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

Key Takeaways

• The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns 2x miles on all purchases, 10x miles on hotels and rental cars, and 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve^® earns 8x points on travel booked through Chase Travel, 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly, and 3x points on dining worldwide.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has the overall edge with higher earnings on travel, a $300 annual travel credit, and better redemption value. However, the Capital One Venture X card has a lower annual fee (rates & fees).

There’s no doubt that a premium travel rewards card can enhance the life of any frequent traveler. However, not all frequent travelers have the same priorities, making it essential to select the right travel rewards card, one that matches an individual’s travel lifestyle, spending mix, and preferred benefits.

To select the right travel rewards card, especially a high-end card with premium benefits, you should invest effort in researching your options. So we’re here to make the process easier for you by comparing premium travel rewards cards: in this case, the Capital One Venture X card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

As we dig deep into the attributes of each card, we surprisingly find a lot of similarities. However, the details are what matter in this card comparison, and that’s where we’ll take you.

Join us as we examine these 2 worthy travel rewards cards to uncover the value each has to offer.

Overview

It can be helpful to review a quick side-by-side comparison to get an overall idea of how the cards match up.

Here’s how the Capital One Venture X card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card compare when we examine the key benefit categories:

Value of a Welcome Offer

Apply for either the Capital One Venture X card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, and immediately after approval, you’ll have a window of opportunity to qualify for a valuable welcome bonus offer. To earn the bonus, you need to complete the minimum spending requirements within the time specified.

We value Capital One miles at approximately 1.8 cents each and value Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents each.

Here are some snapshots of the current offers for each of our featured cards:

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X 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 Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

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.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

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.

Excellent (740-840)

Why We Like This 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 & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• 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 and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
• 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
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

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

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

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

Bottom Line: The Capital One Venture X card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card each offer a generous welcome bonus you can earn after meeting minimum spending requirements within the specified period immediately after card approval. 

Capital One Miles vs. Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

The Capital One Venture X card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card each earn different rewards currencies. The Capital One Venture X card earns Capital One miles that are not airline miles (like frequent flyer miles) but flexible, transferable points. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that are also flexible and transferable.

Let’s look at how you earn rewards and your options at redemption time for each of our featured cards.

Earning Potential

With both the Capital One Venture X card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you find elevated earnings when using your card to purchase travel. Additionally, when you use each card’s associated proprietary travel portal to make your travel purchase, your earnings are multiplied even more.

Here’s how the earnings stack up for each card:

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has the edge on earning potential when you spend heavily on travel. Whether you purchase through Chase Travel or book directly with the airline or hotel, you receive elevated earnings. However, the Capital One Venture X card earns well on travel purchased via Capital One Travel and 2x points on all other travel. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns just 1 point per $1 on all other travel purchases.

The Capital One Venture X cards could be a strong choice if the majority of your spending is not on travel. For example, if you’re spending on tuition, home repairs, groceries, gas, medical expenses, or transportation, you earn 2x miles with the Capital One Venture X card, whereas you earn just 1x points in these categories with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Additionally, the Capital One Venture X card has a card anniversary bonus of 10,000 miles.

Bottom Line: You earn rewards quickly if you use either card for travel purchases via the cards’ associated travel portals. On flights and hotels purchased directly, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card has the edge. The Capital One Venture X card earns 2x on all other purchases, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns 1x rewards. 

Hot Tip:

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders who spend $75,000 or more on the card within a calendar year receive extra benefits, including Southwest Airlines A-List status and 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.

Redemptions

When it’s time to redeem those hard-earned rewards, you want to have flexibility. Fortunately, both the Capital One Venture X card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offer several options.

Here are your choices at redemption time for your Capital One miles or Ultimate Rewards points:

While the base value of both Capital One miles and Chase Ultimate Rewards is 1 cent each, your choice of how you redeem your rewards can result in better value. Transferring miles or points to transfer partners generally provides greater value. However, with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s Points Boost feature, you can receive up to 2 cents in value per point when redeeming for travel through Chase Travel.

The Capital One Venture X card offers a convenient way to wipe out previous travel purchases by redeeming miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit. The Chase Sapphire Reserve allows you to redeem points for 1 cent each for any general statement credit, including travel.

