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| Amazing 150,000 mile bonus |
| by Brian Kelly |
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This week, Delta Air Lines announced massive changes to its frequent flyer program that will dramatically increase how much you need to spend in order to achieve elite status and also severely limit lounge access starting in 2025.
I posted my response on my Instagram, but the bottom line is — and this is a wake-up call for many flyers — don’t be loyal to an airline if it’s not loyal to you in return. Several years ago, I stopped worrying so much about elite status and instead focused on flying the airline that offered the most convenient time, most comfortable inflight experience and best price. Being a free agent will set you free! I’m much more loyal to transferable points earned from credit cards, which leads me to the exciting news of a new credit card and a huge sign-up bonus (if you can hit the lofty spending requirement).
How I earn 2 miles per dollar
If you want to maximize points and miles when it comes to credit cards, your goal should be to earn more than 1 point per dollar on all purchases. “Well, how do I do that, Brian, when credit cards only offer bonus categories for dining, groceries, gas, etc.?”
Simple. Use those credit cards when you spend a lot in those categories, but then use a card like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Capital One Venture X Business for every other dollar you spend to get a base earning rate of 2 miles per dollar.
Yes, you heard that right. I feel like the Venture X personal card doesn’t quite get the credit it deserves, and frankly, people would be shocked to know that a huge portion of my personal spending goes on the Venture X. When I’m shopping for clothing, picking up baby supplies or paying for insurance — all categories where I can’t earn 3, 4 or 5 miles per dollar — I use the Venture X.
Card benefits and perks
And, while it has a $395 annual fee (see rates and fees), don’t let that scare you. It’s easy to offset that annual fee with benefits like $300 in annual travel credits — and every year on your anniversary, you get 10,000 bonus miles deposited into your account, which are worth $185 according to TPG valuations.
Capital One also has gorgeous new airport lounges that are now open in Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dulles International Airport (IAD). One in Denver is opening later this year, and Las Vegas will open after that. You get two free guests as a cardholder, which is more generous than other credit card issuers.
Those bonus miles become even more valuable when you transfer them to airline frequent flyer programs, which I do. Capital One has 18 transfer partners to choose from. The ones I use the most are Air Canada Aeroplan, Emirates Skywards, Avianca LifeMiles and Air France’s Flying Blue. I book Air France’s one-way business-class tickets for 55,000 miles quite often, which are usually $3,000 each way. As you can see there, I’m getting 5 cents per point in value when I redeem by transferring.
The beauty of the Capital One Venture X is that you can also erase travel purchases, so even if you use miles on British Airways, and there are hefty taxes and fees, you can wipe away those fees using Capital One miles.
Venture X Business card
Most excitingly, the Venture X Business card just launched, and it will be the next credit card I apply for — the current welcome offer is 150,000 bonus miles when you spend $30,000 in the first three months of account opening.
Many of the benefits and perks are similar to those on the personal Venture X card — you earn an unlimited 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, elevated travel rewards of 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars, and 5 miles per dollar on flights when you book through Capital One Travel.
Don’t sleep on this great offer from Capital One, especially if you own a small business. If you can meet the spending requirement and earn the bonus, it’s worth a whopping $2,775, which is a great value.Have a great weekend,
BK
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| Photo Credit: WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY. |
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