Why I Pair Capital One Venture X and Amex Platinum Cards

Before adding he American Express Platinum® Card In my wallet, I analyzed my current credit card settings. The Amex Platinum costs $895 annual fee (see rates and fees) was more than enough to prompt a review of my current strategy.

At the time, I only had one card in my wallet with an annual fee over $200: the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. At $395 each year, the Venture more affordable cards in it premium market. But was it the Venture X? worth keeping once I added Amex Platinum?

After weighing the pros and cons, I decided to keep these two popular premium travel rewards cards. These are the four factors that influenced my decision.

I win two valuable coins

I am dedicated to collecting transferable points and miles of each of the main issuers. I value both American Express Membership Rewards Points and Capital One miles very. Additionally, earning both coins gives me even more flexibility when making trades as I unlock two sets of transfer partners.

I like to redeem Capital One miles for Delta Air Lines tickets, which I usually book through SkyTeam Alliance Partner Air France-KLM Flying Blue. I recently transferred 15,000 miles to flying blue to book two one-way domestic Delta flights.

These cards offer fantastic welcome bonuses:

• Amex Platinum: New cardholders can learn about your offer and may be eligible to receive up to 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible to receive an offer.) According to TPG from December 2025 ratingsThis bonus is worth up to $3,500.
• Company X: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $10,000 on purchases during the first six months after account opening. December 2025 TPG ratings Consider this offer worth $1,850.

Related: How (and why) you should earn transferable credit card points

I pay with Venture X, most of the time

I love using my Company X. It provides at least 2 miles per dollar spent on everything, which is a very solid earning rate.

On the contrary, my Amex Platinum It’s not the best option for most of my spending, as it earns 1 point per dollar spent on most purchases.

However, a problem arises when I need to book flights directly or make hotel reservations through American Express® Travelas you earn 5 points per dollar spent in these categories (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).

Related: Why You Should Get a Fixed Rate Rewards Credit Card

Can I access more VIP lounges at the airport?

I added the Amex Platinum partly to access the extensive card American Express Global Lounge Collection (registration required).

I have many options at most airports I visit. I love the Escape Lounge at my local Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in South Carolina. I hope to visit the Centurion Rooms at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), as I frequently connect through these airports.

Plus, when I pass through ATL on a same-day Delta ticket, I can use one of my 10 annual visits to the Delta Sky Club.*

*Spending $75,000 or more with my card unlocks unlimited Sky Club visits.

He Company X It was my first card with lounge access and I have had fantastic experiences with it VIP rooms with the issuer’s brand.

Since I passed Harry Reid Las Vegas International Airport (LAS) twice in the last year for concerts, and I often fly Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) When connecting with American Airlines, it makes sense for me to maintain access to the fantastic Capital One lounges at these two airports.

Related: The Dos and Don’ts of Visiting an Airport Lounge

I maximize statement credits

This is an important factor when deciding Is it worth paying an annual fee?.

Amex Platinum Statement Credits

There is a long list of statement credits offered by the Amex Platinum. Here’s how I use four of my favorites:

• Airfare credit: I receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year to cover incidental charges on my selected US airline. I use this when I need to check bags on Delta, since I occasionally fly with them but don’t have one of their co-branded cards or SkyMiles elite status.
• Digital Entertainment Statement Credit*: I get $25 off my YouTube TV subscription each month, using up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year for eligible subscriptions.
• Credit on meal statement*: I spent a $100 quarterly statement credit on dinner and cocktails at The 07, a restaurant in my area. Receive up to $400 in statement credits per calendar year at participating Resy-affiliated U.S. restaurants (no reservation required, simply pay with your card at an eligible restaurant).
• Credit on hotel statement: I booked a two-night stay at The Read House, a historic hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for just $236 out of pocket thanks to a $300 semi-annual credit. Receive up to $600 in statement credits per calendar year for prepaid stays booked through Amex Travel at Fine Hotels + Resorts either The hotel collection properties (split into two $300 semi-annual statement credits; two-night minimum at The Hotel Collection properties).

*Registration required

Venture X Travel Credit

He Company X It doesn’t have as long a list of credits, but it costs $300 annually travel credit for reservations made through Capital One Travel reduces the effective annual fee to $95 alone.

Last year, I used this credit to get $300 off a three-night stay at the Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World.

Related: Advantages and benefits of the credit card you should use this month

When it wouldn’t make sense

There are some cases where it wouldn’t make sense for me to keep both the Amex Platinum and Company X.

• If you didn’t have an organized plan to maximize statement credits on both cards, or if you didn’t intend to make statement credits a priority.
• If you weren’t planning on visiting an Amex or Capital One lounge in the foreseeable future.
• If you would like to keep a simple single card setup.

If any of these applied to my situation, I would degrade at the annual fee of $95 Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card instead of keeping up with the Venture

Related: Why Capital One Venture X Might Be the Best Choice for Your First Premium Card

In a nutshell

My wallet is unquestionably stronger with both the Amex Platinum and Company X.

From high earning rates to extensive lounge access and high-value statement credits, the benefits of these two cards combine exceptionally well. Its strengths fill each other’s gaps, creating a well-rounded setup that suits many different types of travelers.

I’m sure these cards will significantly improve my future trips, and they already have.

For more information on either card, read our full reviews of the card. Amex Platinum and Company X.

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Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

More information: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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For Amex Platinum rates and fees, click here.