Best Capital One credit cards of August 2024
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Bankrate's Top Picks for Capital One Credit Cards:
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for simplicity
- Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for dining and entertainment
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for sign-up bonus
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for occasional travelers
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for premium travel benefits
- Capital One Spark Miles for Business: Best for business travel
- Capital One Spark Cash Plus: Best for small businesses
- Capital One Platinum Credit Card: Best for people with limited credit history
- Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best for consumers with bad credit
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best flat-rate cash back for students
- Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best overall for students
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for fair credit
- Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best secured card with flat-rate rewards
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Showing 13 results
Intro offer
$200
Rewards rate
1.5% - 5%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: This card offers unlimited flat-rate cash back on every purchase without rotating categories or spending caps, making earning rewards easy and flexible.
Best for dining and entertainment
Intro offer
$200
Rewards rate
1% - 8%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: The generous cash back rewards on dining, entertainment and grocery purchases make it ideal for event lovers and foodies.
Intro offer
Earn 75,000 + $250 in Travel Credit
Rewards rate
2 Miles - 5 Miles
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: Now is the perfect time to apply thanks to its high-value sign-up bonus — one of the card’s best offers to date.
Best for occasional travelers
Intro offer
20,000 miles
Rewards rate
1.25 Miles - 5 Miles
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: Having no annual fee makes it affordable for those who don't travel often and are looking for an inexpensive travel rewards card.
Best for premium travel benefits
Intro offer
75,000 miles
Rewards rate
2 Miles - 10 Miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: Its top-tier travel perks along with its elevated base rewards rate allow you to accumulate rewards faster and have a smooth travel experience.
Intro offer
50,000 miles
Rewards Rate
2 Miles - 5 Miles
Annual fee
$0 intro for first year; $95 after that
Regular APR
26.24% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: Business travelers seeking unrestricted travel rewards on their expenses will find this card a lucrative choice thanks to its unlimited flat-rate miles per dollar.
Intro offer
$2,000 cash back
Rewards Rate
2% - 5%
Annual fee
$150
Regular APR
N/A
Why you'll like this: Its unlimited cash back rate on all purchases can provide small businesses with a straightforward and valuable way to earn cash rewards on their expenses.
Best for people with limited credit history
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
29.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: With responsible use, your credit limit can increase with this card, which makes it an effective tool for building credit.
Best for consumers with bad credit
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
29.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: This card allows you to build or rebuild your credit history with a potentially low refundable deposit and a higher credit limit.
Best flat-rate cash back for students
Intro offer
$50
Rewards Rate
1.5% - 10%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: The unlimited cash back rate on every purchase provides students with a terrific way to earn cash back rewards without sacrificing convenience.
Best overall for students
Intro offer
$50
Rewards Rate
1% - 8%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: Students can earn boosted cash back on popular categories like dining, entertainment and groceries.
Best for fair credit
Intro offer
N/A
Rewards rate
1.5% - 5%
Annual fee
$39
Regular APR
29.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: For those with fair credit looking to earn cash back on their everyday spending, this card is a straightforward option.
Best secured card for flat-rate rewards
Intro offer
N/A
Rewards rate
1.5% - 5%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
29.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: You can prequalify before applying, which is beneficial for maintaining your credit score.
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Compare our top picks for Capital One credit cards
Card Name | Best for | Bankrate Review Score |
---|---|---|
Simplicity |
3.8 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
|
|
Dining and entertainment |
5.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
|
|
Sign-up bonus |
4.9 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
|
|
Occasional travelers |
4.1 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
|
|
Premium travel rewards |
5.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
|
|
Business travel |
4.4 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
|
|
Small businesses |
4.7 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
|
|
Limited credit history |
4.2 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
|
|
Consumers with bad credit |
4.1 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
|
|
Best flat-rate cash back for students |
4.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
|
|
Best overall for students |
4.6 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
|
|
Fair credit |
4.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
|
|
Secured card for flat-rate rewards |
4.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
|
What is a Capital One credit card?
Capital One is a well-known financial institution that has made a significant impact in the realm of credit cards.
With a diverse array of offerings tailored to various needs, credit levels and lifestyles, Capital One’s credit cards emphasize flexibility, accessibility and customer-centric features. Through strategic partnerships, robust rewards programs and digital tools, Capital One has solidified its reputation as a leading provider of credit card solutions that cater to a broad spectrum of consumers.
Types of Capital One credit cards
Capital One offers a variety of credit cards spanning multiple categories. Here are just a few types of credit cards you can find with Capital One.
Capital One credit card pros and cons
Pros
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Credit card variety: Capital One has a long lineup of cards designed for a variety of spending habits.
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Wide credit score range: Whether you have bad credit or excellent credit, Capital One has a card designed to help you achieve your financial goals.
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Numerous travel benefits: Capital One’s travel cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees and most come with solid perks useful for travelers.
Cons
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Annual fees: Many Capital One cards have an annual fee. However, some business cards waive the fee in the first year or can easily be offset.
