Travel credit cards: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card vs. American Express Platinum Card
Quick Verdict
Both cards offer premium travel benefits, with the best choice depending on individual spending habits and travel preferences.
- American Express Platinum has a higher annual fee but potentially more valuable welcome bonus.
- Capital One Venture X offers a higher earning rate on general spending and a simpler travel credit.
- Both cards offer extensive airport lounge access and travel insurance coverage.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | American Express Platinum Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $395 | $695 |
| Welcome Bonus Value | 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months (TPG values at $1,388) | Up to 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months (valued at approximately $3,500). Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. |
| Earning Rate on General Spending | 2 miles per dollar on all purchases | 1 point per dollar |
| Earning Rate on Travel Purchases | 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel | 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. |
| Travel Credit Amount | $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel | Up to $200 annual airline fee credit for incidental fees with a selected U.S. airline (enrollment required) and up to $200 annual hotel credit for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel (minimum two-night stay required for The Hotel Collection). |
| Airport Lounge Access | Complimentary access to Capital One Lounges and Landings; Priority Pass Select membership for access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide (Priority Pass no longer includes non-lounge experiences) | American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (with limitations), Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounges, and Priority Pass Select lounges. |
| TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Credit | Up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, every four years | $85 for TSA PreCheck (every 4.5 years) or $120 for Global Entry (every 4 years) |
Overall Comparison
Annual Fee: Amex higher; Welcome Bonus: Amex potentially higher; General Spending: Capital One wins; Lounge Access: Both excellent
Pros and Cons
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Pros:
- Generous welcome bonus value ($1,388)
- High earning rate on travel purchases through Capital One Travel
- Annual travel credit of $300
- Extensive airport lounge access (Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass)
- TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
- Hotel benefits through Capital One's Premier and Lifestyle Collections
- Car rental privileges (primary insurance, Hertz President's Circle status)
- No foreign transaction fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance coverage
Cons:
- Annual fee of $395
- Changes coming in 2026: authorized users will need to pay for lounge access, and cardholders will need to spend $75,000 to bring guests for free into Capital One Lounges and Landings
American Express Platinum Card
Pros:
- Generous welcome bonus
- High earning rate on travel purchases
- Extensive airport lounge access
- TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
- Valuable hotel benefits
- Car rental privileges
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel insurance coverage
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Earning rate on general spending is relatively low
- Travel credits require enrollment and specific booking methods
User Experiences and Feedback
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
American Express Platinum Card
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- The value received from the welcome bonus depends on how the points are redeemed. TPG's August 2024 valuation estimated American Express Membership Rewards points to be worth 2 cents each.