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Business Insider's personal finance team compared the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to the best travel credit cards and found it to be an industry leader thanks to its straightforward rewards structure, valuable travel perks, and generous welcome bonus.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Overview
$95
N/A
19.99% - 29.24% variable
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Good to Excellent
- $50 experience credit and free upgrades on Capital One Lifestyle Collection bookings
- Includes a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- Other credit cards offer higher rewards in certain categories of spending
If you want an easy, no-fuss travel rewards credit card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great fit. For a moderate annual fee, it offers plenty of value, useful benefits, and a substantial welcome bonus.
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
With a moderate annual fee, it's one of the best Capital One credit cards for travelers seeking flexibility and simplicity — whether you're booking flights, hotels, or redeeming miles for statement credits. Our full Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review breaks down whether it's the right travel rewards-earning card for you.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Rewards
Welcome Bonus
As a new Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card cardholder, you can earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. When you redeem your miles to offset travel purchases made with the card or through Capital One Travel, they're worth 1 cent each, making this bonus worth $750 in travel.
However, Business Insider's points and miles valuations estimate Capital One miles are worth 1.7 cents each, on average, when you transfer miles to airline and hotel partners. That makes the welcome bonus offer worth around $1,275 in travel.
How to Earn Miles with the Venture Rewards Card
With the Venture Rewards Card, you earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, making it easy to build miles on everyday spending. For bookings through Capital One Travel, you can boost rewards further by earning 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars, turning regular travel expenses into valuable miles that work toward your next trip.
Whether you're paying for groceries, dining out, or booking your next vacation, this card keeps earning simple and consistent, helping you accumulate miles quickly without the hassle of bonus categories or spending caps.
How to Redeem Miles with the Venture Rewards Card
Redeeming Capital One miles is easy — much easier than cashing in rewards with some competing cards, in fact. Once you make an eligible travel purchase, you can redeem miles at a rate of 1 cent each to wipe out the charge through a statement credit within 90 days.
Just use your card to book new travel through any airline, hotel, train, cruise, or travel agency, then reimburse yourself with miles when the transaction posts. Alternatively, you can book new travel through the Capital One Travel portal, which works a lot like most big travel-booking sites online.
Other options for redeeming miles include:
Transfer to travel partners: Capital One gives you the flexibility to transfer your miles to over 15 airline and hotel loyalty programs. This means you could unlock value redemptions for flights, room upgrades, or even first-class upgrades. This is generally the best way to maximize value from your Capital One miles.
Book travel directly: Redeem miles by booking flights, hotels, and rental cars through Capital One Travel, where you can keep earning miles while using your rewards.
Redeem for gift cards: Choose from over 90 retailers and restaurants, allowing flexibility if you're not ready to redeem miles for travel yet.
Cash back: Convert miles to cash as statement credits or checks. Statement credits usually process within a few days, while checks can take up to two weeks.
Shopping with miles: Use miles directly for purchases at Amazon or through PayPal for more immediate value from your rewards.
Exclusive events: With Capital One Entertainment, you can redeem miles for access to unique experiences, from concerts and sports games to special events.
You can currently transfer Capital One miles to over a dozen airline and hotel partners, most at a 1:1 transfer ratio:
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Fees
Annual Fee
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a $95 annual fee (rates and fees). While this cost is higher than no-annual-fee travel cards, it's balanced by generous travel-related perks, like travel accident insurance and a Global Entry application fee credit. If you take advantage of these benefits and redeem your Capital One miles wisely, it's not hard to offset the annual fee.
APR Rates
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card does not offer an introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers. Instead, the ongoing APR ranges from 19.99% - 29.24% variable, depending on your creditworthiness (rates and fees). It's recommended to pay off your balance monthly to avoid interest charges, especially with a card focused on travel rewards.
Other Associated Fees
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for international travelers looking to avoid extra charges when spending abroad (rates and fees).
For balance transfers, the card has a 4% fee on amounts transferred at a promotional rate but no fee for balances transferred at the standard Transfer APR. Late payments may also incur a fee.
