The Capital One Venture represents an outstanding first foray into the world of points and miles. But its palatable $95 annual fee, simple earning ability, and stellar 75,000 point intro bonus worth over $1200 worth of travel makes it a wallet contender for seasoned pros and newbies alike. Exclusive Taylor Swift pre-sale tickets don’t hurt either…
Its lack of perks might make its premium sibling, the Venture X, a better alternative for more frequent travelers, but a flat 2x points per dollar on every purchase means points can build on autopilot, stress free — perfect for the semi-frequent globetrotter who values simplicity.
Pros
Solid 75,000 point intro bonus worth over $1200
Simple flat rate of 2x points per dollar on all spending
5x points per dollar on hotels and rentals booked through the Capital One Travel portal
Range of purchase and travel protections
$100 statement credit for TSA Precheck and Global Entry
Two lounge visits a year
Low annual fee
Cons
Flat rate points don’t maximize earning
Points slightly less value than competing banks
No significant perks
by travelers, for travelers.