Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.
Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, deta...
A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little ca...
Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s c...
We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.
In the world of premium travel rewards cards, The Platinum Card® from American Express stands tall above the rest. If you’re a frequent traveler, you may already have the card or at least have considered applying for it.
The Amex Platinum card, while an exceptional travel rewards card, is not for everyone. And, with the introduction of a new travel rewards card, Capital One throws its hat in the ring with an alternative.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers key premium benefits a frequent traveler can certainly value, but is the card a true competitor to the Amex Platinum card?
We’ll find out today as we take a look at each card’s earning potential and the value of your rewards at redemption time. We’ll also talk about travel and shopping benefits that can save you money, elevate your travel experience, or provide protection when you need it.
There’s no doubt a travel rewards card can benefit the frequent traveler, but which card will be a better match for you?
Let’s explore these 2 excellent options.
Capital One Venture X Card vs. Amex Platinum Card — Overview
Both the Capital One Venture X card and the Amex Platinum card could potentially add value to any frequent traveler’s lifestyle. Each card offers an impressive list of earning and redemption options, plus plenty of travel/shopping benefits.
In an effort to determine the overall value for your specific situation, however, it’s helpful to look at the overall attributes of each card in a side-by-side comparison.
Here’s how the cards stack up in all the key benefit areas:
Benefit
Capital One Venture X Card
Amex Platinum Card
Earning
10x miles on hotels and rental cars purchased via Capital One Travel
5x miles on flights purchased via Capital One Travel
2x miles on all other purchases
10,000 bonus miles at card anniversary
5x points for flights booked with the airline or Amex Travel (up to $500,000 each calendar year) and for prepaid hotels via Amex Travel
1x points on all other purchases
Top Redemption Options
Redeem miles via Capital One Travel
Transfer to airline or hotel partners
Redeem miles for a statement credit for previous travel purchases (within 90 days)
General statement credits, cash, gift cards, Amazon, or PayPal
Travel via Amex Travel, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, shop with Amazon
Travel Benefits and Protections
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement
Capital One Lounge and Plaza Premium Lounge access
Priority Pass Select membership for cardholder and authorized users, including participating restaurants
$300 annual credit for Capital One Travel
Car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption/delay, baggage insurance
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle status
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement
Access to over 1,400 participating lounges and Priority Pass Select membership for cardholder and authorized users (upon enrollment) does not include restaurants
Premium travel rewards cards generally offer an initial welcome bonus that allows you to earn a large number of rewards by meeting minimum spending requirements within a period immediately following your card approval. The Capital One Venture X card and the Amex Platinum card both offer this opportunity.
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 card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.
Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.
Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.
Pros
10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
$300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
Add authorized users for no additional annual fee
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
$395 annual fee
Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more – you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
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.
This card is undoubtedly the #1 card for luxury travel benefits. From the best lounge access (of any card) to statement credits, to complimentary elite status, you can’t go wrong.
This card is undoubtedly the #1 card for luxury travel benefits. From the best lounge access (of any card) to statement credits, to complimentary elite status, you can’t go wrong.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.
Pros
The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges,Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
5x points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
5x points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit)
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
$300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
$100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
Bottom Line: Both the Capital One Venture X card and Amex Platinum card offer welcome bonuses that can be worth thousands of dollars. Jumpstart your earnings by meeting minimum spending requirements within the specified period that begins immediately after you are approved for the card.
Capital One Miles vs. Amex Membership Rewards Points
The best value for your rewards may be realized when redeeming for travel, like first class on Singapore Airlines’ 777. Image Credit: Greg Stone
The Capital One Venture X card and Amex Platinum card each earn distinctly different rewards currencies. Capital One miles, (not the same as frequent flyer miles) are earned on the Capital One Venture X card, and the Amex Platinum card earns Membership Rewards points.
Let’s look at the bonus categories for each card and how you earn rewards.
5x miles on flights purchased via Capital One Travel
2x miles per dollar spent on all other travel
5x Membership Rewards points for flights booked directly with the airline or via Amex Travel (up to $500,000 each calendar year) and for prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel
Additional Earnings
10,000 bonus miles each card anniversary
All Other Purchases
2 miles per dollar spent
1 point per dollar spent
You’ll find the greatest earnings on our featured cards are for travel purchased via the cards’ associated travel portals. For non-bonus category purchases, the Capital One Venture X card has the edge, earning 2x miles per dollar spent (approximate total value of 3.6 cents) versus the Amex Platinum card at 1 point per dollar spent (approximate total value of 2.2 cents).
Bottom Line: Both cards offer accelerated earnings on travel. The Capital One Venture X card and Amex Platinum card offer the greatest earning potential for travel purchases via each card’s associated travel portal, whether Capital One Travel or Amex Travel.
Redemption Options
Once you’ve accumulated a stash of rewards, you’ll want to make wise choices at redemption time to receive the best value. As we learned previously, the best earning potential for either the Capital One Venture X card or the Amex Platinum card is in the travel category. The same holds true for receiving the best value when redeeming rewards — travel is your best redemption option.
