What is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card?
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a travel rewards card issued by Capital One. What I love about this card is its miles system. For every dollar you spend, you earn two miles, which (along with the lower-fee Capital One Venture Rewards Card) is unique among travel credit cards. There’s also no additional cost for up to four authorized users, making this a good option for families who need several cards.
Other Perks and Benefits of the Capital One Venture X
Aside from earning miles, the Venture X packs a punch with its range of perks:
- $300 travel credit when booking through the Capital One portal
- Up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- Unlimited complimentary access to Capital One, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium lounges
- 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary
- $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Travel insurance coverage, including primary car rental insurance, trip interruption and cancellation, and luggage reimbursement
- No foreign transaction fees
With an annual fee of $395, it’s also the cheapest premium travel card out there (plus, if you can use the $300 travel credit, that brings the fee down to a manageable $95).
Using Your Capital One Miles
Capital One miles can be redeemed in a few ways. One is by booking travel directly through Capital One’s portal. While I usually don’t recommend booking through credit card portals, to fully benefit from the Venture X’s travel credit, you’ll need to book at least $300 worth of travel this way.
Another option is to use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase. For 90 days after making such a purchase, you can reimburse yourself at a redemption rate of one cent per mile. After 90 days, and for all other purchases, you can use miles as cash back, at a redemption rate of 0.5 cents per mile (but avoid doing this, as it’s not a good value).
However, you’ll get the most out of your miles by transferring them to Capital One’s 15+ airline and hotel partners. While the actual value varies based on what you book, you can usually find airline and hotel redemptions worth much more than the aforementioned one cent per mile. (The process is pretty straightforward and can be done through your Capital One account.)
Pros of the Capital One Venture X
- Substantial welcome offer
- 2x miles on every purchase
- $300 annual travel credit
- 15+ transfer partners
- Travel accident and car rental insurance
- Up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- Access to Capital One and Priority Pass airport lounges
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons of the Capital One Venture X
- Steep $395 annual fee
- Must use Capital One’s Travel Portal to take advantage of some benefits (e.g., 10x miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars)
- Transfer partners are a bit lacking (no US airlines and not the best hotels)
Who is this card for?
The Capital One Venture X is best for frequent travelers who want a straightforward card with a higher earning rate on all purchases. If you frequently fly and stay in hotels, and are willing to pay an annual fee for premium benefits, this card is tailored for you.
Who is this card not for?
On the flip side, if you’re not a frequent traveler or don’t spend enough to offset the $395 annual fee, the Venture X might not be the best fit. It’s also not ideal if you’re looking for a card with a high rewards rate in specific categories like dining or groceries.
Conclusion
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a powerhouse for those who travel often and want to enjoy top-tier perks. Weigh the pros and cons to see if it’s the right fit for your travel lifestyle, but I bet it is! Like I said in the intro, it’s one of my favorite cards and I definitely recommend getting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Is the Capital One Venture X worth it?
A: Yes, if you travel frequently and want a straightforward card with a higher earning rate on all purchases.
- Q: What is the annual fee for the Capital One Venture X?
A: The annual fee is $395, but it can be offset by the $300 travel credit.
- Q: How do I earn miles with the Capital One Venture X?
A: You earn 2 miles for every dollar you spend, and you can also earn miles by booking travel through the Capital One portal or by transferring them to Capital One’s 15+ airline and hotel partners.
- Q: Can I use my Capital One miles for anything other than travel?
A: Yes, you can use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase, or you can use them as cash back at a redemption rate of 0.5 cents per mile.