To learn more about transfer partners and the best ways to redeem Capital One miles and Chase Ultimate Rewards points for the maximum value possible, refer to our articles for creative ideas.

Bottom Line: Capital One miles are generally worth 1 cent each when redeemed for travel via Capital One Travel or as a statement credit for previous travel purchases. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be worth up to 2 cents each when redeemed for travel via the Chase Travel portal or 1 cent each as a statement credit. You can transfer both reward currencies to travel partners for greater potential value. 

Statement Credits

Statement credits can provide direct economic benefit when you make specific purchases with your card. While both cards offer travel statement credits each year (which we’ll cover next), several additional statement credits can add significant value.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

• $500 credit with the Edit annually, with 2 separate up to $250 credits, January through June, and July through December. A 2-night minimum stay is required.
• $300 annual dining credit with Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables available for booking on OpenTable, delivered in 2 separate up to $150 biannual credits
• $300 annual StubHub credit for concert and event ticket purchases, delivered in 2 separate up to $150 biannual credits for StubHub and viagogo
• $250 in value each year with complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Apple Music (separate activation required)
• Up to $120 in annual statement credits towards Peloton memberships (and 10x earnings)

The Capital One Venture X card offers no statement credit benefits beyond the travel credits we’ll cover next.

Air Travel Benefits

Both the Capital One Venture X card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offer these valuable air travel benefits:

• No foreign transaction fees: As expected, these premium travel rewards cards are void of any transaction fees on foreign purchases (Capital One Venture X card: rates & fees)
• Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement: Pay for your application or renewal fee with your card and receive a statement credit for up to $120. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card allows you to receive reimbursement, alternatively, for NEXUS.
• Priority Pass Select membership: Get access to over 1,300 properties worldwide, including airport lounges—enrollment required.

In addition to the above benefits that our 2 featured cards have in common, each card offers its unique collection of additional air travel-related benefits.

Capital One Venture X Card

• Access to Capital One Lounges: There are currently 5 Capital One Lounges open, with others in development. This benefit will become more valuable over time as the footprint expands.
• $300 Capital One Travel credit: Purchase travel via Capital One Travel and receive $300 each year.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

• Additional lounge access: In addition to Priority Pass lounges worldwide, cardholders have access to Chase Sapphire Lounges by the Club, Chase Sapphire Terrace locations, and select Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges.
• $300 travel statement credit: Pay for your travel purchase with your card and receive a statement credit for up to $300. Note that you won’t earn points on this $300 travel purchase.

Hotel Program Privileges

Capital One Venture X Card

• Visa Infinite Luxury Hotels and Resorts Collection and the Premier Collection benefits: Receive elite benefits, including an upgraded room when available, daily breakfast for 2, late checkout when available, an on-site amenity, and more with every booking. The Visa Infinite benefits include a $25 food-and-beverage credit, as well as VIP guest status. The Premier Collection includes a $100 on-site amenity.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

• The Edit Hotel Collection benefits: Enjoy an upgraded room at check-in, based on availability, $100 on-site property credit, daily breakfast for 2, early check-in and late checkout when available, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a welcome gift.
• Complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status: Activate the membership in the benefits section of your online Chase card account to receive elite status through December 31, 2027.

Rental Car Benefits

Both cards offer a car rental collision damage waiver. Pay for your entire rental with your card, decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW coverage and receive primary coverage for theft or damage to the rental car. Primary coverage means you do not have to file a claim with other applicable insurance before card coverage applies.

Capital One Venture X Card

• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards elite status: Receive complimentary Hertz President’s Circle elite status.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

• Receive discounts, upgrades, and more with National Car Rental and Avis.
• Roadside dispatch: Receive up to 4 free service calls each 12 months (maximum $50 per call). Services include flat tire change, limited towing, standard winching, lockout service, jump-start service, and fuel delivery. Terms and limits apply, and any amount over $50 is charged to your card.

Travel Protection Perks

Both the Capital One Venture X card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offer these valuable travel protections:

• Trip cancellation and trip interruption: Coverage on the Capital One Venture X card is up to $2,000 per person for nonrefundable, common-carrier tickets purchased with your card. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card provides coverage for unreimbursed expenses of up to $10,000 per person per trip, up to $20,000 per occurrence and $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Trip delay reimbursement: For trip delays of 6 hours or more, you may be eligible to receive up to $500 per person for unreimbursed incidentals, lodging, and meals.
• Lost luggage reimbursement: Receive up to $3,000 reimbursement for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.

