Capital One Venture X Card vs. Amex Gold Card [Detailed Comparison]

If you’re a frequent traveler, you may benefit from a travel rewards credit card, both by earning rewards on your travel purchases and then redeeming those rewards for travel. This scenario can be the perfect outcome of being a travel rewards cardholder, but what if your greatest expenses are more of the everyday type, such as purchases at the supermarket or on dining?

Fortunately, regardless of your spending mix, the 2 popular cards we’ve chosen today live up to the challenge of rewarding every purchase you make. Plus, at redemption time, you’ll have valuable options to ensure you reach your travel objectives.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the American Express^® Gold Card function quite differently, but what the 2 cards have in common is that both deliver significant value for the frequent traveler.

We’re prepared to show you exactly how our 2 featured cards do just that in the detailed comparison that follows.

Join us as we walk through the details.

Capital One Venture X Card vs. Amex Gold Card — Overview

Before we dive into the details comparing each card, let’s summarize the key benefits of the Capital One Venture X card and the Amex Gold card.

Keep in mind that not all card benefits are listed, plus, we’ve abbreviated descriptions. You’ll want to access the card’s Guide to Benefits for a full breakdown of each benefit plus terms and conditions.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the key benefits of our 2 featured cards:

The Value of a Welcome Bonus

The best rewards-earning cards feature a unique window of opportunity to earn a large number of rewards in a short period of time. Just meet the appropriate minimum spending requirements during that window to earn the bonus.

We value the Capital One miles earned on the Capital One Venture X card at 1.8 cents each, with the Amex Gold card earning Membership Rewards points that we value at approximately 2.2 cents each.

Welcome bonuses fluctuate, as do reward valuations, so you’ll want to check the most current information prior to applying.

Here’s a snapshot of each card’s current welcome bonus and spending requirements:

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 90,000 points with the Amex Gold card. The current public offer is 60,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Bottom Line: The Capital One Venture X card and Amex Gold card offer generous welcome bonuses that can be earned after meeting minimum spending requirements within the months immediately following card approval. 

Capital One Miles vs. American Express Membership Rewards Points

While both of our featured cards earn rewards on every purchase you make, the Capital One Venture X card earns Capital One miles and the Amex Gold card earns Membership Rewards points — 2 different types of rewards currencies.

And while the ease of earning these rewards will be important to you, so will the options at redemption time, when you’ll want to receive the best possible value.

Let’s look at the earning potential for each of our featured cards and how you can turn those rewards into something you value.

Earning Potential

The Capital One Venture X card and Amex Gold card both have great earning potential. The better card for you will match your spending mix and ensure you’re earning elevated rewards on the purchases you make most. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that every purchase you make earns rewards.

Here’s how our featured cards earn rewards on everyday purchases and the associated bonus categories that can help you earn rewards faster:

If you spend a lot at the grocery store and on dining, those expenses will earn a higher 4x rewards on the Amex Gold card compared to 2x on the Capital One Venture X card. However, at the gas station, department store, drugstore, and other everyday purchases, you’ll earn just 1x rewards on the Amex Gold card and 2x with the Capital One Venture X card.

When we look at travel purchases, if you’re buying a lot of flights directly from the airline, you’ll do better with the Amex Gold card. If you don’t mind using a travel portal, you can score up to 10x earnings with the Capital One Venture X card.

As you can see, the mix of your spending will determine which card offers the better overall earnings scenario for your situation.

Earnings, however, are just a key aspect of selecting a rewards-earning card. Next, we’ll look at the options you’ll have when it’s time to redeem your rewards.

Bottom Line: If you spend a lot at U.S. grocery stores and at restaurants, the Amex Gold card could result in higher earnings. However, if you’ll use Capital One Travel for your travel purchases, you could come out ahead with the Capital One Venture X card, especially since the card will earn 2x miles per dollar on every purchase, including travel purchased outside of Capital One Travel and any other non-bonus category purchase. 

Redemption Options

We mentioned previously that we estimate the value of Capital One miles at 1.8 cents each and Membership Rewards points at 2.2 cents each. These valuations represent the potential value you can receive at redemption time.

