Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotel stays, vacation rentals or rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases.
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Best Capital One Credit Cards of November 2024
Holly D. Johnson - Personal Finance
+ 1 other
Reviewed By
Blake Esken - Los Angeles Times
Capital One offers some of our favorite credit cards, with options for businesses, students, travel rewards, rebuilding credit and more. If you’re looking for a specific type of card, there’s a good chance Capital One has a suitable option. Some benefits of choosing Capital One include no foreign transaction fees, flexible redemption options, virtual card numbers and online prequalification.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best Capital One credit cards currently available.
Our top picks for the best Capital One credit cards
Advertiser Disclosure
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.74% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
Many travel credit cards offer complicated reward categories, making it challenging to fully benefit from them. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card simplifies things by providing generous flat-rate rewards on every purchase.
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- Miles don’t expire for the lifetime of the account plus there’s no limit to how many you can earn
- Up to a $120 credit to use toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use miles for reimbursement on any travel purchase—or use them to book a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enhance every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a range of cardholder benefits, such as $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Transfer your miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs of your choice
Pros
- Travel insurance protections incuded
- Earn flexible rewards for travel
- Reasonable $95 annual fee
Cons
- Requires good or excellent credit
- No everyday spending bonus categories
- High APR
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Up to 8% Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal. Earn 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
LTO: $250
Regular APR
19.74% to 29.74% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers excellent rewards on everyday purchases. This card provides a high reward rate on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery stores, all without an annual fee.
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Card Details
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- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR).
- Balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
- There are no rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards
- Cash back won’t expire for the life of the account
- No limit to how much cash-back you can earn
- No foreign transaction fees
Pros
- No rotating categories that you need to sign up for
- No spending cap
- No annual fee
Cons
- High APR
- Good or excellent credit recommended
- Low sign-up bonus
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Up to 10X Reward Rate
Earn 10X miles on hotel and rental car purchases made through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on airfare and vacation rentals purchased through the portal, and 2X miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$395
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.74% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
The Venture X is Capital One’s most premium travel credit card. It offers benefits such as airport lounge access, Priority Pass Select membership, and yearly bonus miles. It’s also easy to earn miles on this card, with flat-rate rewards on all purchases and an elevated earning rate on travel booked through Capital One’s portal.
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- Get a $300 annual credit for booking trips through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy 10,000 bonus miles every year, which is equivalent to $100 towards travel, starting on your first anniversary
- Unlimited complimentary access to over 1,300 lounges, including Capital One lounges and the partner lounge network, for you and two guests
- Use Venture X miles to cover the cost of travel expenses, such as flights, hotels and rental cars; you can even transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs of your choice
- Enhance every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collection with a range of cardholder benefits, such as experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Pros
- Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, transfers to international airlines, and more
- Can qualify for hundreds of dollars in credits each year
- Huge welcome offer
Cons
- $395 annual fee
- Large spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus
- Excellent credit required
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on all purchases and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
20,000 miles
Regular APR
19.74% to 29.74% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
Not many travel credit cards have no annual fee, and even fewer offer a 0% APR, but the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card provides both. It features a 15-month 0% APR offer, unlimited 1.25X miles on all purchases, extra rewards on eligible travel, and a generous welcome bonus, making it a strong choice.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR.
- Balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
- No limit to the amount of miles you can earn, and miles won’t expire for the life of the account
- Your miles can be used to get reimbursed for any travel purchase or travel bookings through Capital One Travel
- Easily transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Pros
- No annual fee
- Intro APR offer
- Low spending requirement for welcome offer
Cons
- High APR
- Good or excellent credit recommended
- Few travel perks
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel platform.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$200
Regular APR
19.74% to 29.74% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a simple cash-back structure that is easy to understand. With this card, you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and enjoy an even higher rewards rate on eligible Capital One Travel purchases.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers; after that, a variable APR of 19.74%-29.74% applies
- Balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 15 months; Capital One may offer you a promotional 4% APR at any other time
- No rotating categories or sign-ups required to earn cash rewards; cash back won’t expire for the life of the account, and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
- No foreign transaction fees with this card
Pros
- No annual fee
- No cap on cash back
- Intro APR offer
Cons
- Lower welcome bonus than some cards
- Lower rewards rate than some cards with specific categories
- Requires good or excellent credit
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel platform.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$50
Regular APR
19.74% to 29.74% variable
Recommended Credit
Limited, Fair/Good (580 - 740)
Why we like it
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is available for students with fair credit who want to begin building their credit by paying their bills on time. It’s an easy first credit card as you earn a flat 1.5% cash back for each dollar you spend, meaning there is no need to navigate a complicated cash-back rewards structure.
