Sure, the rising price of groceries is getting a lot more attention than travel when it comes to inflation, but there’s still no doubt that vacation costs are rising. That makes the new welcome offer for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card that much more of a boon for consumers—and it will help with both groceries and travel.
New Capital One Venture cardholders can earn a total value exceeding $1,000, making this offer among the most competitive on the market right now.
Starting on February 18, for a limited time when you spend $4,000 in the first three months of using the Capital One Venture, you'll earn 75,000 miles. That's at least $750 in travel credit when redeemed through Capital One's Travel portal. You'll also get a one-time $250 travel credit, which can be used at any time in your first year for flights, hotels, or rental cars.
The Capital One Venture charges a $95 annual fee, but the $250 credit offsets the cost for two and a half years. This limited-time offer’s combo of upfront savings and long-term earning makes the Venture card a great choice if you’re looking to beat vacation inflation this year.
Earning and redeeming miles with Capital One
Simplicity and flexibility are the hallmarks of the Capital One Venture card. You get unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, no category juggling required. Book through Capital One Travel and that rate jumps to 5X miles on hotels and rental cars. Until December 31, 2025, Capital One Entertainment purchases like concert or sports tickets also earn 5X miles.
Redeeming Capital One Miles is simple, as you can apply them toward any travel purchase. For those who'd rather not juggle multiple cards or keep track of rotating categories, this is a breath of fresh air.
Credit card expert Joseph Hostetler likes that you can book your future travel with the Venture Card as soon as you get it, then apply your miles toward the travel purchase once you earn your welcome bonus.
“I opened the Capital One Venture and retroactively redeemed Capital One miles for a five-star stay at a castle near Galway,” he says.
Want to stretch those miles even further? Consider transferring to travel partners. Last spring I snagged a business class flight to Panama for just 25,000 miles by transferring Capital One Miles to Air Canada Aeroplan. With some savvy planning, you could be flying premium for a fraction of the usual cost.
Is the Capital One Venture Card offer right for you?
If flexibility in earning and redeeming rewards is high on your list, the current Capital One Venture offer could be your ticket. The hefty welcome bonus, immediate travel credit, and no-fuss earning structure make it a standout for those looking to trim travel costs without diving into complex reward systems.
Just keep in mind your own spending habits and travel goals. That $4,000 spending requirement might be a stretch for some, and if you don’t use your Capital One Miles for travel you may get less than one cent per mile in value.
Also compare the Venture’s value proposition to other cards on the market, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, before applying. For the same $95 annual fee, the Sapphire Preferred offers a lower welcome bonus, but a set of transfer partners, such as United and Hyatt, that may be more appealing to you. It has a lower everyday earnings rate, but earns 3X points on dining, including delivery and online grocery purchases.
Remember, the best rewards program is one that fits your financial situation and travel dreams like a glove. Used wisely, the Capital One Venture card could be your key to unlocking those bucket-list destinations without breaking the bank.
