Advertiser Disclosure
✓
Wentworld.com is an independent, advertising-supported travel content platform. We may receive compensation from our partners, including credit card companies, for referrals or traffic directed to their sites. This compensation may influence the placement or appearance of offers on our site but does not affect our editorial integrity or the objectivity of our content. Wentworld.com does not feature all available financial institutions or credit card offers. We are committed to providing the best information for your travel needs, and any opinions expressed here are our own.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Rewards rate- 5X – Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
- 1X – Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Our Verdict
The Ultimate Luxury Travel Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express is the gold standard of luxury travel rewards cards. Its extensive benefits and perks cater to frequent flyers and travelers seeking premium experiences. While the high annual fee is a major commitment, the card’s value proposition lies in its unparalleled airport lounge access, travel credits, and elite status with various travel partners. Our Verdict:- Unmatched Airport Lounge Network: Enjoy complimentary access to the largest network of airport lounges globally, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and more, making your travel days more comfortable and productive.
- Travel Credits Galore: Maximize your travel spending with up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, a $200 hotel credit, and access to exclusive benefits through the Fine Hotels + Resorts program.
- Elevated Travel Status: Receive complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, granting you hotel perks like room upgrades, late check-out, and bonus points.
- Curated Experiences: The Platinum Concierge service provides assistance with booking travel, dining, and entertainment, and the card offers access to exclusive events and experiences.
- Strong Earning Potential: Earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, maximizing your rewards for airfare.
- Significant Annual Fee: The $695 annual fee demands a strategic approach to ensure you maximize the card’s benefits to offset the cost.
- Limited Bonus Categories: The card lacks diverse bonus categories beyond airfare and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, which may not appeal to those seeking broader rewards.
- Transfer Ratios: While you can transfer points to various airline and hotel partners, the standard 1:1 transfer ratio may not offer outsized value compared to other cards with transfer bonuses.
Pros & Cons
Pros:- Ultimate Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy unmatched access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and more, providing a comfortable and productive airport experience.
- Generous Travel Credits: Maximize your travel budget with up to $200 in annual airline fee credits and a $200 hotel credit for prepaid bookings through Amex Travel.
- Complimentary Hotel Elite Status: Receive complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, unlocking hotel perks like room upgrades, late check-out, and bonus points.
- Platinum Concierge Service: Enjoy personalized assistance with travel, dining, and entertainment bookings.
- Exclusive Events and Experiences: Access exclusive events, curated experiences, and entertainment opportunities.
- High Annual Fee: The $695 annual fee requires careful analysis to determine if the card’s benefits align with your spending habits and travel needs.
- Limited Bonus Categories: The card’s primary bonus categories focus on airfare and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, limiting earning potential for those with broader spending patterns.
- No Transfer Bonuses: While Membership Rewards points can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners, the typical 1:1 transfer ratio may not offer the same value as cards with transfer bonuses.
More Details
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Key Features and Benefits- Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Annual Fee: $695
- Earning Rates:
- 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- 5X points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com
- 1X point on all other eligible purchases
- Airport Lounge Access:
- Unlimited access to The Centurion Lounge network
- Priority Pass Select membership with unlimited visits for the cardmember and two guests
- Access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta
- Access to Escape Lounges
- Access to Plaza Premium Lounges
- Access to select Lufthansa Lounges
- Credits:
- Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental airline fees charged by one selected qualifying airline.
- $200 in statement credits per calendar year for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel.
- Up to $15 per month ($35 in December) in Uber Cash for U.S. rides or Uber Eats orders (total of $200 Uber Cash annually)
- Up to $20 per month ($240 annually) in statement credits for eligible subscriptions with participating digital entertainment providers.
- Up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year for eligible Equinox memberships (including Equinox+) or a standalone Equinox+ subscription.
- Hotel Elite Status: Complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Receive a statement credit for Global Entry application fee ($100) or TSA PreCheck application fee (up to $85) every 4 years or 4.5 years, respectively.
- Individuals who travel frequently and value premium airport lounge access.
- Those who prioritize luxury travel experiences and hotel perks.
- Consumers seeking a concierge service for assistance with travel, dining, and entertainment.
- Individuals who spend a significant amount on airfare and prepaid hotel bookings through Amex Travel.
American Express® Gold Card
Rewards rate- 4X – Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year.
