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 USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Capital One Venture Rewards comes from Capital One at $95/yr; the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards from USAA 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 ($988 more in estimated value) than the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards's. Get the Capital One Venture Rewards first; revisit the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Capital One Venture Rewards | USAA Preferred Cash Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 75,000 miles | $250 cash bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,238 | $250 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $4,000 in 3 mo | $1,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Capital One | USAA |
| 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
USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
$0/yr · $250 cash bonus
Editorial take: USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Capital One Venture Rewards or USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
- The Capital One Venture Rewards has the bigger bonus, 75,000 miles, worth roughly $1,238, versus $250 cash bonus (~$250) on the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards.
- Is the Capital One Venture Rewards's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
- 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 USAA Preferred Cash Rewards's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Capital One Venture Rewards and USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Capital One and USAA) 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 USAA Preferred Cash Rewards first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Capital One Venture Rewards: $4,000 spend in 3 months. USAA Preferred Cash Rewards: $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.