Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
We were standing in the airport security line with four kids, a stroller, and enough snacks to feed a small soccer team, and I remember thinking: “There has to be an easier way.” That’s when I started getting serious about travel rewards—and one of the first cards that helped us start traveling more (and for less) was this one.
If you’re new to the idea of using credit card points to save money on travel, learning to save on travel with the Capital One Venture Rewards card is a great place to begin. It’s simple, family-friendly, and easy to use—making it one of my favorite beginner travel cards.
➡️ Just starting out? My Beginner’s Guide to Points and Miles walks you through everything.
Straightforward Rewards for Everyday Spending
This card is uncomplicated. You earn:
- 2 miles per dollar on everything you buy—groceries, gas, Target runs, school supplies, you name it.
- 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
These miles add up quickly—especially compared to no-annual-fee cards that earn far less. I used one of those for years and was shocked at how much faster I started seeing results with this one.
Want to see what those points can turn into? Here’s my post on 30 ways to use 100,000 points for real family travel.
Family-Friendly Travel Benefits
It’s not just about earning miles—it’s what this card can do to make family travel feel a little easier:
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit (up to $100): Skip those long airport lines and keep your sanity.
- No foreign transaction fees: Perfect for that international trip or even shopping from overseas websites.
- Travel assistance services: If something goes wrong on your trip, help is just a phone call away.
This is also one of the cards I mention in my post on how to skip airport lines.
Easy and Flexible Redemption Options
This is one of the easiest systems I’ve used to redeem rewards:
- Book travel directly through Capital One Travel.
- Cover travel purchases you’ve already made—like flights, hotels, or even that Disney Cruise.
- Redeem for gift cards to family-friendly stores.
You can also transfer miles to Capital One’s travel partners, which is sometimes the best way to stretch your points even further. Read more in The Mom’s Guide to Capital One Miles.
Venture vs. Venture X: Which One Fits?
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I love Venture X. But for many families, Venture Rewards is the better fit—especially if you don’t travel often enough to use premium perks like lounge access.
Who Should Get the Venture Rewards Card?
The Venture Rewards card is a great fit if:
- You want a simple, flexible way to save on travel without a high annual fee
- You don’t travel enough to take advantage of Venture X’s lounge access or travel credits
- You’re just getting started with travel rewards and want a great beginner card
Want more beginner-friendly options? Check out my list of favorite starter cards.
Can You Upgrade to Venture X Later?
Yes, you can upgrade later with no hard credit pull. But upgrading means:
- No new welcome bonus for Venture X
- You’ll start paying the $395 annual fee immediately
Better strategy: Downgrade this card later to a no-annual-fee option and apply for Venture X separately to earn both welcome bonuses. That’s what I recommend in this post about planning your card strategy.
Can You Have Both Venture and Venture X?
Yes, Capital One does allow you to hold both cards. A few things to keep in mind:
- One new card approval every 6 months
- You can earn the bonus for each card, as long as you haven’t received it in the past 48 months
This is a great path if you want to start simple and level up later without missing out on any bonuses.
Why the $95 Fee Is Worth It
It’s easy to be skeptical of any fee. But here’s how it plays out:
- You earn 2X on everything you spend—and 5X on Capital One Travel
- The 75,000-mile bonus is worth at least $750 in travel
- A limited-time $250 Capital One Travel credit (when available) makes the card nearly pay you to try it
It’s also one of the cards I always have in my wallet:
Cards I Always Carry
Everyday Purchases = Family Vacation
For busy moms who love a good deal, the Capital One Venture Rewards card helps turn everyday spending into points—and those points into travel memories.
You can also transfer your miles to over 15 airline and hotel partners for even greater value. See when to transfer vs. redeem to get the most out of your rewards.
Want to get organized with your points and cards? Travel Freely is the tool I use to track my bonuses and annual fees.
Ready to Start Saving on Travel?
This card is part of my list of best beginner travel cards that help families travel more while spending less.
✅ Learn more about the Capital One Venture Rewards Card
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers
If you are new to the idea of saving your budget by traveling on points and miles, learning to save on travel with the Capital One Venture Rewards Card is a great place to get started. It’s right up there with my favorite beginner card.
| 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 |
For moms who love finding the best deal, the Capital One Venture Rewards card 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!
| 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 |
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