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 Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Capital One Venture Rewards comes from Capital One at $95/yr; the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card from American Express at $150/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | Capital One Venture Rewards | Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 75,000 miles | 80,000 bonus miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,238 | $960 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $4,000 in 3 mo | $3,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | Capital One | American Express |
| Card category | travel | airline |
| 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
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
$150/yr · 80,000 bonus miles
Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
A good choice for Delta loyalists. The free checked bag and $200 flight credit easily offset the $150 annual fee if you fly Delta a few times a year.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Capital One Venture Rewards or Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- The Capital One Venture Rewards has the bigger bonus, 75,000 miles, worth roughly $1,238, versus 80,000 bonus miles (~$960) on the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card.
- Is the Capital One Venture Rewards's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express 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 Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Capital One Venture Rewards and Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Capital One and American Express) 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 Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express 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. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card: $3,000 in 6 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.