In the realm of travel rewards, Capital One Miles open the door to a world of affordable adventures. Whether you are planning an epic cross-country road trip, a relaxing island escape, or a family journey abroad, these miles can help make your travel dreams a reality. But what is the quickest way to build up a solid stash of Capital One Miles?
It starts with selecting the right credit cards that are tailored to supercharge your mileage earnings. With the right card, you can turn everyday purchases — like your morning coffee or grocery run — into points and miles that bring you closer to your next getaway. From eye-catching welcome offers to simple bonus categories that reward your regular spending, these credit cards make earning Capital One Miles easier than ever, so you can start planning your next adventure sooner.
Before You Apply: Know Your Credit Score
If you are new to travel rewards and credit in general, it is a good idea to check your credit score before applying for a credit or charge card. That way, you will be able to apply for travel rewards cards which align with both your credit score and your travel goals.
Credit Scores are shown numerically and range from 300 (Poor) to 850 (Excellent / Perfect). While there are a number of credit agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and credit scores (FICO and VantageScore), generally, scores above 750 are considered excellent*. While some agencies charge for a credit report, there are a number of “free” options as well:
- Personal Bank
- Credit Karma
- Annual Credit Report
Related: Credit Scores 101: Everything You Need to Know
The Best Credit Cards For Capital One Miles – Personal
Here is a quick overview of the best personal travel rewards cards earning Capital One Miles, which includes a summary of card details, reward rates, benefits, and more.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
In the complex world of award travel, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card stands out due its simplicity. Cardholders will earn 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, which eliminates the need to memorize various bonus categories. Outside the simple earning structure, the card comes with a relatively low annual fee, and multiple benefits (including a Global Entry credit). In addition, cardholders have the option to get reimbursed for travel purchases with Capital One Miles or utilize one of the many transfer partner options.
Credit Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
- Annual Fee: $95
- APR: 19.99% – 29.74% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
Reward Rates
- 5x Miles on Hotels, Vacation Rentals, and Rental Cars (booked through Capital One Travel)
- 2x Miles on All Other purchases
Other Benefits
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Even though the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of the newest premium travel rewards cards, it quickly became one of the most popular. The popularity stems from the easy earning structure of 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, an easy to use $300 annual credit (when booking through Capital One Travel), and numerous other benefits (including access to the extremely popular Capital One Lounges). In addition, cardholders have the option to get reimbursed for travel purchases with Capital One Miles or utilize one of the many transfer partner options.
Credit Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Annual Fee: $395
- APR: 19.99% – 29.74% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 740-850 (Excellent)*
Reward Rates
- 10x Miles on Hotels and Rental Cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5x Miles on Flights and Vacation Rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- 2x Miles on All Other purchases
Other Benefits
- $300 back in credit annually (only applicable for bookings made through Capital One Travel portal)
- 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
- Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is an ideal cash-back credit card for beginners looking for a solid rewards structure and no annual fee. Unlike other cash-back cards, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers high value bonus categories in key spend areas such as Dining, Entertainment, and Groceries. However, there are fewer redemption options with a cash back credit card versus one which provides travel rewards. To truly unleash the earning power of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, combine it with either the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to convert the cash back to transferable Capital One Miles.
- Intro Offer: Earn a one-time $250 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 19.74% – 29.74% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
Reward Rates
- 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- 5% Cash Back on Hotels booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
- 5% Cash Back on Rental Cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
- 3% Cash Back on Dining
- 3% Cash Back on Entertainment
- 3% Cash Back on popular Streaming Services
- 3% Cash Back at Grocery Stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
- 1% Cash Back on All Other purchases
Other Benefits
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then a variable APR of 19.74% – 29.74% (balance transfer fee applies)
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is the perfect card for those who want simplicity in their travel rewards. The card comes with no annual fee, a simple earning structure (1.25x Miles on all purchases), and the ability to transfer Capital One Miles to partner airlines and hotels. In addition, cardholders have the option to “erase” travel purchases made within the last 90 days with Capital One Miles.
Credit Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 19.99% – 29.74% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
Reward Rates
- 5.00x Miles on Hotels and Rental Cars (booked through Capital One Travel)
- 1.25x Miles on All Other purchases
Other Benefits
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase – or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% – 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fees
The Best Credit Cards For Capital One Miles – Business
Here is a quick overview of the best business travel rewards cards earning Capital One Miles, which includes a summary of card details, reward rates, benefits, and more.
Capital One Venture X Business
Even though the Capital One Venture X Business is one of the newest business travel rewards cards, it quickly became one of the most popular. The popularity stems from the easy earning structure of 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, an easy to use $300 annual credit (when booking through Capital One Travel), generous intro offer, and numerous other benefits (including access to the extremely popular Capital One Lounges). In addition, cardholders have the option to get reimbursed for travel purchases with Capital One Miles or utilize one of the many transfer partner options.
Credit Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn 150,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
- Annual Fee: $395
- APR: N/A
- Recommended Credit: 740-850 (Excellent)*
Reward Rates
- 10x Miles on Hotels and Rental Cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5x Miles on Flights and Vacation Rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- 2x Miles on All Other purchases
Other Benefits
- $300 back in credit annually (only applicable for bookings made through Capital One Travel portal)
- 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
- Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Add employee cards for free
Final Thoughts
The right credit card can be your gateway to a world filled with travel opportunities and luxurious experiences. Capital One Miles offer unparalleled flexibility and value, whether you are booking flights, hotels, or unique experiences. By choosing the cards that align with your spending habits and travel aspirations, you can accelerate your points earning and unlock a myriad of rewards. From substantial sign-up bonuses to generous points multipliers on everyday purchases, these credit cards empower you to make every dollar spent work harder for you. As you consider which card best suits your needs, keep in mind your personal travel goals and the additional card benefits and perks. Bon voyage!
*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.