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Plenty of credit card users are fed up with the game that frequent flyer programs have become. Credit card users dutifully earn tens of thousands of frequent flyer miles, sometimes over the course of years, with the hopes of redeeming these miles for award flights. In many cases, their hopes are dashed when they discover that the airlines have allocated scant award seats at the lowest mileage levels. In other cases travelers are hit with taxes, fees, and surcharges for award flights that they were led to believe were free.
Capital One perfectly captured this frustration in a series of advertisements, like this one, that feature comedian David Spade informing credit card users that they can't actually use their miles. The solution offered by Capital One is their No Hassle miles that can be redeemed for statement credits toward any travel expense with the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card.
This card offers double miles on all purchases. Once earned, these "miles" can be redeemed for a statement credit towards travel purchases, such as airfare, hotels, car rentals, or cruises. You can also transfer miles to over 10 travel loyalty programs. Miles are worth one cent each, so each dollar spent returns 2% back in reward value. Cardholders simply log into their account on Capital One's website, select travel expenses, and apply for reimbursement. In my experience, reimbursement came quickly.
Bonus offer: Earn 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening, or still earn 50,000 miles if you spend $3000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: There is an annual fee of $95.
Flexible rewards program. Use rewards on any flight on any airline or stay with any hotel with no blackout dates. Most travel charges are eligible. This gives you the most freedom to redeem your hard earned miles for actual travel. (See also: Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards)
No foreign transaction fees. Many credit cards charge up to 3% for foreign transaction fees. With this card, you can feel confident using it for your travel bookings, as well as while you're on your trip. (See also: Best Credit Cards without Foreign Transaction Fees)
Application fee credit. Receive up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
This is the ideal card for users who want flexibility in their travel redemption, and will make enough charges each year to make up for the annual fee. By combining competitive rewards and a flexible redemption program, the Capital One Venture Rewards card can be a great choice for those who aren't interested in playing games with points and miles.
Capital One® VentureOneSM has no annual fee even though your get 1.25 points per dollar spent. It has most of the same benefits without the fee. Just thought I would pass this option on to your readers.