When it comes to stacking credit card benefits, there’s one thing everyone can agree on: more options equals more flexibility. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just looking to maximize your points, combining the right credit cards can take your rewards game to the next level. But not all credit card combinations are created equal. Let’s dive into two of the most popular pairings — the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card + the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® + the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card—and why one of them stands out as the superior option.
The Power of Card Stacking
Card stacking is the art of combining credit cards from different issuers to maximize benefits. One of the biggest advantages? You get access to more transfer partners, which means more ways to move your points around. Both Chase and Capital One have large networks of transfer partners, but there’s a catch. While there’s some overlap, there are also unique partnerships exclusive to each card issuer, giving you a wider range of choices when booking flights or hotel stays.
But it’s not just about flexibility. Credit card stacking also opens the door to earning multiple sign-up bonuses. Many top-tier cards offer hefty bonuses, and by strategically stacking cards, you can unlock these rewards twice as fast. Here, we’ll compare two powerful combinations and see which combo reigns supreme.
Combo 1: Chase Sapphire Preferred + Capital One Venture X
This pairing brings together the mid-tier Sapphire Preferred with the high-end Venture X, and it’s a match made in travel rewards heaven. The welcome offers for these two cards are nothing to sneeze at—135,000 points or miles combined (at the time of this publication), with the potential for even higher offers depending on timing.
But what sets this combo apart is the flexibility. The Sapphire Preferred gives you access to Chase’s vast network of transfer partners, including airlines like United, Southwest, and JetBlue. Meanwhile, the Venture X has its own list of exclusive transfer partners like Turkish Airlines and Qantas.
The Venture X also comes with some premium perks, such as a $300 annual travel credit and access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through the Priority Pass network. You can even bring up to two guests into these lounges for free. And if that’s not enough, the Venture X gives you 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, plus 5 miles per dollar on flights. For everything else? You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar.
On top of all that, the Sapphire Preferred offers 3 points per dollar on dining, grocery stores, and streaming services. It also offers a 25% points boost when you redeem through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. This combination provides a one-two punch for both travel and everyday spending, with generous multipliers on the categories that matter most.
However, the annual fees for this combo are something to consider. The Sapphire Preferred comes with a $95 annual fee, while the Venture X has a hefty $395 annual fee. Together, you're looking at $490 per year for this pairing.
Combo 2: Chase Sapphire Reserve + Capital One Venture
Now, let’s switch gears and look at the Sapphire Reserve paired with the Venture Card. This is the high-end Chase card combined with the mid-tier Capital One option. The welcome offer for this duo is identical to the first combo—135,000 points or miles at the time of publication—but this combination comes with higher annual fees.
The Sapphire Reserve offers similar benefits to the Sapphire Preferred, with 3 points per dollar on dining and travel, and a 50% points boost when redeeming through the Ultimate Rewards portal. But unlike the Sapphire Preferred, you’ll pay a $550 annual fee for the Sapphire Reserve. You’ll also get a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, and up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (every four years).
When paired with the Venture Card, which earns 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, you’re looking at a combination that’s just as powerful for earning rewards on travel and everyday expenses. But with the Sapphire Reserve, the benefits come at a cost—namely, the $550 annual fee.
Also, while the Sapphire Reserve offers 10 points per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you’ll need to spend $300 in those categories before earning that multiplier. In contrast, the Venture X offers 10 points with no minimum spend requirement, making it a more attractive option for some travelers.
So, Which Combo Is Better?
After weighing the pros and cons, it’s clear that the Sapphire Preferred + Venture X combo takes the win. Here’s why:
Lower Annual Fees: The Sapphire Preferred and Venture X have a combined annual fee of $490, which is $155 less than the Sapphire Reserve and Venture Card combo.
Extra Bonus: The Venture X offers a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus each year, making it easier to offset that high annual fee.
More Earning Power: With the Venture X, you’ll earn more points on travel purchases without hitting spending limits, unlike the Sapphire Reserve.
Flexibility: Both combos offer solid transfer partners, but the Venture X offers exclusive partnerships not covered by the Sapphire Reserve.
For travelers who want premium perks without breaking the bank on annual fees, the Sapphire Preferred + Venture X combo is a clear winner.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right credit card combo ultimately depends on your travel goals and spending habits. If maximizing rewards on everyday purchases is key, the Sapphire Preferred + Venture X offers the best bang for your buck. With lower fees, more bonus miles, and flexibility, this pairing is tough to beat.
