Capital One Savor vs. Capital One Quicksilver: Elevate your leisure spending or enjoy straightforward cash back on every purchase?

Travel rewards cards come in various styles. Some are linked to a specific airline or hotel loyalty program, while others offer transferable points, like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards. Cardholders can then convert these rewards into airline miles or hotel points with multiple travel partners.

Additionally, there are credit cards that earn cash-back points, which can be redeemed at fixed rates for travel and other purchases. For many users, these types of travel credit cards are the most practical. They eliminate the uncertainty of earning and redeeming rewards and generally provide a good return on spending.

Capital One offers several of the top cash-back rewards cards, including the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card. Here's a brief overview of which card might suit you best.

The information regarding the Capital One Savor has been gathered independently by Dinogo. The card details on this page have not been verified or provided by the card issuer.

Comparison of Capital One Savor and Capital One Quicksilver

Welcome offer for Capital One Savor vs. Capital One Quicksilver

The Savor Rewards card features a more substantial sign-up bonus — $300 cash back after you spend $3,000 in the first three months of opening the account.

The Quicksilver Cash Rewards card provides a $200 cash back sign-up bonus — with a lower requirement of just $500 in spending during the first three months.

If you plan to use one of these cards as a mainstay in your wallet, opting for the higher bonus might be wise. However, if cash-back rewards are just a minor part of a broader points strategy, the Quicksilver’s easier spending requirement may be the better choice.

Keep in mind that Capital One has some potentially confusing application rules that could affect your eligibility for either card.

The issuer is also known to limit customers to opening only one new card every six months, so if you've applied for another card recently, it might be best to wait.

Winner: Savor. Its welcome offer carries more value.

Benefits of Capital One Savor vs. Capital One Quicksilver

Although neither card provides an extensive range of benefits like more premium rewards cards, they do offer some perks worth considering.

Both cards waive foreign transaction fees (for the Quicksilver, refer to rates and fees) and provide concierge services along with extended warranty protection.

The Savor Rewards card has a $95 annual fee, while the Quicksilver comes with no annual fee (see rates and fees).

Winner: Draw. Both cards offer a solid range of valuable perks.

Earning cash back with Capital One Savor compared to Capital One Quicksilver

The Quicksilver provides a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, aligning with offerings from other issuers like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, but it's lower than what you can earn with cards such as the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees).

In contrast, the Savor Rewards features a tiered earning system that greatly benefits those who frequently spend on dining and entertainment, offering an impressive 4% cash back in both categories.

Entertainment covers expenses like tickets to movies, plays, concerts, sporting events, tourist attractions, theme parks, aquariums, zoos, nightclubs, pool halls, bowling alleys, and purchases at music and video stores. Dining includes a wide variety of places, such as restaurants, cafés, bars, lounges, fast-food outlets, and bakeries.

Additionally, the card earns 4% cash back on popular streaming services, 3% back at grocery stores, and 1% back on all other purchases.

If you frequently dine out, attend live events, or primarily use your credit card for grocery purchases, this card's enhanced earning rates are advantageous. However, if you plan to use your cash-back card for a wider range of purchases, the Quicksilver may be a better choice.

Winner: Savor. Its earning rates offer greater value.

Redeeming cash back with Capital One Savor compared to Capital One Quicksilver

Both cards function as straightforward cash-back options. You can redeem your cash back in various ways, including as statement credits, for shopping at Amazon.com, or for gift cards.

All these redemption options are fairly valuable, enhancing the worth of your earnings.

Winner: Draw. Both cards offer identical redemption options.

Should I choose the Capital One Savor or the Capital One Quicksilver?

It hinges on your spending habits. The Quicksilver is an excellent no-annual-fee (see rates and fees) choice for those who prefer a straightforward 1.5% return on their purchases across various merchants.

On the other hand, the Savor Rewards card is designed for individuals who primarily spend on dining, entertainment, and groceries. Just keep in mind the $95 annual fee associated with the Savor.

Final thoughts

Both the Savor Rewards and the Quicksilver are excellent cash-back choices. The Savor offers up to 4% back on purchases and is particularly appealing for those whose main spending areas include dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and groceries. In contrast, the Quicksilver is a reliable, no-annual-fee card (see rates and fees) that provides a straightforward 1.5% return on spending, making it easy to earn rewards.

For further information, check out our complete reviews of the Capital One Savor and the Quicksilver Cash Rewards.

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