit card rewards world as well.

There are numerous reasons to get a credit card when you’re in college, the most important of which is having the chance to build credit for later in life. Credit cards for students can also help you learn positive credit habits, such as keeping your balances low and paying your bills on time. Not only that, but many student credit cards come with valuable benefits, and some offer cash back or other types of rewards for each dollar you spend.

Choosing the right student credit card will come down to your lifestyle, budget and needs. Do you intend to study or travel abroad? You’ll want a card that doesn’t charge annual fees. Do you eat out often or drive frequently? You’ll want a card that rewards restaurant and gas purchases.

There are myriad options, plenty of which offer rewards and perks with no annual fee required.

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of the newer options from the big banks, but is it worth it? Read on to learn where this card shines, and when it might make sense to consider other options instead.

When is the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card worth it?

If you need a credit card so you can begin building credit as a college student, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card can definitely be “worth it” in a traditional sense. This card doesn’t charge an annual fee of any kind, yet you can earn a flat 1.5 percent cash back on every purchase you make.

New cardholders can also earn a $50 cash bonus after spending at least $100 on purchases within three months of account opening, so signing up for this card and using it for purchases can be rewarding right off the bat.

On an ongoing basis, this flat-rate card keeps it simple, offering busy college students 1.5 percent cash back on every purchase. In addition, through Nov. 14, 2024, cardholders can also earn 10 percent cash back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases as well as a complimentary Uber One membership.

Rewards are flexible, with the option to redeem for statement credits or a check or even, possibly for less value, for gift cards or to cover purchases. With these kinds of options available, you’ll never be in a situation where you’re stuck with rewards you cannot use.

Other notable benefits include extended warranties on eligible items, travel accident insurance and 24-hour travel assistance services. The Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card also comes with no foreign transaction fees, a hallmark of all Capital One credit cards, so it’s a good credit card for students who travel internationally.

When is the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card not worth it?

There are a few scenarios where this card may not be worth it, or when you may want to consider other cards instead. First off, it’s worth noting that the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card is geared to individuals with fair credit. According to Capital One, people who can qualify likely have a limited credit history that goes back less than three years.

In other words, this credit card is not necessarily available to people with no credit history at all, which would include many college students who have never had a credit card or a loan.

Beyond the credit requirements, you should also know that this card’s interest rate is on the high side. In fact, cardholders will pay a variable APR of 19.99 percent to 29.99 percent when they carry a balance, and this card doesn’t have an introductory APR offer.

Compare that to Discover it® Student Chrome, which has no annual fee and comes with an intro APR of 0 percent for six months on purchases and a 10.99 percent intro APR for six months on balance transfers (followed by a variable APR between 18.24 percent to 27.24 percent variable).

Should you get the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card?

At the end of the day, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card is best for students who want to build credit and earn rewards without ever carrying a balance. This card is also good for students who want to avoid annual fees, as well as those who have a limited credit history but at least some information on their credit reports.

If you have no credit history, on the other hand, you may want to look at secured credit cards or other types of starter credit cards. You could also consider becoming an authorized user on a parent’s card.

If you plan to carry a balance, you’ll want to explore credit cards that offer 0 percent intro APR on purchases, balance transfers or both for a limited time.

The bottom line

If you still can’t decide on this student credit card, it makes sense to read over our Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Card review. From there, you can see how this card compares to other student credit cards, including other student cards from Capital One.

In the meantime, you should think over what you hope to accomplish with your student card. Maybe you want to earn credit, build rewards or both. Whatever your goals, you’ll find a credit card that can help you get there.