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 Discover it Cash Back
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Capital One Venture Rewards comes from Capital One at $95/yr; the Discover it Cash Back from Discover 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 ($1,038 more in estimated value) than the Discover it Cash Back's. Get the Capital One Venture Rewards first; revisit the Discover it Cash Back after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Capital One Venture Rewards | Discover it Cash Back |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 75,000 miles | Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,238 | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $4,000 in 3 mo | $0 in 12 mo |
| Issuer | Capital One | Discover |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| 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
Discover it Cash Back
$0/yr · Cashback Match (first year, unlimited)
Editorial take: Discover it Cash Back
The first-year Cashback Match effectively doubles your earnings, someone who earns $300 in cash back gets $600 total. It's the best no-fee first card for building credit with real rewards.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Capital One Venture Rewards or Discover it Cash Back?
- The Capital One Venture Rewards has the bigger bonus, 75,000 miles, worth roughly $1,238, versus Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) (~$200) on the Discover it Cash Back.
- Is the Capital One Venture Rewards's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Cash Back?
- 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 Discover it Cash Back's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Capital One Venture Rewards and Discover it Cash Back?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Capital One and Discover) 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 Discover it Cash Back first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Capital One Venture Rewards: $4,000 spend in 3 months. Discover it Cash Back: $0 in 12 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.