- 4X – Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- 3X – Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- 2X – Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- 1X – Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Our Verdict
A Premium Dining and Travel Rewards Card
The American Express® Gold Card is a premium rewards card that caters to individuals who prioritize dining and travel experiences. While its high annual fee may seem daunting, the card offers a generous array of benefits and credits that can easily offset the cost for the right user. Our Verdict:- Dining Dominance: The Amex Gold shines in its rewards for dining, offering 4X points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $25,000 spent annually) and 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 spent annually), making it a top contender for foodies.
- Valuable Credits: The combination of the $120 dining credit (applicable to various partners), $120 Uber Cash credit (for U.S. rides or Uber Eats orders), and $100 Resy credit (for fine dining experiences) can result in significant savings for those who utilize these services.
- Travel Perks: While not as extensive as the Amex Platinum, the Gold card still offers travel benefits like baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, and trip delay insurance, adding value for frequent travelers.
- Flexible Redemption Options: Redeem your Membership Rewards points for travel, gift cards, statement credits, and more, providing flexibility in utilizing your rewards.
- High Annual Fee: The $250 annual fee requires careful consideration. However, the card’s credits and benefits can outweigh the cost if used strategically.
- Limited Airport Lounge Access: Unlike its Platinum counterpart, the Gold card does not offer complimentary airport lounge access, which may be a drawback for frequent flyers.
- No Transfer Bonuses: Transferring points to airline and hotel partners is typically at a 1:1 ratio, meaning you won’t find outsized value compared to other Amex cards offering transfer bonuses.
Pros & Cons
Pros:- Exceptional Dining Rewards: Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 spent annually in each category), supercharging your rewards for everyday dining expenses.
- Annual Dining Credits: Enjoy up to $340 in annual credits with the $120 dining credit, $120 Uber Cash credit, and $100 Resy credit, potentially offsetting a significant portion of the annual fee.
- Travel Insurance Benefits: Benefit from baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, and trip delay insurance, offering peace of mind for your travel experiences.
- Flexible Rewards Program: Redeem your Membership Rewards points for a variety of options, including travel, gift cards, statement credits, and more, allowing you to maximize the value of your rewards.
- High Annual Fee: The $250 annual fee necessitates careful evaluation of your spending habits to ensure you’ll utilize the card’s benefits to offset the cost.
- No Complimentary Lounge Access: The card does not provide access to airport lounges, which may be a drawback for travelers seeking airport comfort and amenities.
- No Transfer Bonuses: While you can transfer Membership Rewards points to various airline and hotel partners, the typical 1:1 transfer ratio may not offer the same value as other cards providing transfer bonuses.
More Details
American Express® Gold Card: Key Features and Benefits- Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Annual Fee: $250
- Earning Rates:
- 4X points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $25,000 spent each calendar year)
- 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 spent each calendar year)
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- 2X points on eligible travel purchases through amextravel.com (prepaid hotels, car rentals, and cruises)
- 1X point on all other eligible purchases
- Credits:
- Up to $10 per month ($120 annually) in Uber Cash for U.S. rides or Uber Eats orders
- Up to $10 per month ($120 annually) in statement credits for dining at participating partners (Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and Shake Shack)
- Up to $50 in statement credits every 6 months ($100 annually) for eligible purchases on Resy.com or the Resy app
- Individuals who spend a significant amount on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets.
- Those who utilize Uber for transportation or food delivery services frequently.
- Travelers seeking baggage and car rental insurance benefits.
- Consumers who value a flexible rewards program with various redemption options.
Capital One Venture Rewards
Rewards rate- 5X – Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- 1.25X – Earn unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on all other purchases.
Our Verdict
A Solid Choice for Flexible Travel Rewards
The Capital One Venture card offers a compelling mix of earning potential and redemption flexibility, making it a strong contender for those seeking a mid-tier travel card. While not perfect, its strengths lie in its earning structure, generous sign-up bonus, and the ability to transfer miles to a variety of airline and hotel programs. Our Verdict:- Earn miles on everything: With 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, you’ll rack up points quickly. The 5X miles on Capital One Travel purchases and on Capital One Entertainment until 12/31/25 are valuable additions.
- Generous sign-up bonus: The 75,000-mile bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months is a fantastic way to kickstart your travel rewards.
- Flexibility: Redeem miles for any travel purchase or book through Capital One Travel with no blackout dates.
- Transferable miles: Although not all airline partners are major U.S. carriers, the option to transfer miles to over 15 programs provides some flexibility.
- Travel perks: The $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and the $250 travel credit in your first year are great benefits for frequent travelers.
