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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Review: Your Gateway to Unlimited Travel Rewards

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If you're someone who loves to travel and wants a straightforward, high-earning rewards credit card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card might be the perfect fit. With unlimited 2x miles on all purchases, flexible redemption options, and a competitive sign-up bonus, this card has gained a solid reputation in the travel rewards space.

Card Score: ✅✅✅ 3.75/5

*The credit card score is based on the sole opinion of Credit Mileage without input or influence from the card issuer.

In this in-depth review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Capital One Venture Rewards card—from the rewards program and card benefits to a comparison with other travel cards and whether it’s the best option for your wallet. Let’s dive into what makes this card a top contender for travelers and everyday spenders alike.

 

Key Features of the Capital One Venture Rewards Card

 

Before getting into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick overview of what the Capital One Venture Rewards card offers:

 

  • Unlimited 2x miles per dollar on every purchase
  • 75,000-mile sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months
  • $95 annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Access to travel transfer partners
  • $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application

 

How to Earn and Redeem Miles with Capital One Venture Rewards

 

Earning Miles

 

Earning miles with the Capital One Venture card is incredibly straightforward. You’ll earn 2x miles per dollar on every purchase, without having to worry about rotating categories or spending limits. This flat-rate earning makes the Venture card appealing for people who want simplicity in their rewards strategy.

 

For example, if you spend $2,000 per month on the card, you’ll earn 48,000 miles per year just from your regular spending. Add the 75,000-mile sign-up bonus, and you’ll have 123,000 miles in your first year—enough for a round-trip flight in many cases.

 

Redeeming Miles

 

Capital One makes it easy to redeem miles through various options:

 

  • Statement credits for travel purchases made in the past 90 days, such as flights, hotels, and car rentals
  • Booking new travel directly through the Capital One Travel portal
  • Transfer miles to over 15 airline and hotel partners, including Avianca LifeMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan, and Wyndham Rewards

 

A great feature is the Purchase Eraser, which allows you to “erase” recent travel expenses by applying your miles toward them as a statement credit. This provides incredible flexibility, as you’re not tied to any one airline or hotel chain.

Additional Benefits of Capital One Venture Rewards Card

 

Travel Perks and Protections

 

The Capital One Venture card comes with a suite of travel protections, including:

  • Rental car insurance (coverage for damage and theft)
  • Travel accident insurance
  • Lost luggage reimbursement
  • Emergency assistance services

These features add peace of mind when you’re traveling, without the need to buy separate insurance.

 

Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection

 

Cardholders also receive extended warranty protection on eligible items and purchase protection against damage or theft. This is particularly valuable for big-ticket items like electronics or appliances.

 

Capital One Lounge Access

 

Cardholders have access to Capital One airport lounges, adding extra luxury to their travel experience. While lounge access is not as extensive as premium cards, it’s a nice perk for those flying through select airports.

Capital One Venture Rewards Compared to Other Credit Cards

 

To give you a better sense of how the Capital One Venture Rewards card stacks up, let’s compare it to a few popular travel credit cards:

 

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card here.

  • Annual Fee: $95
  • Rewards Rate: 5x on travel booked through Chase, 3x on dining, 2x on other travel, 1x on everything else
  • Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

 

Verdict:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a strong following due to its robust travel and dining rewards, as well as access to Chase Ultimate Rewards—one of the most flexible and valuable rewards programs. However, it requires more effort to maximize points in bonus categories. The Capital One Venture Rewards card, with its simple 2x miles on everything, offers more convenience for those who want to earn without thinking about category spending.

 

American Express Gold Card

Read our full review of the American Express Gold Card here.

  • Annual Fee: $250
  • Rewards Rate: 4x points on dining, 3x on flights booked directly with airlines, 1x on other purchases
  • Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

 

Verdict:

The American Express Gold Card is a powerhouse for foodies and frequent flyers, but the $250 annual fee can be a deal-breaker for some. The Capital One Venture Rewards card is a more affordable option for those who want solid travel rewards without the high cost.

 

Citi Strata Premier Card

Read our full review of the Citi Strata Premier Card here.

  • Annual Fee: $95
  • Rewards Rate: 10x ThankYou Points on hotels through CitiTravel.com. 3x points on air travel, other hotels, gas stations, EV charting stations, and restaurants. 1x on everything else
  • Sign-Up Bonus: 70,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

 

Verdict:

The Citi Strata Premier Card offers a compelling rewards structure for those who spend heavily in specific categories like gas and dining. However, the Capital One Venture Rewards card‘s 2x miles on everything provides a simpler, more flexible rewards system, especially for those who want easy-to-use, versatile miles.

