Capital One Venture Card vs. Citi Double Cash Card [Detailed Comparison]

Key Takeaways

• The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns 2x miles on all purchases, with miles transferable to airline and hotel partners.
• The Citi Double Cash^® Card earns 2% cash-back on all purchases (1% when making purchases and 1% when paying the bill).
• The Capital One Venture card is great for frequent travelers looking to transfer miles to travel partners, while the Citi Double Cash is a better fit for those who prefer straightforward cash-back rewards.

No matter how many rewards-earning credit cards you have in your wallet, having a go-to card that earns double rewards on every purchase you make can deliver tremendous value.

Knowing you’re earning 2x rewards or cash-back every time you use your card also simplifies the process. No need to keep track of bonus categories or complicated rewards-earning structures, just pay and reap the resulting rewards.

Today, we’ve chosen 2 popular fixed-rate reward cards that fall perfectly into the category of simplified earning. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Citi Double Cash^® Card are examples of everyday spending cards with unlimited earnings that you’ll want to have in your wallet.

Overview

Comparing cards by individual category provides useful information, but a side-by-side comparison can help bring it all together.

Here’s how our featured cards stack up when we look at the cumulation of features and benefits:

Welcome Bonus Comparison

Capital One Venture Card

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% - 28.99% (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 card application.

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% - 28.99% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Double Cash Card

Citi Double Cash^® 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.

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Welcome Offer

Earn $200 cash-back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

$200 cash-back

Annual Fee

$0

APR

17.74% to 27.74% 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 card application.

Fair to Excellent (580-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Double Cash^® Card has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!

This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.

Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
• Flexible redemption options
• No annual fee

Cons

• No bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fees

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou^® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
• Earn a total of 5 ThankYou^® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rental, and attractions, excluding air travel, when booked through the Citi Travel^® portal.
• To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers; after that, the variable APR will be 17.74% to 27.74%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.74% to 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Most rewards cards offer a welcome bonus you can earn, normally in the first months of card ownership. You must meet minimum spending requirements during this stated period of time but then reap the rewards of jumpstarting your rewards stash.

The Capital One Venture card offers a generous welcome bonus for meeting spending requirements within the first 3 months after card approval. Though we value Capital One miles at around 1.8 cents each, they can be worth much more when transferred to travel partners.

The Double Cash card usually offers a small welcome bonus.

Earning Rewards

We mentioned earlier that you’ll be earning double rewards on every purchase you make with our featured cards. If you prefer a card with a simple earning structure, either of these cards could fit that requirement.

And, while earning levels may seem similar, how you redeem your rewards will ultimately determine which option delivers better value for you. We’ll talk more about redemption options shortly that might help you decide whether earning miles or cash-back is the better option for you.

Here’s how you can expect to earn unlimited rewards on either of our 2 featured cards:

Bottom Line: You’ll enjoy simplified earnings of either 2x Capital One miles per dollar spent or 2% cash-back per $1 spent on the Double Cash card. Both cards offer unlimited rewards earning with no cap. The better card for you, however, will depend on whether you prefer miles to cash and how you choose to redeem your rewards. 

Redeeming Rewards

We’ve learned how you’ll earn rewards on the Capital One Venture card and the Double Cash card, but the real excitement starts when you redeem your rewards.

Let’s look at the options you’ll have at redemption time:

Bottom Line: Both of our featured cards earn rewards that can be redeemed for travel or statement credits. However, the rewards from the Double Cash card can also be converted to cash-back. 

Travel Benefits and Protections

Capital One Venture Card

While the Double Cash card doesn’t offer travel benefits or protections, the Capital One Venture card offers several useful benefits and coverages.

Here’s a summary of what you can expect on the Capital One Venture card:

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Reimbursement — Pay the fee with your card and receive up to $120 in reimbursement for either fee.
• Luxury Hotel Collection Benefits — Book your room directly through the Visa Luxury Hotel Collection and receive a complimentary room upgrade (when available), daily breakfast for 2, $25 in food and beverage credits, late checkout, free Wi-Fi, and a best rate guarantee.
• MasterRental Insurance* – Use your card to rent an eligible vehicle and you may be covered for physical damage and theft of the rental vehicle
• 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
• Master RoadAssist®* – Take advantage of 24 hour toll-free assistance to help with services like towing, gas delivery, jumpstarts, and tire changes. Customer is responsible for any and all costs incurred
• Travel Assistance Services* – Available 24/7 to help connect you with local emergency and assistance resources when you’re away from home
• No Foreign Transaction Fees — Foreign transaction fees can be as much as 3%. Fortunately, the Capital One Venture card does not charge these fees (rates & fees).

Bottom Line: When we look at travel benefits and protections, the Capital One Venture card comes out far ahead of the Double Cash card which offers none of these benefits. 

