The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has long been a favorite among frequent travelers, offering perks like airport lounge access, travel credits, and generous rewards. However, recent changes and growing frustrations among cardholders have led many to reconsider its value. Here’s why the card is no longer the top choice for some travelers.
1. Higher Hotel Prices on Capital One’s Travel Portal
One of the card’s key benefits is the $300 annual travel credit, which can be used for bookings through the Capital One Travel portal. However, users have reported that hotel prices on the portal are often significantly higher—sometimes by more than 10%—compared to booking directly with the hotel. This undermines the value of the travel credit, as cardholders end up paying more for the same accommodations.
- Example: A night at a luxury hotel might cost $300 on the hotel’s website but $330 on Capital One’s portal.
- Impact: The $300 credit effectively buys less, reducing the card’s overall appeal.
2. Removal of Priority Pass Restaurant Access
In late 2022, Capital One quietly removed the Priority Pass Select restaurant benefit for Venture X cardholders. This was a major blow for travelers who relied on airport dining options as part of their lounge access perks. Without this benefit, the card’s lounge access is now limited to traditional lounges, which are often overcrowded.
- Why it matters: Many travelers preferred restaurant access for its reliability and better food options.
- User reaction: Frequent flyers have expressed disappointment, calling the change a “stealth devaluation.”
3. Tax Implications of Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Rebate
The card offers a $100 rebate for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, a perk that saves travelers time at security. However, cardholders have been surprised to learn that this rebate is considered taxable income by the IRS. For some, this has led to unexpected tax liabilities, offsetting the benefit’s value.
- Key detail: The rebate is reported on Form 1099-MISC, increasing taxable income.
- User feedback: Many feel the tax burden makes the perk less attractive.
4. Frequent Downtime in the Points Transfer Portal
Capital One’s point transfer portal has faced multiple outages, including significant disruptions in October 2022 and October 2023. During these periods, users were unable to transfer points to travel partners, causing frustration and missed opportunities to book award flights or hotel stays.
- Impact: Frequent travelers rely on timely point transfers to secure the best deals.
- Community response: Reddit users have labeled the portal as “unreliable” and “frustrating.”
Is the Venture X Card Still Worth It?
With an annual fee of $395, the Venture X card’s value hinges on how often you travel and use its benefits. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Benefit | Value Before Changes | Value After Changes |
|---|---|---|
| $300 Travel Credit | High (full value) | Reduced (due to higher prices) |
| Priority Pass Restaurant Access | Included | Removed |
| Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Rebate | Full $100 value | Reduced (tax implications) |
| Points Transfer Portal | Reliable | Frequent outages |
Final Thoughts
The Capital One Venture X card still offers solid rewards, but its recent changes have made it less appealing for some travelers. If you don’t frequently use airport lounges or the Capital One Travel portal, the $395 annual fee may be hard to justify. Before applying, weigh the card’s benefits against your travel habits and financial goals.
For now, many are exploring alternatives that offer more consistent value—proof that even the most popular cards can lose their shine when benefits fade.
