Capital One Venture X Business Card vs. Amex Business Gold Card [Detailed Comparison]

The savvy business owner typically understands the value of having the right business credit card. That said, finding the right business card can take considerable effort.

With the prospect of so many business cards from which to select, we’ve taken the opportunity today to narrow our comparison to 2 very worthy cards to consider.

The Capital One Venture X Business Card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. and the American Express^® Business Gold Card each offer strong earning potential, flexible redemption options, and unique protections and benefits.

Beyond these foundations are factors that can make one card more suitable for your business than the other.

This article aims to cover both cards’ key attributes, making it easier to select the card that makes sense for your operation.

Here’s how the cards compare.

Overview

Before we expand on the details of the Capital One Venture X Business card and the Amex Business Gold card, let’s compare key features and benefits side-by-side.

Here’s how our featured cards compare overall:

Comparing Welcome Bonus Offers

Once you’re approved for either the Capital One Venture X card or the Amex Business Gold card, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a large number of rewards quickly by qualifying for the welcome bonus.

These generous welcome offers can be worth hundreds of dollars and are earned by meeting minimum spending requirements within the period immediately following card approval.

Offers do change, so we’re providing the following card snapshots containing current information on each of our featured card’s welcome offers:

Capital One Venture X Business Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X Business card offers at least 2x miles on all purchases, and comes packed with premium perks.

Capital One Venture X Business Card

The Capital One Venture X Business card offers at least 2x miles on all purchases, and comes packed with premium perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening

150,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$2,700

Annual Fee

$395

APR

All charges made on this account are due and payable in full when you receive your periodic statement. The minimum payment due is the New Balance as indicated on your statement.

Why We Like This Card

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Business card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

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The Capital One Venture X Business card is a great all-around premium rewards card that helps you rack up miles on all of your business expenses.

From 2x miles per dollar on all purchases, airport lounge access, an annual travel credit, complimentary employee cards, and more, there is plenty to love about the Capital One Venture X Business card.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per dollar on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee (rates and fees)
• 10x and 5x bonus categories are limited to Capital One Travel bookings

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
• This card has no preset spending limit, so you get purchasing power that adapts to your spending needs. The annual fee on this card is $395
• Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
• Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Earn unlimited 10X miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get the best prices on thousands of options
• Every year, you’ll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
• Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
• Skip the lines with up to a $120 statement credit on TSA PreCheck^® or Global Entry. Then enjoy unlimited complimentary access to Capital One Lounges and a network of 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Priority Pass™ and Plaza Premium Group lounges
• This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  

Financial Snapshot

• APR: All charges made on this account are due and payable in full when you receive your periodic statement. The minimum payment due is the New Balance as indicated on your statement.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Business Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

American Express^® Business Gold Card

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*

100,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$2,200

Annual Fee

$375

APR

18.74% - 27.74% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 months from date of account opening

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Business Gold Card is excellent at racking up rewards for your business spend.

The card earns a whopping 4x points per $1 in the 2 categories (from a list of 6) that your business spends the most money on each month. With no need to opt-in or preselect your categories, so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar spent on your 2 highest purchase categories each month up to $150,000 each calendar year in purchases; categories include:
  • Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
  • U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
  • Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
  • U.S. purchases at gas stations
  • U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
  • Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, plus TV and radio)
• 3x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card
• Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection

Cons

• $375 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
• 0% Intro APR ¤ for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.74% to 27.74% variable APR.*
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.*
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*
• Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
• Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
• The Business Gold Card now comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and Limited Edition White Gold. White Gold design is only available while supplies last. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
• *Terms Apply

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.74% - 27.74% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 months from date of account opening
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Bottom Line:

A card’s welcome offer provides a unique opportunity to earn many rewards in a relatively short period. The Capital One Venture X Business card and Amex Business Gold card both come with generous welcome offer bonuses.

Earning Potential

One of the key attributes to consider when looking for a business card is its earning potential. Rewards earned on business cards can offset your company’s expenses or even fund personal travel.

The Capital One Venture X Business card and the Amex Business Gold card are designed to reward common business expenses, but there are additional ways to earn rewards.

Here’s a breakdown of the earning potential for our featured cards.

Spending on the Card

The Capital One Venture X Business card and the Amex Business Gold card can deliver excellent overall earning potential for your business.

Because each business has different types of expenses, the better card for your specific business will be the one that aligns with the category of purchases your company makes.

Here’s how our featured cards compare in earning potential:

Undoubtedly, the Capital One Venture X Business card offers the simplest earning structure. Regardless of your business’s expenses, you’ll always be assured of earning at least 2x miles on every purchase.

While the Amex Business Gold card’s earning structure is more complicated, the 4x earnings are automatic on your 2 highest qualifying categories monthly.

The Amex Business Gold card earns well on some general travel purchases when those purchases are 1 of your highest total purchases for the month.

