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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Capital One Venture Rewards: Sapphire Preferred wins out for many
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.
July 5, 2026 • 12 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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Quick summary
Two leading travel cards with modest annual fees are compared for their value, benefits and redemption options.
Both options offer strong introductory bonuses and a range of travel protections, including no foreign transaction fees and credits for expedited airport screening programs.
One card stands out for its broader bonus categories and superior travel protections, while the other appeals for its straightforward rewards structure and ease of use.
Transferring rewards to airline and hotel partners can maximize value, though recent changes affect transfer ratios for some programs.
What to consider
Eligibility typically requires a good credit score.
Some benefits, such as statement credits and complimentary memberships, have activation deadlines or specific terms.
A recent change reduces the transfer ratio for one hotel loyalty partner, impacting value for new and existing cardholders.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed side-by-side comparison of travel benefits, earning structures and redemption strategies to help you choose the best fit for your travel style.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
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.
Let's compare these two cards to help you determine which is best for your wallet.
Sapphire Preferred vs. Venture Rewards comparison
Here are the basics of each of these two cards in the major categories:
Card name
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Capital One Venture Rewards
Annual fee
$95
$95
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus receive a $300 credit to use on hotel and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel in the first cardholder year.
Bonus categories
5 points per dollar spent on all travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
3 points per dollar spent on dining, gas, electric vehicle charging, select streaming services, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs) and vacation homes booked with select brands^
2 points per dollar spent on all other travel
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Auto rental collision damage waiver* (coverage is secondary)
Master RoadAssist (fees apply)*
Travel accident insurance*
Trip cancellation/interruption coverage*
World Elite Concierge*
Other benefits
Up to a $120 statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fees every four years
A $100 annual hotel credit
A DoorDash DashPass subscription and monthly nonrestaurant promos
Extended warranty protection
Purchase protection
Up to a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years
Extended warranty protection*
Hertz Five Star status
^Select brands are: Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa.
*Benefits are only available to accounts approved for the World Elite Mastercard. Terms apply.
Sapphire Preferred vs. Venture Rewards welcome offer
Both cards are currently offering solid welcome bonuses that can provide a ton of value to new cardholders.
The Sapphire Preferred is currently offering 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
TPG’s September 2026 valuations place Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents each, meaning this welcome offer is worth $1,538.
The Venture Rewards offers new cardholders 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus receive a $300 credit to use on hotel and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel in the first cardholder year.
Winner: Venture Rewards. Its current offer is more valuable than the Sapphire Preferred.
Sapphire Preferred vs. Venture Rewards benefits
Both cards offer an array of benefits that add even more value.
The Venture Rewards' benefits include no foreign transaction fees, extended warranty protection and travel benefits such as secondary rental car insurance and travel accident insurance.
You’ll also get up to a $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit every four years. This perk is generally seen on cards with higher annual fees, and it can make a huge difference in speeding up your journey through the airport.
The Sapphire Preferred is a Visa Signature card and offers similar benefits but kicked up a notch. Most notably, it includes primary rental car coverage rather than secondary, meaning you can submit claims directly to your card’s benefits provider without involving your personal insurance policy.
Similarly to the Venture Rewards, the Sapphire Preferred also offers a $120 statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus every four years. It charges no foreign transaction fees as well.
Finally, Sapphire Preferred Card holders receive a one-year complimentary Apple TV subscription (activate by Dec. 31). You'll also get a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (valued at $120 each year; through Dec. 31, 2029; activation required) and a $10 DoorDash promo each month for nonrestaurant orders (alcohol orders may be exempt; through Dec. 31, 2029).
Winner: Sapphire Preferred. You’ll enjoy more benefits with the Chase offering here.
Earning rewards on the Sapphire Preferred vs. Venture Rewards
With the Venture Rewards, you’ll earn 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.
5 points per dollar spent on all travel purchased through Chase Travel
3 points per dollar spent on dining, gas, EV charging, select streaming services, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs) and vacation homes booked with select brands^
2 points per dollar spent on all other travel
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Private lanai in Princeville, Hawaii. STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
Travel is defined quite broadly with the Sapphire Preferred and includes some everyday expenses, such as tolls, parking and subway tickets. The dining category is also broad, including standard restaurants, bars and coffee shops, food delivery services and even most vending machines.
The Venture Rewards is a simpler option, but the Sapphire Preferred wins out for pure earning potential. Its categories cover a variety of everyday spending.
Winner: Sapphire Preferred. The Venture Rewards offers elevated earnings on all purchases, but it falls behind in bonus categories for everyday spending.
Redeeming rewards on the Sapphire Preferred vs. Venture Rewards
Both cards allow you to redeem rewards for many purchases. However, travel redemptions always provide the best value.
If you prefer a simple redemption option, you can redeem Capital One miles at a fixed value of 1 cent each toward travel bookings made through Capital One Travel or use them to offset any recent travel purchase.
SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
If you’re not seeking travel rewards, you can redeem your miles for gift cards, cash back or Amazon and PayPal purchases, but the redemption rates will be subpar.
Similarly, you can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points toward travel at a fixed value or transfer them to partners. If you book travel reservations through Chase Travel, you can redeem points at a value of up to 1.75 cents per point, thanks to Points Boost. (The exact value varies by redemption; see your rewards program agreement for details.)
Winner: Sapphire Preferred. Points Boost gives you greater potential value with the Chase card.
Transferring rewards on the Sapphire Preferred vs. Venture Rewards
TPG's managing editor for credit cards, Giselle Gomez, transferred 25,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (and paid $618 in taxes and fees) for two adults and one lap infant to fly Air France Economy Comfort from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Miami International Airport (MIA) during Roland Garros, one of Paris' busiest travel periods.
It's important to note the one negative change that came with the Sapphire Preferred's recent refresh: The transfer ratio for World of Hyatt is dropping from 1:1 to 4:3. For existing cardholders, this change will go into effect on Oct. 1, while new cardholders who applied on or after June 15 will see it take effect immediately.
Winner: Sapphire Preferred. While many transfer partners are shared between Chase and Capital One, Ultimate Rewards edges out the competition because it offers more lucrative transfer options (namely, United and Hyatt, despite the transfer ratio change for the latter).
Should I get the Sapphire Preferred or the Venture Rewards?
While the value you can get from the cards depends heavily on your spending habits, most cardholders will be better off with the Sapphire Preferred. However, if a simple earning rate and easy access to flat-rate redemptions matter most to you, the Venture Rewards may take the cake.
In most cases, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are more valuable than Capital One miles. Plus, the Sapphire Preferred earns more in bonus spending categories and offers better travel protections.
If sheer simplicity is more your speed, you may be happier with the Venture Rewards. That being said, the Sapphire Preferred generally provides more value. If you're truly stuck between the two, we generally recommend choosing the Sapphire Preferred for its higher benefits and earning rates.
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.
