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Home / Cards / Card comparisons / Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver

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Card comparisons

Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs. Capital One Quicksilver Rewards

A side-by-side look at annual fee bands, rewards style, credit range, foreign transaction fees, pros, cons and gotchas, using only the card facts we've checked on each issuer's site. We don't list welcome offers or APRs because they change often.

Card details last reviewed October 2, 2026. Confirm everything on the issuer site. Our editorial policy.

Advertising disclosure: We may earn a commission from some links on this site, but the card links here currently go straight to issuer sites (no affiliate links). We aim to recommend products based on fit for common spending patterns and responsible use—not solely on payout size. Affiliate disclosure.

Side by side

Chase Freedom Unlimited®Capital One Quicksilver Rewards
IssuerChaseCapital One
NetworkVisaVisa or Mastercard (varies)
Card typeFlat-rate cash backFlat-rate cash back
Card forPersonalPersonal
Annual fee band$0$0
Welcome offerCheck issuerCheck issuer
APR and any intro APRIntro APR offers are common; check issuerCheck issuer
Credit typically targetedGood, ExcellentGood, Excellent
Rewards typeCash backCash back
How it earnsUnlimited base of about 1.5% back, with higher earn on dining, drugstores and travel booked through Chase Travel.Flat cash back of about 1.5% on purchases.
Foreign transaction feeYesNone
Bonus category capsNoNo
FeaturesFlat rate, Dining, Drugstores, Travel, Has intro APR offerFlat rate
Pros
  • Useful everyday earn plus a few bonus areas
  • No annual fee
  • Can pair with other Chase cards later
  • Simple flat cash back
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
Cons
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Base rate is below 2% flat-rate peers
  • Lower earn rate than 2% flat cards
  • No bonus categories
Watch out for
  • Foreign transaction fee.
  • Chase tracks the cash back as Ultimate Rewards points (100 points = $1); combining with a Sapphire card can add options. Check Chase's terms.
  • Often has a purchase or balance transfer intro offer. Length and fees change, so check the issuer.
  • Lower flat rate than 2% peers.
  • Confirm the current product page, since versions vary.
Last reviewedOctober 2, 2026October 2, 2026
LinksDetails
View on issuer site		Details
View on issuer site

Who should pick which

By the Credit Cards for Rewards editorial team · How we evaluate cards

Both have no annual fee and a flat base of about 1.5%. Freedom Unlimited layers extra earn on restaurants, drugstores and Chase Travel bookings over that base, but it charges a foreign transaction fee; Quicksilver keeps things plain and charges none.

Pick the Chase Freedom Unlimited if…

  • Restaurant and drugstore purchases are a regular part of your month.
  • You'd like the option to pair it with other Chase cards later.
  • An intro offer interests you; check the issuer for current terms and don't treat it as room to carry a balance.

Pick the Capital One Quicksilver if…

  • You travel outside the US.
  • You want flat cash back with no bonus areas to think about.
  • You'll confirm the current product page before applying, since versions vary, network included.

Bottom line

If you rarely leave the country, Freedom Unlimited's bonus areas give it more to work with. If you travel abroad, Quicksilver avoids the foreign transaction fee.

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