The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a very popular travel rewards card that receives many accolades. It’s often recommended as a desirable first travel rewards card because it serves as a solid foundation for earning flexible travel rewards, offers redemptions that provide good value, and hosts a long list of benefits.
So you might be asking why we’ve chosen to pit the Chase Sapphire Preferred card against the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card, after all, is a reigning champ in its category. But like any reigning champ, challengers surface that require the champ to defend its title.
Fortunately in this battle, there isn’t a winner or loser — both cards measure up well when we look at earnings, redemption options, and benefits. Today we’ll break down how each card delivers in all the categories that matter when you’re considering a travel rewards card.
And regardless of which card prevails in the challenge, as a frequent traveler, you’ll always be the winner!
Here’s all the important information you’ll need to evaluate these 2 cards for yourself.
Welcome Bonus Offers
The Value of a Welcome Bonus
Receiving a sign-up bonus when you meet the spending requirements on your credit card can jump-start your earnings with points that are worth hundreds of dollars when redeemed for travel. The bonus is usually achieved by meeting a designated minimum spend within the first 3 months after you are approved for the card.
Don’t miss out on the welcome bonus when you sign up for a card — it’s the quickest way to begin building a bank of valuable rewards points.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Venture Card
Hot Tip: Securing the initial welcome bonus is the fastest way to accumulate valuable points. Planning the timing of your credit card application to take advantage of a large upcoming purchase or expense ensures you’ll be able to meet this important spending requirement in the first 3 months after card approval.
Receive 2x earnings on all your travel purchases. Image Credit: James Harding / EurailUltimate Rewards Points vs. Capital One Miles
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns rewards in the form of Ultimate Rewards points, while the Venture card earns rewards that are simply referred to as “miles.”
Note that Capital One “miles” are really just points and function as points — they are not the same as airline miles.
Earning Potential
A frequent traveler could fare well with either of these travel rewards cards, as both deliver respectable earnings on travel and dining purchases.
Also, if your spending is not primarily in the bonus categories of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, receiving 2x rewards on every purchase with the Venture card vs. 1 point per dollar spent on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a genuine advantage.
| Bonus Earning Category | Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (Ultimate Rewards Points) | Venture Card (Capital One Miles) |
| - 5 points per dollar purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 2 points per dollar on all other purchases
| |
| - 5 points per dollar purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 2 points per dollar on all other purchases
| |
| | - 2 miles per dollar
- 5 miles per dollar with Uber Eats (through January 31, 2021)
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
Bottom Line: If you’re a frequent traveler who spends a lot on travel and dining purchases, either card will work well for you since both earn in these bonus category purchases. If your spending is outside of these bonus categories, the Venture card with 2 miles per dollar earnings on every purchase may be a better match.
Redemption Options
How you earn points and miles for spending on your card is important, but when it comes time to redeem those rewards, it’s just as important to make sure you’re getting the highest value possible. Once again, the frequent traveler wins with either card.
While the Venture card earns 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, each point is worth 1 cent toward travel at redemption time. Chase Sapphire Preferred card points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed for travel.
Both cards allow you to maximize your points and miles by transferring these rewards to a long list of airline partners. It is possible to far exceed 1 or 1.25 cents per point/mile when utilizing this redemption option.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card also allows you to transfer points to the Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, and IHG Rewards hotel programs.
| Redemption Option | Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (Ultimate Rewards Points) | Venture Card (Capital One Miles) |
| Redeem for Travel | - YES
- 1.25 cents per point toward travel in the Ultimate Rewards travel portal
| |
| Transfer Points/Miles to Airline Partners | | |
| Transfer Points/Miles to Hotel Partners | | |
| Redeem for Gift Cards and Merchandise | | |
| Redeem for Cash or Cash Toward Statement Credit | | |
Hot Tip: For creative ideas on how to redeem your Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value and get the most value for your Capital One miles, check out our in-depth guides.
Enjoy cardholder perks at all Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection properties. Image Credit: Luxury Hotel CollectionHotel Program Benefits
While each of our featured cards has unique hotel benefits, they have something in common, too: both cards are Visa Signature-branded cards, meaning either will give you access to the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection.
You can expect to receive the following benefits with this program:
- Best rate guarantee
- Automatic room upgrade when available
- Continental breakfast (or better) daily for 2 people
- $25 food or beverage credit for each stay
- Late check-out when requested (if available)
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- VIP guest status
You must book your room through the program and use your Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Venture card to pay.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card provides access to The Luxury Hotel and Resorts Collection. There are over 900 worldwide properties in the collection and cardholders receive special amenities when staying at these hotels.
Benefits include:
- Breakfast each day of your stay for 2 guests
- Free internet
- Upgraded room when available
- A special local amenity
- Access to early check-in and late check-out
You must use your Chase Sapphire Preferred card to pay for your reservation and book through the hotel program website.
Bottom Line: While you won’t find complimentary hotel elite status with these cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers its cardholders access and perks with a luxury hotel program. Both cards also offer cardholders access to the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection.
Annual Fees and Adding Additional Users
Annual Fees
When it comes to annual fees, both the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and the Venture card are on the same page, charging $95 annually.
However, the Venture card waives its annual fee in the first year.
Adding Additional Users
There is no charge to add additional authorized users to either the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or the Venture card.
All authorized user charges are the responsibility of the primary cardholder, but these additional purchases also earn rewards in the primary cardholder’s account.
Statement Credits
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
- $50 Hotel Credit: Receive an annual statement credit of $50 towards hotel stays booked through the Chase travel portal.
- Instacart Benefits: Cardholders are eligible for a free 6-month Instacart+ membership plus a $15 quarterly credit. Activate by July 31, 2024.
Venture Card
- Global Entry and TSA PreCheck: Receive up to $100 as a statement credit when you charge your Global Entry ($100) or TSA PreCheck application fee ($85) to your Venture card. The statement credit is available once every 4 years.
Have peace of mind knowing there’s help available if things go wrong during your trip. Image Credit: Miguel Ángel Sanz via UnsplashTravel Benefits and Protections
While you might not select a travel rewards credit card based solely on its ancillary travel benefits, there’s value to be found in these complimentary perks. Let’s take a look at how our selected cards compare when it comes to travel benefits and protections.
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
There are similarities between the car rental insurance coverage on these cards. Both cards require that you reserve and pay for the rental car with your card and decline the rental car agency’s collision loss damage waiver (CDW or LDW) in order for coverage to be valid.
Both cards offer coverage for the primary cardholder and any driver listed on the rental agreement.
Coverage provided on both cards includes damage to or theft of the rental car, loss of use charges imposed by the rental company, and reasonable towing charges.
You’ll also find that some types of vehicles — such as commercial vehicles, exotic vehicles, and large passenger vans — are excluded on both plans.
When we compare coverage further, however, we do find differences between the 2 cards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is known for having one of the best car rental insurance benefits of any travel rewards card. The coverage is complimentary and available worldwide.
For any rental period 31 days or less, you’ll receive primary rental car coverage for damage, theft, and loss of use. Primary coverage (as opposed to secondary coverage) means you won’t have to file a claim with your other auto insurance before the card’s coverage kicks in.
Venture Card
Rental car insurance is also provided worldwide with the Venture card. However, within your country of residence, coverage is secondary to any auto insurance you have currently. Coverage is also limited to a period not exceeding 15 consecutive rental days.
Outside your country of residence, the coverage is primary and does not require you to file a claim with another insurance company first. Coverage is also expanded to include rentals up to 31 days in length.
Always read the terms and conditions and call the benefits administrator with any questions before you rent a vehicle.
Bottom Line: Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and Venture card offer primary rental car insurance outside your country of residence. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card extends this primary coverage worldwide, including your country of residence, while the Venture card does not.
Trip Interruption/Cancellation/Delay
The travel protections and benefits that come with your credit card can’t replace a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
However, complimentary trip interruption, cancellation, and delay benefits can replace some of those hard-earned travel dollars should you experience a covered loss during your travels.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Use your Chase Sapphire Preferred card or the associated Ultimate Rewards points to pay for at least a portion of your trip, and you’ll receive trip interruption, trip cancellation, and trip delay benefits.
If your trip is disrupted by illness, weather, or another covered event, you could receive up to $10,000 per claim (up to $20,000 per trip) for pre-paid expenses lost. The maximum for a 12-month period is $40,000.
Your immediate family members will also be covered, even if you are not accompanying them on their trip. You’ll also receive trip delay coverage that provides up to $500 per person per trip when a covered delay disrupts your travels for more than 12 hours.
Venture Card
The Venture card does not come with trip interruption, cancellation, or delay benefits.
Lost and Delayed Baggage Coverage
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Pay for even a portion of your trip with your card or Ultimate Rewards points, and you can receive up to $500 per trip when your baggage is delayed for more than 6 hours. Baggage that is lost or damaged is also covered up to $3,000 per person per trip.
Venture Card
Receive up to $3,000 ($2,000 for New York residents) if your luggage is lost. You must have paid for your entire trip with your card.
Bottom Line: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers superior travel benefits, including primary worldwide rental car insurance, trip interruption/cancellation/delay coverage, and lost/stolen/damaged baggage coverage.
