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Side-by-side

Capital One Venture X vs USAA Preferred Cash Rewards

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Capital One Venture X comes from Capital One at $395/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 X 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 X first; revisit the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureCapital One Venture XUSAA Preferred Cash Rewards
Annual fee$395$0
Sign-up bonus75,000 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
IssuerCapital OneUSAA
Card categorytravelcashback
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
    Read the full review
    Capital One Venture X
    $395/yr · 75,000 miles
    Read the full review
    USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
    $0/yr · $250 cash bonus

    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: USAA Preferred Cash Rewards

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Capital One Venture X or USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
    The Capital One Venture X 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 X's $395 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
    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 USAA Preferred Cash Rewards's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Capital One Venture X 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 X or the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Capital One Venture X: $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.