Capital One Venture X Rewards

A premium travel card whose $300 travel credit offsets most of its $395 fee, if you book through Capital One Travel.

Who it's for

This card fits you if you travel at least a few times a year and don't mind booking some trips through Capital One Travel. The annual fee is $395, and there is a $300 travel credit each year for bookings made there. You earn 10x on hotels and rental cars and 5x on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2x on everything else. If you use the credit, the real cost of the card is much lower than the sticker fee.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you always book direct with airlines and hotels and won't use Capital One Travel, because the credit is the main reason the fee makes sense. If you don't travel much, the regular Venture or a no-fee card is a better match. Skip it as well if you carry a balance; the regular APR is high. Expect to need excellent credit.

How to get the most from it

Use the $300 travel credit on a booking through Capital One Travel early in your card year. Book hotels and rental cars there when prices are fair to earn 10x. Put all your other spending on the card to earn 2x, which is a solid flat rate. Redeem miles against travel purchases or move them to airline and hotel partners, and compare the value each time. Take it abroad, since it has no foreign transaction fees.

Pros

• $300 yearly travel credit through Capital One Travel
• 10x on hotels and rental cars, 5x on flights through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on everything else
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons

• $395 annual fee
• The credit only works through Capital One Travel
• High regular APR if you carry a balance
• Generally needs excellent credit

Frequently asked questions

Is the Venture X worth it?

If you use the $300 travel credit each year, the card effectively costs you about $95, and you get higher earning rates than the regular Venture. If you won't use the credit, it's harder to justify.

How does the Venture X travel credit work?

You get $300 each year toward bookings made through Capital One Travel. Check Capital One's page for the current terms before you book.

Venture X or Chase Sapphire Reserve?

The Venture X has a much lower fee ($395 vs $795) and a flat 2x on everyday spending. The Sapphire Reserve earns more on dining and travel booked directly. For most people who travel a few times a year, the Venture X is the easier fee to earn back.

Is the Venture X a good everyday card?

Yes. The 2x rate on every purchase means you don't need a second card for non-bonus spending.