Capital One Venture Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve Card [Detailed Comparison]

Key Takeaways

• The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 2x miles on all other purchases.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve^® offers 8x points on travel booked through Chase Travel, 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly, 3x points on dining, and 1x points on all other purchases.
• Frequent travelers typically receive more value from the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, with lounge access, a $300 annual travel credit, and other travel benefits that can outweigh its higher annual fee.

Selecting the appropriate travel rewards card can be a daunting task, especially when you’re first starting out. It’s a natural inclination to choose a card with an earning structure you understand, a few benefits you might use, and redemptions that are easy to execute.

On the other hand, a traveler might want to dive in with both feet and select a premium travel rewards card with all the bells and whistles.

We’ll help you select a travel rewards card in today’s article. We’ve paired up 2 very different rewards cards, each with the potential to earn a place in your wallet. One is a card you might consider if you’re just starting to earn travel rewards, primarily because of its simplicity. The other card has all the bells and whistles, including bonus earning categories, statement credits for specific purchases, various flexible redemption options, and a long list of travel benefits — but a higher annual fee.

Overview

The Capital One Venture card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card are both respectable travel rewards cards, each offering value when matched with the correct type of traveler.

Before we dive into the details, a side-by-side overview of the Capital One Venture card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card can offer a glimpse into the overall value each card may provide.

Comparing Welcome Offers

Welcome offers provide an opportunity to build a bank of redeemable rewards quickly. You earn this bonus on the Capital One Venture card or Chase Sapphire Reserve card after meeting minimum spending requirements within the specified period after card approval.

Here’s how the card welcome offers compare.

Capital One Venture Card

Welcome offers for the Capital One Venture card may vary, but you can expect to receive a large number of miles that will jumpstart your rewards account. Miles may be worth potentially more when transferred to airline and hotel partners.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

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 Credit (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

The welcome bonus offered on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card can be worth significantly more when redeemed through the Chase Travel portal or transferred to the Chase airline and hotel partners for potentially even greater end value.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,500

Annual Fee

$795

APR

20.24% - 28.74% Variable

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.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Earning Rewards

The Capital One Venture card earns rewards in the form of Capital One miles, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns Ultimate Rewards points.

While redemption values differ, here’s how the 2 cards compare when earning rewards on every purchase you make.

You can’t deny the simplicity of the earning structure on the Capital One Venture card. There’s value in knowing that every time you use the card to make a purchase, you earn at least 2x miles per $1 spent. If you’re spending on expenses such as tuition, medical bills, groceries, gas, home repairs, and other nonbonus type categories, the 2x earnings make the card worth considering.

On the other hand, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers elevated earnings on travel, whether booked through Chase Travel or when you book flights and hotels directly with the airline or hotel booking sites. Plus, dining earns 3x points worldwide. If you spend in these categories, the card earns you more rewards.

Hot Tip:

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders who spend $75,000 or more on the card in a calendar year receive additional benefits, including Southwest Airlines A-List status, a $500 Southwest Airlines credit when booked through Chase Travel, a $250 credit to the Shops at Chase, and IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status.

We’ve compiled complete guides on the best ways to earn lots of Capital One miles and Ultimate Rewards points so you can learn even more.

Bottom Line:

If you’re seeking simplicity, you won’t find a better earning structure than the Capital One Venture card, which earns a minimum of 2 miles per $1 spent on every purchase. If you’re a frequent traveler who spends on travel, you’ll find greater earning opportunities and travel benefits with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. 

Redeeming Rewards

Capital One miles earned on the Capital One Venture card are different from frequent flyer miles. They function as redeemable points, similar to the Ultimate Rewards points earned on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

When you’re ready to redeem your rewards on either card, keep in mind that the value of your points varies by the redemption.

Though redemption options on each card are similar, the rewards currencies can differ significantly in their value. The sweet spot for Capital One miles is transferring the miles to travel partners for the best potential value.

Ultimate Rewards points can also be transferred to travel partners for potentially more value. Plus, you can redeem the points for up to 2 cents each on select flights and hotels with Points Boost through the Chase Travel portal. When redeeming Capital One miles for travel through Capital One Travel, each mile is only worth 1 cent.

Ultimate Rewards points are more valuable overall, as they can also be redeemed for cash at 1 cent each as a general statement credit, versus Capital One miles at 0.5 cents each. Capital One allows you to redeem miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit to offset previously made travel purchases (within 90 days).

Here are some great ideas for maximizing the value of your Capital One miles and Ultimate Rewards points at redemption time.

Bottom Line:

Ultimate Rewards points earned on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card are more valuable than Capital One miles, as Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for up to 2 cents each toward travel or 1 cent per point for statement credits or cash-back. Both reward currencies can be transferred to airline and hotel partners for greater potential value.

Statement Credits and Subscription Benefits

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has a unique list of statement credits that can provide value for specific purchases.

If you can use just a couple of these benefits, you’ll receive plenty of value from the card.

