Who should (and shouldn’t) get the Capital One Venture X card?
Editor's Note
There's a reason the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has made a name for itself as one of the top premium travel cards.
It's not just the stellar travel perks, like an annual $300 Capital One Travel portal credit and 10,000 anniversary bonus miles each cardmember year, that make the Venture X a desirable product.
It's also the fact that these two benefits alone effectively reduce the card's $395 annual fee to $0 when fully maximized — and that's before you account for other perks, such as lounge access.
The Venture X is the higher-end version of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, the tried-and-true Capital One product that charges an annual fee of $95 but still offers a taste of what its more expensive counterpart provides.
That said, there are a few reasons the Venture X might not be ideal, depending on your travel habits and needs. Let's discuss who should — and shouldn't — consider applying for the Venture X.
Key Capital One Venture X benefits
New Venture X applicants can earn 100,000 miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
Those 100,000 miles are worth at least $1,000 when redeemed for travel through Capital One's travel booking site or as statement credits toward other travel purchases.
However, according to TPG’s November 2025 valuations, the bonus value is boosted to $1,850 if you transfer these miles to Capital One's 15-plus airline and hotel transfer partners instead.
In addition to the annual $300 Capital One Travel credit and the 10,000 anniversary bonus miles (starting in year one), cardholders also get plenty of other valuable benefits:
- Authorized users: Up to four authorized users can be added at no charge.
- Solid earning rates: 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals booked via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar spent on flights and vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel, and an unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit: Up to $120 in statement credits for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
- Lounge access: Complimentary access for cardholders and authorized users and up to two guests per visit to Capital One Lounges. Cardholders also get access to 1,300-plus Priority Pass lounges worldwide. However, these policies will change Feb. 1, 2026. After this, authorized users will no longer receive complimentary access to Capital One lounges or Priority Pass lounges (unless they pay a $125 lounge access fee), and cardholders will no longer be allowed two complimentary guests to airport lounges (unless they spend $75,000 on the Venture X in a calendar year).
Related: The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison
Who should get the Venture X?
If you’re considering the Venture X, here's when it could be a good fit.
You want simplicity in a premium card
Many other premium cards offer numerous statement credits and partner benefits, which can be hard to manage. Thankfully, the Venture X keeps things simple.
This card offers easy-to-use benefits, including the previously mentioned $300 travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles.
The Venture X also serves as a great catch-all card since it earns 2 miles per dollar spent on all charges outside of hotels, rental cars, flights and vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel.
You want to go to airport lounges
Venture X cardholders have access to a growing network of Capital One Lounges, including locations at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Denver International Airport (DEN). There's also a Capital One Landing — which functions more like a traditional restaurant — at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Capital One Lounges all have a modern design and offer premium dining experiences, craft cocktails, wellness areas and business facilities. Food and drinks differ from lounge to lounge, often incorporating local delicacies and drinks from nearby cocktail bars.
You want free authorized users
Venture X cardholders can add up to four authorized users at no cost — an excellent value proposition for a premium travel rewards card. You'll earn miles when your authorized users spend on your account, but know that you're still liable for the bill.
Authorized users also get Hertz President’s Circle elite status. By registering through your Capital One account, your authorized user can enjoy top-tier status with Hertz car rentals.
Authorized users receive free airport lounge access until Feb 1, 2026. After that, it will cost $125 per authorized user.
Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g., at hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.
You want travel protections
This Visa Infinite card offers some of the industry’s most comprehensive travel and trip protection benefits.
That includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement, cellphone protection, primary rental car protection, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and return protection.
Related: 5 of the most underrated travel rewards cards
Who shouldn’t get the Venture X?
While the Venture X is an impressive product, it's not for everyone. Here's why.
You want a robust network of premium lounges right now
There are currently five open Capital One Lounges and a single Capital One Landing (a dining concept) you can get into with a Venture X card. In addition, the included Priority Pass Select membership gives you access to a variety of third-party lounges around the world.
Capital One has plans to expand its lounge network, but other issuers have made significant strides in building their own expansive lounge networks. For instance, those with the American Express Platinum Card® (and its business counterpart) receive access to Amex Centurion Lounges.
Amex Platinum cardmembers also get access to the Global Lounge Collection, which includes access to Priority Pass lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when catching a same-day Delta flight), and various other lounge networks.
If you want immediate access to a large lounge network, the Venture X may not be the best choice.
You don’t travel much or plan to leverage transfer partners
To truly maximize the Venture X card, you should consider leveraging Capital One’s transfer program.
Capital One has made several significant advancements to its mileage program over the past few years, including shifting from fixed-rate redemptions to adding airline and hotel transfer partners and improving mileage transfer rates. Some standout transfer partners are Air France-KLM Flying Blue and Japan Airlines (JAL) Mileage Bank.
If you don’t use transfer partners, the best you can do is redeem miles at a rate of 1 cent each toward any travel purchase.
Related: How (and why) you should earn transferable credit card points
Bottom line
The Venture X is an excellent option for those seeking a premium travel rewards card, especially if they frequently fly into or out of an airport with a Capital One Lounge.
However, for those seeking a card with a larger lounge network — or who don’t require the flexibility of airline and hotel transfer partners — there may be better options available. It boils down to your specific travel needs.
To learn more, read our full review of the Venture X.
Learn more: Capital One Venture X
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.