American Express Gold Card vs. Capital One Venture 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 Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
American Express Gold Card and Capital One Venture 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; Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card wins on annual fee.
Pick the American Express Gold 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
1 vs 1 (1 tie)- First-year math American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is $230 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Tie
Same peak earning rate.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $325
- $95
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $1,600
- $1,125
- First-year net
- +$1,275
- +$1,030
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 5×
- Top categories
- Dining Worldwide, U.S. Supermarkets, Prepaid Hotels
- Travel Portal, Capital One Entertainment
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- 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.