Here are the choices you will have when it’s time to redeem your rewards.
Redemption Options
Capital One Venture X Card
Amex Platinum Card
Travel
Redeem for travel via Capital One Travel at a value of 1 cent per mile
Redeem for statement credits, cash, gift cards, Amazon, or PayPal
Redeem for travel via Amex Travel, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, shopping with Amazon, Ticketmaster, or donate points
Note that some redemption options, such as shopping with affiliated retailers, gift cards, and even some statement credit options, can result in a value of less than 1 cent per mile or point. These are not a good value for your rewards.
Bottom Line: The best potential value redemption for rewards earned on either the Capital One Venture X card or Amex Platinum card is transferring to travel partners.
Travel Benefits and Protections
Enjoy travel benefits such as complimentary lounge access for you and up to 2 guests. Image Credit: Priority Pass
As premium travel rewards cards, the Capital One Venture X card and Amex Platinum card are loaded with travel benefits and protections. You can save money, enjoy greater comfort during your travels, and receive valuable travel insurance benefits, all complimentary on either of our featured cards.
Here are the key common benefits you’ll find on both the Capital One Venture X card and the Amex Platinum card:
No Foreign Transaction Fees — Never experience added fees when making purchases abroad using either of our featured cards. For the Amex Platinum card, see rates and fees.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Reimbursement — Pay for your application or renewal fee with your card and receive reimbursement up to $100 once every 4 or 4.5 years, depending on which program you apply for.
Priority Pass Select Membership — Both of our featured cards come with complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for the primary cardholder and authorized users. The Amex Priority Pass Select membership, which requires enrollment through your Amex account, does not include airport restaurant properties, while the Capital One Venture X card does. Participating restaurants provide up to a $28 food credit per person.
Plaza Premium Lounges — Both cards offer access for the cardholder and 2 guests to participating Plaza Premium Lounge locations.
Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption — Receive up to $2,000 if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to a covered reason on the Capital One Venture X card, and $10,000 per trip ($20,000 maximum per 12-month period) on the Amex Platinum card.
Trip Delay Reimbursement — If your trip is delayed for more than 6 hours, or overnight, you could receive up to $500 reimbursement for covered expenses.
Baggage Insurance — Receive up to $3,000 for lost or damage baggage, per person, per covered trip. The Amex Platinum card limits checked baggage to $2,000.
In addition to the benefits above, each of our featured cards offers unique savings, statement credits, and perks.
Capital One Venture X Card
Capital One Lounges — As the footprint of the Capital One Lounge network grows, you’ll enjoy complimentary access (plus up to 2 guests) at current and future properties.
$300 Travel Credit — Receive $300 for travel purchased via Capital One Travel.
Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Benefits — Receive elite-style perks such as VIP guest status, an upgraded room (when available), daily breakfast for 2, onsite amenity, and late checkout (on availability). Use your card to book via the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection link in your online card account.
Hertz Car Rental Perks — Receive complimentary Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle elite status.
Gravity Haus Benefits — Cardholders receive a $300 discount toward a membership. This entitles you to discounted hotel stays near top ski resorts, exclusive events, and discounts on your ski or snowboarding gear. This partnership will last through January 19, 2024.
For more information, check out our guide to all of the Capital One Venture X card’s benefits.
Up to $200 Hotel Credit — Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel when you pay with your card. Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
Up to $200 in Uber Cash — Add your card to your Uber account and receive VIP status plus $15 in Uber Cash deposited into that account each month January through November. In December you’ll receive $35 for a total of up to $200 each calendar year. Uber Cash can be used for rides or Uber Eats in the U.S.
Hotel Program Elite Status — Enjoy room upgrades, late checkout, and the additional perks of Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. Enrollment is required.
Additional Elite-style Hotel Benefits — Book your prepaid stay with The Hotel Collection or Fine Hotel & Resorts via Amex Travel and receive room upgrades, breakfast, onsite amenities, and more during your stay. May be used in conjunction with the $200 hotel credit.
Car Rental Benefits — Receive upgrades, discounts, and priority services with Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, and National Car Rental Emerald Club.
CLEAR Plus Membership Credit — Speed through security and have your CLEAR Plus membership fee reimbursed, up to $189 each year, when paying with your card.
Emergency Evacuation — Enjoy peace of mind knowing you have emergency evacuation and transportation coverage during your travels.
Bottom Line: With so many travel benefits and protections found on both the Capital One Venture X card and the Amex Platinum card, the better card for you in this category will be the one with the collection of benefits you will actually use and that will provide the most economic bottom-line value.
Shopping Benefits and Protections
Shopping benefits and protections can save you money and provide help if something goes wrong with your purchase. Image Credit: Ksenia Chernaya via Pexels
Purchases made with either the Capital One Venture X card or Amex Platinum card may be eligible for discounts, elevated earnings, or protection if something should go wrong with your purchase.