Overall, these minimal fees make the Venture Card a relatively low-cost option for travelers seeking strong rewards without high additional costs, whether traveling domestically or internationally.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Benefits
Dining and Entertainment
Capital One also offers cardholders access to exclusive events, VIP packages, sporting events, and more through its Capital One Entertainment platform. Additionally, Capital One Dining can help you secure hard-to-get restaurant reservations.
The benefits are not the very best you can find in the travel rewards card space. But they are solid at the $95-annual-fee price point (rates and fees), and cover the most common needs for frequent travelers.
If you want the most comprehensive travel coverage for that price, though, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is worth a closer look. Unlike the Venture Rewards card, it offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance that can reimburse you if your travel plans are delayed due to a covered reason. Find out about all your options in our guide to the best credit cards with travel insurance.
Auto Rental Damage Waiver
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card cardholders can receive secondary car rental insurance which covers damage due to collision or theft on eligible vehicles when they use the card to pay for the rental. Some vehicles and countries aren't covered, so be sure to read the guide to benefits before you rent.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
With no foreign transaction fees, the Venture Rewards Card is designed for seamless international travel (rates and fees). Cardholders can use it abroad without worrying about added charges, making it a cost-effective choice for global explorers.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Application Fee Credit
The card comes with up to a $120 credit toward the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee. Global Entry, which fast-tracks your re-entry to the U.S. when you travel abroad, includes TSA PreCheck®, so it's the better choice.
Extended Warranty
When you use your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to pay for an eligible new item, you can get extended warranty protection which doubles the time period of the original manufacturer's written U.S. repair warranty up to one additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less. Coverage is up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder.
Purchase Protection
If an item you've bought with your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase, the card's purchase protection can cover you for up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder.
Lost Luggage Reimbursement
If you paid for your fare with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and your luggage is lost due to theft or misdirection by the carrier, you could be eligible for coverage of up to $3,000 per trip.
Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card cardholders receive access to a travel and emergency assistance hotline that can help them if they run into problems on the road. It can arrange things like medical and legal referrals, translation services, and lost luggage tracing — but any third-party costs are your responsibility.
Roadside Dispatch
The roadside dispatch hotline available to Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card cardholders can help you arrange services like towing, winching, jumpstarting, and fuel delivery for a set fee per service call.
Mastercard Benefits
Because the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a Mastercard card, it offers additional discounts and benefits, including:
- World Elite Mastercard Concierge (which can assist with things like hard-to-get restaurant reservations or event tickets)
- Exclusive offers with popular digital brands
- Emergency card replacement and emergency cash disbursement
- Travel assistance services
- Lost or damaged luggage reimbursement
Compare the Venture Rewards Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card vs. the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card stands out for cardholders who spend heavily on dining and travel. It offers a targeted rewards structure, providing 5x Ultimate Rewards points on travel booked through the Chase Travel℠ portal, 3x points on dining and streaming services, and 2x points on other travel purchases.
The card's welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening can be worth up to $750 when redeemed for travel through Chase, and it further enhances value with a 25% bonus on travel redemptions made through the portal. Additional benefits, such as robust travel protections, including trip cancellation insurance and lost luggage reimbursement, along with no foreign transaction fees, make it a compelling choice.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a $95 annual fee, similar to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (rates and fees) and both cater to those seeking travel rewards. Both cards also waive foreign transaction fees for hassle-free international use.
Each card provides opportunities to earn points or miles on various purchases, making them appealing to different types of travelers. However, they differ significantly in their reward structures and features.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card maximizes points based on specific spending categories, while the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a more streamlined approach with unlimited 2x miles on all purchases. This simplicity benefits those who prefer not to manage spending categories. Additionally, while Chase emphasizes exclusive travel protections, the Venture card provides unique perks such as statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, catering to frequent travelers who prioritize expedited airport experiences.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Review
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card vs. the American Express® Gold Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and American Express® Gold Card cater to different types of spenders. While the Venture Rewards Card provides consistent value across all purchases with its simple 2x miles rate, the Amex Gold Card takes a more targeted approach, offering high rewards specifically in dining and U.S. supermarket categories.
