Twenty years ago, I was just starting out in my career. I wasn’t married, didn’t have kids, and was laser-focused on maximizing the value of every dollar I spent. When it came to choosing a credit card, I wanted three things:
- Strong rewards on everyday spending
- Low or reasonable annual fees
- Flexible redemption options for miles
One thing I didn’t worry about? Interest rates. I’ve always paid off my balance each month, so high APRs weren’t a factor in my decision-making.
The Early Days: Capital One Visa
After researching countless credit card options, I landed on a Capital One Visa. It was a solid fit—it offered more miles on the types of purchases I made most often, and the rewards could be redeemed in multiple ways (not just for flights).
Upgrading to the Capital One Venture
When the Capital One Venture® Rewards Credit Card launched in 2010, I was intrigued. At the time, it cost $49 per year and offered a compelling welcome bonus after spending a set amount in the first three months. Most importantly, it gave me:
- 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, regardless of category
- Simple redemption options for travel purchases
Many premium cards only give you 2x points on specific spending categories (like dining or airfare), and they typically charge much higher annual fees. For someone like me—who prefers simplicity—the Venture was a clear win.
I quickly discovered I didn’t care for the 5x miles on travel booked through the Capital One portal. Booking direct with hotels, rental car companies, and airlines was easier and often cheaper. Still, for just $49 a year and 2x miles across the board, the Venture card became my go-to travel rewards solution.
Enter the Capital One Venture X
By 2021, life had changed. We were a family of four, and I was traveling frequently for both business and pleasure. The idea of a more premium travel card started to make sense.
I considered the Amex Platinum for its lounge access and luxury perks, but $695/year was a dealbreaker—no matter how attractive the welcome offer looked.
Then came the launch of the Capital One Venture X—a card offering:
- $0 annual fee the first year, then $395 per year
- Unlimited access to Capital One Lounges
- $300 annual travel credit when booking via the Capital One Travel portal
- 10x miles on hotels and rental cars, 5x miles on flights (when booked through the portal)
- Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounge access
The biggest draw for me was the lounge access, especially as I was flying often for work. But while the Capital One Lounges are excellent (especially the one that finally opened in a city I frequented), partner lounge access in the U.S. was hit-or-miss. And once my travel to that city decreased, the value of the card diminished.
After year 2, I closed my Venture X account, as the fee no longer made sense for my travel patterns. Still, I appreciated the card for what it offered during that chapter of life.
Why I Still Recommend the Capital One Venture As My Favorite
Despite trying more premium options, my family and I still keep our Capital One Venture card. For a low annual fee and straightforward 2x miles on every purchase, it continues to be a great travel rewards card—especially for those who want value without the fuss.
Apply now if this card fits your needs. And be sure to comment below if you’d recommend otherwise.
*I may receive bonus miles at no cost to you if you use my referral code.