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Capital One Venture Rewards vs American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card

Both are travel travel cards. The Capital One Venture Rewards comes from Capital One at $95/yr; the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card from Citi at $0/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 ($990 more in estimated value) than the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card's. Get the Capital One Venture Rewards first; revisit the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureCapital One Venture RewardsAmerican Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card
Annual fee$95$0
Sign-up bonus75,000 miles15,000 miles
Bonus value (est.)$1,238$248
Min spend to unlock bonus$4,000 in 3 mo$500 in 3 mo
IssuerCapital OneCiti
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Hotels_capital_one)5x1x
Transfer partnerscapital-oneNone
Headline benefits
  • 2x on everything
  • 15+ transfer partners
  • $120 TSA credit
  • No foreign tx fees
    Read the full review
    Capital One Venture Rewards
    $95/yr · 75,000 miles
    Read the full review
    American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card
    $0/yr · 15,000 miles

    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.

    Editorial take: American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Capital One Venture Rewards or American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card?
    The Capital One Venture Rewards has the bigger bonus, 75,000 miles, worth roughly $1,238, versus 15,000 miles (~$248) on the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card.
    Is the Capital One Venture Rewards's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card?
    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 American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Capital One Venture Rewards and American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Capital One and Citi) 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 American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Capital One Venture Rewards: $4,000 spend in 3 months. American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card: $500 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.