If you travel regularly—especially for business—you’ve probably considered the Capital One Venture X Business or the American Express Platinum Card. Both offer premium perks, strong welcome bonuses, and flexible travel rewards. But they also differ significantly in fees, benefits, and how their points can be used.
This article breaks down the major differences between the two cards to help you decide which one is right for your travel style and business needs in 2025.
Welcome Bonuses and Value
Both cards come with large signup bonuses, but the value depends on how you redeem the points.
Venture X Business
- Bonus: Up to 150,000 miles after meeting minimum spend
- Redemption value: 1 cent per mile when erasing travel purchases, potentially more with transfer partners
- Estimated bonus value: $1,500+
Amex Platinum
- Bonus: Typically 80,000 to 150,000 Membership Rewards points
- Redemption value: Varies from 0.6 to 2 cents per point depending on how they’re used (best value with transfer partners)
- Estimated bonus value: $1,200–$2,000+
If you plan to transfer points to airline and hotel partners, Amex may offer slightly higher value, but Venture X provides easier redemption and predictability.
Annual Fees and Authorized Users
Annual cost matters—especially when managing employee cards or trying to offset the fee with travel perks.
| Feature | Venture X Business | Amex Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $395 | $695 |
| Authorized Users | Free for employee cards | $195 per user |
| Travel Credit | $300 Capital One Travel credit | $200 airline fee credit, $189 CLEAR credit, $240 digital credits (Uber, streaming, etc.) |
While Amex offers more credits, many are category-restricted. Venture X’s $300 travel credit is easier to use and more flexible.
Points Earning Structure
Both cards offer high rewards on travel, but the categories and redemption options differ.
Venture X Business
- 10x on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5x on flights through Capital One Travel
- 2x on all other purchases
Amex Platinum
- 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel
- 5x on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel
- 1x on other purchases
Venture X Business has stronger everyday earning (2x on everything), while Amex’s 1x base rate can feel underwhelming unless you optimize all purchases.
Lounge Access and Travel Perks
Premium cards stand out when it comes to lounge access, upgrades, and elite-style benefits.
Venture X Business
- Access to Capital One Lounges (growing but limited)
- Priority Pass Select membership (includes restaurants)
- Up to 4 free authorized users
Amex Platinum
- Access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Priority Pass Select (excludes restaurants)
- Stronger global lounge network, especially in U.S. airports
- Premium elite status offers: Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz President’s Circle
If lounge access is a priority and you frequently fly from airports with Centurion Lounges, Amex wins. For simplicity and broader travel coverage, Venture X holds its own—especially given the lower fee.
Travel Protections and Insurance
Both cards offer good protections, but Amex Platinum goes further in certain categories.
| Coverage Type | Venture X Business | Amex Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation/Interruption | Yes | Yes |
| Trip Delay Reimbursement | Yes | Yes (after 6+ hour delay) |
| Baggage Insurance | Yes | Yes |
| Car Rental Insurance | Yes (primary) | Yes (secondary) |
| Cell Phone Insurance | No | No |
The primary car rental insurance on Venture X is a standout for business travelers renting cars often. Amex offers wider protections on luxury services but may require more paperwork.
Transfer Partners and Redemption Flexibility
This is where Amex shines—but Venture X has been expanding.
Capital One Partners
- Includes Turkish Airlines, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, and hotel partners like Wyndham and Choice
- Transfers mostly at 1:1 ratio
Amex Membership Rewards Partners
- Extensive list including ANA, Emirates, Delta, Hilton, Marriott
- Also mostly 1:1 ratio, but redemptions vary by program
Amex offers more premium airline partners and hotel options, which gives advanced rewards travelers more room to maximize value. Capital One is catching up, but its program is simpler, which some users prefer.
Ease of Use and User Experience
Amex is known for its concierge service and polished app experience, while Capital One has focused on streamlined travel booking and simplified rewards.
Venture X offers:
- Straightforward point redemptions
- Fast statement credits
- Modern mobile interface
Amex Platinum offers:
- Concierge for reservations and travel planning
- Detailed perks, but spread across platforms (Airline credit setup, Uber credits, etc.)
If you value simplicity and minimal management, Venture X wins. If you’re willing to put in the effort to track perks and maximize value, Amex pays off.
Best for Business Travelers?
For most business travelers in 2025, the Capital One Venture X Business card is:
- Easier to use
- Lower cost
- More straightforward for points and employee cards
However, the Amex Platinum is still unbeatable for:
- Frequent flyers on premium airlines
- Travelers who want elite hotel status and luxury lounges
- Power users who can maximize all statement credits
Final Verdict
If you want a premium travel rewards card without the complexity, the Venture X Business card offers better value per dollar, easier redemptions, and strong baseline perks—all for a lower fee.
If you’re seeking luxury perks, elite status, and best-in-class lounge access, and don’t mind managing multiple statement credits and higher fees, the Amex Platinum is still the gold standard.
Ultimately, both cards deliver exceptional travel value, but your choice should come down to how often you travel, how much effort you want to put into benefit tracking, and whether you prefer simplicity or maximum optimization.
For many business owners, Venture X Business strikes the perfect balance. But if you’re a frequent luxury traveler who wants access to every possible perk, Amex Platinum won’t disappoint.