For those who spend heavily on food, the Amex Gold Card's earning power is impressive: 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year), along with 3x on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel. With its added $120 annual dining credit and exclusive credits for Resy dining, the Gold card suits cardholders who frequently dine out or cook at home. Plus, the Amex Gold's access to The Hotel Collection — with added perks for stays of two nights or more — enhances its appeal for occasional, upscale travel experiences.
In contrast, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card remains a solid choice for travelers who prefer a streamlined rewards system without having to strategize their spending. Both cards waive foreign transaction fees, but the Amex Gold Card's higher annual fee of $325 may only be worth it for those who can fully leverage its dining and travel credits.
The Venture Rewards Card is a more budget-friendly, simpler travel card, while the Amex Gold Card offers concentrated value for food-centric and travel-savvy users.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card vs. the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card distinguishes itself with a compelling rewards structure and generous sign-up bonus for those who frequently travel and dine out.
New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening, which is redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards through thankyou.com. With a $95 annual fee, this card offers significant value for those who maximize their spending in targeted categories, including 10 Citi ThankYou points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com, along with 3 points per dollar spent on air travel, restaurant purchases, supermarkets, and gas stations.
Both cards provide value to travelers while waiving foreign transaction fees. They reward cardholders for everyday purchases, making them attractive options for those looking to earn points or miles for future travel. Each card also provides essential travel protections, enhancing peace of mind while traveling.
However, the two cards differ significantly in their reward structures and benefits. The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card's high earning potential in specific categories is particularly advantageous for those who spend heavily on travel and dining, whereas the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card simplifies rewards with unlimited 2x miles on all purchases. Overall, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is ideal for cardholders who want to leverage high rewards in select categories.
Citi Strata Premier Card Review
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Pros and Cons
Advantages of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Venture Rewards Card offers a straightforward and attractive rewards program, making it an excellent choice for those who want to maximize their travel rewards effortlessly.
With an unlimited earning rate of 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, cardholders can accumulate miles quickly without needing to track spending categories or limits.
Additionally, new cardholders can take advantage of a generous welcome bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, providing an immediate boost toward future travel expenses.
The absence of foreign transaction fees further enhances its appeal for international travelers, allowing them to use the card abroad without incurring additional costs. Not only does this Capital One card not charge foreign transaction fees, but the issuer also waives foreign transaction fees on all of its cards. This makes Capital One credit cards great for travel in general (rates and fees).
Additional perks such as a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® and unique experiences through Capital One Entertainment round out the suite of benefits that cater to frequent travelers.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
While the Venture Rewards Card boasts competitive features, potential cardholders should consider its drawbacks as well.
For one, the card carries a $95 annual fee, which, although balanced by its earning potential, might not be justifiable for those who do not spend enough to maximize the rewards (rates and fees).
Additionally, the ongoing APR ranges from 19.99% - 29.24% variable, with no introductory offer, meaning that carrying a balance could result in substantial interest charges, making it essential for cardholders to pay off their balances in full each month. If you want to buy some time to pay off a large purchase, consider one of the best credit cards with a 0% intro APR offer instead.
Moreover, while the 2 miles per dollar rate is appealing, it may not compare favorably to other travel rewards cards that offer higher earnings in specific categories, such as dining or travel purchases.
Overall, while the Capital One Venture Card provides a solid rewards structure, it's crucial for potential users to evaluate their spending habits and travel goals to determine if the card aligns with their financial needs.
Venture Rewards Card User Insights
In addition to sharing our expert analysis, we looked at consumer feedback on the Venture Rewards Card by reading comments on platforms like Reddit and FlyerTalk.
Users generally highlight strengths such as its lack of foreign transaction fees, which appeals to frequent travelers. However, some express concerns about the overall value of the card, particularly regarding the annual fee and its competitive standing against other credit cards.