• $300 statement credit for travel purchases each cardmember year
• $500 in statement credits for the Edit annually, with 2 separate $250 credits, January through June and July through December with 2-night minimum stay
• $300 in annual dining credits with Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables, available for booking on OpenTable, delivered in 2 separate up to $150 biannual credits
• $300 in statement credits annually for StubHub and viagogo purchases for concert and event tickets, delivered in 2 separate credits up to $150 each (January through June and July through December, through December 31, 2027)

Hot Tip:

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can activate complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions that come with the card and receive up to $250 in value. Subscriptions run through June 22, 2027, and activation is required.

Travel Benefits

The Capital One Venture card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card offer benefits that can save money and assist you during your travels.

Here are some common travel benefits and protections found on our featured cards:

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement: Use your card to pay the fee and receive up to $120 in reimbursement for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
• No foreign transaction fees: You can take either of these cards when you travel, as neither charges fees on foreign purchases. (Capital One Venture card rates & fees)

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Exclusive Travel Benefits

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is packed with additional valuable travel benefits.

Air Travel

• Worldwide airport lounge access: Complimentary access to over 1,300 locations worldwide with your Priority Pass Select membership, plus access to Chase Sapphire lounges, Chase Sapphire Terrace locations, and select Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges
• $300 travel statement credit: Statement credit for your first $300 in travel purchases each card anniversary year (no rewards earnings on the $300 in purchases)
• NEXUS reimbursement: Up to $100 in reimbursement when you use your card to pay the NEXUS enrollment fee in addition to TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

Hotel Program Benefits

• The Edit Hotel Collection benefits: Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive Edit benefits during a 2-night-or-longer stay. Benefits include daily breakfast for 2, an upgraded room at check-in (when available), a welcome gift, a $100 on-site amenity credit, early check-in and late checkout (when available), and complimentary Wi-Fi.
• Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection benefits: Cardholders receive elite benefits with every booking, including an upgraded room when available, daily breakfast for 2, late checkout when available, an on-site amenity, and more. Visa Infinite benefits include a $25 food-and-beverage credit and VIP guest status.

Car Rental

• Auto rental coverage: Pay for the entire car rental with your card, decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW coverage, and receive primary car rental coverage for damage and theft.
• Get cardholder discounts and other perks with Avis and National.

Travel Insurance and Protection Perks

Capital One Venture Card

The Capital One Venture card comes with these valuable and money-saving features:

• Lost or damaged luggage*: Reimbursement for the actual cost of repairing or replacing your checked or carry-on luggage and personal property contained therein that is lost or damaged
• MasterRental insurance*: Coverage for physical damage and theft of the vehicle rented with the card
• Master RoadAssist®*: 24-hour-a-day, toll-free assistance for services like towing, gas delivery, jump-starts, and tire changes (customer responsible for any costs incurred)

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Here are the additional insurance and protections available with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

• Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay: Coverage of up to $10,000 per trip, $20,000 per occurrence, to a maximum of $40,000 per 12-month period for trip disruption, and up to $500 for a trip delay of more than 6 hours
• Emergency medical, dental, and evacuation: Up to $2,500 for emergency medical or dental, and $100,000 for emergency evacuation
• Roadside dispatch: Up to 4 free service calls each year, with a maximum of $50 coverage per occurrence
• Trip delay reimbursement: If your baggage is delayed for more than 6 hours, you may be eligible to receive up to $100 per day for up to 5 days.
• Emergency travel assistance: Access to a dedicated phone line to assist you with medical or legal referrals, emergency transportation, help with replacing a lost passport, and more

The list of travel-related benefits and protections is not exhaustive of all available benefits, and descriptions have been abbreviated for brevity. Read the specific card’s guide to benefits for the full descriptions, terms, and conditions.

Bottom Line:

While both cards offer several travel benefits and protections, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is the clear winner for frequent travelers. However, the card comes with a high annual fee, so consider it only if you can optimize the offered benefits.

Shopping Benefits and Protections

While you might not select a travel rewards card for its shopping benefits and protections, these perks could influence your decision.

Here are the shopping-related benefits and protections of the Capital One Venture card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

If you use DoorDash, having a complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription and monthly account credits, up to $300 per year, is a sweet benefit for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders.

Annual Fees, Authorized Users, and Transfers

The Capital One Venture card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card differ significantly in earning potential, redeeming rewards, statement credits, and offered benefits. The same differences apply to annual fees, adding authorized users, and account transfers.

Annual Fees

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has an annual fee of $795 while the Capital One Venture card charges an annual fee of $95 (rates & fees).

Authorized Users

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card charges $195 to add an authorized user. Authorized users enjoy worldwide lounge access through their Priority Pass Select membership and various travel and shopping benefits and protections.

Transfers Between Accounts

The Capital One Venture card allows free transfers of Capital One miles to any eligible account that earns miles. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card allows no-fee transfers to family members’ accounts in the same household.

Final Thoughts

If you’re starting out and deciding on a travel rewards card, the Capital One Venture card makes the process simple. When you spend on the card, you know you earn at least 2x miles. Even with several redemption options, the process is simple.

However, if you’re a frequent traveler, you could receive better value from a travel rewards card such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. With up to 8x earnings on travel, worldwide lounge access, $300 in travel credits, statement credits for select purchases, and a long list of travel benefits, the card offers a package that benefits most frequent travelers. It does have a hefty annual fee, but if you can use even a couple of its benefits, such as lounge access and the travel credit, you could receive value far beyond that fee.

*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.