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Phil Cai's Journey: Credit Cards, Kudos, and Global Travel
August 30, 2024
Guest Post from Kudos Member and Credit Card Enthusiast Phil Cai
Hey everyone! I’m Phil Cai. I got into the credit card game when one of my friends told me how important building credit was. After researching credit cards, I found that different cards provide different perks. After discovering that I could get cash back or travel points, credit cards have been my obsession! I stumbled across Kudos on Instagram when I was looking up creators who have used different credit cards and what benefits they offer. What really stands out to me about Kudos is its Explore Tool, which effortlessly allows me to compare across different debit and credit cards. Traveling is my passion and I make it a point to explore a new country every year. When I'm not jet-setting, I cherish moments with my family in New York. A dream of mine is to tour every national park in the United States. I will make that a reality with credit cards and the rewards I earn from using Kudos.
Imagine a single card that meets all your travel needs, transforms layovers into moments of anticipation, and even rewards you for carrying it. If you take at least one trip a year, this credit card is a must-have.
Choosing the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card as your go-to travel credit card is an easy decision. It offers a $300 annual travel credit and a 10,000-point anniversary bonus, translating to at least $100 in value upon redemption. With an annual fee of $395 and receiving $400 in travel credits in return, the card essentially pays for itself (see rates & fees).
Now let’s dive into the nitty-gritty:
Annual fee
- $395 (yes, it’s on the higher end but as long as you take advantage of the benefits, this card pays for itself)
Current Sign-on Bonus
- 75,000 points after spending $4000 in the first three months.
Rewards
- 10x on hotels and car rentals when you book through the Capital One Travel Portal
- 5x on flights booked through the Capital One Travel Portal
- 2x on everything else
Benefits (The absolute best part of this card!)
- $300 annual travel credit on the Capital One Travel Portal
- 10,000 points (equivalent to at least $100) anniversary bonus
- $120 for Global Entry or TSA Precheck
- Complimentary access to Capital One Lounges
- Priority Pass
- Plaza Premium Lounge access
- No foreign transaction fees
- Primary car rental insurance
My top perk has to be the complimentary Priority Pass.
For those inevitable long layovers, this card becomes an invaluable companion. By linking your Venture X card with Priority Pass, you unlock free, unlimited entry to over 1,500 airport lounges across the globe. Plus, the ability to invite up to two guests at no extra cost means your travel companions can join in on the comfort too!
My favorite redemption with the Capital One Venture X
Before backpacking through Europe, I searched for optimal travel times and the most affordable ticket prices. Luckily, I stumbled upon a flight from JFK to Lisbon priced just under $500—a bargain, yet I knew my Venture X points could push the price even lower. By exploring Capital One's transfer partners, I discovered Air France/KLM Flying Blue as an option. Transferring my miles to this partner, I managed to secure my flight for roughly 38,000 miles, with only $98 in taxes and fees, saving me over $400.
While it required some effort to identify the most efficient points transfer strategy based on my travel dates, the savings were significant. This trip marked my first foray into using miles for backpacking, and having the Venture X card was a game-changer. I'm already planning my next backpacking adventure in Asia, looking to fly with Singapore Airlines, yet another Capital One airline partner.
Bottom Line
Regardless of whether you're an occasional traveler or a frequent flyer, having this card in your wallet is essential. While other high-end travel cards, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express (see rates & fees) or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, also offer numerous perks that can make up for their annual fees—provided you take full advantage of all their benefits—the Capital One Venture X simplifies the equation. Just book a flight, hotel, or car rental through the Capital One Travel Portal and make sure you spend $300 and you’ve made back your money on the card. Who should get this card? Anyone with good to excellent credit who has a passion for travel and loves top-end perks.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