Pros and Cons of the Capital One Venture Rewards Card

 

Pros 

  • High Earning Potential: The Capital One Venture Rewards card shines with its flat 2x miles earning rate on all purchases. Unlike other travel cards that limit you to bonus categories, this card makes earning travel rewards simple. Whether you’re buying groceries, filling up your car, or booking flights, you earn the same consistent rewards.
  • Flexible Redemption Options: One of the most attractive aspects of the Venture card is the flexibility in how you can use your miles. You can redeem your miles for:
    • Statement credits toward travel purchases
    • Bookings made through Capital One Travel
    • Transfers to airline and hotel partners
    • This makes the card highly versatile for anyone who values flexibility when booking travel.
  • Lucrative Sign-Up Bonus: New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months. These miles are worth $750in travel, making this sign-up bonus one of the most competitive in the travel rewards category.
  • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: As a Venture cardholder, you’ll receive a $100 credit toward a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee. This is a nice perk for frequent travelers who want to speed through airport security.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: For international travelers, the no foreign transaction fees policy is crucial. This means you won’t be hit with extra charges when making purchases abroad, unlike some cards that charge as much as 3%.
  • Travel Insurance and Protections: The card offers several travel-related protections, including travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and rental car insurance. These features add a layer of security to your travel adventures without the need to buy extra insurance.

 

Cons 

  • Annual Fee: While the $95 annual fee is relatively low for a travel card, it’s still worth considering if you don’t travel often enough to take advantage of the card’s full range of benefits. Some cash-back cards with no annual fee could offer better value if you don’t prioritize travel.
  • No Introductory APR: The card doesn’t offer a 0% introductory APR period on purchases or balance transfers. If you’re looking to finance a large purchase or transfer a balance, this card might not be the best option.
  • Limited Travel Transfer Partners: Capital One’s transfer partners are somewhat limited compared to other premium travel cards. While the list has grown, it still doesn’t offer as many high-value airline and hotel options as competitors like Chase or American Express.

Who Should Get the Capital One Venture Rewards Card?

 

The Capital One Venture Rewards card is ideal for travelers who want a simple, high-earning travel card without the hassle of keeping track of bonus categories. It’s perfect for those who:

  • Want a flat 2x miles on every purchase
  • Need flexible redemption options for travel
  • Don’t mind paying a $95 annual fee
  • Frequently travel abroad and want to avoid foreign transaction fees
  • Appreciate extra perks like Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit and travel protections

 

However, if you’re someone who prioritizes premium travel perks—like lounge access at a wider variety of airports, the more premium Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card may be a better fit with global lounge access though it’s partner lounge network via Priority Pass™ and Plaza Premium Group. 

 

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

 

In summary, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a compelling option for anyone looking to maximize their travel rewards without the complexity often associated with other travel cards. With its flat 2x miles on every purchase, generous sign-up bonus, and flexible redemption options, it provides a straightforward way to earn valuable miles that can be used for various travel expenses.

 

The card’s additional benefits, such as no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, enhance its appeal for frequent travelers. While the $95 annual fee is something to consider, the potential rewards and protections can easily outweigh the cost, especially for those who travel often or spend significantly on everyday purchases.

 

Ultimately, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone just beginning to explore the world, the Capital One Venture Rewards card offers a solid pathway to earning and enjoying travel rewards. Its combination of simplicity and flexibility makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to fuel their adventures, making travel more accessible and rewarding. If you’re ready to elevate your travel experience while earning valuable rewards, this card may be the perfect fit for your financial journey.

Affiliate and Relationship Disclosure: Credit Mileage may receive compensation from affiliate links included in this post at no extra cost to you. This helps support our mission of providing quality financial education and resources. Additionally, Credit Mileage has a direct business relationship with eCreditAdvisor, which may be mentioned or linked in our content. Our opinions and recommendations remain our own, and we only promote products or services that we believe offer value to our readers. We currently do not have any credit card affiliate links on our website.

Editorial note: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card company, airline, or hotel chain. None of these organizations have reviewed, approved, or endorsed the content in any way.

Legal and Financial Advice Disclosure: Credit Mileage is not a law firm, and this article is not intended to provide legal or financial advice. This information is meant purely for educational purposes. We strive to offer accurate and up-to-date information, but it is not a substitute for professional financial or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney or financial advisor before making any decisions regarding your financial situation.

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