Maximizing your hard-earned rewards is one of the best credit card perks. Several consumers select credit cards based on the rewards program’s flexibility.
Capital One and Chase offer the best reward redemption values along with additional perks. However, which one is better? We have analyzed Capital One Venture Miles vs Chase Ultimate rewards points to help you finalize your decision.
Capital One Venture Miles vs Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
When comparing Capital One Venture Miles vs. Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you are looking at two of the most versatile travel rewards programs available. Capital One is popular for its simple reward structure. On the contrary, Chase is notorious for its various reward types and structures.
Each reward program has its own advantages, such as ease of earning and redeeming rewards. These features make them attractive depending on your travel preferences and spending habits.
Overview of Capital One Venture Miles
Capital One Venture Miles is a simple and flexible program. You earn unlimited miles per dollar on every purchase with the Venture credit cards. You don’t have to stay alert to choose and activate rotating categories every few months like several rewards cards offer.
You can get airport lounge access if you book through the bank’s travel portal. However, Capital One has announced that the Venture Rewards credit card and the Spark Miles for Business card will not have lounge access after December 31, 2024.
You can redeem your reward miles for travel purchases at 1 cent per point. It means that 60,000 miles earn you $600 in Capital One Travel bookings. Or, you can transfer your reward miles to Capital One’s 15+ airline and hotel partners at a higher value conditionally. Other redemption options include:
- Amazon gift cards
- Purchases through PayPal
- Statement credit
- Buying events and venue tickets with Capital One Entertainment
Overview of Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are highly coveted for their high flexibility redemption value. The per-point worth depends on your card tier. Your top-tier card points can be valued up to 50% more if you redeem them through the Chase Travel portal.
You can earn reward points through flat rate and revolving bonus categories Chase cards offer. Besides other perks, you get access to the spa and gym activities at the airport. You also get access to the Minute Suite private rooms for an hour. However, you don’t get access to airport restaurants and shops anymore.
This program offers multiple redemption options. However, we found you get the best value by booking travel or transferring to Chase Bank’s exhaustive list of hotels and airline partners. Other options include:
- Amazon gift cards
- Apple purchases
- Payments through PayPal
- Credit card bill payments
- Statement credit or check
- Buying tickets to sporting events through Chase Experiences
- Buying takeouts and access to culinary experiences through Chase Dining
Comparing Capital One Venture Miles and Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
While both rewards programs seem poles apart, they have similar features too. You can decide your best fit by analyzing their distinguishing features.
Similarities
- Both programs offer you the ability to earn points on every purchase. Also, you earn extra points for travel-related expenses.
- Your miles and points with both programs don’t expire until your account remains open.
- You can use your rewards to book travel directly through Capital One Travel or the Chase travel portal with no blackout dates.
- You get multiple options to redeem your rewards with both programs.
- Your rewards’ value decreases if you redeem through channels other than travel.
Differences
- Capital One Venture Miles are valued at 1 cent each towards travel bookings. In contrast, Chase points can be worth 1.25 to 1.5 cents each when redeemed through their travel portal.
- Chase values your points differently depending on the type of your cards. On the other hand, Capital One Venture Miles offers the same value regardless of your card tier.
- Capital One Travel provides a complete price match if you find a flight cheaper than the bank’s offer. Chase does not provide that protection.
- You earn a consistent reward of 2 miles per dollar with the Venture cards. Chase cards that support the Ultimate Rewards program offer different types of rewards.
Major Distinguishing Factors
- You can pay for airport activities access with Chase Ultimate Rewards. You can not do so with Capital One Venture Miles.
- You can get up to 50% more value redeeming through Chase Ultimate Rewards, i.e., 1.5 cents per dollar. It compares unfavorably to the 1 cent per dollar redemption with Capital One Venture Miles.
When to Use Capital One Venture Miles
If you ask us, the most significant advantage of this rewards program is its straightforward approach. You don’t need to sift through cards trying to find one that redeems the highest value. Your miles are worth one cent each when booking travel through the Capital One travel portal. This no-frills valuation makes booking flights or hotels easy and transparent.
You can also use your miles to ‘erase’ travel purchases off your credit card statement at the same rate. This feature offers you flexibility after your travels are already booked, and if something unexpected comes up, it could be a convenient benefit.
You can transfer your Venture Miles to one of Capital One’s travel partners if you want more value. Alternatively, you can use this program to redeem rewards for gift cards or cash back. You also get:
- Alerts about the cheapest flight rates and the best time to book travel.
- A total price match if you find a cheaper flight than Capital One’s recommended rates.
- Flexibility to cancel your flight at any time at a nominal fee. You must select this option at the time of booking.
When to Use Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
Chase Ultimate Rewards Points offer a variety of perks and benefits that can be particularly valuable to you when traveling. Use your points to book international travel directly through Chase’s travel portal to avoid foreign transaction fees that would otherwise add up.
If your trip encounters hitches, paying with Chase points can get you trip cancellation and interruption insurance. You can also get trip delay reimbursement. That said, your Chase points can provide broader protection beyond just trip disruptions. You get:
- Rental car coverage
- Travel accident insurance
- Extended warranty on purchases
- Emergency roadside assistance
Your points can go further when redeemed for travel through the Chase portal, offering up to 1.25 cents per point if you have a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred. This means a higher value for flights or hotel stays.
Which Rewards Program Is Better?
It is established that both rewards programs offer the best redemption value with travel. You can book flights and hotels through Chase and Capital One’s travel portals. Or, you can transfer your rewards to the issuers’ travel partners. The main difference lies in the actual redemption value.
While you can get up to 1.5 cents per dollar with Chase Ultimate Rewards, it depends on the card. High-tier cards garner high value. However, the value of Capital One venture Miles remains consistent for most of its transfer partners, i.e., 1:1. You might get a higher value with some airlines if you book far in advance.
Meanwhile, Chase Ultimate Rewards supports various travel perks like trip insurance for delays or cancellations. Likewise, Capital One Venture Miles collaborates with Capital One Travel to alert you about the cheapest flight rates. Based on this analysis, we recommend the Chase Ultimate Rewards as the better rewards program.
Related Questions
How Valuable are Capital One Points?
Capital One points hold consistent value, particularly when you redeem them through the Capital One travel portal. Each Venture Mile equals 1 cent towards travel expenses. Also, you may find decent value if you transfer points to airline and hotel partners. This is especially true with partners like Air Canada Aeroplan or Etihad.
Are Chase Points Worth More Than Capital One Points?
Chase Points are worth more than the Capital One points. They are valued at 1.25 cents each when redeemed through the Chase travel portal, compared to 1 cent each with Capital One. Additionally, the range of redemption options is broad. You can transfer points to coveted loyalty programs like World of Hyatt and Marriott Bonvoy. This increases their worth further when strategically redeemed.
Which Capital One Venture Card Is the Best?
When selecting the best Capital One Venture card, compare the welcome bonuses, annual fees, and benefits. The standard Capital One Venture card is a solid all-rounder with a manageable annual fee that is often waived in the first year. Venture X offers premium perks at a higher fee. Also, consider how often you will use travel partners such as Cathay Pacific or Avianca. The upgraded Venture cards may offer better transfer rates and benefits.
Conclusion
Selecting the better rewards program largely depends on your redemption preferences. However, we found Chase Ultimate Rewards the better one because of its high redemption value. You can get up to 1.5 cents per dollar value with it against 1 cent per dollar with Capital One Venture Miles.