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Capital One Venture X vs Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Capital One Venture X comes from Capital One at $395/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

If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.

FeatureCapital One Venture XDelta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Annual fee$395$150
Sign-up bonus75,000 miles80,000 bonus miles
Bonus value (est.)$1,238$960
Min spend to unlock bonus$4,000 in 3 mo$3,000 in 6 mo
IssuerCapital OneAmerican Express
Card categorytravelairline
Best earning category (Hotels_capital_one)10x1x
Transfer partnerscapital-oneNone
Headline benefits
  • $300 annual travel credit
  • 10,000 anniversary miles
  • Capital One Lounges
  • 2x on all other purchases
  • Free first checked bag
  • $200 Delta flight credit
  • Priority boarding
  • 2x on restaurants & groceries
Read the full review
Capital One Venture X
$395/yr · 75,000 miles
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
$150/yr · 80,000 bonus miles

Editorial take: Capital One Venture X

The best value premium travel card. $300 travel credit, Priority Pass, 10,000 anniversary miles, and a massive transfer partner list, all for $395. It's hard to beat.

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 X or Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
The Capital One Venture X 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 X's $395 annual fee worth it compared to the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
At $395/yr, the Capital One Venture X 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 X 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 X 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 X: $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.