When to Pick the Capital One Venture X Over the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Premium travel credit cards can offer tremendous value for frequent travelers with exclusive perks, higher earning potential and travel credits. While these cards come with higher annual fees, many travelers get significantly more value from the benefits than what they pay to be a cardholder. There are several premium travel cards to choose from.

If you're considering the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, here's how to tell which one is right for you.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve® benefits

Both premium travel credit cards offer attractive benefits, but there are differences that matter to travelers. This chart compares each card's details to help you decide which card to apply for based on your needs.

When to choose Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

To save money on annual fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a significantly lower annual fee than the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card. Cardholders pay an annual fee of just $395 for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card compared to $550 per year for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Additionally, you'll receive 10,000 bonus miles each year that you renew your Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card card. The $100 value of these renewal points further reduces the net fee you pay each year.

» Learn more: Understanding the Capital One miles value

You want to add authorized users

Additionally, if you want to share benefits with others, Chase charges $75 for each authorized user on your account. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has the ability to add up to four authorized users for free. That's up to $300 in yearly savings compared to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards

When you're over 5/24

If you've opened more than five new credit cards in the last two years, the Chase 5/24 Rule says that you won't get approved for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Being added as an authorized user also counts towards this total. Applicants for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card are not subject to this rule, so it is a good alternative for people who are not eligible to apply for Chase credit cards.

» Learn more: Why get more than one travel credit card

To earn higher rewards on everyday purchases

Cardholders will earn more rewards on everyday purchases with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. It earns an unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases. This is twice the amount of points earned from the Chase Sapphire Reserve® on non-category bonus spending.

If you already have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Current holders of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cannot apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Additionally, if you've received a bonus from either the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® card within the last 48 months, you're ineligible to apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

You want cell phone protection

When you pay your cell phone bill with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you're covered in case it is lost, stolen or damaged. Each claim covers up to $800 and there is a maximum of two claims per 12-month period. And there is a $50 deductible for each claim. While the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers many attractive perks, none of them protect your cell phone. (Benefits may change over time.)

» Learn more: Top credit cards for cell phone insurance

When to choose Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Ultimate Rewards® points are your preference

Chase Ultimate Rewards® are some of the most powerful points in the travel industry. They can be redeemed for cash, used to book travel, transferred to partners and more. Cardholders have 11 airline and three hotel partners to choose from, including the recent addition of Air Canada Aeroplan as a transfer option. Chase partners with some of the most well-known brands for Americans, such as Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Marriott and Hyatt.

» Learn more: Chase Ultimate Rewards® vs. American Express Membership Rewards

You want 1:1 transfer partners

One of the features that sets Ultimate Rewards® apart from the other flexible points programs is that they transfer on a 1:1 basis to every partner. Other programs may have transfer rates that move at a lower rate. For example, 1,000 Capital One miles converts to only 500 Accor Live Limitless points or 750 EVA Air miles. Additionally, Chase offers periodic transfer bonuses to select partners where you receive even more miles or points for your transfer.

You redeem points to book travel

While both the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® allow you to book travel with your points, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers much higher value on these redemptions.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders receive 1.5 cents per point in value when booking flights, hotels and more with their Ultimate Rewards® points. That's 50% more value than the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

» Learn more: How to maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards® points value

When dining out

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the best choice to pay for meals when dining out. It offers 3 points per dollar on dining, delivery services and takeout. Plus, you can earn 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining purchases through Chase's portal. By comparison, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card only earns 2 miles per dollar on dining purchases.

» Learn more: The Capital One Venture X vs. the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Which card is right for you?

The best premium travel card depends on how you travel and what you are looking for. While the Chase Sapphire Reserve® has been popular since its initial release several years ago, the new Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a better deal at this time.

Cardholders can save money on annual fees and enjoy a bonus of 10,000 miles every year they renew the card. There is no charge to add up to four additional cardholders and you'll receive cell phone protection of up to $800. (Benefits may change over time.) Plus, Capital One is opening new lounges where Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card customers receive unlimited free visits to enjoy all-inclusive amenities.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.