This card earns 4x Membership Rewards points on the top 2 categories in which your business spends the most every month (up to $150,000 in combined purchases every calendar year):

• Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
•  U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
• Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
• U.S. purchases at gas stations
• U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
• Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)

Referral Opportunities

Another great way to earn rewards is by referring other business owners once you’re approved for a card.

Here are the options for earning when referring family, friends, or business owners:

Capital One Venture X Business Card

Referral opportunities are not yet available on the Capital One Venture X Business card but could be in the future. Once you’re approved for the card, watch for opportunities to refer other businesses and earn Capital One miles once they’re approved.

Hot Tip:

Capital One personal cards offer the opportunity to earn up to 100,000 miles each year when referring friends and family. If you have a Capital One personal card, you can refer others for that same card to earn rewards.

Amex Business Gold Card

Like many other American Express cards, the Amex Gold card offers a stellar referral program. You can earn up to 50,000 Membership Rewards points each year for referring friends, family, and other business owners to any available American Express card.

A unique aspect of referring others to American Express cards is that your referral can select other available American Express cards that differ from the referred card, and you may still qualify for the referral bonus.

Renewal Bonus Earnings

Beginning with your first card renewal on the Capital One Venture X Business card, you’ll earn 10,000 bonus miles at each card anniversary.

The Amex Business Gold card does not come with a renewal bonus.

Bottom Line:

The Capital One Venture X Business card earns well on travel purchased via Capital One Travel and has elevated 2x miles earnings on all other purchases. The Amex Business Gold card has elevated earnings on common business categories and select travel via AmexTravel.com. Additionally, you can earn rewards on the Capital One Venture X Business card with card renewal bonus miles and the Amex Business Gold card by referring others.

Redemption Options

Rewards are earned on the Capital One Venture X Business card in Capital One miles. These miles are not frequent flyer miles and function more like points that have flexible redemption options.

The Amex Business Gold card earns Membership Rewards points, offering several redemption options.

Here are your choices at redemption time with our featured cards:

While you’ll have several options with either card at redemption time, both allow you to maximize your rewards by transferring to airline or hotel partners. We estimate the potential value of Capital One miles to be about 1.8 cents each and Membership Rewards points at 2.2 cents each when redeemed this way.

To learn more about transferring rewards to travel partners, we’ve assembled a collection of inspiring ideas. Check out some of the best redemption options in our articles on Capital One miles transfer partners and American Express Membership Rewards transfer partners.

One unique redemption option with the Amex Business Gold card is that when redeeming points via AmexTravel.com for flights with your preselected airline or premium flights with any airline, you receive a 25% points rebate. Unfortunately, this redemption option will go away on February 1, 2024.

If your business involves travel, you can use rewards earned on either card to offset business travel expenses or even fund a family vacation.

Bottom Line:

The best redemption option for rewards earned on either the Capital One Venture X Business card or Amex Business Gold card is to transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners. Another good-value redemption with the Amex Business Gold card can be to purchase qualifying flights via AmexTravel.com using Membership Rewards points and receive a 25% points rebate until February 1, 2024. Using Capital One miles as a statement credit for previous travel purchases can be a convenient option to utilize miles for travel flexibly.

Air Travel Advantages

Capital One Venture X Business Card

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit — Pay your application or renewal fee with your card and receive reimbursement as a statement credit for up to $120 every 4 years.
• Annual Capital One Travel Credit — Each year, you can receive a $300 travel credit to use via Capital One Travel.
• Worldwide Lounge Access — Receive complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with access to over 1,400 lounges and lounge-alternative properties worldwide, with up to 2 guests. Cardholders also enjoy complimentary access to Capital One Lounges and Premium Plaza Lounges with 2 complimentary guests per visit.

The $300 travel credit is an excellent perk that can add tangible economic benefit. Plus, if you value worldwide lounge (and lounge-alternative) access, with the ability to bring along 2 additional guests, the card could provide value beyond the expense of an annual fee.

Hotel Benefits

Capital One Venture X Business Card

• Premier Collection and Lifestyle Collection Hotel Benefits — With each stay booked via Capital One Travel, you can receive an upgraded room (when available), daily breakfast for 2, early check-in/late checkout (when available), complimentary Wi-Fi, and up to $100 in on-site property credits.

Amex Business Gold Card

• The Hotel Collection Benefits — Book a 2-night or longer stay with your card and receive late checkout and an on-site amenity worth up to $100.

Travel Protection and Insurance Compared

Travel protections are complimentary benefits that come with the Capital One Venture X Business card and the Amex Business Gold card.

Protections can provide reimbursement if something goes wrong during your journey. Benefits can elevate your travel comfort or save you money on travel purchases.

Here’s a summary of some of the key travel protections and benefits you’ll find on both of our featured cards and an additional list of unique offerings by card:

Capital One Venture X Business Card

• Roadside Dispatch — Take advantage of 24-hour toll-free dispatch to help with towing, fuel delivery, and more at a pre-negotiated price.

