Travel rewards credit cards are one of the best tools for turning everyday purchases into extraordinary travel experiences. Whether you’re new to the world of points and miles or looking to upgrade your travel game, choosing the right credit card can make all the difference. For beginners, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Card stand out as two of the best options to start your journey into travel rewards. Here’s an in-depth look at why these cards are ideal for beginners, how they compare, and how to maximize their benefits.
Why Start with Travel Rewards Credit Cards?
We started earning travel rewards on credit cards nearly thirty years ago. And, because of this, we have had the great fortune to travel the world. What we recommend to you in this blog post, is exactly how we began our travel journey. It won’t matter if you haven’t done this before, we are here to help show you how and guide you on your own travel journey.
Travel rewards credit cards allow you to earn points or miles for purchases, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and more. Unlike cash-back cards, these cards often unlock greater value when points are redeemed strategically. They also come with travel-related perks like trip insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and access to exclusive travel portals or transfer partners.
Starting with the right card can set the tone for how quickly and easily you accumulate rewards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture Rewards are beginner-friendly, offering generous rewards structures, easy redemption options, and flexibility.
Card #1: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- Earning Structure:
- 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- 3x points on dining, including delivery and takeout.
- 2x points on all other travel purchases.
- 1x point on everything else.
- Annual Fee: $95.
- Redemption Options:
- Transfer points to 14 travel partners, including United, Hyatt, and Southwest, for maximum flexibility.
- Additional Perks:
- Primary car rental insurance.
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a cornerstone in the travel rewards world because of its versatility and value. The ability to transfer points to travel partners gives users a wide range of options, even if they’re not yet familiar with the ins and outs of travel hacking.
The 2x points on general travel (airfare, hotels, taxis, and more) makes it easy for new users to rack up rewards. Plus, the travel protections add peace of mind, making it a practical choice for frequent or occasional travelers alike.
Card #2: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Earning Structure:
- Unlimited 2x miles on every purchase.
- 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Annual Fee: $95.
- Redemption Options:
- Transfer miles to 15+ travel partners, including Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, and Wyndham Hotels.
- Additional Perks:
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Travel accident insurance.
- Two free visits per year to Capital One Lounges or Plaza Premium Lounges.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Capital One Venture Rewards Card is perfect for those who prefer simplicity. With 2x miles on all purchases, you don’t have to keep track of spending categories. This flexibility is ideal for people who want rewards without the learning curve of navigating complex point systems or loyalty programs. The added lounge access is also a nice touch, giving you a taste of luxury even before your trip begins!
Comparing the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture Rewards Cards
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Capital One Venture Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | 60,000 points ($750 in travel) | 75,000 miles ($750 in travel) |
| Earning Potential | 5x on travel via portal; 3x on dining | 2x on all purchases; 5x on hotels/rental cars |
| Redemption Flexibility | Ultimate Rewards portal or transfer partners | Travel eraser or transfer partners |
| Annual Fee | $95 | $95 |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
| Travel Perks | Comprehensive protections, rental car insurance | Lounge access, simple redemptions |
Both cards are strong contenders for beginners, but they cater to slightly different needs. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is ideal for those who want to dive into maximizing points through transfer partners or earning boosted rewards in select categories. The Capital One Venture Rewards, on the other hand, is better for those who value simplicity and flexibility in earning and redeeming rewards.
Maximizing Your Rewards
- Meet the Minimum Spend for the Bonus
Both cards require a $4,000 spend in the first three months to earn the welcome bonus. Use the card for everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and bills to hit this threshold without overspending. - Leverage Bonus Categories
- For Chase Sapphire Preferred, prioritize dining and travel purchases to earn 3x and 2x points, respectively.
- For Capital One Venture Rewards, book hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel to earn 5x miles.
- Combine Points with Other Programs
If you have additional Chase cards, like the Freedom Flex, you can combine those points with the Sapphire Preferred for more rewards. Similarly, transferring Capital One miles to airline or hotel partners can unlock premium experiences at lower costs. - Redeem Strategically
- Chase points are often worth more when transferred to partners like Hyatt or United.
- Capital One miles can be transferred to travel partners for higher-value redemptions.
- Avoid Interest Charges
Always pay your balance in full to avoid interest charges, which can quickly outweigh the value of rewards earned.
Which Card Should You Choose First?
Both cards are excellent choices, but the best one for you depends on your travel habits and goals.
- Choose Chase Sapphire Preferred if: You value flexibility, want to explore transfer partners, or spend heavily on dining and travel.
- Choose Capital One Venture Rewards if: You prefer straightforward earning and redemption options or want to keep things simple while still enjoying significant travel benefits.
Final Thoughts
The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture Rewards Card are two of the best entry points into the world of travel rewards. Each offers unique perks, competitive earning rates, and valuable redemption options, making them ideal for beginners.
By understanding your spending habits and travel goals, you can choose the card that aligns with your needs, start earning rewards, and transform your everyday purchases into incredible travel experiences. Whether you’re planning your first getaway or dreaming of luxury travel upgrades, these cards are the perfect starting point.
The key is to use your card wisely, maximize the earning opportunities, and redeem points strategically to make every trip more rewarding.
Now, are you ready to open your Capital One Venture Rewards card? Use this link to explore Capital One Rewards. (By clicking on the link and making a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.) Remember to locate the Capital One Venture Rewards card if you want the one we described above.
If you want to explore opening the Chase Sapphire Preferred travel rewards card, please send us an email so we can send you the link directly.
Happy travels!
