Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Capital One Venture: two top travel credit cards go head-to-head

30.11.2023 - 07:23 / lonelyplanet.com / Chase Sapphire-Preferred / Sapphire Preferred

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In the expanding world of travel credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card stand out from the pack. Each card has won its share of awards and topped “best of” lists thanks to valuable rewards and lucrative travel perks. But how do these cards stack up against each other? The two cards offer similar welcome bonuses and the same $95 annual fee, but they’re very different in their benefits. Understanding these differences can be pivotal in choosing the right fit for your spending habits and travel preferences.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the merits and details of both cards, unraveling their benefits, rewards structures and perks to guide you toward the card that aligns best with your travel aspirations and financial goals. Whether you seek flexibility, simplicity, or premium travel perks, we’ll help you navigate through the maze of choices, empowering you to make an informed decision between the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Capital One Venture Rewards.

How to get started with travel points and airline miles

The welcome bonuses for the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Capital One Venture are both attractive, but they cater to slightly different preferences and spending habits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred currently offers 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. These points are incredibly flexible, allowing for redemption in various ways, including travel, statement credits or 1:1 transfers to 14 airline and loyalty programs. Points are worth a flat $750 when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel portal. 

On the other hand, the Capital One Venture Rewards Card provides 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. These miles can be redeemed towards $750 worth of travel expenses or transferred to 18 airline and hotel loyalty programs. 

Ultimately, the decision between the two largely depends on your preferred redemption methods and transfer partners. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners include domestic loyalty programs like World of Hyatt, United MileagePlus and Southwest Rapid Rewards. Meanwhile, Capital One