Capital One Venture Rewards vs. Capital One Venture X: Is the additional $300 in annual fees justified?

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for occasional travelers looking to maximize their miles, featuring a $95 annual fee and offering 2 miles per dollar on all purchases.

The $395-annual-fee Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card provides a premium travel experience designed to rival high-end competitors like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

If you're not a holder of either card—the Venture Rewards or the Venture X—you might be pondering whether to opt for the popular, well-regarded Venture Rewards or to upgrade to the luxurious Venture X.

Let's compare both cards to assist you in determining which Capital One card is the best fit for you.

Comparing the Capital One Venture Rewards and Capital One Venture X

Welcome offers for Capital One Venture Rewards vs. Capital One Venture X

Currently, the Venture Rewards provides new applicants with a $250 Capital One Travel credit during their first year. Additionally, you can earn 75,000 bonus miles by spending $4,000 within the first three months of opening the account.

New cardmembers of the Venture X can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.

According to TPG's July 2024 valuations, the Venture Rewards offer is estimated to be worth $1,638, factoring in the bonus miles and the Capital One Travel credit.

On the other hand, the Venture X offer has a value of $1,388 based on TPG's valuations, meaning you’ll receive excellent benefits from the bonus with either card you select.

Winner: Venture Rewards. Its travel credit, tied to the same spending requirements as the Venture X, enhances the overall value of its welcome offer.

Benefits of Capital One Venture Rewards vs. Capital One Venture X

With the Venture Rewards, you can receive up to a $100 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry once, along with rental car and travel accident insurance, extended warranty protection, and access to Capital One's Lifestyle Collection of hotels and Capital One Entertainment options.

In contrast, the Venture X boasts a more impressive array of benefits that significantly justify its higher annual fee, especially if you can fully utilize them.

As a cardholder, you'll receive a $300 annual credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel, along with complimentary access to Capital One and Plaza Premium lounges for yourself and up to two guests. You'll also gain a Priority Pass lounge membership, granting access to over 1,300 locations for you and unlimited guests (subject to capacity restrictions).

Additionally, you'll earn 10,000 bonus miles—valued at $185 according to TPG valuations—each year on your cardholder anniversary, plus access to Capital One's Lifestyle Collection and the luxury Premier Collection of hotels, along with various travel protections, extended warranty coverage, and cellphone protection.

Another advantage of the Venture X is the ability to add a limited number of authorized users at no extra cost. These authorized users will enjoy the same airport lounge access as the primary cardholder, including complimentary access for themselves and their guests.

Winner: Venture X. As the more premium option, it offers a significantly more extensive array of benefits compared to the Venture Rewards.

Earning miles with the Capital One Venture Rewards vs. Capital One Venture X

Both the Venture Rewards and Venture X allow you to earn bonus miles on travel booked through Capital One Travel, along with 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Additionally, both cards provide 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through December 31, 2025.

With the Venture Rewards, you can earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel. In contrast, the Venture X offers 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through the same portal, and 5 miles per dollar on flights.

Winner: Venture X. It earns double the miles compared to the Venture Rewards on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Additionally, the Venture X earns bonus miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, which the Venture Rewards does not offer.

Redeeming miles with the Capital One Venture Rewards vs. Capital One Venture X

Both the Venture Rewards and Venture X accumulate Capital One miles and provide identical redemption options.

To get the best value, transfer your miles to one of Capital One's travel partners. Alternatively, you can redeem them for a statement credit for travel purchases or for gift cards at a flat rate of one cent per mile.

Both cards let you redeem your miles for cash back, but you'll receive a significantly lower rate of 0.5 cents per mile, so it's advisable to steer clear of this option whenever possible.

Winner: Tie. Both cards provide identical options for redeeming your miles.

Transferring miles with the Capital One Venture Rewards vs. Capital One Venture X

A standout feature of both the Venture Rewards and the Venture X is the ability to transfer your miles to any of Capital One's 15-plus hotel and airline partners, including valuable choices like Air France-KLM Flying Blue, British Airways Executive Club, and Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles.

Taking advantage of a transfer bonus can significantly enhance the value of your miles. For example, TPG's senior writer Ben Smithson finds great value by transferring his miles to Air Canada Aeroplan and Flying Blue.

Winner: Tie. Both the Venture Rewards and Venture X offer transfers to the same partners at identical rates.

Should I choose the Capital One Venture Rewards or the Capital One Venture X?

If minimizing your annual fee is a priority, opt for the Venture Rewards. It provides a solid earning rate, access to Capital One's transfer partners, and some travel perks for a $95 annual fee. However, if you're seeking airport lounge access and can fully utilize its $300 annual credit, the Venture X is the superior option.

How to upgrade from the Capital One Venture Rewards to the Capital One Venture X

If you currently hold the Venture Rewards and wish to upgrade to the Venture X, simply call the number on the back of your card to request a product change. While this option won't allow you to benefit from the new card's welcome offer, it's an effective way to gain additional perks without needing to meet eligibility requirements.

Conclusion

Both the Venture Rewards and the Venture X are outstanding travel rewards cards that offer bonus points on Capital One Travel purchases and 2 miles per dollar on all other expenses.

The Venture X is ideal for those who can utilize its airport lounge access and annual credit, while the Venture Rewards is better suited for individuals aiming to keep their annual fee low. No matter which card you select, you’ll enjoy excellent travel benefits and earn valuable transferable rewards.

For more information, check out our comprehensive reviews of the Venture Rewards and Venture X.

Find out more: Capital One Venture

Discover more: Capital One Venture X

For Capital One products mentioned on this page, certain benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and can vary by product. Please consult the corresponding Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.