Capital One Venture X Reward Credit Card Review
If you are like me, then you are always looking for ways to make your travels more enjoyable and affordable. This is why I collect miles and points. They allow me to travel more, better and cheaper. Today I’m going to discuss a card which has been gaining in popularity for the past few year: The Capital One Venture X Reward Credit Card. The card is designed for frequent travelers who don’t want to have to track bonus categories. And, over the last couple of years they’ve really improved the card. It’s now one of my main cards because I like their travel portal, transfer partners, as well as all the benefits that come with it. The Venture X card is a great option if you are looking for a new credit card. It offers a generous sign-up bonus and premium travel benefits. Here’s what you need to consider about the card:
What is the Capital One Venture X Reward Credit Card?
The Capital One Venture X Reward Credit Card is a travel reward card issued by Capital One. This card has a great miles system. You earn two miles for every dollar spent, making this card unique among travel credit cards. The Capital One Venture X offers a range of benefits, including the ability to earn miles on every purchase.
In addition to earning at least 2x miles on every purchase, you can earn miles the following ways:
75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening the account
10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
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 way to redeem Capital One miles is by booking directly through Capital One. To get the Venture X travel credit you need to book $300 in travel. You can get reimbursed for 90 days at the rate of 1 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. The actual value of your miles will vary depending on the airline or hotel you choose. However, the redemption rate is usually much higher than one cent per mile. The process is simple and can be completed through your Capital One account. )
- Here are Capital One’s current travel partners:
Accor Live Limitless
Aeromexico Club Premier
Air Canada Aeroplan
Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Avianca LifeMiles
British Airways Executive Club
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
- Choice Privileges
- Emirates Skywards
- Etihad Airways Guest
- EVA Air Infinity MileageLands
- Finnair Plus
- Qantas Frequent Flyer
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- TAP Portugal Miles&Go
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
- Virgin Red
- Wyndham Rewards
- Using transfer partners is a game-changer if you’re looking to maximize the value of your miles. It’s for this reason that I transfer my miles to Capital One travel partners unless I can find a flight or hotel room at a great price (less than 150 USD). This is especially true for booking expensive hotel rooms or business class flights. You get more for your money. You can get more value for your money with tools such as point.me or Awayz. These search engines help you find flights and hotels that are the most suitable to redeem miles.
- 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. This card is for frequent travelers who are willing to pay a fee each year for the premium benefits. This card is not suitable for
- Who?
If you are not a frequent flyer, or if your spending does not justify the $395 annual charge, then the Venture X may not be right for you. This card is not for you if your goal is to find a credit card that offers a high reward rate on specific categories, such as dining and groceries. If you only travel occasionally, or you prefer a card with a lower annual charge, you may want to choose another card. It will be more in line with your travel habits and spending habits. There is no “right” card, only the one that works for you.
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The Capital One Venture X Reward Credit Card is a powerful tool for frequent travelers who want to take advantage of top-tier benefits. You can weigh the pros and the cons to determine if this card is right for you. I’m sure it will be! It’s a great card and I recommend it. Book Your Trip: Tips and Tricks for Logistical Planning. My favorite search engine is Skyscanner because it searches all websites and airlines in the world, so I know that no stone will be left unturned. - Book Your Accommodation
- You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. Booking.com is the best option if you don’t want to stay in a hostel. It consistently offers the lowest rates for hotels and guesthouses.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. This is comprehensive coverage in the event of an accident. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Want to travel for free?
Travel cards let you earn points which can be redeemed for flights and accommodations for no extra cost. Visit my guide on choosing the best card to see my favorite deals and to learn how to get started. Ready to book your trip? Here are all the companies I use to travel. You can’t go far wrong with them. They are top-of-the-line and the best you can get.