Let’s start with the benefits you’ll find on both of our featured cards:
Cell Phone Protection — Pay your monthly bill with your card and receive up to $800 for damage or theft ($50 deductible), with a maximum of 2 claims per 12-month period.
Purchase Security/Purchase Protection — Purchase an eligible item and receive coverage for theft or damage for 90 days from the date of purchase. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim/item, $50,000 per account.
Extended Warranty — Eligible items purchased with the Capital One Venture X card that have a manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years or less will have the warranty doubled, up to a maximum of 1 additional year. The Amex Platinum card extends an eligible item’s manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or less by 1 additional year. Both cards have limits of $10,000 per claim/$50,000 per account.
Return Protection — If a merchant will not accept the return of an eligible item purchased with your card within 90 days of purchase, you could receive up to $300 per item, up to $1,000 per calendar year.
You’ll also find that each card offers its own unique shopping benefits.
Capital One Venture X Card
Capital One Offers — Sign in to your account to see special discounts with select retailers.
Amex Platinum Card
Amex Offers — Login to your online card account and select from up to 100 offers that can save you money when shopping with select retailers or offer you additional bonus earnings when you make a qualifying purchase.
Up to $300 Equinox Credit — Get up to $300 back each year on eligible Equinox memberships when you pay with your card. Enrollment required.
Monthly Walmart+ Credit — Add your card to your Walmart+ account as the default payment and receive up to $12.95 each month in credit for membership fees.
Up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit — Receive a statement credit for up to $50 January through June, and another $50 July through December for your purchase at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Bottom Line: Both the Capital One Venture X card and Amex Platinum card offer valuable protection for eligible items purchased with your card. The Amex Platinum card does have the edge in the shopping benefits category with the statement credits.
Annual Fees and Authorized Users
While premium travel rewards cards offer a lot of useable benefits, most come with a high annual fee. It’s prudent to consider annual fees, as well as fees charged to add authorized users when determining if a card provides bottom-line value.
Here’s how the Capital One Venture X card and Amex Platinum card compare when we look at annual fees and adding authorized users.
Annual Fees
The Capital One Venture X card charges an annual fee of $395, while the Amex Platinum card charges an annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees).
Authorized Users
You can add up to 4 authorized users to your Capital One Venture X card for no additional cost. You can add additional users to your Amex Platinum card for $195 per card (see rates and fees). You may also add fee-free authorized user American Express® Gold Cards that do not come with any added benefits (see rates and fees).
Keep in mind that the primary cardholder is responsible for any charges made by authorized users.
Hot Tip: Authorized users on both the Capital One Venture X card and Amex Platinum card enjoy their own Priority Pass Select membership. This membership allows access to more than 1,300 properties worldwide. Authorized users are also allowed to bring up to 2 additional guests.
Final Thoughts
Capital One has made a triumphant leap by introducing the Capital One Venture X card to the travel rewards card market. In fact, those who will not fully utilize the massive list of benefits offered by the Amex Platinum card may find plenty of value with the Capital One Venture X card, especially with the lower annual fee.
Those who want to ensure authorized users receive lounge access opportunities via Priority Pass Select membership may also prefer the Capital One Venture X card, as there is no additional fee involved.
The frequent traveler, however, will want to look closer and review the list of travel transfer partners associated with each card to determine if their preferred airline or hotel partner is an option.
If Centurion Lounge is your lounge brand of choice, you value mid-level hotel status, and you can utilize enough of the travel/shopping statement credits offered by the Amex Platinum card, it could also be a better option.
Bottom line, there’s not a bad choice to be made here, only one that may be a better fit.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Enrollment required through Capital One website or mobile app. Upon enrollment, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
Featured Image Credit: Upgraded Points
Frequently Asked Questions
The better card for you will be the one that matches your travel purchase and redemption preferences. It also depends on the travel and shopping benefits you will ultimately use. And of course, consider what annual fee you’re comfortable paying. If you spend a lot on purchases other than travel, the Capital One Venture X card will earn 2x miles versus 1x Membership Rewards points on the Amex Platinum card. However, the Amex Platinum card does offer more statement credits and premium travel benefits that, if you can utilize them, could potentially offer good value.
The Capital One Venture X card is a Visa Infinite card that comes with expanded Visa benefits such as cell phone protection.
You will need a good to excellent credit score to be approved for the Capital One Venture X card. A good to excellent score ranges from 670 to 850. The higher your score, of course, the better your chances are for approval.
It can be, but the card is not for everyone. If you are currently paying for Priority Pass lounge access (or Delta Sky Club membership), value mid-level hotel loyalty program status, and can utilize many of the travel and shopping statement credits, you can find enough value to offset the annual fee. If you can use the $200 in Uber Cash, $240 in digital entertainment credits, and $200 in statement credits for airline incidentals, you will have nearly offset the annual fee with just those credits. Plus, if Centurion Lounges are important to you when you travel, you’ll find even greater value.
Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.
0 comments
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!
Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.
0 comments
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!
Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.