Capital One’s Venture Card — that “no hassles” credit card advertised on TV — will save you big on the road, right? Many people — even me — recommend this card but it is actually the WORST travel rewards credit card you can use. I get a lot of emails asking about this card, and I recently chastised two friends for using it as their primary credit card for gaining points and miles.
Wait, you just said you recommend it. How can it be that be bad, then?
Capital One gets a few things right: the simple rewards structure of their no-fee Venture Card is perfect for people who don’t spend much money or who don’t want to worry about points. They are selling simplicity and they do it well. I think if you’re a low-spending, low-traveling person, this card could be worth your time (see comments below where I tell people not to move to a different card).
But it’s not even close to being even a mediocre travel hacking rewards card. I think it’s probably the worst card for a travel hacker.
