Since its addition, the card has earned a permanent place in my wallet, becoming a favorite. Here’s why the Capital One Venture Rewards Card became one I frequently recommend.
The card offers double miles, which initially led me to overlook it because I already possessed the Chase Freedom Unlimited, earning at least 1.5% back on all purchases. However, the extra 0.5 miles per dollar adds up over time, enhancing the rewards accumulation significantly.
Last year, my expenditures on the Venture card amounted to $18,400, which translated into approximately 36,800 Capital One miles. In comparison, the Chase Freedom Unlimited would have resulted in only 27,600 Ultimate Rewards points on similar spending.
Based on TPG's March 2025 valuations, the Venture Rewards card delivered around $680 in value compared to $565 with the Chase Freedom Unlimited, despite Chase Ultimate Rewards points being valued higher. The additional rewards from Capital One’s non-bonus spending rate compensated for this difference.
Capital One’s transfer partners elevate the card’s appeal. It substantially improved its offerings by enabling mile transfers to airline and hotel partners and currently has over 15 transfer partners. These include unique options absent in other cards, such as EVA Air, Wyndham, and Finnair Plus.
While my other cards, including Chase, American Express, and Bilt, also allow transfers, Capital One provides some exclusive options. It also allows the combination of rewards from various cards into a single account, enhancing redemption potential.
The card includes a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit, a feature not previously at my disposal until obtaining this card. It has significantly eased my airport experiences, saving considerable time, and this benefit alone justified the $95 annual fee during the card’s first year.
Despite offering excellent perks, the card’s low annual fee further solidifies its value. Other cards with higher fees provide additional benefits, like lounge access and superior rewards for particular categories, but I cannot justify the expense of high annual fees for multiple cards at present.
The Venture Rewards card is a cost-effective choice for travelers seeking convenience without excessive fees. For just $95 annually, retaining this card is justifiable for its benefits.
Ultimately, I recognize having initially misjudged the Venture Rewards card. It’s now a top recommendation for those exploring points and miles, favored for its simplicity and user-friendly rewards—ideal for newcomers. Even seasoned users find the card valuable for diversifying transfer options without hefty annual fees.
For more information, refer to our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards card.
Alerts Sign-up
