Credit Card Showdown: Chase Sapphire Preferred® vs. Capital One Venture® Rewards
By Amir Khan
When it comes to travel rewards credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Capital One Venture® Rewards are two heavyweights. Both offer solid benefits, but which one is better for you? Let’s break it down.
Chase Sapphire Preferred®: Pros and Cons
Why It’s Great:
- High Travel Rewards: Earn 5x points on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 2x on dining.
- Flexible Redemption: Points can be transferred to 14 travel partners like United and Hyatt.
- Big Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points (worth $750 for travel) after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Drawbacks:
- Annual Fee: $95.
- Limited Cashback Options: Not ideal if you’re not focused on travel rewards.
Capital One Venture® Rewards: Pros and Cons
Why It’s Great:
- Flat Rewards Rate: Earn 2x miles on every purchase, no exceptions.
- Ease of Use: Redeem miles to erase travel purchases directly from your statement.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Drawbacks:
- No Dining Bonus: Unlike Chase Sapphire Preferred, dining doesn’t get extra rewards.
- Transfer Partners Are Limited: Fewer travel partners compared to Chase.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Preferred® | Capital One Venture® Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Rewards | 5x through Chase Ultimate | 2x on all purchases |
| Dining Rewards | 2x | 1x |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 60,000 points ($750 value) | 75,000 miles (varies) |
| Annual Fee | $95 | $95 |
| Transfer Partners | 14 | Fewer |
| Ease of Redemption | Chase portal or transfers | Direct travel credit |
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Chase Sapphire Preferred® if:
- You want flexibility with travel partners.
- You spend heavily on dining and book travel often through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Choose Capital One Venture® Rewards if:
- You value simplicity and want rewards for every purchase without tracking bonus categories.
- You prefer an easy redemption process to erase travel purchases.
How PerfectCard Can Help
Deciding between two strong cards can be tricky. PerfectCard simplifies the process by analyzing your spending patterns and recommending the card that delivers the most value. Whether you prioritize bonus categories or flat rewards, PerfectCard ensures you make a smart choice.
Final Verdict
Both cards are excellent, but your choice depends on your travel habits and spending priorities. Let PerfectCard crunch the numbers for you—it’s the fastest way to make the right call.
