Capital One Venture X Card vs. Amex Platinum Card [Detailed Comparison]

In the world of premium travel rewards cards, The Platinum Card^® from American Express stands tall above the rest. If you’re a frequent traveler, you may already have the card or at least have considered applying for it.

The Amex Platinum card, while an exceptional travel rewards card, is not for everyone. And, with the introduction of a new travel rewards card, Capital One throws its hat in the ring with an alternative.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers key premium benefits a frequent traveler can certainly value, but is the card a true competitor to the Amex Platinum card?

We’ll find out today as we take a look at each card’s earning potential and the value of your rewards at redemption time. We’ll also talk about travel and shopping benefits that can save you money, elevate your travel experience, or provide protection when you need it.

There’s no doubt a travel rewards card can benefit the frequent traveler, but which card will be a better match for you?

Let’s explore these 2 excellent options.

Overview

Both the Capital One Venture X card and the Amex Platinum card could potentially add value to any frequent traveler’s lifestyle. Each card offers an impressive list of earning and redemption options, plus plenty of travel/shopping benefits.

In an effort to determine the overall value for your specific situation, however, it’s helpful to look at the overall attributes of each card in a side-by-side comparison.

Here’s how the cards stack up in all the key benefit areas:

Welcome Bonus Valuation

Premium travel rewards cards generally offer an initial welcome bonus that allows you to earn a large number of rewards by meeting minimum spending requirements within a period immediately following your card approval. The Capital One Venture X card and the Amex Platinum card both offer this opportunity.

The Capital One Venture X card earns Capital One miles, which we currently value at approximately 1.8 cents each. The Amex Platinum card earns Membership Rewards points that we value at 2.2 cents each.

Welcome bonuses change, as well as rewards valuations, so it’s important to review the current information before applying for any card.

Here are the present overviews of our featured cards with current welcome bonus information.

Capital One Venture X Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-840)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Amex Platinum Card

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Bottom Line: Both the Capital One Venture X card and Amex Platinum card offer welcome bonuses that can be worth thousands of dollars. Jumpstart your earnings by meeting minimum spending requirements within the specified period that begins immediately after you are approved for the card. 

Miles vs Rewards Points

The Capital One Venture X card and Amex Platinum card each earn distinctly different rewards currencies. Capital One miles, (not the same as frequent flyer miles) are earned on the Capital One Venture X card, and the Amex Platinum card earns Membership Rewards points.

Let’s look at the bonus categories for each card and how you earn rewards.

Earning Potential

You’ll find the greatest earnings on our featured cards are for travel purchased via the cards’ associated travel portals. For non-bonus category purchases, the Capital One Venture X card has the edge, earning 2x miles per dollar spent (approximate total value of 3.6 cents) versus the Amex Platinum card at 1 point per dollar spent (approximate total value of 2.2 cents).

Bottom Line: Both cards offer accelerated earnings on travel. The Capital One Venture X card and Amex Platinum card offer the greatest earning potential for travel purchases via each card’s associated travel portal, whether Capital One Travel or AmexTravel.com. 

Redemption Options

Once you’ve accumulated a stash of rewards, you’ll want to make wise choices at redemption time to receive the best value. As we learned previously, the best earning potential for either the Capital One Venture X card or the Amex Platinum card is in the travel category. The same holds true for receiving the best value when redeeming rewards — travel is your best redemption option.

Here are the choices you will have when it’s time to redeem your rewards.

Note that some redemption options, such as shopping with affiliated retailers, gift cards, and even some statement credit options, can result in a value of less than 1 cent per mile or point. These are not a good value for your rewards.

Bottom Line: The best potential value redemption for rewards earned on either the Capital One Venture X card or Amex Platinum card is transferring to travel partners. 

