When it comes to high-end travel cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® has been making waves. But the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been a household name for years, winning people over with its lower annual fee, simple rewards structure, and strong perks.
Both cards have some serious earning potential, valuable statement credits, and coveted airport lounge access. But the way they do it is very different.
Let’s break down how these two VIPs stack up, what’s new with the Sapphire Reserve, and how to decide which one should live in your wallet.
Quick Overview
Fresh off a major revamo, the Sapphire Reserve now comes with a higher $795 annual fee. But between upgraded rewards categories, a stack of new statement credits, and a new “Points Boost” program that can really stretch your redemptions, it’s still one of the most flexible premium cards, especially if you love Chase’s transfer partners. And I mean… who doesn’t?
At $395 per year, the Venture X is the definition of premium but practical. You’ll get a $300 annual travel credit (to use through Capital One Travel), 10,000 anniversary bonus miles every year, and 2x miles on everything. You’re not juggling as many monthly credits, and you still get Priority PassTM (with enrollment), Capital One Lounge access, and competitive transfer partners.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | ||
Annual Fee | $795 | $395 |
Lounge Access | Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges, and Air Canada Cafés in the U.S., Canada, and Europe (with an eligible Star Alliance boarding pass) | Capital One Lounges and Priority PassTM lounges (after enrollment) |
Point Value (Travel Portal) | 1.5 cents per point (until Oct. 2027) or up to 2 cents on select hotels and flights with Points Boost | 1 cent per mile (via Capital One Travel) or potentially more with transfer partners |
Transfer Partners | Over 15 partners (Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, Wyndham, etc) | |
Annual Credits | $900+ in potential credits (travel, dining, Apple, DoorDash, StubHub, Lyft, Peloton, more) | $300 Capital One Travel credit and 10,000 miles anniversary bonus |
Travel Protections | Trip cancellation and delay, lost luggage and delay, rental car insurance, and more | Trip cancellation and delay, lost luggage and delay, rental car insurance, and more |
Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
Note for Business Owners
If you’re leaning toward either of these cards but have business expenses, both issuers now have premium options for you.
The Capital One Venture X Business mirrors the personal version with a simple earning structure and annual perks, while the Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ comes with the new Points Boost program, stacked travel credits, and comprehensive protections for your business spending.
Both can be great options if you want to earn points on everything business-related.
📌 Pro Tip: Want a business card but not sure if you qualify? Find out here.
Rewards Breakdown
10x points on eligible Peloton equipment and accessories
8x points on all Chase TravelSM purchases
5x points on eligible Lyft rides (through 9/30/27)
4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
3x points on dining worldwide (including eligible delivery services)
1x on everything else
10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
5x miles on flights and vacation rentals via Capital One Travel
2x miles on all other purchases (yay!)
My Verdict: The Sapphire Reserve’s bonus categories cover more ground if you book travel directly and spend a ton on dining, but the Venture X’s flat 2x on everything else is perfect for people who don’t want to overthink it.
Key Benefits and Credits
$300 travel statement credit reimbursement each anniversary year
Points Boost: Redeem Ultimate Rewards Points at up to 2x when booking select airline tickets and hotel accommodations through Chase Travel
$300 Annual Dining Credit (up to $150 in statement credits biannually) for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables. No activation or reservation is required.
$500 Credit for stays with The Edit, a handpicked collection of 1,000+ hotels and resorts (up to $250 in statement credits biannually)
Complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status through December 31, 2027 (activation required)
$250 annual value through complimentary subscription to Apple TV+ and Apple Music (activation required)
$300 StubHub and viagogo credit (up to $150 in statement credits biannually)
$120 in annual Lyft in-app credits, up to $10 monthly, and the ability to earn 5x total points on eligible Lyft rides through 9/30/2027
Up to $120 Peloton credit and 10x points on all equipment purchases
Complimentary access to Reserve Travel Designers with end-to-end travel planning from a custom itinerary to trip support
Up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS
$300 DoorDash value and $120 DashPass membership (up to $25 in monthly promos) for 12 months if activated by 12/31/2027.
IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status
$500 Southwest Airlines travel credit when booking Southwest flights through Chase Travel
Southwest Airlines A-List Status
Up to $250 credit for The Shops at Chase
$300 annual travel credit (booked through Capital One Travel)
10,000 bonus miles each anniversary (worth at least $100 toward travel)
Up to $120 credit every four years for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
Capital One Lounge and Priority PassTM access (with enrollment)
No foreign transaction fees
$100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
⚠️ Heads Up: Starting February 1, 2026, Capital One is rolling out some major changes to its lounge access rules.
Which Card Offers More Value?
If you love maximizing every category, don’t mind tracking multiple statement credits, and want access to Chase’s unbeatable transfer partners, the Sapphire Reserve is a solid choice… but at almost double the annual fee.
The Venture X, on the other hand, is a little simpler and more cost-efficient. You’re getting coveted lounge access, an easy-to-use travel credit, and anniversary miles, all for $395. That means you’re effectively paying $0 out of pocket if you redeem the credits and miles each year.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re new to premium cards, the Venture X is a great first step before considering something like the Sapphire Reserve. If you already have a Chase ecosystem setup (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card), the Sapphire Reserve’s better redemption rates and transfer options might be worth the jump.
Bottom Line
I’m sorry in advance to my indecisive friends, but there’s no universal “winner” here.
Go with the Sapphire Reserve if you:
Spend more on dining and travel booked directly
Want the highest-tier travel protections available
Plan to use multiple statement credits each year
Go with the Venture X if you:
Prefer a simpler earning structure
Want premium perks without the premium price
Book most of your travel through Capital One’s portal
Or, if you’re a frequent traveler who doesn’t mind carrying two premium cards? Pair them! Use the Venture X for 2x on “everything else” and easy lounge access, and keep the Sapphire Reserve for high-value Chase transfers and bonus dining and travel earnings. Your wallet might get heavier… but so will your points balance. 😄