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Card Details
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- Relax with $0 Fraud Liability meaning you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- No foreign transaction fees or hidden fees
- Use the Capital One Mobile app to lock your card if it’s misplaced, lost or stolen
- Enjoy up to $500 a year when referring friends and family and they’re approved for a Capital One credit card
- Build up your credit by responsibly using your card
- If you’re at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card could be an option for you
Pros
- No annual fee / no foreign transaction fees
- No penalty APR
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Cons
- High APR depending on creditworthiness
- Limited cash back bonus categories
- No intro APR offer for purchases
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Up to 8% Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. Earn 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$50
Regular APR
19.74% to 29.74% variable
Recommended Credit
Limited, Fair/Good (580 - 740)
Why we like it
The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is our top choice for students. It offers exceptional cash-back rewards in useful categories for no annual fee, making it a great option for students who are new to the world of credit cards.
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Card Details
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- Have peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability meaning you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- No foreign transaction fees or hidden fees
- Enjoy up to $500 a year when referring friends and family and they’re approved for a Capital One credit card
- Build your credit by using your card responsibly
- If you’re at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card could be an option for you
Pros
- Good cash back rewards & welcome bonus
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Highest cash back requires booking through Capital One
- Possible high APR depending on credit worthiness
Bottom Line
It’s difficult to do better than this card as a student, with high reward rates in very useful categories, no annual fee, and the ability to qualify with fair credit.
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
2% Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases.
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Annual Fee
$150
Welcome Offer
$2,000 cash back
Regular APR
N/A
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
If your business tends to spend a lot, you might want to consider the Capital One Spark Cash Plus credit card. This card offers a cash-back rate of 2% on all purchases and it has a generous welcome bonus. Although it has a $150 annual fee, if you spend at least $150,000 in a year, you can have that fee refunded.
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- Access free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases
- Every year you spend $150,000, you can get your annual fee refunded
- You can redeem your cash back for any amount, and rewards won’t expire for the life of the account
- No foreign transaction fees, so you can use your card freely while traveling abroad
Pros
- Generous welcome offer for high spenders
- High 2% cash back rate
- Charge card, so no APR
Cons
- No bonus categories
- Must pay card in full each month
- Has an annual fee
Bottom Line
For high-spenders, this business card is a solid option, but if you spend a lot in specific categories, another card may offer more value.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel platform.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
Regular APR
29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
No Credit History
Why we like it
Finding a rewards credit card can be tough if you’re limited in options due to your credit score. The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card fills this gap by catering to individuals with less-than-perfect credit scores. Even better, it has a generous rewards rate and doesn’t charge an annual fee.
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Card Details
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- Give a refundable $200 security deposit to receive a $200 initial credit line
- Use this card responsibly to help build credit
- With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for any unauthorized charges
- Opportunity to earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, such as making payments on time
- Automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit required
- Use CreditWise from Capital One to monitor your credit score. It’s free for everyone
Pros
- Can qualify with limited credit
- No annual fee
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Cons
- High APR
- Limited cash back bonus categories
- Requires a security deposit
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
No Rewards
This card doesn’t earn any rewards.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
Regular APR
29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
No Credit History
Why we like it
The Capital One Platinum Secured card may not be a luxury card, but it can effectively help you improve your credit score. We like how it stands out from other secured cards because you might be able to secure a $200 credit line with a security deposit as low as $49 (depending on your credit history).
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Card Details
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- Find out if you’re approved in seconds
- Trying to build your credit? Responsible use of the Capital One Platinum Secured card can help
- Start with a refundable security deposit of $49 to get an initial $200 credit line
- Earn back your security deposit as a statement credit by using your card responsibly and making on-time payments
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line after just 6 months without needing an additional deposit
- Have peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability, so you’re not responsible for unauthorized charges
- Monitor your credit score for free with CreditWise from Capital One
- Access your account anytime with online banking and Capital One’s mobile app, available 24/7 on your desktop or smartphone
Pros
- Easy approval
- $49, $99 or $200 flexible security deposit opportunities
- No annual fee
Cons
- High variable APR
- No rewards structure
- Requires a security deposit
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
No Rewards
This card doesn’t earn any rewards.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
Regular APR
29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Fair/Good (580 - 740)
Why we like it
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card can help people build their credit with responsible use. There are no annual or foreign transaction fees, and Capital One automatically reviews your account after six months to potentially increase your credit limit. All you have to do is make your payments on time!
