Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card vs. United Explorer Card
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
United Explorer Card
Chase
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and United Explorer Card split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card wins on earning ceiling and lounge access; United Explorer Card wins on first-year math and annual fee.
Pick the United Explorer Card if year-one math is your priority; take the United Explorer Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
2 vs 2- First-year math United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card is $245 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 2×).
- 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
- $395
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $1,125
- $910
- First-year net
- +$730
- +$760
- Peak earning rate
- 10×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Hotels Via Portal, Flights Via Portal
- Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
- Lounge access
- capital-one-lounge, priority-pass
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Capital One Miles
- United MileagePlus
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.