Whether you’re a newbie to the credit card universe or a seasoned veteran, it’s always good to have a solid flat-rate card for everyday spending that might not fit into bonus categories on other cards. Several great choices on the market can help you earn rewards on every purchase.
Two top no-annual-fee cards are the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees). Both offer 1.5% back on all purchases and many of the same benefits. So, which card is best for you?
Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver comparison
| Card | Chase Freedom Unlimited | Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 (see rates and fees) |
| Sign-up bonus | Chase will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned in the first 12 months with no limit | $200 after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening |
| Rewards rate | 5% back on travel booked through Ultimate Rewards
3% back on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services) 3% back at drugstores 1.5% back on all other purchases |
1.5% back on all purchases |
| Other perks | Rental car protection
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance Roadside dispatch Extended warranty protection Purchase protection |
Up to six months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits (through Nov. 14, 2024)
Car rental insurance Travel accident insurance Extended warranty Concierge service Access to Capital One experiences |
| Foreign transaction fee | 3% | None |
As you can see, there are a lot of similarities between the basic offers of these two cards and a few key differences.
Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver welcome bonus
Capital One currently provides new Quicksilver Cash Rewards cardholders with a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the initial three months of opening their account.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited, on the other hand, is offering a unique opportunity for cardholders to double their cash back earnings in the first year. Chase will match all the cash back earned during the initial 12 months with no maximum limit, effectively doubling the card’s earning rates through that period.
Winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver benefits
The Freedom Unlimited offers solid perks for a no-annual-fee card, including rental car protection, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, roadside dispatch, extended warranty protection and purchase protection.
The Quicksilver, on the other hand, doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), which can’t be said for the Freedom Unlimited. Other benefits include up to six months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits (through Nov. 14, 2024), 24-hour travel assistance services, travel accident insurance, extended warranty, concierge service and exclusive culinary experiences, sports and music events through Capital One Entertainment.
Winner: Capital One Quicksilver
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Earning cash back on the Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver
The Capital One Quicksilver offers a straightforward 1.5% back on all purchases a solid general earning rate for a cash-back card.
The Freedom Unlimited, though, offers 5% back on travel booked through Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 3% back at drugstores and 1.5% back on all other purchases. So, while matching the general earning rate of the Quicksilver, the Freedom Unlimited also has valuable bonus categories.
Winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Redeeming cash back on the Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver
The cash back accumulated from your Freedom Unlimited card can be redeemed in multiple ways. You can redeem it as a statement credit or for a direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts, with each point valued at one cent. Additionally, you can use your rewards to obtain gift cards or book travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal, both at one cent per point.
The cash back earned on the Capital One Quicksilver card can also be redeemed in various ways. You can apply it as a statement credit, receive it as a check or gift card, or directly apply it to cover a specific charge on your statement. Furthermore, there is no minimum redemption amount required. To redeem your cash back, sign in to your account via the app or computer and easily select your preferred redemption method.
Winner: Tie
Transferring cash back on the Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver
If you are a cardholder of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, you have the option to convert your Freedom Unlimited rewards and gain access to Chase’s complete selection of 14 transfer partners.
This combination enables you to maximize the value of your rewards by expanding your redemption options across a wide range of travel benefits.
On the Capital One side, you can turn the cash back earned on your Quicksilver card into Venture Miles if you have a Venture Miles-earning credit card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees).
Winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited because Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth more (2.05 each, according to our valuations) than Capital One Venture Miles (1.85 cents each).
Should I get the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One Quicksilver?
Both cards offer at least 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and neither charges an annual fee. The Chase Freedom Unlimited is the better choice for most, though, with higher earning rates and more valuable points if you hold a premium Chase card, too. Conversely, the Quicksilver offers Uber One statement credits and no foreign transaction fee (see rates and fees).
Bottom line
Each card is built for a different audience. Beginners to the points-and-miles game can use the Chase Freedom Unlimited to supplement a Chase Ultimate Rewards card. On the other hand, the Quicksilver is a solid stand-alone credit card if you’re over Chase’s 5/24, with its list of travel protections and no foreign transaction fees.
No matter which one you choose, make sure you’re following our 10 commandments for rewards credit cards so that you’re getting the most out of your new card.
To learn more, read our full reviews of the Chase Freedom Unlimited and the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards.
Apply here: The Chase Freedom Unlimited and the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