- Mediocre transfer ratios: Transfer ratios to most airline and hotel partners are less than 1:1, potentially reducing the value of your miles.
- Limited airline partners: The lack of major U.S. airlines as partners limits your options for transferring miles.
- Annual fee: The $95 annual fee may be a drawback for some, especially if you don’t travel frequently enough to offset the cost.
Pros & Cons
Pros:- Earn miles effortlessly: The card rewards you with 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, making it easy to accumulate miles for travel.
- Boost your travel rewards: The 5X miles on travel booked through Capital One Travel is a powerful way to maximize your earning potential for flights, hotels, and rental cars.
- Start strong: The $250 travel credit for your first year and the 75,000 mile sign-up bonus (worth $750 in travel) give you a significant headstart on your travel adventures.
- Redeem with freedom: Enjoy the flexibility of redeeming your miles for any travel purchase, or book flights and hotels with no blackout dates through Capital One Travel.
- Unlock travel perks: The $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck saves you money on expedited airport security.
- Miles that last: Your miles never expire, so you can accumulate them over time and redeem them when you’re ready to travel.
- Miles aren’t always equal: Transfer ratios to airline and hotel programs are often less than 1:1, meaning you might not get the same value for your miles compared to other cards.
- Limited partner network: The lack of major U.S. airline partners means you may not have the most flexibility in transferring miles to programs that align with your travel preferences.
More Details
Capital One Venture Card: Key Features and Benefits- Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. These miles are equivalent to $750 in travel value.
- Earning Rate: Earn 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, providing consistent rewards on everyday spending.
- Enhanced Earning:
- Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Earn 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25.
- Miles Expiration: Miles do not expire as long as the account remains open.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Receive up to a $100 credit towards the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, offering expedited airport security.
- Travel Credit: Enjoy a $250 credit for travel expenses during your first year of card membership.
- Miles Transferability: Transfer your miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs, including airline and hotel programs. This allows you to maximize your rewards based on your preferred travel preferences.
- Annual Fee: $95
VentureOne Rewards for Good Credit
Rewards rate- 5X – Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- 1.25X – Earn unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on all other purchases.
Our Verdict
A Straightforward Travel Rewards Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid travel rewards card that offers a simple and straightforward way to earn miles on all purchases. Its flat earning rate, generous sign-up bonus, and flexible travel redemption options make it an attractive option for those who want to earn rewards without the complexities of bonus categories or airline restrictions. Our Verdict:- Uncomplicated Miles Earning: Earn an unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, simplifying the rewards process and allowing you to earn consistently.
- Generous Welcome Bonus: The 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in purchases within the first 3 months is equivalent to $200 in travel, providing a substantial starting point for your travel plans.
- 0% Intro APR: Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, providing an opportunity for interest-free financing or debt consolidation.
- No Annual Fee: The absence of an annual fee makes this card an appealing option for those seeking a cost-effective way to earn travel rewards.
- Flexible Travel Redemption: Redeem your miles for any travel purchase through Capital One Travel or cover past travel expenses, offering versatility in utilizing your rewards.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: The card charges a foreign transaction fee, making it less suitable for international spending.
- Limited Additional Perks: The card offers travel benefits through Capital One Travel but lacks some of the premium travel perks, such as airport lounge access or travel insurance, found on other travel cards.
Pros & Cons
Pros:- Unlimited 1.25 Miles per Dollar: Earn a consistent 1.25 miles on all eligible purchases, simplifying the rewards process.
- 20,000-Mile Welcome Bonus: Receive 20,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $200 in travel) after spending $500 in purchases within the first 3 months.
- 0% Intro APR: Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, allowing for interest-free financing or debt consolidation.
- No Annual Fee: Benefit from travel rewards without any ongoing costs.
- Flexible Travel Redemption: Redeem miles for any travel purchase through Capital One Travel or cover past travel expenses.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: The card charges a foreign transaction fee, making it less ideal for international spending.
- Limited Additional Perks: The card lacks some premium travel perks, such as airport lounge access or travel insurance.
More Details
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Key Features and Benefits- Welcome Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Annual Fee: None
- Earning Rates:
- 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 1.25 miles per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- Intro APR:
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months (when completed within 4 months of account opening)
- Other Benefits:
- Capital One Travel portal with price prediction tools and price drop protection
- Individuals seeking a simple and straightforward travel rewards card with a flat earning rate.
- Consumers who want a card with a generous welcome bonus and a 0% intro APR period.
- Those who prioritize a no-annual-fee card for accumulating travel rewards.