Capital One Venture Rewards

A simple travel card: 2x miles on everything for a $95 fee, with no categories to track.

Who it's for

This card suits you if you want travel rewards without thinking about categories. Every purchase earns 2x miles, and hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel earn 5x. The annual fee is $95. If you spend a steady amount across many kinds of purchases and take a trip or two each year, the flat 2x rate does the work for you.

Who should skip it

Skip it if most of your spending is on dining or groceries, because cards with category bonuses will earn more there. If you never travel, a no-fee 2% cash back card gives similar value without the fee. And if you carry a balance, interest at the regular APR will cost more than the miles are worth. Capital One generally looks for excellent credit on this card.

How to get the most from it

Use it for everything you would normally pay by card, then pay it off in full each month. Book hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel when the price is competitive to get the 5x rate. When you redeem, you can cover travel purchases from your statement with miles or move them to airline and hotel partners; compare both before you decide. Because the card has no foreign transaction fees, it's a good card to bring on trips abroad.

Pros

• 2x miles on every purchase, no categories
• 5x on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel
• Modest $95 annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Miles can cover travel purchases or move to partners

Cons

• No higher rate on dining or groceries
• $95 fee you don't pay on flat cash back cards
• High regular APR if you carry a balance
• Generally needs excellent credit

Frequently asked questions

Is the Capital One Venture worth the annual fee?

If you spend about $5,000 a year or more and take at least one trip, the 2x miles usually cover the $95 fee with room to spare. If you don't travel, a no-fee cash back card is simpler.

How do you use Capital One Venture miles?

You can apply them to travel purchases on your statement, book through Capital One Travel, or move them to airline and hotel partners.

Venture or Venture X: which is better?

The Venture X costs $395 but adds a $300 travel credit and higher rates through Capital One Travel. If you would use that credit every year, the Venture X can cost about the same in practice. If not, the Venture is the simpler choice.

Does the Venture card charge foreign transaction fees?

No, so you can use it abroad without a per-purchase fee.