An Honest Review of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: A Travel Card that Gives Without Taking

At the grocery store, you’ll often find me staring at the broad selection of my favorite ingredient — butter. I often ask the same question: Are the sticks in the gold foil really worth three more dollars than those in the paper wrapper?

It depends on what I’m cooking, but many times, the bargain option does just fine, and I never taste the difference. It’s the same concept for credit cards. Does it make sense to pay a premium price for one account when the other will make life just as delicious? 

Watch on

Which brings me to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card. It provides many of the same benefits as other travel cards, but without an annual fee. When you add in the introductory 0% APR promotion and an easily achievable bonus offer, you can even get more from this account than some expensive cards.

But, much like butter, a lot will depend on how you use it. If you don’t often use luxury extras, like lounges, and prefer earning a steady number of miles for each purchase, this card could be just the right ingredient.

So, read on, and I will give you the recipe for success with the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

Your first clue about the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is in the name. As with all cards in Capital One’s Venture line, it’s a travel card, which means the rewards program will pay you in miles that are best redeemed for things such as flights and hotel rooms.

You can use the Capital One Travel portal to book many elements of your trips, and you can transfer miles to any of Capital One’s airline and hotel partners.  

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

4.9/5.0

About this rating

Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.

See Our Review»

Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

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★★★★★ 4.9/5.0

Our Review »

• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 18.49% – 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• Top rated mobile app

Show MoreShow Less See application, terms and details »

Intro (Purchases) 0% for 15 months

Intro (Transfers) 0% for 15 months

Regular APR 18.49% – 28.49% (Variable)

Annual Fee $0

Credit Needed Excellent, Good

See Rates & Fees »

Some Venture cards have annual fees, such as the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card that costs $395 a year, but the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card card doesn’t charge one at all. That doesn’t make it a beginner’s card, though. To qualify, your credit scores should be in the excellent range. 

However, since the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card card doesn’t have an annual fee, it has fewer bells and whistles than those that you have to pay a lot for.

For example, you won’t have access to high-end airport lounges through Priority Pass or be given annual travel credits. You will earn 1.25X miles for every dollar you charge on most purchases, so reward accumulation can be on the slow side — but it is steady.

No Annual or Foreign Transaction Fees

There is nothing wrong with a credit card that has an annual fee, but you have to make sure you get more out of the account than it costs. If you rarely make purchases with the card and don’t take advantage of the benefits, you’re paying for what you don’t use. 

You don’t have to worry about any of that with the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card. Since there is no annual fee, everything you get from the account is net profit. 

Foreign transaction fees are another expense you won’t have to think about with the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card. If your card doesn’t waive them and you use it outside the US, you’ll be charged 1% to 3% on top of your purchase. This card can help keep costs low when you travel internationally. 

Security and Purchase Protections

It’s not just a rotten feeling to be a victim of credit card fraud; fixing it afterward can also take time and energy. It’s best to do whatever you can to avoid this type of crime. The good news is that the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card helps keep your account and transactions safe and secure. 

Capital One will send security alerts to you via text, call, or email if it detects suspicious account activity. At that point, you have the power to lock your card immediately, which can prevent a fraudster from accessing or using your account.

If someone manages to use your card anyway, Capital One offers zero fraud liability, so you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges if your credit card is lost or stolen.

The majority of credit card fraud happens during online shopping, so to further protect your account, you may want to take advantage of Capital One’s virtual credit card number feature.

This produces a unique, temporary credit card number you can use for online purchases. That way, you don’t have to worry about your real card number being compromised or exposing your account to fraud. 

Miles are a form of credit card reward currency, and you will earn them every time you use your Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card to make purchases. You’ll earn 1.25X miles for each dollar you charge on most transactions. Although this rate is on the low side, if you use your card a lot, those rewards will add up. 

You can redeem Capital One miles for cash back, gift cards, and purchases made through Amazon and PayPal for a per-mile value of around 0.5 cents to 0.8 cents. When used for travel, though, your miles will be worth at least one cent. 

Here’s an example. You charge $2,500 on a combination of expenses, such as groceries, gas, and home repairs, in one month.

That earns you 3,125 miles. The travel redemption value is approximately $31.25.

