Augusta Stone is a credit cards writer for TPG. She joined the TPG team in 2023 and is excited to take points and miles beginners with her on a journey toward maximizing rewards.
May 20, 2026 • 7 min read
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Quick summary
The article explores the decision to keep two premium travel rewards cards, focusing on their complementary benefits.
Holding both cards allows access to two valuable points currencies and a wider range of airline and hotel transfer partners.
The combination provides enhanced airport lounge access at multiple networks and locations, as well as a variety of statement credits for travel, dining and entertainment.
The author notes that maximizing these perks requires an organized approach to using statement credits and lounge visits.
What to consider
Statement credits for travel, dining and entertainment can significantly offset costs if fully utilized, but require enrollment and careful planning.
Some lounge benefits have visit limits or require high annual spending to unlock unlimited access.
Upcoming changes to hotel credit usage may introduce new minimum stay requirements at certain properties starting January 2027.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of how pairing two premium cards can fill gaps in travel benefits, lounge access and statement credits for frequent travelers.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Before adding the to my wallet, I analyzed my current card setup. The Amex Platinum's $895 annual fee (see rates and fees) was more than enough to prompt a review of my current strategy.
After weighing the pros and cons, I decided to keep both of these popular premium travel rewards cards. These are the four factors that influenced my decision.
I like to redeem Capital One miles for Delta Air Lines tickets, which I usually book through SkyTeam alliance partner Air France-KLM's Flying Blue. I recently transferred 15,000 miles to Flying Blue to book two one-way domestic Delta flights between Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in South Carolina and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).
: New cardmembers can find out their offer and may be eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.) Per TPG's May 2026 valuations, this bonus is worth up to $3,500.
Venture X: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. TPG's May 2026 valuations deem this offer worth $1,388.
I love using my Venture X. It provides at least 2 miles per dollar spent on everything, which is a very solid earning rate.
FILADENDRON/GETTY IMAGES
Conversely, my isn't the best choice for the majority of my spending, since it earns 1 point per dollar spent on most purchases.
However, it comes in clutch when I need to book flights directly or make prepaid lodging reservations through American Express Travel®, since it earns 5 points per dollar spent in these categories (on up to $500,000 per calendar year for airfare booked direct or through Amex Travel, then 1 point per dollar spent).
I have plenty of choices at most airports I visit. I love the Escape Lounge at my local Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in South Carolina. And I expect to visit the Centurion Lounges at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), as I frequently connect through these airports.
Plus, when I pass through ATL on a same-day Delta ticket, I can use up one of my 10 annual visits to the Delta Sky Club.*
*Spending $75,000 or more on the card unlocks unlimited Sky Club visits.
There is a long list of statement credits offered by the . This is how I use four of my favorites:
Airline fee credit*: I receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year toward incidental fees on my one selected U.S. airline. I use this when I need to check bags on Delta, since I'll occasionally fly with them but don't have one of their cobranded cards nor SkyMiles elite status.
Digital entertainment statement credit*: I get $25 off my YouTube TV subscription each month, using up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year toward eligible subscriptions.
Dining statement credit*: I spent a $100 quarterly statement credit on date night dinner and cocktails at The 07, a restaurant in my area. I receive up to $400 in statement credits per calendar year at participating U.S. restaurants affiliated with Resy (no reservation required; simply pay with your card at an eligible restaurant).
Lodging statement credit: I booked a two-night stay at The Read House, a historic hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for only $236 out of pocket thanks to a biannual $300 credit. I receive up to $600 in statement credits per calendar year toward prepaid lodging booked through Amex Travel at Fine Hotels + Resorts,The Hotel Collection or eligible Airbnb Luxe properties (two-night minimum at The Hotel Collection and eligible Airbnb Luxe properties; effective Jan. 1, 2027, Fine Hotels + Resorts will require a two-night minimum stay).
*Enrollment required
LONGITUDE 131
Venture X travel credit
The Venture X doesn't have nearly as long a list of credits, but its $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel lowers the effective annual fee to $95 on its own.
My wallet is unquestionably stronger with both the and Venture X.
From elevated earning rates to expansive lounge access and high-value statement credits, the perks on these two cards pair exceptionally well. Their strengths fill in each other’s gaps, creating a well-rounded setup that suits many different types of travelers.
I’m confident these cards will meaningfully enhance my upcoming trips — and they already have.
To learn more about either card, read our full reviews of the Amex Platinum and Venture X.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
