Head to head

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve

Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase

At a glance

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card wins on first-year math and annual fee; Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on earning ceiling and lounge access.

Pick the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

Who wins what

2 vs 2
  • First-year math Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.

  • Annual fee Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is $700 cheaper to keep.

  • Earning ceiling Chase Sapphire Reserve

    Chase Sapphire Reserve earns more on its best category (8× vs 5×).

  • Lounge access Chase Sapphire Reserve

    Chase Sapphire Reserve includes lounge access; the other doesn't.

By the numbers

Annual fee
$95
$795
Welcome offer (typical value)
$1,125
$1,700
First-year net
+$1,030
+$905
Peak earning rate
Top categories
Travel Portal, Capital One Entertainment
Chase Travel, Flights Direct, Hotels Direct
Lounge access
No
chase-sapphire-lounge, priority-pass
Travel insurance
Yes
Yes
Elite status
Yes
Yes
Foreign transaction fee
None
None
Reward currency
Capital One Miles
Chase Ultimate Rewards

Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.