Now, imagine you charge $24,000 in a year. That would put 30,000 miles in your rewards bank, equivalent to $300. That could be enough for a free round-trip domestic flight. 

Introductory Miles Bonus

I love a great welcome bonus! At this time, Capital One will give you 20,000 miles if you spend at least $500 on purchases within three months of opening your account.

This is a very low minimum spend, so it should be easy for most people to hit as a target. Those miles alone will be worth $200 in travel redemption. 

Miles Boost On Travel Portal Transactions

If the 1.25X miles per dollar on purchases doesn’t excite you, the elevated earning potential on certain Capital One Travel bookings may be more thrilling.

This card gives you the opportunity to earn 5X miles on hotel stays and car rentals when you book them through Capital One’s Travel portal. (You’ll also get that rate on Capital One’s Entertainment portal.)

For example, maybe you’re interested in a Parisian getaway. Ten nights at the Les Jardins du Marais hotel may cost $3,780. Book through Capital One Travel and pay with your Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, though, and you’ll earn 18,900 miles. That’s $189 in future travel. Rome, perhaps? 

Or maybe an 18-day road trip around the continental US. is more your speed. You want to rent an SUV that costs $1,120. By booking it through the portal, you’ll earn 5,600 miles, which is equal to $56 in travel redemption.

Additional Perks

There are a few other perks associated with this account, including having access to special dining experiences in 15-plus major US cities through the Capital One Dining portal. You can make reservations for exclusive restaurants and book unique foodie experiences such as tasting events with famous chefs.

And then there’s Capital One Entertainment. I love this feature because it not only opens the door to a massive number of live events all over the country, but you’ll also get 5X miles for every dollar you spend when you book through the site.

Think concerts, comedy shows, theatrical performances, and sporting events; all are included. Finding what you want is easy. Use the search bar at the top, and enter what you’re interested in seeing. From Bruno Mars in Chicago, to pro soccer in Atlanta, and Broadway shows in New York, you’ll find it here.

If you plan to rent a car to get around to these events or for anything else, this card also gives you Hertz Five Star Status. The loyalty program offers you a more expansive vehicle choice and the chance to upgrade to the next level. You can also earn 1.25X Hertz points per dollar spent. 

To qualify for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, you will need to have good to excellent credit. That means your FICO Score should be at least 670 and your VantageScore should be over 660. Definitely check them before you apply to avoid an unnecessary credit inquiry that ends in a denial.

But there are additional criteria to know, so also review your credit reports. There should be no indication that you’ve declared bankruptcy or have defaulted on a loan, and you can’t have been more than 60 days late on any credit card, medical bill, or loan in the last year.

You will also need to have a loan or credit card with a credit limit over $5,000 that you’ve had for at least three years. Capital One wants to see that you have a solid track record of financial management before it extends this offer to you.

If you’re interested in applying, I strongly recommend you go through the preapproval process first. It’s free, and there will be no hard inquiry placed on your credit report, which can negatively affect your credit scores.

By providing basic information about yourself, Capital One will conduct a soft credit check and will let you know within seconds if the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is among your potential options. 

If it is, and you want to proceed, hit the “Apply Now” button to begin. Here’s what to expect from the full application: 

Editor’s Note: No application was submitted while writing this article. These steps are for informational purposes only.

Step 1: Name, Date of Birth, and Social Security Number

I enter my first name, middle initial, and last name. Then I type in my date of birth and Social Security number. I am asked if I am a U.S. citizen and need to select either a “Yes” or “No” button. I select “Yes”. 

When I do, another question appears, asking whether I have citizenship in another country. I select the “No” option. Then I click the blue “Next” button. 

Step 2: Residential Address, Email, and Phone Number

On the next page, I see fields to enter my complete residential address, my email address, and my primary phone number.  

I type in all of my information and click “Next” again. 

Step 3: Employment, Income, Housing Payment, and Bank Account Info

Now, I need to fill out my employment status. A drop-down menu pops up, where I indicate if I am employed, self-employed, retired, a student, unemployed, or other. Then I complete the forms for my occupation, annual income, and monthly rent.

If I have a bank account, I am to select one of the following options from another dropdown menu: checking and savings, checking only, savings only, or none.