Common Praises and Complaints
Customers frequently highlight the absence of foreign transaction fees, making the Venture Rewards Card an excellent choice for travelers. Many also appreciate the car rental collision damage waiver coverage, which provides peace of mind while driving abroad. The card's rewards program receives positive feedback for its ease of redeeming points for travel, with users often noting that transferring points to travel partners offers even greater value.
However, some users feel there are better credit cards with no annual fees that provide similar or enhanced benefits. Additionally, a few customers mentioned that the card may not be worth it after redeeming the initial sign-up bonus.
How to Apply for the Venture Rewards Card
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Capital One Venture Credit Card
Follow these steps for a smooth application:
Check your credit score: Ensure your credit score is in the "excellent" range (typically 700 or higher) to increase your approval chances.
Gather required information: Prepare the following details: personal information (name, address, date of birth, Social Security number), employment details (employer, job title, annual income), and housing information (rent or mortgage).
Visit Capital One's website: Go to the Capital One website and locate the Venture Credit Card page to review its features.
Click "Apply Now": Start the application by clicking the "Apply Now" button.
Complete the application form: Fill in the form accurately with the information you gathered.
Review and submit: Check your entries for accuracy before submitting the application.
Receive a decision: You'll typically get an instant decision. Additional information may extend the review time.
Activate your card: If approved, activate your card following the included instructions and start enjoying your rewards.
Approval Odds and Tips for a Successful Application
To improve your chances of approval for the Venture Rewards Card, it's helpful to understand what Capital One considers "excellent" credit.
According to the issuer's guidelines, applicants with the strongest approval odds have a solid credit history: they haven't declared bankruptcy or defaulted on a loan, nor have they been more than 60 days late on any credit card, medical bill, or loan in the past year. Additionally, a strong history includes having held a credit card or loan for at least three years with a credit limit above $5,000.
Before submitting your application, you can also consider checking if you're pre-approved for the Venture card. Capital One offers a pre-approval tool that lets you assess your eligibility without impacting your credit score, providing a helpful preview to guide your decision and ensure the card aligns with your needs.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions
The main benefits of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card include unlimited 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, no foreign transaction fees, car rental collision damage waiver coverage, and the ability to transfer points to travel partners for added value (rates and fees). It also includes a competitive introductory offer along with travel protection.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card stands out among travel rewards cards with its competitive sign-up bonus, 2x miles on all purchases, and unique perks like TSA PreCheck® for expedited travel. While some users believe other annual fee cards provide better rewards systems, the Venture Rewards Card remains a strong contender for those seeking straightforward rewards and essential travel benefits.
There are some potential downsides to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, including its annual fee, which can be higher than other travel cards, and a rewards structure that may not seem as competitive after the initial bonus. Additionally, the redemption process may not be as straightforward for those seeking specific travel experiences.
To maximize the benefits of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, use it for all purchases to earn the most miles. Meet the spending requirement for the introductory bonus and consider transferring points to Capital One's travel partners for increased value. Additionally, users can take advantage of the travel coverage benefits, such as car rental collision damage waiver and travel accident insurance, to add peace of mind while traveling.
The current introductory offer for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. This bonus is valued at approximately $750 in travel rewards when redeemed through Capital One Travel. Keep in mind offers can change frequently, so it's best to check the Capital One website for the most up-to-date details.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Business Insider evaluated the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card in comparison to competing travel rewards credit cards. We reviewed the card on various factors, including:
- Ease of use — Does the card have a straightforward earning and redemption structure that makes it easy for beginners and experts alike? Are there multiple ways to redeem miles?
- Rewards earning potential — Are there bonus categories that appeal to a wide range of consumers, or is there a strong flat rate of rewards? Are any bonus categories capped at a certain amount of spending?
- Annual fee — Is the card's annual fee worth it when you consider the value of the card's rewards and benefits?
- Benefits — Do the card's perks, especially travel benefits, compare favorably with similar cards?
You can find out more about how we rate credit cards at Business Insider.
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For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
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