Having access to roadside assistance when things go wrong is definitely valuable. Image Credit: Nejron Photo via ShutterstockRoadside Assistance Service
With complimentary roadside dispatch service, cardholders of both the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and Venture card receive access to a dedicated phone number to use in case of a roadside emergency.
There is no cost for using roadside dispatch service, and the service call is charged at a pre-negotiated flat fee (currently $59.95). For this flat fee, cardholders can receive the following services:
- Towing (5 miles at no charge)
- Flat tire changing with an inflated spare
- Jumpstart service
- Lockout service
- Free fuel delivery up to 5 gallons (cost of fuel not included)
- Standard winching
Emergency Travel Assistance
Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and Venture card come with emergency travel assistance services. This can help with accessing local emergency and assistance resources 24/7 during your travels.
You’ll receive help with legal or medical referrals, emergency transportation, translation services, trip assistance and more. Cardholders are responsible for the cost of the actual services provided, but the referral service is complimentary.
Travel Accident Insurance
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has 2 different accident insurance benefits. First, on a common carrier, you could receive up to $500,000 for loss of life or serious injury.
Another benefit offers up to $100,000 for severe injury or death when not on a common carrier.
Hot Tip: If you’re looking for other cards, explore the best cards to offer Travel Accident Insurance.
Concierge and Travel Assistance
Since both the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and Venture card are Visa Signature cards, you will have access to the Visa Signature Concierge 24/7 dedicated phone line.
The concierge can assist with securing event tickets, making dinner reservations, helping purchase a special gift, or even making travel arrangements.
Use your card to purchase a qualifying item and receive shopping benefits and protections. Image Credit: BravoKiloVideo via ShutterstockShopping Benefits and Protections
We all use our credit cards to shop. Fortunately, when you use your card to make a purchase, you may find additional value in the benefits and protections that come complimentary with your card.
You may be able to earn additional rewards for your shopping purchases, or even seen compensation if your purchase becomes damaged or the product fails to perform as designed.
Let’s review how these cards compare in shopping benefits and protections.
Earn Bonus Rewards for Shopping
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Earn up to 20 additional Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent when you purchase through the Chase Ultimate Rewards shopping portal. Just log in to your account via Chase.com/ultimaterewards and select the store at which you’d like to shop.
Sample retailers include Sears, Macy’s, Walmart, JCPenney, Staples, and more.
Points you earn from shopping through the Ultimate Rewards portal are in addition to any rewards you would already be earning on the card.
Venture Card
While the Venture card does not have a dedicated shopping portal, this card will still earn 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase.
Purchase Protection
Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and Venture card provide purchase protection coverage for damage or theft of eligible items purchased with your card.
Coverage limits on both cards provide $500 per claim for a maximum of $50,000 per cardholder account.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card provides coverage for the first 120 days from the purchase date, while the Venture card provides its purchase security coverage for just 90 days.
Extended Warranty
Original manufacturer’s warranties expire way too quickly, so it’s great to have an extended plan. Fortunately, both cards we’re comparing are Visa Signature cards and offer the same extended warranty benefit.
Qualifying items purchased in full with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Venture card will have the manufacturer’s warranty extended by 1 year.
For example, if you have a manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years, you would receive an additional year of warranty with your card for 4 in total. This benefit applies to products with manufacturer’s warranties of 3 years or less.
Both the cardholder and gift recipients of eligible items are covered.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Both cards are great to carry in your wallet when you travel, as neither charges foreign transaction fees.
Final Thoughts
When we compare these 2 cards, we find a lot of similarities. For example, both cards have strong earnings on travel and dining.
The Venture card, however, has an edge when it comes to everyday spending since it earns 2 miles per dollar on every purchase (vs. just 1 point with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card).
At redemption time, you have flexible options with both cards, but overall more value with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card — including 1.25 cents per point for travel, 1 cent per point for any statement credit (not just travel like the Venture card), and the option to transfer to airline and hotel partners.
As for benefits, you can’t beat the Sapphire Preferred card’s rental car and travel insurance coverages.
The Venture card does waive the annual fee in the first year, giving you a free opportunity to try out the card and see if it works for you. It’s also worth noting that Capital One pulls from all 3 credit bureaus when you submit an application.
Before applying, we suggest using the CardMatch Tool or Capital One Pre-Approval to see if you have offers available. For example, you may be able to get a 80k-100k welcome bonus offer with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
When it comes down to it, the best card for you will be the one that matches your spending mix, allows you to redeem rewards for travel goals that are important to you, and comes with benefits you can actually use.
The information regarding Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
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