Capital One Venture Rewards: A Solid Beginner Card
If you are new to the idea of saving your budget by traveling on points and miles. The card_name is a solid card to start with. It’s right up there with my favorite beginner card.
With its easy-to-understand rewards program, travel perks, and affordable $95 annual fee, this card can help moms and families save on everything from groceries to that long-awaited vacation. Here's why it should be on your radar.
Straightforward Rewards for Everyday Spending
This card is uncomplicated and easy to use. You earn 2 miles for every dollar you spend — whether you're buying school supplies, groceries, or booking a family vacation. Plus, you get 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
These miles can add up fast, especially if you are used to a card with no annual fee that earns much less. I had a no annual fee card for years, and I’m still shocked at how much quicker I earn benefits with this one!
Family-Friendly Travel Benefits
I know a lot of families can’t even fathom traveling with their kids because it seems like too much work. But the right credit card can make it so much easier—and this one has perks that help:
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Skip long airport lines with up to $120 in statement credits.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Perfect for international trips or online shopping from abroad.
Travel Assistance Services: Help is just a call away, which is such a relief when you have the unexpected happen.
Easy and Flexible Redemption Options
Redeeming your miles is really so simple. The Capital One system really is one of the easiest I have used. You can:
Book Travel Directly: Use your miles to book flights, hotels, and car rentals via Capital One Travel.
Cover Travel Purchases: Pay off recent travel expenses — flights, hotels, or even that Disney cruise — with your miles.
Redeem for Gift Cards: Turn miles into gift cards for family-friendly stores.
You can also use your points at maximum value by utilizing transfer partners.The transfer partners for Capital One are awesome. Click here for a list of transfer partners.
How Does it Compare with Venture X?
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I talk about the Venture X a lot—because I think it’s worth it for many travelers. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for everyone. If you don’t care about lounge access, this card is probably a better fit for you. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Venture Rewards | Venture X |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 | $395 |
| Earning Rate | 2X miles on everything, 5X on hotels & car rentals via Capital One Travel | 2X miles on everything, 10X on hotels & car rentals, 5X on flights via Capital One Travel |
| Welcome Bonus | 75,000 miles (after spending $4,000 in 3 months) | 75,000 miles (after spending $4,000 in 3 months) |
| Travel Credits | None | $300 annual credit for bookings via Capital One Travel |
| Anniversary Bonus | None | 10,000 bonus miles each year |
| Lounge Access | None | Capital One Lounges + Priority Pass |
| Best For... | Simple rewards with a low annual fee | Frequent travelers who want premium perks |
Who Should Get the Venture Rewards Card?
If you want simplicity and don’t want a high annual fee, this card is a great fit.
If you don’t travel as often and wouldn’t fully use the Venture X’s $300 travel credit or lounge access, then Venture Rewards makes more sense.
If you want a great starter card for earning points and seeing if this travel rewards thing is for you.
Can You Upgrade to Venture X Later?
Yes! If you start with Venture Rewards and later decide you want the extra perks of Venture X, you can request an upgrade. However, there’s a few things to keep in mind:
No Hard Credit Inquiry – Upgrading won’t affect your credit score.
No New Welcome Bonus – If you upgrade, you won’t get the Venture X’s 75,000-mile bonus.
Annual Fee Adjusts – Once you switch, you’ll start paying Venture X’s $395 annual fee.
Best Strategy If You Want Venture X Later:
Instead of upgrading, you can downgrade the Venture Rewards card to a no-annual-fee Capital One card (like the VentureOne), then apply for Venture X as a separate new card. This allows you to earn the full 75,000-mile welcome bonus on Venture X! You keep your credit history intact by maintaining an open account.
If you think you might want Venture X in the future, this is the best way to maximize bonuses and get the most out of your cards.
Can I Have Both at the Same Time?
Capital One does allow individuals to have multiple credit cards, including both of these products.
Key Considerations:
• Application Timing: Capital One typically limits individuals to one new credit card approval every six months.
• Welcome Bonuses: You are eligible to receive the welcome bonus for each card separately, provided you haven’t received a bonus for that specific card in the past 48 months.
• Upgrade Option: Remember our upgrade and downgrade suggestions listed above.
Holding both cards is feasible and can be beneficial, especially if you aim to maximize rewards and take advantage of both welcome bonuses. Just ensure you space out your applications appropriately and consider your eligibility for each card’s benefits.
Big Savings with a Modest Annual Fee
I know a $95 annual fee can sound like a downside, but let’s break it down:
With 2X miles on everything + 5X on Capital One Travel, the rewards easily outweigh the fee.
The 75,000-mile welcome bonus alone is worth at least $750 in travel!
The $250 travel credit extra bonus being offered at the time of this writing also offsets your annual fee in a big way. You can use it on Capital One Travel to book hotels, rental cars, etc. If you can remember to use it, this benefit alone is practically paying you to have this card.
If you’re switching from a no-annual-fee card that barely earns anything, you’ll be shocked at how much faster your points add up.
Everyday Purchases = Vacation
For moms who love finding the best deal, the card_name partners with top airline and hotel programs. You can transfer miles to 15+ travel partners for potentially even better value. Imagine turning everyday purchases into a dream vacation for the family!
You will get a perfect mix of simplicity and valuable rewards if you sign up for this card. With easy earning, flexible redemptions, and useful travel perks — all for an affordable $95 annual fee — it's an ideal card for busy families who want to maximize their spending without extra stress.
So, feel free to get yourself that pedicure or do a little extra self-care! Who knew that self-care with the right credit card would get you on vacation!
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
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