Shopping Benefits and Protections

Some card issuers have removed key shopping benefits and protections, but you’ll still find select coverages for eligible items purchased with your Capital One Venture card.

Here’s how our featured cards compare:

Bottom Line: While the Double Cash card offers little in the form of shopping benefits and no product protection coverages, the Capital One Venture card charges no foreign transaction fees and offers extended warranty and purchase protection on eligible items purchased with the card. 

Additional Benefits

If you have high-interest credit card balances, the Double Cash card could save you money with its introductory 0% APR on balance transfers for an 18-month period after card approval.

Balances that are transferred within the first 4 months after account opening are eligible for an introductory balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater. After that, the balance transfer fee is 5% or $5, whichever is greater.

There are no interest charges for the 18-month period; after that, regular APR, as shown in the table at the beginning of this article, will apply.

Minimum Qualifications

Capital One recommends an excellent credit score to qualify for the Capital One Venture card. Capital One clarifies the requirements further by stating that an applicant must “never have declared bankruptcy or defaulted on a loan, not been 60 days late on a credit card, loan, or medical bill, and has had a loan or credit card for $5,000 or more in the past 3 years.”

A minimum of a good credit score is recommended for the Double Cash card.

Credit card issuers may look at other factors including debt-to-income ratios and the number of cards you have opened, so these numbers are only guidelines. The good news is that there is a way you can find out in advance if you have card offers waiting.

The CardMatch tool is a risk-free option to find existing card offers without having to complete an application and have your credit history accessed with a hard credit pull. Preapproved or prequalified offers will be displayed after submitting minimal information. These offers do not guarantee approval but help you zero in on the cards for which you’re most likely to be approved.

Learn more about how to find preapproved or prequalified offers in our article on the topic.

Alternative Cards

If you want to avoid a high annual fee but still earn well on everyday purchases, there are dozens of card options. Here are a few cards, similar to our featured cards, that offer earnings on every purchase you make plus provide introductory 0% APR periods that can save you money on interest charges:

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Capital One VentureOne 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.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Welcome Offer

LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn $300 in travel bonuses. Enjoy $100 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $300 in travel.

$100 travel credit + 20,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$460

Annual Fee

$0

APR

Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 18.99% - 28.99% thereafter

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 card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Ability to use transfer partners

Cons

• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn $300 in travel bonuses. Enjoy $100 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening – that’s equal to $300 in travel
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 18.99% – 28.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 18.99% - 28.99% thereafter
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

The Capital One VentureOne card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. offers unlimited flat-rate rewards earning but without an annual fee.

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

GREAT FOR CASH BACK

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

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.

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

$250

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$250

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

APR

19.74%-28.74% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express is a stellar cash-back credit card for those looking to maximize every purchase they make.

With bonus categories like U.S. supermarkets, select U.S. streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and transit purchases, this card rewards you for the items you spend the most on in a big way! For those looking to earn up to 6% cash-back on their purchases, this could be the card for you!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
• 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
• 3% cash-back on U.S. gas stations and transit (including rideshares, parking, etc.)

Cons

• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee (rates and fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Low Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.74%.
• Plan It^®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express^® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
• Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
• Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred^® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74%-28.74% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Rewards Center

Redeem cash-back through your American Express account

If your everyday spending includes purchases at U.S supermarkets, gas stations, transit, and streaming services, you’ll earn well with the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card.

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

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.

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Welcome Offer

Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.24%.

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
• 1.5% back on all other purchases

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.24%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited^® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.24%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

We like the Freedom Unlimited card for everyday spending because it earns flexible, and therefore valuable, Ultimate Rewards points.

Points earned on the card have several redemption options but realize the true value when transferred to Chase premium cards. When transferring points to the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® you may receive more value when redeemed for travel via the Chase travel portal.

Hot Tip: If you have a large purchase or purchases coming up, selecting a card with an introductory 0% APR period on purchases can save you money on interest charges while you repay the purchase over time. In addition, some cards like the Double Cash card have introductory 0% APR periods for balance transfers that allow you to transfer high-interest credit card balances and repay over time without interest. Additional terms and fees can apply. 

Final Thoughts

It’s clear that the Capital One Venture card offers a better overall package compared to the Double Cash card. However, you can’t dismiss the strong 2x earning on every purchase you make with the Double Cash card.

Paired with a travel rewards card offering travel and shopping benefits, the Double Cash card could still find a useful slot in your wallet to ensure you’re earning at least 2x points on all purchases, regardless of category.

If you’re a frequent traveler and must pick 1 card from our featured cards, however, the Capital One Venture card could be the better fit. You’ll enjoy strong earnings, good-value travel redemption options, and useful travel and shopping benefits and protections.

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.