Capital One Venture X vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Card Deserves a Spot in Your Wallet? Capital One Venture X vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Card Deserves a Spot in Your Wallet?

Capital One Venture X vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Card Deserves a Spot in Your Wallet?

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees) quickly cemented itself as the front-runner in the premium credit card space since it was introduced in 2016. But at the end of 2021, Capital One shook things up when it launched the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. This was another entry into the premium card market to compete with its long-standing heavyweight, The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Now that the Sapphire Reserve has undergone a refresh and Capital One is making changes to lounge access on the Capital One Venture X, it's a good time to compare what each card offers today to see which one comes out on top.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee$395
Credit ScoreExcellent
  • 10X miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles per $1 on purchases through Capital One Entertainment (through 12/31/2025)
  • 5X miles per $1 on flights when booking via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles per $1 on vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel
  • 2X miles per $1 on all other eligible purchases
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Welcome Bonus Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee$795Rates & Fees
Credit ScoreExcellent
  • 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
  • 3x points on dining worldwide
  • 1x points on all other purchases

Capital One Venture X vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Welcome Bonus

Premium credit cards often come with generous welcome offers, and both the Sapphire Reserve and the Capital One Venture X are no exception. These offers can change over time, so it’s important to apply when the bonus is at or near its highest — especially since you typically can’t earn the same welcome bonus again.

Here are the current welcome offers on both cards:

  • Capital One Venture X: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Sapphire Reserve: Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Between the two, the Capital One Venture X offers fewer bonus miles but requires a slightly lower minimum spend requirement. The Sapphire Reserve on the other hand offers a much larger welcome bonus, though it requires more spending to unlock. That said, the extra effort may be well worth it, especially since the difference between the two offers is night and day — at least for now.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual Fee$795
Welcome Bonus Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase's flagship Ultimate Rewards card. You get a $300 travel credit, airport lounge access courtesy of a Priority Pass membership and industry-leading travel insurance benefits. New cardholders earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
  • Member FDIC
  • Rates & Fees
  • 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
  • 3x points on dining worldwide
  • 1x points on all other purchases

Capital One Venture X vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Annual Fee

Both are premium cards and, as such, charge high annual fees. Currently, the annual fee on the Sapphire Reserve is $795, while the Capital One Venture X charges $395.

While both fees are a lot to stomach, the Sapphire Reserve’s annual fee is now $400 higher than that of the Capital One Venture X.

Man holding a credit card and looking at his cell phone.
Credit: Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

Not only does it have a higher annual fee, but the Sapphire Reserve also charges $195 for each additional authorized user. The Capital One Venture X charges $0 for up to 4 authorized users. However, beginning in February 2026, authorized users on the Capital One Venture X will need to pay $125 per year for lounge access due to guest policy changes, so that’s a number you’ll want to keep in mind.

And as with nearly every premium credit card, it's possible to justify the annual fee through the various benefits, statement credits, and perks each card offers. So, if we assume you can make the most of those perks, it’s fair to say the better pick here is the one that costs less upfront.

Winner: Capital One Venture X

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Annual Fee$395
Welcome Bonus Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel-focused card, stacked with benefits. Cardholders get complimentary access to Capital One Lounges, plus more than 1,300 other lounges worldwide, receive up to a $300 annual travel credit for bookings via Capital One Travel and up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. There's also an anniversary bonus of 10,000 miles, equivalent to $100 towards travel. High earning rates include 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, plus 2X on all other purchases.
  • 10X miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles per $1 on purchases through Capital One Entertainment (through 12/31/2025)
  • 5X miles per $1 on flights when booking via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles per $1 on vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel
  • 2X miles per $1 on all other eligible purchases

When to Use the Capital One Venture X vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Capital One Venture X and Sapphire Reserve share a lot of similarities, but one area where they really differ is in their earning rates. In short, the former is better for everyday spending, while the latter shines when it comes to specific types of purchases.

Here's how you'll earn Capital One miles with the Capital One Venture X:

  • 10X miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles per $1 on purchases through Capital One Entertainment (through 12/31/2025)
  • 5X miles per $1 on flights when booking via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles per $1 on vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel
  • 2X miles per $1 on all other eligible purchases

And here's how you'll earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points with the Sapphire Reserve:

  • 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
  • 3x points on dining worldwide
  • 1x points on all other purchases

Ultimately, the best card for you in terms of earning rates depends on how and where you spend. One card may clearly stand out based on your habits, while the other might not feel as rewarding.

Winner: It's a tie. The Sapphire Reserve wins for its additional bonus categories, while the Capital One Venture X is stronger for everyday spending.

Capital One Venture X Travel Credit vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Travel Credit

Both cards offer a $300 travel credit and let you use it in increments until you reach the $300 annual maximum. For the Capital One Venture X, you must book travel through Capital One Travel to use the credit. During checkout, you can choose whether or not to apply the credit to eligible purchases. The credit resets each account anniversary.

For the Sapphire Reserve, you’ll automatically receive the credit on the first $300 in eligible travel purchases each cardmember year, regardless of whether they’re made through Chase Travel℠. Chase defines eligible travel broadly, including airlines, hotels, car rentals, cruises, travel agencies, discount travel sites, campgrounds, trains, buses, taxis, tolls, parking, and more.

friends look at a phone together while waiting in an airport
Credit: Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

The downside for both cards is that you won’t earn points on travel purchases until the full $300 credit has been used. This has long been the case with the Sapphire Reserve, but Capital One only recently adopted this approach for the Capital One Venture X travel credit.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve for flexibility.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual Fee$795
Welcome Bonus Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase's flagship Ultimate Rewards card. You get a $300 travel credit, airport lounge access courtesy of a Priority Pass membership and industry-leading travel insurance benefits. New cardholders earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
  • Member FDIC
  • Rates & Fees
  • 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
  • 3x points on dining worldwide
  • 1x points on all other purchases

Other Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits vs. Capital One Venture X Benefits

These cards come with many other benefits, so let's compare them.

Lounge access

Both cards offer lounge access through Priority Pass, a network of 1,700+ airport lounges worldwide that you can access after enrolling in a complimentary membership. Both cards also give you access to Plaza Premium Lounges.

In addition, each card provides entry to its issuer’s own lounge network. Sapphire Reserve cardholders can visit Chase Sapphire Lounges, while Capital One Venture X cardholders get access to Capital One Lounges. Both lounge networks are still small but continue to expand

Chase Sapphire Lounge PHL entryway
Credit: Tyler Glatt/AwardWallet

Two details may influence which card wins on lounge access: guest access and whether you can use non-lounge features of Priority Pass.

With the Capital One Venture X, you don’t get access to Priority Pass’s non-lounge experiences — like restaurants, spas, or sleep pods. You can currently bring unlimited guests into Priority Pass lounges (subject to space availability), but starting in February 2026, guest access will cost $45 per adult and $25 per child aged 2–17.

The Sapphire Reserve used to include access to all of Priority Pass’s extras — spas, Minute Suites, restaurants, and more. But that changed in July 2024. Now, access is limited to Be Relax spas, Gameway lounges, and Minute Suites. Cardholders receive two complimentary guests at Priority Pass lounges. Additional authorized users cost $195, but each can enroll for their own Priority Pass membership and access Sapphire Lounges.

Winner: Mixed. For now, the Capital One Venture X. However, once upcoming changes to guest access take effect, the edge will go to the Sapphire Reserve.

Related: Benefits for Authorized Users on Rewards Credit Cards

Luxury hotel programs

With the Capital One Venture X, you’ll have access to the Premier Collection that's housed in the Capital One Travel portal. Bookings at these properties include a $100 experience credit, daily breakfast for two, early check-in and late check-out when available, and room upgrades when available.

With the Sapphire Reserve, you can access The Edit, a curated selection of world-class hotels bookable through Chase Travel℠. Cardmembers also receive a $500 annual credit to use toward bookings in this collection, delivered as bi-annual $250 credits.

The Edit reservations come with daily breakfast for two, a $100 property credit, room upgrades when available, early check-in and late check-out when available, and a welcome amenity.

Luxury Resort Swimming Pool In San Diego
Credit: Cory Bjork/Unsplash

Since both cards are typically issued as Visa Infinite products, they also provide access to the Visa Luxury Hotel Collection. These bookings include room upgrades based on availability, daily continental breakfast for two, VIP guest status, a $25 food and beverage credit, and 3 PM checkout when available.

Winner: Thanks to its hotel credit and the hotel collection benefits on offer, the Sapphire Reserve is a standout option here.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual Fee$795
Welcome Bonus Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase's flagship Ultimate Rewards card. You get a $300 travel credit, airport lounge access courtesy of a Priority Pass membership and industry-leading travel insurance benefits. New cardholders earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
  • Member FDIC
  • Rates & Fees
  • 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
  • 3x points on dining worldwide
  • 1x points on all other purchases

Credits and partner benefits

The Sapphire Reserve comes with the following credits and partner benefits:

  • IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status
  • Up to $300 annual dining credit at Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables that are bookable via OpenTable ($150 bi-annually)
  • Elite status with two rental car programs: Avis Preferred Plus and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive. One of the most valuable perks of car rental status is the ability to leverage it for a status match with other programs
  • Up to $250 in Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions
  • Up to $300 annual StubHub credit ($150 bi-annually)
  • Up to $120 in annual Lyft credits ($10 per month)
  • Up to $120 in Peloton credits ($10 per month on eligible Peloton memberships)
  • Complimentary DashPass for DoorDash for at least one year when you activate by December 31, 2027. As a DashPass member, you’ll also get up to $25 in monthly savings — including a $5 monthly DoorDash credit and two $10 promos for non-restaurant DoorDash orders
looking through the front window of a car driving for Lyft
Credit: Paul Hanaoka/Unsplash

The Capital One Venture X includes the following:

  • Hertz President’s Circle status — the top tier, with benefits like skipping the rental counter, guaranteed car upgrades, and priority vehicle selection
  • PRIOR subscription, offering exclusive luxury trip access for cardholders
  • 50% off an Enthusiast membership to The Cultivist, giving access to dozens of museums worldwide for up to two years
  • A 10,000-mile anniversary bonus each year. If you redeem these miles for at least a cent apiece, this is worth at least $100.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve as long as you can use all (or most) of the credits.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual Fee$795
Welcome Bonus Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase's flagship Ultimate Rewards card. You get a $300 travel credit, airport lounge access courtesy of a Priority Pass membership and industry-leading travel insurance benefits. New cardholders earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
  • Member FDIC
  • Rates & Fees
  • 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
  • 3x points on dining worldwide
  • 1x points on all other purchases

Other perks

Both cards offer the following:

However, Sapphire Reserve cardholders can take advantage of emergency medical and dental coverage, baggage delay insurance, and emergency evacuation services. Additionally, Sapphire Reserve cardholders can be reimbursed for their NEXUS application fees (in lieu of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry).

Winner: Sapphire Reserve for its additional coverage.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual Fee$795
Welcome Bonus Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase's flagship Ultimate Rewards card. You get a $300 travel credit, airport lounge access courtesy of a Priority Pass membership and industry-leading travel insurance benefits. New cardholders earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
  • Member FDIC
  • Rates & Fees
  • 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
  • 3x points on dining worldwide
  • 1x points on all other purchases

Chase Sapphire Reserve Points vs. Capital One Miles

You can use your points and miles in multiple ways once you earn them. Each bank has its own set of transfer partners and its own travel portal where you can redeem your rewards. Let's compare.

Transfer partners

Both cards allow you to transfer your rewards to airline and hotel partners, providing opportunities for high-value redemptions. Capital One has 19 total transfer partners:

From
To
Transfer Ratio
Min.Transfer
Average Time
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
100:50
1,000
1 hour
Aeromexico (Rewards)
100:100
1,000
Immediate
Air Canada (Aeroplan)
100:100
1,000
Immediate
100:100
1,000
Immediate
100:100
1,000
Immediate
100:100
1,000
Immediate
Cathay Pacific (Cathay)
100:100
1,000
2 days
Choice Hotels (Choice Privileges)
1,000
Unknown
Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)
100:100
1,000
Immediate
Etihad Airways (Etihad Guest)
100:100
1,000
Immediate
EVA Air (Infinity MileageLands)
100:75
1,000
1 day
Finnair Plus
100:100
1,000
Immediate
JetBlue Airways (TrueBlue)
1,000
2 hours
Qantas (Frequent Flyer)
100:100
1,000
1 day
Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer)
100:100
1,000
18 hours
TAP Portugal (Miles&Go)
100:100
1,000
Unknown
Turkish Airlines (Miles&Smiles)
100:100
1,000
Immediate
Virgin Red
100:100
1,000
Immediate
Wyndham Rewards
100:100
1,000
13 hours

And here's a list of Chase's 14 transfer partners:

From
To
Transfer Ratio
Min.Transfer
Average Time
Aer Lingus (AerClub)
1,000:1,000
-
Immediate
Air Canada (Aeroplan)
-
47 minutes
1,000:1,000
-
Immediate
Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)
1,000:1,000
-
Immediate
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
1,000:1,000
-
Immediate
Iberia Plus
1,000:1,000
-
Immediate
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
1,000:1,000
-
5 hours
JetBlue Airways (TrueBlue)
1,000:1,000
-
Immediate
Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer)
1,000:1,000
-
1 day
Southwest Airlines (Rapid Rewards)
1,000:1,000
-
Immediate
United Airlines (Mileage Plus)
1,000:1,000
-
Immediate
Virgin Atlantic (Flying Club)
1,000:1,000
-
Immediate

As you can see, Capital One has more transfer partners, but only Chase has U.S.-based airline partners. Additionally, Chase's transfer partners include World of Hyatt, which is a sweet spot for getting the most value for your points on hotel stays. Additionally, all of Chase's transfers occur at a 1:1 ratio; that's not true for Capital One. Transfers to Accor (2:1) and EVA (4:3) occur at sub-optimal rates.

Conversely, data points from AwardWallet users show they tend to redeem Capital One miles at 2.01¢ apiece and redeem Chase points at 1.95¢ each.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve for hotel and domestic partner sweet spots.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual Fee$795
Welcome Bonus Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase's flagship Ultimate Rewards card. You get a $300 travel credit, airport lounge access courtesy of a Priority Pass membership and industry-leading travel insurance benefits. New cardholders earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
  • Member FDIC
  • Rates & Fees
  • 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
  • 3x points on dining worldwide
  • 1x points on all other purchases

Combining rewards with others

Both cards allow you to share your rewards with others. However, Chase places more restrictions on how you do it.

It's possible to combine your cash-back rewards with Chase Ultimate Rewards points and use them in the travel portal or with transfer partners. Additionally, you can share your rewards with one other person in your household. Alternatively, you can transfer points into the hotel/airline loyalty account of someone who is an authorized user on your card.

Capital One makes this much simpler. You can combine cash-back earnings with miles if you have both types of cards, and you can share your miles with anyone.

Winner: Capital One Venture X

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Annual Fee$395
Welcome Bonus Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel-focused card, stacked with benefits. Cardholders get complimentary access to Capital One Lounges, plus more than 1,300 other lounges worldwide, receive up to a $300 annual travel credit for bookings via Capital One Travel and up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. There's also an anniversary bonus of 10,000 miles, equivalent to $100 towards travel. High earning rates include 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, plus 2X on all other purchases.
  • 10X miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles per $1 on purchases through Capital One Entertainment (through 12/31/2025)
  • 5X miles per $1 on flights when booking via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles per $1 on vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel
  • 2X miles per $1 on all other eligible purchases

Chase Travel℠ Portal vs. Capital One Travel Portal

Here's one area where you can see a bigger difference between these two cards. At first, their earning rates within their respective portals seem similar. However, it's how rewards are used that provides the most significant difference.

The Capital One Venture X earns 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 2X miles on other eligible purchases.

When it comes to redeeming, Capital One miles are worth 1¢ each through Capital One Travel. This means 10,000 miles are worth $100. You can use the miles to book hotels, airfare, and rental cars, along with Capital One's Premier Collection hotels. You can also use your Capital One miles to cover travel purchases from the last three months.

With the Sapphire Reserve, you'll earn 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct and 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠.

a woman sits on the couch in her apartment, using a laptop
Credit: Ave Calvar/Unsplash

But Chase is rolling out a new redemption model called Points Boost that changes how Ultimate Rewards are redeemed in the portal. Instead of the flat 1.5¢ per point value, Chase is moving to a tiered system where select travel redemptions will be worth up to 2¢ per point. These Points Boost offers will be available on thousands of hotels and flights through Chase Travel℠ portal. For bookings that don’t qualify, points will now be redeemed at a standard 1¢ per point.

(Note that, if you opened your Sapphire Reserve before June 23, 2025, you’ll still be able to redeem points earned before October 26, 2025, at the original 1.5¢ rate until October 26, 2027. After that, all redemptions will follow the Points Boost structure.)

You can also redeem points at varying rates, depending on the category, with Pay Yourself Back.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve has a slight edge because of the ability to book some travel at the boosted rate.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual Fee$795
Welcome Bonus Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase's flagship Ultimate Rewards card. You get a $300 travel credit, airport lounge access courtesy of a Priority Pass membership and industry-leading travel insurance benefits. New cardholders earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
  • Member FDIC
  • Rates & Fees
  • 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
  • 3x points on dining worldwide
  • 1x points on all other purchases

Bottom Line

While the Sapphire Reserve won more categories than the Capital One Venture X, it's hard to overlook the annual fee difference. So, which card should you choose? It depends on how much effort you're willing to put into maximizing value from Sapphire Reserve‘s myriad of credits.

The Sapphire Reserve is better for those who want potentially better benefits, guest lounge access, or want to use points to pay for travel in the portal at elevated rates. The Capital One Venture X is better for those who want solid benefits, better earnings on everyday purchases, and a lower annual fee.

For further details, see our full review of the Capital One Venture X and full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee$395
Credit ScoreExcellent
  • 10X miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles per $1 on purchases through Capital One Entertainment (through 12/31/2025)
  • 5X miles per $1 on flights when booking via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles per $1 on vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel
  • 2X miles per $1 on all other eligible purchases
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Welcome Bonus Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee$795Rates & Fees
Credit ScoreExcellent
  • 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
  • 3x points on dining worldwide
  • 1x points on all other purchases

For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees)

AwardWallet Tip of The Day
Did you know you can see the transaction history for most of your loyalty program accounts in AwardWallet? In your AwardWallet account dashboard, click the + sign next to the account you want to view. Then, click the History tab to see your individual transaction history.
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