Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Capital One Venture: Which Is Better for Travel?

Compare the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture to discover which travel credit card offers the best value, rewards, and benefits for 2026 travelers.

When it comes to travel credit cards in 2026, two names dominate the conversation: Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Capital One Venture Rewards. Both offer generous bonuses, flexible redemption options, and perks designed for frequent travelers. But which one is truly the better fit for you?

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between these two powerhouse cards — from earning rates to travel protections — so you can make an informed choice and maximize your rewards.

Overview of Both Travel Cards

Feature	Chase Sapphire Preferred®	Capital One Venture Rewards
Annual Fee	$95	$95
Welcome Bonus	60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months	75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months
Earning Rate	5× on travel (through Chase portal), 3× on dining, 2× on all other travel	2× miles on every purchase
Transfer Partners	14 airline & hotel partners (United, Hyatt, Emirates, etc.)	15+ airline & hotel partners (Air Canada, British Airways, Wyndham, etc.)
Travel Protections	Strong insurance & trip cancellation coverage	Moderate coverage
Redemption Value	Up to 1.25¢ per point via Chase Travel	1¢ per mile (up to 1.5¢ with transfers)

Chase Sapphire Preferred® — Perfect for Flexible Travelers

The Chase Sapphire Preferred continues to be one of the most well-rounded cards for travelers who value flexibility and premium perks without paying a luxury-card fee.

Top Advantages:

• High redemption value: Points are worth 25% more when redeemed through Chase Travel.
• Strong category bonuses: 5× on travel bookings through Chase and 3× on dining make it ideal for foodies and frequent travelers.
• Elite travel protections: Includes trip delay, cancellation, rental car insurance, and purchase protection — benefits rarely seen at this price point.
• Premium transfer partners: Access to top airlines and hotels like United, Southwest, Emirates, and Hyatt.

💡 Best for: travelers who book through Chase Travel or like flexibility in transferring points for maximum value.

Capital One Venture Rewards — Simplicity and Consistency

The Capital One Venture Rewards card stands out for its simplicity. You earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, no matter the category. This flat-rate structure appeals to travelers who don’t want to track categories or juggle bonus multipliers.

Top Advantages:

• Straightforward earning: 2× on everything — simple and predictable.
• Flexible redemptions: Redeem miles to “erase” travel purchases or transfer to 15+ airline and hotel partners.
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit: Up to $100 reimbursement.
• Worldwide acceptance: No foreign transaction fees, making it great for international travelers.

💡 Best for: travelers who prefer an easy-to-use card that still delivers strong travel value and perks.

Key Differences You Should Consider

1. Earning Potential:
   • Chase Sapphire Preferred shines for travelers who spend heavily on travel and dining.
   • Capital One Venture wins for everyday purchases across all categories.
2. Redemption Value:
   • Chase offers higher value per point through its portal (1.25¢ vs 1¢) and premium partners like Hyatt.
   • Venture’s flat redemption makes it easier but slightly less valuable when transferred poorly.
3. Travel Protections:
   • Chase provides industry-leading protections for trip cancellations and delays.
   • Venture’s insurance is simpler, covering mainly rental cars and lost luggage.
4. User Experience:
   • Chase has a robust online travel portal with bonus value.
   • Capital One’s app and “purchase eraser” system make redemptions effortless.

Which Card Wins for You?

If you travel often and enjoy optimizing your rewards, Chase Sapphire Preferred® gives you more flexibility, higher redemption value, and better travel protection.
However, if you want a simpler, no-fuss card that earns solid rewards everywhere, Capital One Venture Rewards is the better choice.

Traveler Type	Best Card
Frequent flyer	Chase Sapphire Preferred
Casual traveler	Capital One Venture
Luxury experience seeker	Chase Sapphire Preferred
Everyday spender	Capital One Venture

Final Thoughts

Both cards are excellent for travel rewards, but the right one depends on your lifestyle. If you value premium benefits and higher redemption power, Chase Sapphire Preferred delivers exceptional value for its annual fee. If you prefer simplicity, Capital One Venture gives consistent rewards without extra effort.

In 2026, either choice can help you turn your everyday purchases into miles, free flights, and unforgettable adventures — the key is choosing the one that fits your travel habits best.