American Express Gold Card vs. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
American Express Gold Card
Amex
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
American Express Gold Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
American Express Gold Card wins on first-year math and annual fee; Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card wins on earning ceiling and lounge access.
Pick the American Express Gold Card if year-one math is your priority; take the American Express Gold Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
2 vs 2- First-year math American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card is $70 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns more on its best category (10× vs 5×).
- Lounge access Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card includes lounge access; the other doesn't.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $325
- $395
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $1,600
- $1,125
- First-year net
- +$1,275
- +$730
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 10×
- Top categories
- Dining Worldwide, U.S. Supermarkets, Prepaid Hotels
- Hotels Via Portal, Flights Via Portal
- Lounge access
- No
- capital-one-lounge, priority-pass
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- Yes
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Capital One Miles
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.