Why the Capital One Venture X and the Savor Cash make a dynamic duo
Editor's Note
Whether it’s peanut butter and jelly or airplanes and lie-flat seats, some things are just better together. When two things perfectly complement each other, they become a dynamic duo. That is exactly what Capital One has done with two of its most popular credit cards.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel rewards card that earns miles on everyday spending. Comparatively, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited cash back on dining, groceries and more.
Capital One allows cardholders to transfer rewards from cash-back cards to travel rewards cards (or vice versa) at a rate of 1 cent to 1 mile. Simply put, transferring cash back makes rewards more valuable, as TPG’s May 2025 valuations peg Capital One miles at 1.85 cents each, rather than 1 cent alone.
Being able to earn cash back and redeem those earnings as miles is a promising proposition, and why the combination of the Capital One Venture X and the Savor Cash is especially appealing.
Here’s how they work better together.
Spending together
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards earns 3% back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores (excluding Walmart® and Target®). If you want to book tickets to see your favorite artist or team, you also get 8% back on purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked with Capital One Travel.
For travel, the Venture X earns 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars while earning 5 miles per dollar spent on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel.
Despite being a travel credit card, the Venture X really excels at maximizing day-to-day spending since it earns an unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.
After converting the cash back to miles (and possibly increasing the value of the rewards), this card duo earns an unlimited 2 to 10 miles per dollar spent in the following bonus categories:
- 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5 miles per dollar spent on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- 3 miles per dollar spent on dining
- 3 miles per dollar spent on entertainment
- 3 miles per dollar spent on popular streaming services
- 3 miles per dollar spent at grocery stores
- 2 miles per dollar spent on everything else
Related: Best Capital One credit cards
Redeeming together
The ability to transfer cash back to miles opens up a whirlwind of redemption options. With the Venture X‘s 15-plus transfer partners, you can use your miles to get to the far corners of the world and then stay there on rewards.
For example, I previously booked a $1,500 vacation rental for 45,000 Capital One miles instead of receiving $450 in cash-back rewards. This perk truly allows this dynamic duo to be so powerful.
Suppose you do not want to transfer miles to one of Capital One’s numerous partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan (to book flights on Star Alliance partners like United Airlines), Wyndham Rewards (to book hotels) and Air France-KLM Flying Blue (for SkyTeam flights).
In that case, you can redeem travel charges for a statement credit at a rate of 1 cent per mile. Effectively, this would be the same as converting the miles on the Venture X to cash back on the Savor and cashing out via a statement credit, check, gift card or charitable contribution.
Related: Should you transfer Capital One miles to partners or redeem directly for travel?
Other benefits together
These two cards complement each other in terms of the benefits offered. In addition to earning and redeeming rewards, the Savor Cash is a World Elite Mastercard, while the Venture X is a Visa Infinite product, which doubles the potential benefits.
World Elite Mastercards get free ShopRunner memberships (through Sept. 30) and access to Mastercard’s Luxury Hotel & Resorts Portfolio, which includes benefits such as amenity credits, complimentary room upgrades and free breakfast, among others, at over 3,000 properties.
Visa Infinite cards receive access to the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection, which functions similarly to Mastercard’s portfolio. Cardholders also receive Priority Pass lounge membership, which includes access for the cardholder and up to two guests at more than 1,700 lounges worldwide, and primary rental car insurance in addition to trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and extended warranty protection.
Additionally, the Venture X offers Hertz President’s Circle status*, which comes in handy when renting a car. The card also includes cellphone protection of up to $800 if your device is damaged or stolen; all you have to do to qualify is pay your phone bill with the card (subject to a $50 deductible).
*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.
In addition to Priority Pass, the card gives you access to Capital One’s growing lounge network, including an amazing landing at Washington, D.C.'s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and an up to $120 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Finally, with the Venture X, you get an annual $300 credit through Capital One Travel and 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary. These perks work together between the cards to help you create enjoyable travel experiences while decreasing risks thanks to insurance benefits.
Related: 6 things to do when you get the Capital One Venture X
Fees and welcome bonuses
The Venture X offers 100,000 bonus miles, which can be earned after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
The Savor offers a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
After completing the minimum spending requirements and earning the two welcome bonuses across these cards, it's possible to accrue a big stash of miles — enough to potentially cover an international round-trip flight in business class, a handful of round-trip domestic flights or a couple of nights at your favorite hotel.
The Capital One Venture X’s annual fee is $395, while the Savor Cash does not charge an annual fee.
Neither card charges foreign transaction fees or charges to add an authorized user, a nice benefit compared to some other travel cards with additional costs.
Bottom line
Several credit card issuers have built their products to work better together, which is the case with the Venture X and the Savor Cash — Capital One’s dynamic card duo.
Add in the protections, yearly benefits and welcome offer bonus miles, and these two cards are perfect for individuals who want to keep a simple, two-card set-up to maximize their daily travel spending.
Learn more: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards
Learn more: Capital One Venture X
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.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.