Capital One Quicksilver vs Chase Freedom Unlimited (2026)
Both pay at least 1.5% back with no annual fee. Chase adds higher rates on dining and drugstores; Capital One has no foreign transaction fees.
Facts checked against company pages on October 5, 2026 · Financialist may earn a commission from partner links later; it does not change this comparison. How we make money
| Capital One Quicksilver | Chase Freedom Unlimited | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Base cash back | Unlimited 1.5% on every purchase | Unlimited 1.5% on all purchases |
| Bonus categories | 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel | 3% on dining and drugstores; 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel |
| Sign-up bonus (offers change) | $200 after $500 in purchases within 3 months | $200 after $500 in purchases within 3 months |
| Intro APR | 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers; balance transfer fee applies | 0% for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers; balance transfer fee applies |
| Regular APR after intro | 19.24% to 29.24% variable | 18.24% to 27.74% variable |
| Foreign transaction fees | None on purchases made outside the U.S. | See Chase's pricing and terms |
| Rewards expiry | Do not expire for the life of the account | See Chase's terms |
Capital One Quicksilver: pros and cons
Pros- 1.5% flat on everything
- No foreign transaction fees
- Rewards do not expire while the account is open
- No 3% categories for everyday dining or drugstores
- Regular APR range starts higher than Chase's
Chase Freedom Unlimited: pros and cons
Pros- 3% on dining and drugstores on top of 1.5% base
- Lower published APR range
- Same intro APR period and sign-up bonus
- Travel 5% requires booking through Chase Travel
- Check foreign transaction fee before using abroad
Our take
If you spend a lot on dining and drugstores, Freedom Unlimited earns more. If you travel abroad or want a flat rate with no foreign fees, Quicksilver is simpler. Both offer a 15-month 0% intro APR; pay it off before it ends, since regular APRs run about 18% to 29%. Sign-up bonuses and APRs change; confirm on the issuer page before you apply.
Full ranking: Best cash back credit cards · How we rank · All comparisons
Sources checked
Prices, rates and terms change. Confirm on the company's site before you buy or apply. Financialist publishes general information, not financial or legal advice.