Key takeaways
- The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Citi Double Cash® Card are both solid options for a flat-rate rewards card without an annual fee.
- Those looking for additional card benefits or a card that awards cash back in a more traditional manner will likely be more satisfied with the Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- Those who want to earn a higher cash back rewards rate will likely prefer the Citi Double Cash Card, provided you don’t mind waiting to receive all of your rewards until you’ve paid off your purchases.
If you’re looking for a credit card that earns cash back rewards for everyday spending with no caps on the amount of rewards you can earn, you would be right to look at both the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Citi Double Cash® Card.
Both cards earn generous rewards on everyday spending, putting them among the best flat-rate cash back cards available. The Capital One Quicksilver earns 1.5 percent cash back rewards on all purchases, and the Citi Double Cash® Card earns up to 2 percent cash back (1 percent as you buy, plus another 1 percent when you pay for your purchases), but this comparison is not as simple as going for the greatest rewards.
Which one of these cards deserves a place in your wallet as your go-to card for everyday spending? Let’s find out.
Main details
| Capital One Quicksilver | Citi Double Cash® Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | Earn a $200 cash bonus when you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | Earn $200 cash back bonus (as 20,000 ThankYou Points) after spending $1,500 on purchases within 6 months from account opening |
| Rewards rate |
|
|
| Intro APR | 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then a variable APR of 19.99% – 29.99% after that) | 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers made within the first 4 months after account opening (then a variable APR of 18.74% – 28.74% |
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Foreign transaction fees | None | 3% on foreign transactions |
Capital One Quicksilver vs. Citi Double Cash® Card highlights
Welcome bonus winner
Rewards rate winner
Introductory APR winner for purchases
Introductory APR winner for balance transfers
Foreign transaction fee winner
Which card earns the most?
How much you earn on a rewards card will depend heavily on your spending habits and the number of purchases you’re charging. For cards that offer flat-rate cash back rewards, like the Capital One Quicksilver and Citi Double Cash, your rewards will depend solely on how much spending you put on the card, regardless of the spending category.
Spending example
Keep in mind, however, that the Capital One Quicksilver provides you with your cash back upfront when you make a purchase. In order to earn the full value of cash back from the Citi Double Cash Card, you’ll need to wait until your purchases are paid off. You’ll earn 1 percent cash back on the purchase and 1 percent cash back when you pay it off.
Why should you get Capital One Quicksilver?
Why should you get Citi Double Cash?
The bottom line
Either the Capital One Quicksilver or Citi Double Cash Card can be a great card to have in your wallet for your general spending. For rewards maximizers, the Citi Double Cash takes the edge with its effective 2 percent cash back rate — 1 percent as you buy, plus 1 percent when you pay — or for those looking to pay off credit card debt.
On the other hand, the Quicksilver can be a good option for those looking for a wealth of card benefits, a zero-interest offer on purchases and an easier to achieve welcome bonus.
Before you decide, consider our roundup of the best cash back credit cards for other options that might better fit your spending habits and financial goals.
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