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Higher-than-average APR: Many Capital One cards have a relatively high ongoing APR, so cardholders should avoid carrying balances.
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Few luxury options: Capital One only offers one high-end credit card, meaning competitors may offer more in terms of rewards and overall value.
Bankrate Insight
Capital One ranked as the fourth-best credit card issuer for customer satisfaction in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction study.
Capital One rewards
Capital One rewards programs help cardholders earn cash back, points or miles on every purchase and in several key spending categories, with many cards offering rewards on dining, travel, groceries and more. Capital One rewards also carry solid value and flexibility, with a wide range of redemption options available.
One of the key advantages of Capital One rewards is how easy they are to redeem. Cardholders have several redemption options, including cash back as a statement credit or check, purchases on Amazon.com and travel (either by booking through Capital One's travel portal or by transferring points to partner airline and hotel loyalty programs). This flexibility allows cardholders to make the most of their rewards based on their preferences and goals.
Capital One cards tend to offer simple, transparent rewards programs that make it easy for cardholders to earn rewards without worrying about rotating categories or spending caps.
Overall, Capital One rewards programs offer cardholders the opportunity to earn valuable rewards on their everyday spending and easy redemption, making the issuer an appealing choice for rewards-savvy cardholders.
Expert advice for Capital One credit cards
If you’re interested in adding a Capital One card to your card lineup, here are some tips to help you find and use the right card for your needs.
If you’re loyal to Capital One or just ready to branch out with one of Capital One’s best credit cards, here are a few questions to ask yourself when choosing a card.
You can also see if you are pre-approved for certain Capital One cards without harming your credit score. While not all cards offer pre-approval, you can check for pre-approval for many popular Capital One cards. You can also use Bankrate's CardMatch™ tool to see if you match with a Capital One card. If you’re unsure if a Capital One credit card is right for you, check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool. You can get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.
Our data: Cash back vs. travel Capital One credit cards
Capital One has plenty of great credit cards for people who want to earn cash back or travel rewards. Its SavorOne and Venture X cards even got top picks in the 2024 Bankrate Awards. So if you’re looking at the best Capital One credit cards, you’re not alone. Plenty of Bankrate readers in 2023 clicked on Capital One credit card offers on our site to learn more about the cards.
But which one is more popular: Capital One cash back credit cards or Capital One travel rewards credit cards?
According to our proprietary data, Bankrate readers are split between Capital One’s cash back and travel credit cards. In 2023, the same percentage of readers clicked on both types of Capital One card offers — cash back and travel rewards. This data suggests that you can’t go wrong with either type of Capital One card, and which one is better depends on your preferences and needs.
What one Bankrate writer loves about his Capital One credit cards
Bankrate writer Ryan Flanigan has several Capital One credit cards to his name, including the Capital One Venture X Rewards card. He notes that while Capital One credit cards aren’t necessarily the strongest on the market, their useful perks and ability to pair together well and help them stay competitive.
“Capital One has really stepped its game up recently. The Venture X was my first Capital One card — I was attracted to the high bonus and its great features, like gifting lounge access to four authorized users, which instantly made me the most popular person in my family. I later added the Business Venture X and Spark Business Cash cards when they also had elevated offers.
I also like being able to cover recent travel purchases with rewards, which comes in handy for paying for travel experiences that I otherwise can't save money on. Capital One’s cash back cards also pair well with this feature, because I can either cash out everything from my Venture cards or convert my miles into cash.
These cards might not be the best on their own, but when put together, they make a formidable team that can easily rival what you can do with other issuers.”
— Ryan Flanigan, Writer, Credit Cards
Tips for maximizing a Capital One card
Capital One boasts a versatile suite of cards, but no matter the type of card you can maximize your card in several ways and avoid common pitfalls.
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Don't forget about the sign-up bonus
If your card offers a sign-up bonus, be sure you can meet its requirements. As long as you don't overspend, a sign-up bonus can be well worth it, adding savings to your wallet with little effort.
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Optimize your card's bonus categories
Capital One cards like the SavorOne have tiered bonus categories, so make sure to optimize its rewards or cash back structure. A Capital One card that offers 3 percent cash back on dining should be used anytime you go out to eat, for instance. If you have multiple Capital One rewards cards, use the card that will get the most rewards or cash back from a particular purchase.
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Explore your redemption options
Capital One rewards card will usually have different ways you can redeem your points, miles or cash back. A cash back card might let you redeem for a gift card or you could apply your rewards directly to your account as a statement credit.
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Consider point transfers
For travel cards, it's typically best to redeem miles for travel spending through the Capital One travel portal, but sometimes transferring your miles to an airline or hotel can get you a better deal. According to Bankrate's recent valuations, Capital One miles are worth about 1.7 cents per mile, so travel redemptions are generally more lucrative than non-travel options.
Are Capital One cards worth it?