Amex Business Gold Card

• Car Rental Insurance — You’ll receive secondary car rental coverage with the option to purchase Amex Premium Protection (primary coverage) for 1 low price ($12.25 to $24.95) that covers the entire rental period. Secondary coverage means filing a claim with any other applicable insurance before card coverage applies. With primary coverage, no other insurance claim is required.
• Trip Delay Insurance — You could receive up to $300 per trip if your eligible trip is delayed more than 12 hours. There is a limit of 2 claims per 12-month consecutive period.

It’s worth noting that our list of travel protections for both cards is not all-inclusive, and we have abbreviated the associated descriptions.

Bottom Line:

Both the Capital One Venture X Business card and Amex Business Gold card come with car rental insurance, baggage insurance, hotel benefits, and no foreign transaction fees. The Capital One Venture X card offers worldwide lounge access, a $300 Capital One Travel credit, and roadside dispatch. The Amex Business Gold card also provides trip delay coverage.

Shopping Protection and Benefits

Shopping protections can provide valuable coverage if something goes wrong with an eligible purchase you made with the Capital One Venture X Business card or the Amex Business Gold card.

Benefits offer savings or additional ways to earn more rewards when making specific purchases.

Let’s look at our cards’ common protections and benefits and those that are unique to each card:

Amex Business Gold Card

• Cell Phone Protection — Receive up to $800 if your phone is damaged or stolen. There is a limit of 2 claims per 12-month period, and your wireless bill must be paid with your card. A $50 deductible is assessed for each claim, and terms/conditions apply.
• Walmart+ Membership Credit — Use your Amex Business Gold card to pay for your monthly Walmart+ membership and receive a statement credit for up to $12.95 each month, up to $155 each year. Enrollment required.
• Flexible Business Credit — Receive up to $20 in monthly statement credits, up to $240 each year, for U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, or office supply stores. Enrollment required.
• Amex Offers — Login to your online card account and choose from 100 earning offers from select retailers and service providers. Add the offers you prefer to your card account, make the qualifying purchase, and receive additional rewards or a rebate via statement credits. Enrollment required.

This is not an all-inclusive list of shopping protections and benefits for the Capital One Venture X Business card and the Amex Business Gold card. Additionally, we have abbreviated the associated descriptions.

Bottom Line:

The Capital One Venture X Business card and Amex Gold card come with valuable purchase protection and extended warranty coverage. The Amex Gold card also comes with statement credits for select shopping purchases.

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

When selecting a business credit card, it’s important to look at the expense of card membership before applying for any card. These expenses can include annual card fees and any fees to add additional users or employee cards.

However, the Capital One Venture X Business card only extends lounge access to primary cardholders.

The Capital One Venture X Business card has an annual fee of $395, and the Amex Business Gold card’s annual fee is $375.

There is no additional fee to add authorized user employee cards to the Capital One Venture X Business card. However, the annual fee for employee cards of the Amex Business Gold card is $95 for the first five cards and then $95 for each card thereafter, up to 99 cards (rates & fees).

Hot Tip:

The Capital One Venture X Business card and Amex Business Gold card are not traditional credit cards — they must be paid off each statement period. This also means neither card has a preset spending limit, which means your spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history.

Final Thoughts

For the busy business owner, earning a flat rate of 2x miles on every purchase can simplify the rewards-earning process on the Capital One Venture X Business card. This business card also has valuable worldwide lounge access, adding value for the frequent traveler.

One downside to the card is the high initial spending requirements to earn the welcome bonus. The welcome bonus can be generous, but if your business cannot meet these requirements, that bonus is forfeited. Spending requirements change, so consider the current requirements before applying.

Depending on your spending mix, the Amex Business Gold card can fare better in the earning category. If the first $150,000 each year of your business spending matches the 4x earning categories, the card may be the better choice. There’s also value to be had if you can utilize the statement credits on select purchases.

Both cards offer potentially great value with airline and hotel transfer options and with travel/shopping benefits and protections.

For more information on our recommendations for the best business cards, check out our comprehensive article on the topic.

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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.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of the American Express^® Business Gold Card, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the American Express^® Business Gold Card, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for eligible persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a common carrier vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all covered persons per covered trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the trip delay insurance benefit of the American Express^® Business Gold Card, up to $300 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the purchase protection benefit of the American Express^® Business Gold Card, when an American Express^® card member charges a covered purchase with their eligible card, purchase protection can help protect their covered purchases for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date if it is stolen or accidentally damaged. The coverage is limited up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty benefit of the [card name], when an American Express^® card member charges a covered purchase to an eligible card, extended warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the cell phone protection benefit of the American Express^® Business Gold Card, coverage for a stolen or damaged eligible cellular wireless telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per eligible card account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per eligible card account per 12 month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.