American Express Gold vs. Capital One Venture

It seems like you’re comparing two travel credit cards with similar goals but different strengths, focusing primarily on their earning rates, perks, and redemption options. Here’s a breakdown based on the comparison you provided:

How the Cards Stack Up

• Rewards Earning:
  • Card 1:
    • 4x points at restaurants worldwide
    • 4x points on up to $25,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets (then 1x)
    • 3x points on flights booked directly or through AmexTravel.com
  • Card 2:
    • 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • 2x miles on all other purchases

  Winner for Rewards Earning: Card 1 edges out Card 2 if you have significant spending in categories like dining and groceries. If you don’t spend as much in those categories, Card 2’s flat 2x miles on all purchases could be more rewarding overall.

Welcome Bonus:

• Card 1:
  • Bonus miles for a minimum spend within 3 months (bonuses are highly lucrative).
• Card 2:
  • Similar bonus miles structure but spread across 6 months, giving more flexibility in meeting the spending requirement.

Winner for Welcome Bonus: Card 1, particularly if you can meet the higher spending requirement within 3 months.

Rewards Flexibility:

• Card 1 (American Express):
  • More flexible, with options like travel statement credits, gift cards, and travel through Amex.
  • Membership Rewards points can be redeemed with travel partners, but generally, the redemption rate (0.5-0.7 cents per point) is lower than Card 2.
• Card 2 (Capital One):
  • Better for flexibility, as miles can be redeemed at a rate of 1 cent per mile for travel, gift cards, or statement credits, and has fewer restrictions.
  • More straightforward rewards structure.

Winner for Rewards Flexibility: Card 2 offers more direct, higher-value redemption options.

Perks:

• Card 1 (American Express):
  • $120 annual dining credit and $120 in Uber cash, though these are tied to specific platforms (Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, etc.) and have monthly spending limits.
  • Travel perks like baggage insurance, secondary rental car coverage, and Global Assist hotline.
• Card 2 (Capital One):
  • $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, Hertz Five Star status, and 2 free Capital One Lounge visits annually.
  • Capital One lounges offer access to a wider range of airport lounges, making this a great perk for frequent travelers.

Winner for Perks: Card 2 wins on travel perks and lounge access, while Card 1 excels in dining benefits (though with more specific restrictions).

Annual Fee:

• Card 1:
  • Higher annual fee, but this is offset by valuable benefits like the dining and Uber credits.
• Card 2:
  • Lower annual fee, making it more cost-effective in the long term, especially if you don’t take full advantage of Card 1’s higher-tier perks.

Winner for Annual Fee: Card 2 is a winner here due to the lower annual fee, particularly if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.

APR:

• Card 1 & Card 2:
  • Both cards have relatively high APRs, making them unsuitable for carrying a balance. Card 1 does have the “Pay It Plan It” feature, which provides flexibility on larger purchases, but both cards tie here.

Winner for APR: Tie, as both have the same APR range.

Foreign Transaction Fees:

• Card 1 & Card 2:
  • Neither card charges foreign transaction fees, making both great for international travel.

Winner for Foreign Transaction Fees: Tie.

Which Card Earns the Most?

• This depends on your spending habits. Card 2‘s flat 2x miles on all purchases and higher rewards for travel bookings through Capital One may provide more consistent rewards, especially if you make a lot of regular purchases outside specific bonus categories.
• Card 1 will likely earn more for those who spend heavily on dining and groceries, as the bonus rates are higher in those categories, but you’ll need to hit specific caps or categories to maximize the rewards.

Final Recommendation:

• Choose Card 2 (Capital One Venture) if:
  • You prefer a simpler, more flexible rewards structure that’s easy to understand and use.
  • You travel often and value access to airport lounges and travel perks like Hertz Five Star status and TSA PreCheck credits.
  • You want a lower annual fee and don’t spend heavily on dining or supermarkets.
• Choose Card 1 (Amex Gold) if:
  • You dine out often and spend a significant amount at U.S. supermarkets.
  • You’re looking for more flexibility in how to redeem your rewards and can take full advantage of the $120 annual dining credit and Uber cash.
  • You don’t mind the higher annual fee and can benefit from the perks like the Global Assist hotline and travel insurance.

Both cards offer great benefits, but the Capital One Venture has the edge for most travelers due to its overall flexibility, travel perks, and lower annual fee. However, Amex Gold might be the better choice for foodies or those who spend a lot on dining and groceries.