These sit at different tiers. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a $95 entry to transferable Chase points. The Capital One Venture X is a $395 premium card whose $300 travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles bring its real cost near the Preferred, while adding lounge access. For most people who travel a few times a year, the Venture X gives more for close to the same net cost.
Sapphire Preferred vs Venture X, head to head
| Category | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Capital One Venture X |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $395 |
| Top earn rates | 5x Chase Travel, 3x dining, gas, and rentals | 2x everything, 10x hotels and 5x flights via portal |
| Credits | $100 hotel credit | $300 travel credit plus 10,000 anniversary miles |
| Lounge access | None | Priority Pass plus Capital One Lounges |
| Transfer partners | Chase partners, led by Hyatt | Capital One partners |
Capital One Venture X
Our pick for most people. Confirm the current welcome offer and terms at the issuer.
Which should you pick
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Pick the Venture X if you want lounge access and premium perks at an effective cost near the Preferred once the travel credit and anniversary miles are counted. Before you apply, check Capital One’s application rules.
Pick the Sapphire Preferred if you specifically want Chase points and Hyatt transfers, or prefer a low sticker fee.
The tradeoff
The Preferred has the lower fee on paper and better transfer partners for some travelers. The Venture X costs more up front but returns lounge access and a near-zero net cost.
Sapphire Preferred vs the $95 Venture
The base Capital One Venture costs the same $95 as the Sapphire Preferred, so the choice there comes down to how you redeem. The issuer’s full rule set is in the Capital One churning rules hub.
| Category | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Capital One Venture |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $95 |
| Top earn rates | 5x Chase Travel, 3x dining, gas, and rentals | 2x on everything, 5x hotels and rentals via portal |
| Credits | $100 hotel credit | Global Entry credit |
| Lounge access | None | None |
Pick the Sapphire Preferred if you want bonus categories, a hotel credit that covers the fee, and Chase partners such as Hyatt. Pick the Venture if you want a flat 2x with no categories to track. The Preferred takes a little more effort and returns more through transfer partners.
More card guides
- Sapphire Preferred benefits
- Capital One Venture X benefits
- Chase transfer partners
- Best travel credit cards
FAQ
Is the Sapphire Preferred or Venture X better?
The Venture X gives more for a near-equal net cost once its $300 credit and anniversary miles are counted, plus lounge access. The Preferred wins if you value Chase points and Hyatt transfers or want a low sticker fee.
Which card has lounge access?
The Venture X, through Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass. The Sapphire Preferred has none.
Is the Venture X worth the higher fee?
For most travelers, yes, because the $300 travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles offset most of the $395 fee. Confirm current terms at the issuer.
Do they transfer to the same partners?
No. The Sapphire Preferred uses Chase partners led by Hyatt; the Venture X uses Capital One partners. The partner lists overlap only partly.
How does the Sapphire Preferred compare with the $95 Venture?
Both cost $95. The Sapphire Preferred returns more for most people through bonus categories, a $100 hotel credit and Chase partners such as Hyatt. The Venture wins if you want a flat 2x with nothing to track. Confirm current fees at the issuer.
Last reviewed October 2026. We verify every rule, ratio, and figure against issuer terms and current reporting, and date each one. See our editorial standards for how we research and correct guides.
We re-check these guides as issuer rules and award charts change. 2 ways to follow along, no account needed.