An optional question follows, asking if I intend to use my card for cash advances. I select “No”. 

Then I click “Next” to go to the next screen. 

Step 4: Add an Authorized User

Now I see a screen inviting me to add an additional cardholder to my account, which is optional. If I want to move forward with adding someone, I will write that person’s first and last name, their date of birth, and primary phone number.

I read that adding their Social Security number is optional, but Capital One will need it if the additional user wants to access the account online or ensure they get account activity accurately reported to the credit bureaus. 

Once I finish, I click “Next”. 

Step 5: Review and Edit Information

On this page, I can review all of the information I entered in Steps 1-4 on a single screen. The message on top tells me to make sure it all looks right. 

At the bottom is a light blue box informing me that if I do not qualify for this card, Capital One may consider me for other cards. 

I verify that all of my information is accurate and click the “Next” button. 

Step 6: Communication Preferences and Disclosures

At the top of this screen, I check a box that says I have read and agreed to the Electronic Communications Agreement, which includes a link to to click. I also need to select English or Spanish as my preferred language for future communications. 

Then I have a chance to read Capital One’s application terms in the Important Disclosures section. I always recommend scrolling through this entire document to see if anything stands out that you didn’t expect.

Once I’m satisfied that I understand everything about the card, I click the “Next” button (for the final time).

Step 7: Acknowledge Terms and Submit

Finally, the last screen appears as a pop-up. 

I read that if I click the “Submit Application” button at the bottom of the screen, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the disclosures and that everything I put in the application is correct.

I also authorize Capital One to check my credit and employment history, and verify my application information with third parties. If I proceed, I am agreeing to my cellphone provider being contacted and asked to release information about my identity. 

At this point, if I click “Submit Application,” I should find out quickly if I am approved for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

I’ve had the Capital One mobile app on my phone for many years. I use it often to view my recent transactions and balance, and to check my miles. The app is extremely easy to use and convenient because it always lives on your mobile device.

Sometimes, time is of the essence. Not long ago, I misplaced my wallet, so I immediately pulled up the app and locked my card so no one else could use it. When I found my wallet the next day, I quickly unlocked my card again through the app. 

Like most people, you probably want to keep your credit scores high. The CreditWise tool, available on the app, will help.

Enrollment is free, and you will have immediate access to your TransUnion credit report with the FICO Score 8 that’s tied to it.

CreditWise also includes a simulator tool so you can see how certain financial decisions may affect your score before you make them.

Oh, and you’ll get an extra security alert, which will notify you if your personal information is found on the dark web. 

I am very much into talking to real people when I need assistance. Therefore, I typically avoid Eno (Capital One’s AI assistant) and pick up the phone. I rarely have to wait more than a couple of minutes after going through a series of recorded prompts.

For example, last week I didn’t recognize a charge on my statement, so I called the credit card customer service number. I quickly learned everything was fine. 

Call 1 (800) 227-4825 to speak with a live customer service representative. This option is available every day from 8 AM to 11 PM EST. 

As with many credit card issuers, Capital One does not publish credit limits for its products, either minimums or maximums. Your credit history, credit score, and personal financial information will be analyzed to determine your initial limit.

Based on my research for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, though, you may qualify for a starting line of around $3,000. 

If you use this card responsibly by making your payments on time and keeping your revolving balance very low, Capital One may automatically increase your credit limit.

With my Capital One credit card, I began with a credit line of $2,000 and now, 10 years later, it has grown to $18,000 without me ever asking. 

If you’d rather not wait for Capital One to hike your limit, you can request a credit line increase. Call the customer service line and ask the representative.

You can also log onto your account or use the app to make the request. Find the “Manage your credit line” option near the bottom of the dashboard, then update your income and monthly spending. Within moments, you should find out if a higher line is available to you. 

There are many account options available to people who are looking for travel credit cards. Some have very high annual fees and prolific perks, while others have low fees but can fall short on benefits. To help you decide if the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is right for you, here are the primary advantages and disadvantages. 

It is very important to apply for a card that makes sense for your lifestyle. The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has many fine attributes, but it’s definitely not for everyone. 

