Capital One Credit Cards vs. Chase Credit Cards: Which is best for you?
December 23, 2019

Capital One and Chase are well-known financial institutions that offer a variety of credit card options. Both have cards for credit building, cash back earnings and travel rewards, and both include extra features to boost the value of specific cards.
But which lender is right for you? Is a Capital One card your best bet for go-to credit when you’re at the store or on vacation? Or are you better served by Chase offerings for cash back earnings and travel rewards?
Here’s what you need to know to make your decision – starting with an overview of essential details, key features that set Capital One and Chase cards apart and a look at how each of these would look in your wallet.
At a glance comparison
Before we dive into value-added features, here’s a look at three Capital One and Chase card types — credit building, cash back and travel rewards — and what they bring to the table.
Credit building table
Capital One® Platinum Credit Card | Chase Slate | |
---|---|---|
Annual Fee | None | None |
Credit Access | Get access to a higher credit line after making your five monthly payments on time | Unlimited, free access to your credit score |
Standard APR | 26.99% variable APR on purchases based on creditworthiness and the prime rate | 16.49% to 25.24% variable APR for purchases based on creditworthiness and the prime rate |
Cash back table
Capital One® QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card | Chase Freedom | |
---|---|---|
Annual Fee | $39 per year | None |
Rewards Rates | Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases regardless of spending category (groceries, etc.) | Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase |
Sign Up Bonus | None | $150 cash back when you spend $500 on your card in the first three months after account opening; 0% APR on all purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months |
Standard APR | 26.99% variable APR on purchases | 16.49% – 25.24% variable APR for purchases based on creditworthiness and the prime rate |
Travel rewards table
Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | |
---|---|---|
Annual Fee | $0 for the first year, $95 each year following | $95 per year |
Rewards Rates | 2x Venture Miles per dollar on every purchase | 2x rewards points on travel and dining purchases, plus 1x points on all other purchases |
Sign Up Bonus | 50,000 bonus miles if you spend $3,000 on your card in the first three months after account opening | 60,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening |
Credits | Up to $100 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees | None |
Lounge Access | None | None |
Standout features
So what really sets these two credit providers apart? Let’s look at some of the standout features of Capital One credit cards.
How do Chase cards stack up? Let’s take a look at some of their top features, including:
The case for Capital One credit cards
Capital One credit cards make it easy to build credit with the CreditWise and Credit Steps program. With unlimited access to your credit report and increased credit access for paying your bills on time, you can quickly improve your credit rating. Cash back and travel reward cards from Capital One, meanwhile, offer value-added benefits for card protection, travel insurance and credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees. While Capital One cards come with a slightly higher APR, they’re designed to streamline credit access and provide competitive benefits.
The case for the Chase credit cards
Credit cards from Chase focus more on introductory and bonus offers — from 0% APR for 15 months (regular rates apply thereafter) to bonus cash back or extra rewards miles after you spend enough in the first three months after opening your account. Chase also includes standout features such as online shopping cash back conversions and 1:1 reward points transfers with popular travel programs.
In a nutshell
If you’re looking to build credit, earn steady cash back or get 2x the travel miles on every dollar spent, options from Capital One are your best choice. If you’re looking for introductory APR offers, cash back bonuses or extra travel redemption benefits with lower overall APR, Chase has you covered.