Here are all of the options you’ll have for redeeming your rewards that are earned on the Capital One Venture X card and the Amex Gold card:

Different redemption selections result in receiving various values for your rewards. For example, transferring rewards to airline partners can result in some of the highest potential value as you’ll be redeeming for frequent flyer miles that can purchase (normally expensive) award tickets.

Additional redemption options can result in a value of 1 cent, or much less, for each mile/point.

To learn more about redeeming Capital One miles or Membership Rewards points for the best value, you’ll want to read these additional articles on the topic.

Bottom Line: The value you receive for your Capital One miles or Membership Rewards points will depend on how you redeem your rewards. The best potential value can be to transfer your rewards to airline or hotel partners and redeem them for award flights or free hotel nights. 

Travel Benefits and Protections

The primary benefits of holding a rewards-earning credit card are to earn rewards on every purchase you make and redeem those rewards for something of value. However, the best rewards-earning cards also come with several useful benefits.

These additional benefits, and also protections, provide money-saving options on your travel purchases or deliver protection during your travels.

We’ll start with a list of benefits you’ll find on both the Capital One Venture X card and the Amex Gold card:

• No Foreign Transaction Fees — Both of our featured cards travel well with no fees charged on foreign transactions. For Amex Gold rates and fees, click here.
• Car Rental Collision Damage Waiver — Pay for your entire car rental with your card, decline the agency’s CDW/LDW coverage, and receive protection for damage or theft of the rental car. The Capital One Venture X card offers primary coverage while the Amex Gold card offers secondary coverage with the option to purchase Premium Protection for 1 low price that covers the entire rental period. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply.
• Trip Delay — If your trip is delayed 12 hours or more for a covered reason, you could receive up to $300 with the Capital One Venture X card. For an Amex Gold card, you’re entitled to up to $300 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

In addition to these travel benefits and protections, each of our featured cards offers a list of valuable perks.

Capital One Venture X Card

• Lounge Access: Cardholders receive a Priority Pass Select Membership which grants access to over 1,300 properties worldwide including airport lounges, participating restaurants, and Minute Suites. Membership also extends to authorized users added to your card. Cardholders also get access for themselves and up to 2 guests at Capital One Lounges and Plaza Premium Lounges.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Reimbursement — Pay for your application or renewal fee with your card and receive reimbursement, up to $100.
• Capital One Travel Statement Credit — Use your card to purchase travel via Capital One Travel and receive up to $300 each year as a statement credit.
• Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption — If your trip is canceled or interrupted due to a covered reason, you could receive up to $2,000 per covered person.
• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Elite Status — Receive complimentary President’s Circle status as long as you hold the card.
• Visa Infinite Luxury Hotels & Resorts Collection Benefits — Receive VIP guest treatment, an upgraded room when available, breakfast for 2 daily, late checkout when available, an onsite amenity, and more.
• Gravity Haus Benefits — Cardholders receive a $300 discount toward a membership. This entitles you to discounted hotel stays near top ski resorts, exclusive events, and discounts on your ski or snowboarding gear. This partnership will last through January 19, 2024.
• The Cultivist Benefits — Cardholders are eligible for a free Enthusiast membership for 6 months, offering free access to museums across the world (through June 22, 2024).

Amex Gold Card

• The Hotel Collection — Book a stay of at least 2 consecutive nights via Amex Travel and receive $100 to spend at the spa, on dining, or resort activities. You’ll also receive an upgraded room when available.

Bottom Line: The Capital One Venture X card has a broader collection of travel benefits and protections than the Amex Gold card, including Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement, worldwide lounge access, travel statement credits, and primary car rental coverage. 

Shopping Benefits and Protections

You know you’ll be using your card for shopping, so it’s fortunate that both the Capital One Venture X card and Amex Gold card offer benefits that can save you money and protection should you have a problem with your eligible purchase.

Let’s start with the shopping benefits you’ll find on each of our featured cards.

