Is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card costs $395/yr vs $0/yr for the Citi Custom Cash Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Citi Custom Cash Card?

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a higher base earn rate (2X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card have that the Citi Custom Cash Card doesn't?

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers lounge access. The Citi Custom Cash Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Citi Custom Cash Card?

Choose the Citi Custom Cash Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card if you spend enough to justify the $395/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card costs $395/yr vs $0/yr for the Citi Custom Cash Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Citi Custom Cash Card?

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a higher base earn rate (2X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card have that the Citi Custom Cash Card doesn't?

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers lounge access. The Citi Custom Cash Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Citi Custom Cash Card?

Choose the Citi Custom Cash Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card if you spend enough to justify the $395/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card costs $395/yr vs $0/yr for the Citi Custom Cash Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Citi Custom Cash Card?

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a higher base earn rate (2X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card have that the Citi Custom Cash Card doesn't?

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers lounge access. The Citi Custom Cash Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Citi Custom Cash Card?

Choose the Citi Custom Cash Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card if you spend enough to justify the $395/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

CardRewards

Editorial disclosure: CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Our analysis is based on publicly available card data and is reviewed regularly by our editorial team. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or content. Last updated: May 2026.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card vs Citi Custom Cash Card

The Citi Custom Cash Card ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

No image

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One

Citi Custom Cash Card

Citi

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$395

Welcome Bonus

75,000 Flex point

200 Cash

Earn Rates

Category	Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card	Citi Custom Cash Card
Dining	2X	5X
Drugstores

Category-by-Category Winner

The Citi Custom Cash Card wins in 10 of 13 categories. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card leads in 3.

Hotels

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns 2X vs 1X

Flights

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns 2X vs 1X

Dining

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Drugstores

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Fitness & Gyms

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Gas Stations

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Grocery Stores

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Home Improvement

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Live Entertainment

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

The Bottom Line

The Citi Custom Cash Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $395), making it the more accessible option.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.

For everyday spending, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns more with its 2X base rate.

Choose the Citi Custom Cash Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card costs $395/yr vs $0/yr for the Citi Custom Cash Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Citi Custom Cash Card?: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a higher base earn rate (2X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card have that the Citi Custom Cash Card doesn't?: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers lounge access. The Citi Custom Cash Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Citi Custom Cash Card?: Choose the Citi Custom Cash Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card if you spend enough to justify the $395/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Gold vs Capital One Venture X Amex Green vs Capital One Venture X Amex Platinum vs Capital One Venture X Capital One Quicksilver vs Capital One Venture X

Explore More

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — Full Review All Capital One Cards

Citi Custom Cash Card — Full Review All Citi Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Capital One cards · Citi cards

Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card vs Citi Custom Cash Card

No image

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One

Citi Custom Cash Card

Citi

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$395

Welcome Bonus

75,000 Flex point

200 Cash

Earn Rates

Category	Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card	Citi Custom Cash Card
Dining	2X	5X
Drugstores

Category-by-Category Winner

The Citi Custom Cash Card wins in 10 of 13 categories. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card leads in 3.

Hotels

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns 2X vs 1X

Flights

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns 2X vs 1X

Dining

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Drugstores

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Fitness & Gyms

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Gas Stations

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Grocery Stores

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Home Improvement

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Live Entertainment

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

The Bottom Line

The Citi Custom Cash Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $395), making it the more accessible option.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.

For everyday spending, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns more with its 2X base rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card costs $395/yr vs $0/yr for the Citi Custom Cash Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Citi Custom Cash Card?: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a higher base earn rate (2X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card have that the Citi Custom Cash Card doesn't?: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers lounge access. The Citi Custom Cash Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Citi Custom Cash Card?: Choose the Citi Custom Cash Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card if you spend enough to justify the $395/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Gold vs Capital One Venture X Amex Green vs Capital One Venture X Amex Platinum vs Capital One Venture X Capital One Quicksilver vs Capital One Venture X

Explore More

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — Full Review All Capital One Cards

Citi Custom Cash Card — Full Review All Citi Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Capital One cards · Citi cards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card vs Citi Custom Cash Card

No image

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One

Citi Custom Cash Card

Citi

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$395

Welcome Bonus

75,000 Flex point

200 Cash

Earn Rates

Category	Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card	Citi Custom Cash Card
Dining	2X	5X
Drugstores

Category-by-Category Winner

The Citi Custom Cash Card wins in 10 of 13 categories. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card leads in 3.

Hotels

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns 2X vs 1X

Flights

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns 2X vs 1X

Dining

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Drugstores

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Fitness & Gyms

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Gas Stations

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Grocery Stores

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Home Improvement

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Live Entertainment

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

The Bottom Line

The Citi Custom Cash Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $395), making it the more accessible option.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.

For everyday spending, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns more with its 2X base rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card costs $395/yr vs $0/yr for the Citi Custom Cash Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Citi Custom Cash Card?: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a higher base earn rate (2X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card have that the Citi Custom Cash Card doesn't?: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers lounge access. The Citi Custom Cash Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Citi Custom Cash Card?: Choose the Citi Custom Cash Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card if you spend enough to justify the $395/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Gold vs Capital One Venture X Amex Green vs Capital One Venture X Amex Platinum vs Capital One Venture X Capital One Quicksilver vs Capital One Venture X

Explore More

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — Full Review All Capital One Cards

Citi Custom Cash Card — Full Review All Citi Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Capital One cards · Citi cards

Benefits & Features

Network

VISA

MASTERCARD

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Travel insurance

✓Global Entry credit

✓Purchase protection

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+Effective $95 annual fee after $300 travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles (~$100 value)
+10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
+Access to premium Capital One Lounges in Dallas, Denver, and Washington D.C.
+Priority Pass Select membership with 1,300+ lounges worldwide
+Free authorized users (until Feb 2026, then $125/year for lounge access)

+Automatic 5% cash back on top spending category with no activation required
+No annual fee makes it easy to keep long-term for credit history
+10 eligible bonus categories including dining, gas, groceries, streaming, and transit
+0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
+Pairs with Strata Premier to unlock ThankYou Points transfer partners

Cons

−$395 annual fee requires maximizing credits to get value
−10X earning rate requires booking through Capital One Travel portal
−Guest lounge access changing to $35/guest at Priority Pass after Feb 2026
−No airline transfer bonuses unlike some competitors
−Travel credits only work for Capital One Travel bookings

−$500 monthly cap limits value for high spenders (max $25/month in bonus rewards)
−3% foreign transaction fee makes it poor for international travel
−Cannot manually select bonus category - algorithm chooses based on spend
−Only one Custom Cash card allowed per person
−48-month restriction on welcome bonus if you've had one before

Streaming

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Transit

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Travel

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Everyday purchases

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns 2X on all other spending vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card costs $395/yr — that's $395 more than the Citi Custom Cash Card (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $395 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

Bottom line: The $395 gap is significant. Choose the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card only if you spend heavily on hotels and flights and will use its premium benefits regularly — otherwise the Citi Custom Cash Card delivers strong value at a fraction of the cost.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing Citi Custom Cash Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Purchase protection
-Travel insurance
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending

Get the Citi Custom Cash Card if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Benefits & Features

Network

VISA

MASTERCARD

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Travel insurance

✓Global Entry credit

✓Purchase protection

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+Effective $95 annual fee after $300 travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles (~$100 value)
+10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
+Access to premium Capital One Lounges in Dallas, Denver, and Washington D.C.
+Priority Pass Select membership with 1,300+ lounges worldwide
+Free authorized users (until Feb 2026, then $125/year for lounge access)

+Automatic 5% cash back on top spending category with no activation required
+No annual fee makes it easy to keep long-term for credit history
+10 eligible bonus categories including dining, gas, groceries, streaming, and transit
+0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
+Pairs with Strata Premier to unlock ThankYou Points transfer partners

Cons

−$395 annual fee requires maximizing credits to get value
−10X earning rate requires booking through Capital One Travel portal
−Guest lounge access changing to $35/guest at Priority Pass after Feb 2026
−No airline transfer bonuses unlike some competitors
−Travel credits only work for Capital One Travel bookings

−$500 monthly cap limits value for high spenders (max $25/month in bonus rewards)
−3% foreign transaction fee makes it poor for international travel
−Cannot manually select bonus category - algorithm chooses based on spend
−Only one Custom Cash card allowed per person
−48-month restriction on welcome bonus if you've had one before

Streaming

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Transit

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Travel

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Everyday purchases

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns 2X on all other spending vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing Citi Custom Cash Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Purchase protection
-Travel insurance
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending

Get the Citi Custom Cash Card if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Benefits & Features

Network

VISA

MASTERCARD

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Travel insurance

✓Global Entry credit

✓Purchase protection

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+Effective $95 annual fee after $300 travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles (~$100 value)
+10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
+Access to premium Capital One Lounges in Dallas, Denver, and Washington D.C.
+Priority Pass Select membership with 1,300+ lounges worldwide
+Free authorized users (until Feb 2026, then $125/year for lounge access)

+Automatic 5% cash back on top spending category with no activation required
+No annual fee makes it easy to keep long-term for credit history
+10 eligible bonus categories including dining, gas, groceries, streaming, and transit
+0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
+Pairs with Strata Premier to unlock ThankYou Points transfer partners

Cons

−$395 annual fee requires maximizing credits to get value
−10X earning rate requires booking through Capital One Travel portal
−Guest lounge access changing to $35/guest at Priority Pass after Feb 2026
−No airline transfer bonuses unlike some competitors
−Travel credits only work for Capital One Travel bookings

−$500 monthly cap limits value for high spenders (max $25/month in bonus rewards)
−3% foreign transaction fee makes it poor for international travel
−Cannot manually select bonus category - algorithm chooses based on spend
−Only one Custom Cash card allowed per person
−48-month restriction on welcome bonus if you've had one before

Streaming

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Transit

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Travel

Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5X vs 2X

Everyday purchases

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns 2X on all other spending vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing Citi Custom Cash Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Purchase protection
-Travel insurance
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending

Get the Citi Custom Cash Card if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment