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Let’s explore how the Capital One Venture and Chase Sapphire Preferred compare to help you determine which credit card is a better fit for you.
Capital One Venture vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred comparison
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
4.7
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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
4.9
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| FinanceBuzz value calculation1 <p class="">These values are based on the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/financebuzz-credit-card-valuation">FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model</a>, which takes a look at rewards earned via spending, the welcome offer, and the annual fee. We used a valuation of 1 cent/point unless otherwise stated above. These are estimated values - your actual earnings will depend on how much you spend and in what categories.<br></p> | Year 1: $1,521
Year 2: $771 (Using 1 cents/point valuation) |
Year 1: $1,486
Year 2: $789 (Using 1.25 cents/point valuation) |
| Annual fee | $95 | $95 |
| Welcome offer | Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening |
| Earning rate | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day, 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25 | 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases |
| Credits | Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years | Up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel℠ |
| Credit card network | Mastercard | Visa |
| Learn more | Learn more |
What both cards excel at
The Capital One Venture Rewards and Chase Sapphire Preferred share a few excellent qualities:
- Welcome bonuses: You can earn a welcome offer with either card as a new cardholder. Both cards traditionally have strong offers, but watch for any limited time bonuses that can elevate the value even more.
- No foreign transaction fees: You don’t have to pay foreign transaction fees with either card, which is a perk I look for with any travel card.
- Travel coverage: Both cards provide multiple types of travel insurance, another great benefit for a travel card.
- Redemption options: You have multiple redemption options with the rewards programs on both cards. That includes redeeming rewards for travel, transfer partners, gift cards, and statement credits.
- Low annual fees: The Capital One Venture has a $95 annual fee, while the Chase Sapphire Preferred also has a $95 annual fee. Compared to other premium travel cards with annual fees over $500, these annual costs are relatively low.
- Combine rewards: With both the Capital One Venture and Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can combine your rewards with a select number of other cards from the same card issuer.
5 important differences between Capital One Venture and Chase Sapphire Preferred
While the Capital One Venture and Chase Sapphire Preferred seem similar, there are a few notable differences to keep in mind.
1. Travel perks
For travel benefits, the Capital One Venture provides:
- Up to $120 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years
The Chase Sapphire Preferred provides:
- Up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel℠
- A 25% bonus on travel redemptions made through Chase Travel℠
- Anniversary bonus points equal to 10% of your previous year’s eligible purchases
Clearly, the Chase Sapphire Preferred has more benefits. I also think the Sapphire Preferred benefits, especially the hotel credit, are easier to access than the Capital One Venture benefits.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Preferred
2. Travel insurance
The Capital One Venture and Chase Sapphire Preferred have these travel protection benefits:
| Capital One Venture | Chase Sapphire Preferred |
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The Chase Sapphire Preferred matches the Capital One Venture for available coverage, while also providing additional insurance benefits. If you travel frequently, the trip cancellation insurance and baggage insurance might be especially appealing.
For example, if you come down with the flu the day before a big trip and have to cancel, the trip cancellation insurance could reimburse you up to $20,000 for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses. This could include costs associated with travel fares, hotels, or even tours.
Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers primary rental car insurance, while the Capital One Venture only offers secondary coverage. If you want primary coverage with Capital One, you would have to get the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Preferred
3. Transfer partners
As a redemption option on either card, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points or Venture miles to airline and hotel partners. These are the transfer partner options for the Capital One Venture:
| Capital One transfer partners | Chase transfer partners |
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Capital One has more transfer partners, but it also lacks any domestic airline partners. Ultimately, the actual value of transfer partners depends on which ones you will actually use.
For example, I am already a Marriott Bonvoy member and I often fly with Southwest and United, so Chase is more aligned with my travel preferences. If you would prefer to transfer most of your points to, say, Wyndham Rewards and British Airways, then Capital One may be more valuable to you.
Winner: It’s a tie. The better transfer partners depend on your travel preferences.
4. Rewards rate
The Capital One Venture helps you earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day, 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred helps you earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases.
The winner here ultimately comes down to your spending habits and preferences. However, I do see the appeal in the simplicity of the Capital One Venture. It seems easier to use and earn bonus miles without worrying about spending categories.
Winner: Capital One Venture
5. Travel portal redemption value
You can redeem Capital One miles through Capital One Travel at a rate of 1 mile per 1 cent. That means 10,000 miles equals $100 in travel redemptions through Capital One Travel.
With the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you get a 25% boost to travel redemptions made through Chase Travel℠. That boosts your standard redemption rate from 1 point per 1 cent to 1 point per 1.25 cents. In other words, 10,000 points equals $125 in travel redemptions through Chase Travel℠.
If you like using travel portals for your travel redemptions, the Chase Sapphire Preferred provides a better redemption value.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Which credit card should you choose?
When you should choose Capital One Venture
- You prefer a simple rewards rate
- You prefer Capital One transfer partners
- You want to combine rewards between applicable Capital One credit cards
When you should choose Chase Sapphire Preferred
- You prefer a rewards rate with multiple bonus categories
- You prefer Chase transfer partners
- You want to combine rewards between applicable Chase credit cards
- You want more travel insurance options
FAQs
Which is better, the Capital One Venture or the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The choice between the Capital One Venture and Chase Sapphire Preferred cards depends on your preferences. If you’re loyal to specific transfer partners or prefer Venture miles or Chase Ultimate Rewards points, choose accordingly.
Capital One Venture earns 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day, 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25. It also offers up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fees.
On the other hand, Chase Sapphire Preferred provides 25% more value on points redemptions for travel booked through the Chase portal, which is beneficial if you use other Chase cards. It also has a broad range of bonus categories.
Is the Capital One Venture worth it?
The Capital One Venture is worth it if you’ll get value from its rewards and benefits. This is one of the best travel credit cards because of its high earning potential, low $95 annual fee, and useful benefits. This includes up to a $100 fee reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, points transfer options to over 10 travel loyalty programs, and different types of travel insurance.
Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred give you airport lounge access?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred doesn’t include complimentary airport lounge access as one of its offered benefits. If you want access to airport lounges while traveling, consider cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or The Platinum Card® from American Express. The Sapphire Reserve offers free Priority Pass lounge access and Chase Sapphire Lounge access while the Amex Platinum offers both Priority Pass and Amex Centurion Lounge access. Select benefits require enrollment.
What credit score do you need for the Capital One Venture card?
You typically will need an excellent credit score to qualify for the Capital One Venture Credit Card. Excellent credit scores are often above 780. However, credit scores can vary based on the scoring model, and Capital One may also take into account other factors affecting your creditworthiness when considering your application.
What credit score do you need for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card?
You typically need a good or excellent credit score to qualify for the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Good credit scores generally start at 660, and excellent credit scores are typically 780 or above. However, credit scores can vary based on the scoring model. Keep in mind that Chase may also consider credit factors other than your credit score when reviewing your credit card application.
Bottom line
The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture are both great travel cards. If you’re deciding between the two, you should consider your travel preferences and spending habits.
I prefer Chase due to its transfer partners, which include domestic airlines, and its multiple bonus categories. However, if you want a simple rewards rate and you prefer Capital One’s transfer partners, then the Venture may be the better card for you.
Additionally, you may want to consider if you already have an established relationship with Chase or Capital One, as you can combine rewards from eligible cards.
Ultimately, either card could provide great rewards and benefits for travelers.
Great for Flexible Travel Rewards
Current Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases