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Capital One Savor vs Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite: Which Is Better In 2026?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards card is a strong choice for those who spend regularly on dining, entertainment, grocery stores, and popular streaming services.
- The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite card is built for frequent travelers and diners, with a broad definition of travel that also covers many tourist attractions and everyday spending.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why we’re fans of this card.
- The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for those who frequently dine out or enjoy entertainment.
- It's a great travel companion since it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, and it also comes with no annual fee.
- Cashing in your rewards is simple and flexible, with several straightforward options to choose from.
Pros
- Rewards are concentrated on popular spending categories like dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores.
- Cardholders get access to exclusive events and experiences through Capital One Entertainment.
- Cash back can be converted to miles if you also hold a Capital One Venture card, adding extra flexibility for travel.
Cons
- Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify.
- Bonus rewards on purchases at grocery stores may not apply at superstores or wholesale clubs.
- It may not be the best fit for those whose spending falls outside of the main bonus categories.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why we recommend the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite card.
- This card offers a variety of annual statement credits for travel and lifestyle purchases.
- Cardholders receive access to premium travel benefits, including airport lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance.
- The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite card is especially valuable for existing Bank of America customers who can earn bonus rewards through the Preferred Rewards program.
Pros
- Offers generous annual statement credits for airline incidentals and various lifestyle purchases.
- Provides complimentary airport lounge access and other premium travel perks, including benefits at select hotels.
- Existing Bank of America customers can earn a rewards bonus on every purchase through the Preferred Rewards® program.
Cons
- Carries a high annual fee, and the value of its credits may not be fully realized each year.
- Lacks travel transfer partners, which limits the ability to maximize rewards compared to other premium cards.
- The rewards structure is identical to the less expensive Bank of America® Premium Rewards® card, which may not justify the higher cost for all users.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite vs Capital One Savor Cash Rewards
Categories
When considering which is better, Capital One Savor or Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite, it's important to recognize that each card is designed for a different type of spender.
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is tailored for those who spend significantly on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services.
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card is a premium travel card built for frequent travelers who value luxury perks, airport lounge access, and travel credits.
Redemption
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card offers straightforward cash back rewards that can be redeemed at any time and for any amount, typically as a statement credit or a check.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card: You'll earn points that can be redeemed for travel through the Bank of America Travel Center, as well as for cash back or gift cards.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
To make the decision easier, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards based on your unique spending habits.
- The ability to 'test drive' credit cards using your real spending data to project potential rewards before you apply.
- Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds for various cards based on your credit report.
- Earn extra rewards on top of your card's rewards with Kudos Boost when shopping at your favorite stores.
- A welcome offer guarantee that matches any better public offer you find within three months of approval.
Who Should Choose the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards?
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is an ideal match for urban professionals and active families who spend a significant portion of their budget on dining out and entertainment. It also strongly appeals to those with substantial spending at grocery stores and on popular streaming services, offering unlimited 3% cash back in all these categories. With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, it's a straightforward card for anyone who wants to earn rewards on their social life and daily essentials without paying for the privilege.
Who Should Choose the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite?
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card is best suited for high-spending frequent travelers who are already enmeshed in the Bank of America ecosystem, particularly Preferred Rewards® members. These cardholders will value the card's straightforward rewards on travel and dining, along with luxury perks like Priority Pass lounge access and premium hotel benefits. Ultimately, the ideal user is someone who can fully leverage the card's extensive travel and lifestyle credits to offset its hefty $550 annual fee.
Alternatives to Consider
After a detailed Capital One Savor vs Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite comparison, you might find that neither card perfectly aligns with your financial goals. Fortunately, the credit card landscape is vast, and other top-tier options could be a better match for you.
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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Tips for Application Success
Before You Apply
- Check Your Credit Score: Most premium cards require a good to excellent credit profile for approval.
- Plan Your Spending: Make sure you can naturally meet any spending requirements for a welcome offer.
- Understand Redemption Options: Research how you’ll use your rewards, as some cards lack airline and hotel transfer partners.
Application Strategy
- Align with Your Spending: Choose a card that rewards your most frequent purchase categories, like dining or travel.
- Consider Your Banking Relationships: Some issuers offer enhanced rewards and benefits for existing customers.
- Evaluate Transfer Partners: If you value flexibility, check if a card’s rewards can be transferred to airline or hotel partners.
Our Methodology
We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.
Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score is needed for the Capital One Savor and Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite cards?
Both cards are premium rewards cards and generally require a good to excellent credit score, typically considered to be 700 or higher. However, issuers consider multiple factors beyond just your credit score when evaluating an application.
Can I have both the Capital One Savor and the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite card?
Yes, it is possible to hold both cards simultaneously if you meet the eligibility requirements for each and are approved. Many cardholders use different cards for different spending categories to maximize their rewards.
How do the annual fees for these cards compare?
The annual fees for these cards can vary, so it's important to check each issuer's current terms for the most up-to-date information. Generally, premium rewards cards like these come with an annual fee that is offset by the value of their benefits and rewards.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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