Air Travel Advantages

Here are the air travel-related benefits you’ll find on both the Capital One Venture X card and the Amex Platinum card:

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Reimbursement — Pay for your application or renewal fee with your card and receive reimbursement up to $120 once every 4 or 4.5 years, depending on which program you apply for. (As of October 1, 2024, for the Amex Platinum card.)
• Priority Pass Select Membership — Both of our featured cards come with complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for the primary cardholder and authorized users. The Amex Priority Pass Select membership, which requires enrollment through your Amex account, does not include airport restaurant properties, while the Capital One Venture X card does. Participating restaurants provide up to a $28 food credit per person.
• Plaza Premium Lounges — Both cards offer access for the cardholder and 2 guests to participating Plaza Premium Lounge locations.

In addition to the benefits above, each of our featured cards offers unique savings, statement credits, and perks.

Capital One Venture X Card

• Capital One Lounges — As the footprint of the Capital One Lounge network grows, you’ll enjoy complimentary access (plus up to 2 guests) at current and future properties.
• $300 Travel Credit — Receive $300 for travel purchased via Capital One Travel.

For more information, check out our guide to all of the Capital One Venture X card’s benefits.

Amex Platinum Card

• American Express Global Lounge Collection — Enjoy complimentary access to over 1,400 properties, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta, and more.
• Up to $200 Hotel Credit — Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through AmexTravel.com when you pay with your card. Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• Up to $200 Airline Incidentals Statement Credit — Receive up to $200 in statement credits for qualifying purchases made with your preselected airline.
• CLEAR Plus Membership Credit — Speed through security and have your CLEAR Plus membership fee reimbursed, up to $199 each year, when paying with your card.

Hotel Program Privileges

Capital One Venture X Card

• Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Benefits — Receive elite-style perks such as VIP guest status, an upgraded room (when available), daily breakfast for 2, onsite amenity, and late checkout (on availability). Use your card to book via the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection link in your online card account.

Amex Platinum Card

• Hotel Program Elite Status — Enjoy room upgrades, late checkout, and the additional perks of Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. Enrollment is required.
• Additional Elite-style Hotel Benefits — Book your prepaid stay with The Hotel Collection or Fine Hotel & Resorts via AmexTravel.com and receive room upgrades, breakfast, onsite amenities, and more during your stay. May be used in conjunction with the $200 hotel credit.

Car Rental Benefits

Both cards offer Rental Car Collision Damage Waiver Coverage.

The Capital One Venture X card comes with primary coverage.

The Amex Platinum card comes with secondary coverage with the option to purchase Premium Protection for one low price that covers the entire rental period.

Capital One Venture X Card

• Hertz Car Rental Perks — Receive complimentary Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle elite status.

Amex Platinum Card

• Receive upgrades, discounts, and priority services with Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, and National Car Rental Emerald Club.

Travel Protection Perks

You receive these valuable travel insurance benefits on both cards.

• Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption — Receive up to $2,000 if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to a covered reason on the Capital One Venture X card, and $10,000 per trip ($20,000 maximum per 12-month period) on the Amex Platinum card.
• Trip Delay Reimbursement — If your trip is delayed for more than 6 hours, or overnight, you could receive up to $500 reimbursement for covered expenses.
• Baggage Insurance — Receive up to $3,000 for lost or damage baggage, per person, per covered trip. The Amex Platinum card limits checked baggage to $2,000.

Amex Platinum Card Only

• Emergency Evacuation — Enjoy peace of mind knowing you have emergency evacuation and transportation coverage during your travels.

Check out our comprehensive guide to the full list of travel insurance benefits for the Amex Platinum card.

Bottom Line: With so many travel benefits and protections found on both the Capital One Venture X card and the Amex Platinum card, the better card for you in this category will be the one with the collection of benefits you will actually use and that will provide the most economic bottom-line value. 

Shopping Benefits and Protections

Purchases made with either the Capital One Venture X card or Amex Platinum card may be eligible for discounts, elevated earnings, or protection if something should go wrong with your purchase.

Let’s start with the benefits you’ll find on both of our featured cards:

• Cell Phone Protection — Pay your monthly bill with your card and receive up to $800 for damage or theft ($50 deductible), with a maximum of 2 claims per 12-month period.
• Purchase Security/Purchase Protection — Purchase an eligible item and receive coverage for theft or damage for 90 days from the date of purchase. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim/item, $50,000 per account.
• Extended Warranty — Eligible items purchased with the Capital One Venture X card that have a manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years or less will have the warranty doubled, up to a maximum of 1 additional year. The Amex Platinum card extends an eligible item’s manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or less by 1 additional year. Both cards have limits of $10,000 per claim/$50,000 per account.
• Return Protection — If a merchant will not accept the return of an eligible item purchased with your card within 90 days of purchase, you could receive up to $300 per item, up to $1,000 per calendar year.

You’ll also find that each card offers its own unique shopping benefits.

Capital One Venture X Card

• Capital One Offers — Sign in to your account to see special discounts with select retailers.

Amex Platinum Card

• Amex Offers — Login to your online card account and select from up to 100 offers that can save you money when shopping with select retailers or offer you additional bonus earnings when you make a qualifying purchase.
• Up to $240 Digital Entertainment Statement Credit — Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your card on one or more of the following: Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• Up to $300 Equinox Credit — Get up to $300 back each year on eligible Equinox memberships when you pay with your card. Enrollment required.
• Monthly Walmart+ Credit — Add your card to your Walmart+ account as the default payment and receive up to $12.95 each month in credit for membership fees.
• Up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit — Receive a statement credit for up to $50 January through June, and another $50 July through December for your purchase at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Bottom Line: Both the Capital One Venture X card and Amex Platinum card offer valuable protection for eligible items purchased with your card. The Amex Platinum card does have the edge in the shopping benefits category with the statement credits. 

Uber Cash Benefit (Amex Platinum Card)

Up to $200 in Uber Cash — Add your Amex Platinum card to your Uber account and receive VIP status plus $15 in Uber Cash deposited into that account each month January through November. In December you’ll receive $35 for a total of up to $200 each calendar year. Uber Cash can be used for rides or Uber Eats in the U.S.

Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.

Fees and Authorized Users

While premium travel rewards cards offer a lot of useable benefits, most come with a high annual fee. It’s prudent to consider annual fees, as well as other fees when determining if a card provides bottom-line value.

Here’s how the Capital One Venture X card and Amex Platinum card compare when we look at fees and adding authorized users.

Annual Fees

The Capital One Venture X card charges an annual fee of $395 (rates & fees), while the Amex Platinum card charges an annual fee of $695 (see rates & fees).

Authorized Users

You can add up to 4 authorized users to your Capital One Venture X card for no additional cost (rates & fees). You can add additional users to your Amex Platinum card for $195 per card (see rates & fees). You may also add no-additional fee authorized user American Express^® Gold Cards that do not come with any added benefits (see rates & fees).

Keep in mind that the primary cardholder is responsible for any charges made by authorized users.

Hot Tip: Authorized users on both the Capital One Venture X card and Amex Platinum card enjoy their own Priority Pass Select membership. This membership allows access to more than 1,400 properties worldwide.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

Never experience added fees when making purchases abroad using either of our featured cards. For the Amex Platinum card, see rates & fees; for the Capital One Venture X card, see rates & fees.

Final Thoughts

Capital One has made a triumphant leap by introducing the Capital One Venture X card to the travel rewards card market. In fact, those who will not fully utilize the massive list of benefits offered by the Amex Platinum card may find plenty of value with the Capital One Venture X card, especially with the lower annual fee (rates & fees).

Those who want to ensure authorized users receive lounge access opportunities via Priority Pass Select membership may also prefer the Capital One Venture X card, as there is no additional fee involved (rates & fees).

The frequent traveler, however, will want to look closer and review the list of travel transfer partners associated with each card to determine if their preferred airline or hotel partner is an option.

If Centurion Lounge is your lounge brand of choice, you value mid-level hotel status, and you can utilize enough of the travel/shopping statement credits offered by the Amex Platinum card, it could also be a better option.

Bottom line, there’s not a bad choice to be made here, only one that may be a better fit.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa^® or Mastercard^® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.