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 Rewards American Express
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Capital One Venture Rewards comes from Capital One at $95/yr; the USAA Rewards American Express 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 ($1,213 more in estimated value) than the USAA Rewards American Express's. Get the Capital One Venture Rewards first; revisit the USAA Rewards American Express after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Capital One Venture Rewards | USAA Rewards American Express |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 75,000 miles | 2,500 USAA Rewards points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,238 | $25 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $4,000 in 3 mo | $0 in 0 mo |
| Issuer | Capital One | USAA |
| Card category | travel | rewards |
| 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 Rewards American Express
$0/yr · 2,500 USAA Rewards points
Editorial take: USAA Rewards American Express
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Capital One Venture Rewards or USAA Rewards American Express?
- The Capital One Venture Rewards has the bigger bonus, 75,000 miles, worth roughly $1,238, versus 2,500 USAA Rewards points (~$25) on the USAA Rewards American Express.
- Is the Capital One Venture Rewards's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Rewards American Express?
- 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 Rewards American Express's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Capital One Venture Rewards and USAA Rewards American Express?
- 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 Rewards American Express 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 Rewards American Express: $0 in 0 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.