Capital One cards are certainly worth it. If you value cash back or high-earning travel cards, then Capital One has a card for you. Its travel credit cards rival those from American Express and Chase while costing less in annual fees. And the SavorOne card offers lucrative cash back at grocery stores (excluding Walmart and Target), restaurants and on takeout. If your spending fits into any of Capital One’s bonus categories in cash back or on travel, then it's certainly worth your time.
What people say about Capital One cards
Users on popular subreddits such as r/CreditCards and r/personalfinance, generally recommend Capital One for its wide range of options and impressive rewards rates, but some criticize the issuer when it comes to credit limit increases and the allocation of “bucketed” credit cards to certain consumers.
The Capital One Venture X and the Capital One SavorOne are popular choices among Reddit users. The Venture X card in particular is often recommended for its generous rewards program and flexible redemption options, with users noting the ability to earn miles on every purchase as especially appealing for frequent travelers. The SavorOne card is also touted for its elevated cash back rates and low cost.
“I recently upgraded to the Venture X and it’s worth it for the lounge access alone. I live near one of their three active lounge locations and it’s easily in the top 5 lounges I’ve been in post COVID. Add in the travel credit and 2X miles on everything plus all the other perks and I wish I’d upgraded sooner.”
— Reddit User
“I have had [the Capital One SavorOne card] for almost a year, and I can tell it’s one of my favorite cards ever. For a no [annual] fee card, the multipliers and Uber benefits are really good, and having no foreign transaction fee makes it my groceries and dining card when I travel abroad, and since it’s Mastercard it’s basically accepted anywhere.” See Rates & Fees
— Reddit User
Redditors also frequently mention Capital One’s user-friendly mobile app, which makes it easy to manage your accounts, track spending, and redeem rewards. The ability to lock or freeze a card if it is lost or stolen is also a feature that users find valuable for security purposes.
However, some Reddit users have expressed frustration with Capital One's credit limit increase process. They report that the credit limits granted by Capital One can be relatively low and that it can be challenging to obtain a substantial limit increase over time, even for individuals with an established credit history. This limitation can keep cardholders from maximizing their purchasing power or make it harder to keep their credit utilization in check.
Another common criticism revolves around Capital One's practice of bucketing credit cards for certain consumers. Bucketing refers to the practice of placing consumers into different credit profiles based on their creditworthiness, which may limit their access to certain card benefits, rewards or promotional offers. Some Redditors have voiced their dissatisfaction with not being able to upgrade their card or access better perks despite having a good credit history.
The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Be sure to check the issuer's website/terms and conditions for all up to date content. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.
How to get a Capital One credit card
So, you’ve decided you want a Capital One credit card. Here’s the process of applying for and getting a Capital One card:
- Check your credit score. As with any card issuer, there are credit score requirements for each product. If you have at least a fair credit score (580 and above), there are several cards to choose from. However, having excellent credit over 800 will give you the pick of the lot.
- Look at prequalification. Capital One has a prequalification tool that lets you see which of its cards you might best qualify for. You can also use Bankrate’s CardMatch™ to get personalized offers.
- Fill out the application. Once you’ve chosen the best Capital One card for you, head to the issuer’s site and start the application process. You need to provide your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, estimated income and your checking or savings account information.
- Get your decision. You’ll know quickly whether you’ve been approved or denied for the credit card. If you’re denied, Capital One is required by law to send you a letter explaining why.
How we chose our top Capital One credit cards
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RewardsWhether the card offers cash back, travel points/miles or multi-purpose rewards for eligible purchases and the potential returns based on rewards rate (1 percent cash back per $1 spent, 1 mile per $1 spent, and so on).
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Perks and benefitsWhether the card offers extras such as retail discounts, extended warranties on purchases, travel insurance and financial management tools.
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Annual feeWhether the card charges an annual fee and if so, how much the card’s overall value and benefits might offset the fee.
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Introductory offersWhether the card has a sign-up bonus, welcome offer or similar sign-up incentive and how much it adds to the card’s overall value.
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Variable APRHow the card’s annual percentage rate (APR) compares with current averages as an indicator of cost and value.
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Foreign transaction feeWhether the card charges a foreign transaction fee for international purchases and how the fee affects the card’s overall value.
How we assess the best Capital One credit cards
When evaluating the best credit cards from Capital One, we take into account several factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether they offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards to scoring a large sign-up bonus to saving on interest.
Our rating database covers over 250 of the most popular credit cards, allowing us to compare the quality of various Capital One cards to each other and to cards in the same category from other issuers. We scored each card based on the factors most relevant to its primary category, including its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, intro APR period, ongoing APR, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup.
Here’s a look at how our card ratings are distributed as of August 2024, as well as some of the key factors that we considered in selecting this month’s best Capital One cards.
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5 stars 2%
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4 - 4.9 stars 35%
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3 - 3.9 stars 39%
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2 - 2.9 stars 22%
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1 - 1.9 stars 2%
Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.
*Automatically extends the original manufacturer's warranty on eligible purchases made with this card.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.