When it comes to travel rewards cards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card are top contenders. Both offer valuable miles for travel hacking enthusiasts, but cater to slightly different preferences. Let’s delve into their specifics to help you pick your perfect travel companion.
Head-to-Head: Capital One Venture vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred
| Feature | Capital One Venture | Chase Sapphire Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards Rate | 2x miles on all purchases | 2x points on travel and dining, 1x point on all other purchases |
| Bonus Category | None | Travel and dining (combined) |
| Travel Redemption | Transfer miles to travel partners or redeem as statement credit towards travel purchases at a rate of 1 cent per mile. | Redeem points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® at 1.25 cents per point or transfer points to travel partners. |
| Annual Fee | $95 | $95 |
| Travel Credits | None | Up to $95 annual travel credit for travel purchases booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards® |
| Travel Insurance | None | Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, rental car insurance |
Also Read: Amex Gold Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred: Picking Your Travel Rewards Champion
Features:
- Capital One Venture: Simplicity reigns supreme. Venture miles accrue at a flat 2x rate on all purchases, offering flexibility in how you earn rewards. No need to track bonus categories.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Offers a higher effective rewards rate on travel and dining (3x points with the combined category bonus), but requires keeping track of spending categories. Points hold more value when redeemed through Chase travel portal (1.25 cents per point).
Who Should Get Which Card:
- Capital One Venture: Ideal for those who value straightforward rewards and travel flexibility. It caters well to those who don’t spend heavily on travel and dining but want to accumulate miles for occasional trips.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: A good fit for travelers who prioritize maximizing rewards on travel and dining. The travel credit, transferrable points, and comprehensive travel insurance make it a well-rounded package.
Pros and Cons: Capital One Venture
- Pros: Straightforward rewards earning, no foreign transaction fees, miles transferrable to travel partners.
- Cons: Lower rewards rate compared to Sapphire Preferred on travel and dining, no travel credits or travel insurance.
Pros and Cons: Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Pros: Higher rewards rate on travel and dining, travel credit, transferrable points with more redemption options, comprehensive travel insurance.
- Cons: Requires tracking bonus categories, points potentially less valuable if not redeemed through Chase travel portal.
Requirements:
Both cards typically require good credit (generally a score of 700 or above). Capital One doesn’t disclose a specific income requirement, while Chase Sapphire Preferred recommends a minimum annual income of $40,000.
The Takeaway:
The Capital One Venture offers a no-fuss rewards program with travel flexibility. Chase Sapphire Preferred rewards travel and dining spend more generously and provides valuable travel protections. Consider your spending habits and travel priorities to pick the card that best aligns with your financial goals and adventuring spirit.