Editorial take: Capital One Venture Rewards
The simplest travel card in the game. Flat 2x on everything plus transfer partners means you don't have to think, just swipe. Great for people who don't want to chase bonus categories.
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Side-by-side
Capital One Venture Rewards vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Both are travel travel cards. The Capital One Venture Rewards comes from Capital One at $95/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus from Chase at $99/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Capital One Venture Rewards is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,238 more in estimated value) than the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's. Get the Capital One Venture Rewards first; revisit the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Capital One Venture Rewards | Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $99 |
| Sign-up bonus | 75,000 miles | 50,000 bonus points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,238 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $4,000 in 3 mo | $1,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Capital One | Chase |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Hotels_capital_one) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | capital-one | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Capital One Venture Rewards
$95/yr · 75,000 miles
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
$99/yr · 50,000 bonus points
Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
The entry-level Southwest card after the 2025 refresh raised the fee to $99. Worth it primarily if you're chasing the Companion Pass; the Priority card delivers more value if you fly Southwest 2+ times per year.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Capital One Venture Rewards or Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
- The Capital One Venture Rewards has a public bonus (75,000 miles, worth roughly $1,238), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the Capital One Venture Rewards's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
- At $95/yr, the Capital One Venture Rewards is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Capital One Venture Rewards and Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Capital One and Chase) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the Capital One Venture Rewards or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Capital One Venture Rewards: $4,000 spend in 3 months. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: $1,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.