Exclusive Protection Benefits for the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

• Emergency evacuation and transportation: Pay for at least a portion of your trip with your card and receive up to $100,000 in coverage for emergency evacuation or transportation. Terms and conditions apply.
• Emergency medical and dental coverage: Receive up to $2,500 coverage for emergency medical or dental during a covered trip. A $50 deductible applies.
• Baggage delay insurance: If your baggage is delayed for more than 6 hours, you may be eligible for up to $100 per day for up to 5 days.

Please note that benefit descriptions have been abbreviated and not all travel and protection benefits are listed. For even more information, check out these guides to the Capital One Venture X card’s travel insurance benefits and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s travel insurance benefits.

Bottom Line: The Capital One Venture X card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card each offer a stellar collection of travel benefits and protections. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card, however, has an edge with emergency evacuation and transportation, emergency medical and dental coverage, roadside assistance, and delayed-baggage compensation. 

Shopping Benefits

Shopping benefits can help you save money on your purchases. Here are some of the benefits you can expect to find on the Capital One Venture X card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card:

Capital One Venture X Card

• Cell phone protection: Charge your monthly cell phone bill to your card and receive up to $800, after a $50 deductible, if your cell phone is damaged or stolen or in the case of involuntary or accidental parting.
• Capital One Offers: Log in to your account and click through Capital One Offers for cash-back on purchases at select retailers.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

• Chase Offers: Log in to your online Chase card account and select Chase Offers for cash back on select purchases.
• Shop With Chase: Earn bonus Ultimate Rewards points by shopping with your favorite retailer via the Chase Shopping portal.
• DoorDash DashPass: Receive free food delivery and reduced fees for a minimum of 1 year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• DoorDash $300 annual credit: Receive a $5 DoorDash restaurant credit each month and 2 $10 credits to use outside restaurants. The credit does not carry over from one month to the next.

Shopping Protections

Shopping protections can provide coverage if a covered loss happens to an eligible item after the purchase.

Both of our featured cards come with these valuable shopping protections for purchases made with your card:

• Return protection: If a merchant will not take back an eligible item purchased with your card within 90 days from the purchase date, you could receive up to $300 per item with a maximum of $1,000 per year with the Capital One Venture X card, and $500 per item to a $1,000 maximum per year with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
• Purchase security and purchase protection: If an eligible item purchased with your card is lost or damaged within the first 120 days after the purchase date, you may be eligible to receive up to $10,000 per item, to a maximum of $50,000 per account per year.
• Extended warranty: For eligible purchased items with manufacturer’s warranties of less than 3 years, card coverage extends the warranty by 1 year.

Bottom Line: Both the Capital One Venture X card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card offer shopping benefits that can save you money and shopping protections that offer coverage should an eligible item purchased with your card, become lost, stolen or damaged or not be accepted as a return by the associated merchant. Coverage limits apply. 

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

Annual fees and the cost to add authorized users to your card can add up to a significant expense. It’s essential to consider these fees to ensure you’re getting the best value from your chosen card.

Here’s how the Capital One Venture X card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card compare in this category:

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

The Capital One Venture X card charges an annual fee of $395 (rates & fees). The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has an annual fee of $795.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card charges $195 per authorized user each year.

Final Thoughts

With elevated, unlimited earning potential, flexible redemption options (including the ability to transfer rewards to travel partners), worldwide lounge access, travel credits, and additional travel and shopping benefits, both the Capital One Venture X card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card are good travel rewards cards.

However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers higher earnings on travel in general, up to 100% more value when you redeem points for travel, the option to Pay Yourself Back for additional redemption value, and the ability to receive 1 cent in value per point for a general statement credit. The card’s $300 general travel credit is also easier to use than the Capital One Venture X card’s travel credit, which requires your purchase to be made via Capital One Travel to qualify.

The base value of Capital One miles falls short compared to the value of Chase Ultimate Rewards points. You may receive more potential value for your miles by transferring them to Capital One’s hotel or airline partners. You can also achieve greater value when redeeming Ultimate Rewards points this way.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card does have a higher fee, but the added value received of just 2 or 3 statement credits could more than offset the difference.

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.

Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. 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.