Shopping Benefits

Capital One Venture X Card

• Cell Phone Protection — Pay for your monthly cell phone bill with your card and receive protection for damage or theft for up to $800 per claim. There is a $50 deductible per claim and a maximum of 2 claims allowed each 12-month period.
• Capital One Offers — Receive shopping discounts when you click through the Capital One Offers links.

Amex Gold Card

• $120 Dining Credit — Receive up to $10 per month in statement credits for select dining purchases at participating restaurants and food delivery, including Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• $120 Uber Cash — Register your card as the default payment on your Uber account and receive $10 monthly deposited into your account for a total of $120 per year. Credits are good for Uber Eats or Uber rides in the U.S.
• Amex Offers — Just add these offers to your card via your online card account and save hundreds (potentially thousands) of dollars with offers that save you money or provide additional earnings on select purchases.
• ShopRunner Membership — Receive free 2-day shipping and discounts at special offers at dozens of participating retailers.

Shopping Protections

Both the Capital One Venture X card and Amex Gold card offer these shopping protections for eligible items purchased with your card:

• Purchase Security and Purchase Protection — Purchase an eligible item with your card to receive coverage for damage or theft for up to 90 days from the date of purchase. There is a maximum of $1,000 per item, up to $50,000 per card on the Capital One Venture X card. For Amex Gold cardmembers, this is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply.
• Extended Warranty — Eligible items purchased with your card that have manufacturer’s warranties of 5 years or less will have the warranty extended 1 additional year. There is a limit of $10,000 per purchase, $50,000 per card per calendar year.

In addition to the above, the Capital One Venture X card offers return protection:

• Return Protection — If an eligible item, purchased with your card, is not accepted for return by the merchant within 90 days from the date of purchase, you could receive up to $300 per item, with a maximum of $1,000 per account.

Bottom Line: The Capital One Venture X card and Amex Gold card each offer a useful collection of shopping benefits and protections. Cell phone protection, however, is unique to the Capital One Venture X card, as well as return protection. 

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

Annual fees play a role in whether you’ll receive bottom-line value when holding a rewards-earning credit card. Any fees incurred when adding authorized users would also contribute to the cost of card ownership.

Here’s how the Capital One Venture X card and Amex Gold card compare regarding annual fees and adding authorized users.

Annual Fees

The Capital One Venture X card charges an annual fee of $395 while the Amex Gold card charges $250 (see rates and fees).

Authorized Users

There is no additional cost to add up to 4 authorized users to your Capital One Venture X card. There is also no fee to add up to 5 authorized users to the Amex Gold card (see rates and fees).

Bottom Line: While the Capital One Venture X card has a higher annual fee than the Amex Gold card, the card offers the additional benefits of Priority Pass Select membership for the cardholder and authorized users, up to $300 statement credit for Capital One Travel purchases, and cell phone protection. These additional benefits, if utilized, could make up the difference in annual fees. 

Final Thoughts

Both the Capital One Venture X card and the Amex Gold card have the potential to be the right card for a traveler. The better card for you will depend on your spending mix, how you prefer to redeem your rewards, and which benefits deliver personal value.

If you’re spending a lot on everyday purchases, such as at supermarkets and on dining, but still want to earn on airline flights, you may find a match with the Amex Gold card. If you would utilize Capital One Travel to make your travel purchases, and you have a lot of travel expenses, the Capital One Venture X card could be a better fit.

There are also several benefits to consider, such as cell phone protection, access to worldwide airport lounges, primary car rental insurance, and statement credits for travel purchases. If these benefits offer you economic value, the Capital One Venture X card might be a good choice.

Another option you’ll want to consider, if you’re going to transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners, is the list of each card’s transfer partners and if your preferred travel provider is on the list. We’ve provided links to articles on how to transfer to travel partners in the redemption section above.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Enrollment required through Capital One website or mobile app. Upon enrollment, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024.  Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier.  Additional terms apply.

For the American Express^® Gold Card’s Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level caries by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the American Express^® Gold Card’s Trip Delay Insurance, eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the American Express^® Gold Card’s Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty, eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For rates and fees of the American Express^® Gold Card, click here.