Capital One Quicksilver vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited: Which one is the top choice for cash back?

Whether you're just starting with credit cards or you have plenty of experience, having a reliable flat-rate card for everyday purchases outside of bonus categories is essential. There are numerous excellent options available that allow you to earn rewards on every transaction.

Two leading no-annual-fee cards for everyday spending are the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (check rates and fees). Both provide 1.5% back on all purchases and share many similar features. So, which card suits you best?

Comparison: Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver

CardChase Freedom UnlimitedCapital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit CardAnnual fee $0 $0 (see rates and fees) Welcome offerReceive an extra 1.5% back on all purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year) for a total of up to $300. Earn $200 after spending $500 within the first three months of account opening. Rewards rate 5% back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠

3% back on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services

3% back at pharmacies

1.5% back on all other purchases

1.5% back on every transaction Additional benefits

• Protection for rental cars
• Insurance for trip cancellations and interruptions
• No liability for unauthorized charges
• Extended warranty coverage
• Protection on purchases
• Free DashPass membership for 3 months (activate by Dec. 31, 2027)

• Up to six months of free Uber One membership statement credits (valid through Nov. 14)
• Insurance for travel accidents
• Extended warranty coverage
• No liability for unauthorized charges
• Access to Capital One Entertainment

Foreign transaction fee3% None (check rates and fees)

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver: Welcome offers

Capital One is currently providing new Quicksilver Cash Rewards cardholders with a $200 cash bonus after they spend $500 within the first three months of opening their accounts.

Conversely, the Chase Freedom Unlimited provides new cardholders with an additional 1.5% cash back on all purchases, on spending up to $20,000 during the first year. According to Chase, this can translate to up to $300 in cash back.

Winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited. By taking full advantage of this card's welcome offer, you could earn an extra $100 in cash back.

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver: Benefits Comparison

The Chase Freedom Unlimited delivers impressive benefits for a no-annual-fee card, such as rental car coverage, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, zero liability for unauthorized charges, extended warranty coverage, and purchase protection.

Additionally, the card provides a complimentary DashPass membership for three months (activate by Dec. 31, 2027). Following that, cardholders will automatically join the program at a 50% discount for nine months.

In contrast, the Quicksilver imposes no foreign transaction fees (check rates and fees), unlike the Chase Freedom Unlimited. Additional perks include up to six months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits (available through Nov. 14), 24/7 travel assistance services, travel accident insurance, extended warranty coverage, concierge services, exclusive culinary experiences, access to sports and music events via Capital One Entertainment, and zero liability protection.

Winner: Capital One Quicksilver. A free six-month Uber One membership is an excellent benefit for a no-annual-fee card.

Earning cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver

The Capital One Quicksilver provides a simple 1.5% cash back on all purchases — a reliable earning rate for a cash-back card.

Nonetheless, the Chase Freedom Unlimited provides 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3% on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 3% at pharmacies, and 1.5% on all other purchases. Thus, while it matches the general earning rate of the Quicksilver, the Freedom Unlimited includes valuable bonus categories.

Winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited. Its extra bonus categories clearly position it as the superior choice.

Redeeming cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver

Cash back earned from your Chase Freedom Unlimited card can be redeemed in various ways. You can opt for a statement credit or a direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Additionally, your rewards can be used for gift cards or to book travel through Chase Travel.

Cash back earned from the Capital One Quicksilver card can also be redeemed in several ways. You can use it as a statement credit, receive it as a check or gift card, or apply it directly to a specific charge on your statement. Additionally, there is no minimum redemption threshold.

To redeem your cash back, simply log into your account through the app or website and select your preferred method of redemption with ease.

Winner: Tie. Both cards offer identical redemption options.

Transferring cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver

If you possess the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you can convert your rewards from the Chase Freedom Unlimited and access Chase's full range of 14 transfer partners.

This approach allows you to enhance the value of your rewards by broadening your redemption possibilities across a variety of travel benefits.

With Capital One, you can convert the cash back earned from your Quicksilver card into Capital One miles if you hold a miles-earning card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. This provides access to more than 15 of Capital One's transfer partners.

Winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited. According to TPG's July 2024 valuations, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valued higher than Capital One miles when redeeming through transfer partners (2.05 cents per point compared to 1.85 cents per point).

Should I choose the Chase Freedom Unlimited or the Capital One Quicksilver?

Both cards provide a minimum of 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and neither imposes an annual fee. For most users, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is the superior option due to its higher earning rates and more valuable points for holders of premium Chase cards. However, if you value Uber One statement credits and no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), then the Quicksilver may be the better fit.

Bottom line

Each card caters to different users. For those new to points and miles, the Chase Freedom Unlimited can enhance the benefits of a Chase Ultimate Rewards card. Meanwhile, the Quicksilver is a robust standalone credit card for anyone exceeding the 5/24 rule, offering travel protections and no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees).

Regardless of your choice, ensure you adhere to our 10 commandments for rewards credit cards to maximize the benefits of your new card.

To discover more, check out our comprehensive reviews of the Chase Freedom Unlimited and the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards.

Discover more: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards

For Capital One products mentioned on this page, some benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and can vary by product. Refer to the respective Guide to Benefits for specifics, as terms and exclusions may apply.