Because travel credit cards can vary so widely, in terms of fees, rewards, and perks, it is a good idea to ensure your spending aligns with what the offer.

But if you’re sure you want a card with no annual fee, here are a couple of other options to consider alongside the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

Citi Strata℠ Card

CardRates Expert Rating

Citi Strata℠ Card

4.8/5.0

About this rating

Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.

See Our Review»

Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

Close

★★★★★ 4.8/5.0

at the issuer’ssecure website

Our Review »

• Earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months; after that, the variable APR will be 18.49% – 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
• Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services.
• Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com; earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations.
• Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants; earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
• No Annual Fee

Show MoreShow Less See application, terms and details »

Intro (Purchases) 0% 15 months on Purchases

Intro (Transfers) 0% 15 months on Balance Transfers

Regular APR 18.49% – 28.49% (Variable)

Annual Fee $0

Credit Needed Good/Excellent

See Rates & Fees »

The Citi Strata℠ Card and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card are similar in that they both let you earn travel rewards without paying an annual fee. The biggest difference is the effort you’ll need to put in.

The Citi Strata℠ Card has a multi-tiered, high-earning rewards structure — heavily boosting returns on portal travel bookings, grocery runs, transit, dining, and a custom lifestyle category of your choice. But the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers a much simpler, low-maintenance experience that doesn’t force you to track or declare categories.

The best option is based on how you’ll use the card. If you love to strategize about rewards and dream about chasing big returns by maximizing spending categories, the Citi Strata℠ Card could be a good option. Otherwise, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a better choice if you want a stress-free travel companion.

Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

CardRates Expert Rating

Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

4.7/5.0

About this rating

Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.

Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

Close

★★★★★ 4.7/5.0

at the issuer’ssecure website

• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value
• Earn unlimited 3x points on travel, transit, gas, dining, streaming services, and phone plans – all other purchases earn 1x point
• Redeem your rewards for travel, gift cards, PayPal purchases, or as a statement credit for eligible purchases
• Get up to $600 cellphone protection when you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible), terms apply
• Auto rental collision damage waiver covers theft, damage, valid loss-of-use charges imposed and substantiated by the rental company, administrative fees, and reasonable and customary towing charges to the nearest qualified repair facility, terms apply
• $0 Annual fee

Show MoreShow Less See application, terms and details »

Intro (Purchases) 0% for 12 months

Intro (Transfers) N/A

Regular APR 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness

Annual Fee $0

Credit Needed Good, Excellent

The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card are both solid options for travel rewards without an annual fee, but there are differences in how you earn.

The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card gives you a higher rewards rate on certain categories, including dining, travel, gas, transit, popular streaming services, and mobile phone plans. Everything else earns a much lower standard rewards rate.

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card gives you a standard rewards rate, but gives you access to Capital One’s highly regarded travel and entertainment portals, where you can multiply your rewards rate on certain purchases. It also uses miles instead of points, which can be more flexible (and valuable) if you want to redeem them for travel.

A credit card that does just what you need it to can be the perfect choice. With the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, you can be sure that you won’t overpay for what you get.

I would not hesitate to recommend it if you have excellent credit and don’t want to fuss with a complicated reward program or one with an annual fee that requires you to make sure the benefits outweigh the cost. 

With this card, accumulating rewards couldn’t be simpler, which will be appealing if you’re busy and would rather not strategize with your earnings. Although 1.25X miles on purchases is on the low side, they are unlimited, so you won’t cap out.

If you rent cars, stay at hotels, and book entertainment tickets through the shopping portals, you’ll earn a lot more miles at a faster pace. 

Being able to transfer your miles to Capital One’s travel partners, where you can get even more for your miles, is a marvelous feature for frequent travelers. There are more than 15 airlines and hotel brands to choose from, and the redemption rate can be very high.  

And you can’t beat Capital One’s Travel, Entertainment, and Dining portals, which are available with the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card. 

Now, this is not the right card if you want luxurious perks that come with more expensive cards. It doesn’t offer concierge service, swanky airport lounges, or a slew of credits you can use for things like breakfast in bed in your hotel room. That’s the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

What you do get, though, is a solid card that won’t cost you anything in annual fees, while offering a decent welcome bonus, and even a 0% intro APR offer.