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- Check to see if you’re approved in seconds.
- Automatically be considered for a higher credit line within just six months
- Use this card responsibly to help build credit
- With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for any unauthorized charges
- Use CreditWise from Capital One to monitor your credit score. It’s free for everyone
- Access your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking either from your desktop or smartphone, using Capital One’s mobile app
- Use a contactless card to check out quickly and securely, without even touching the terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you’re all set
- Pay by check, online, or at a local branch, all with no fees – select the monthly due date that suits you best.
Pros
- You don’t need great credit to get approved
- No annual fee
- Backed by Capital One protections and cardholder benefits
Cons
- No rewards opportunities
- High APR
- No introductory APR offer
Comparing the best Capital One credit cards
Card name
Best for
Annual fee
Reward rate
Learn more
Best for Travel: Simple Rewards
$95
2X-5X miles
Best for Cash Back: Dining and Entertainment
$0
1%-8% cash back
Best for Travel: Premium Rewards
$395
2X-10X miles
Best for Travel: No Annual Fee
$0
1.25X-5X miles
Best for Cash Back: Everyday Spending
$0
1.5%-5% cash back
Best for Students: Flat Rate Cash Back
$0
1.5%-5% cash back
Best for Students: Dining & Entertainment Rewards
$0
1%-8% cash back
Best for Businesses: Charge Card with Cash Back
$150
2%-5% cash back
Best for Bad Credit: Cash Back
$0
1.5%-5% cash back
Best for Bad Credit: Flexible Security Deposit
$0
N/A
Best for Fair Credit: Unsecured
$0
N/A
Who should get a Capital One credit card?
Capital One has credit cards for almost everyone. From high-end travel credit cards for the frequent traveler to secured credit cards for people looking to rebuild their credit score, you’ll likely find a Capital One card you love.
As for actual requirements to qualify for a Capital One card, there are a few. You must be 18+ years old to become a primary Capital One cardholder. If you’re under 21, they require either proof of independent income or a cosigner. Additionally, applicants must provide a social security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Are Capital One credit cards good?
Capital One credit cards are generally considered to be good cards. They’re a reputable credit card issuer with various cards for different purposes, including cards for rebuilding credit, premium travel cards, student cards and more.
Types of Capital One credit cards
Capital One offers a range of credit cards for consumers with different goals, whether they want to build their credit or earn more rewards on everything they buy.
Travel cards
You can use your miles for travel through Capital One, or you can transfer them to other airline and hotel programs. If you’re not planning to travel right now, don’t worry — you can still use your miles. You can redeem them for non-travel perks like statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise.
Cash-back cards
If your primary goal is to earn money, a cash back rewards card may be the perfect choice. Some cash-back cards offer a flat rate on all purchases, while others provide higher rewards for specific categories.
Student cards
The rewards offered by student credit cards are limited, but they are still worth considering. These Capital One starter credit cards are perfect for those with little to no credit history.
Business cards
Capital One business cards may be a good option for business owners or managers. These cards offer cash back, travel rewards, and bonuses on business-related purchases.
Secured credit cards
If your credit score is less than ideal, Capital One can help you build or rebuild. These cards typically don’t have high reward-earning potential but they’re a good place to start.
Benefits of Capital One credit cards
There are several reasons to pick up a Capital One credit card over cards from other card issuers.
Some of the main benefits of choosing Capital One are highlighted below:
- No foreign transaction fees. Capital One never charges foreign transaction fees, so they are perfect cards for international travel.
- Flexible redemption options. Mile-earning credit cards from Capital One offer flexible redemption options. You can redeem your rewards for travel, gift cards, statement credits, and merchandise through select platforms.
- Capital One Entertainment. One of the issuer’s most highly coveted benefits is the Capital One Entertainment platform, which allows cardholders exclusive access to concerts, sporting events, and more.
- Online pre-qualification. Unlike many other credit card issuers, Capital One lets consumers check their approval odds and pre-qualify online without a hard inquiry on their credit report, meaning it won’t affect their credit score.
- Options for all credit profiles. Capital One offers plenty of options for consumers with bad credit, fair credit or excellent credit, meaning there’s a card for everyone.
- Low-cost options. Many Capital One credit cards come with no annual fee and 0% APR introductory rates that rival those offered by other credit card issuers.
- Eno, the Capital One virtual assistant. Capital One credit card holders can access Eno, Capital One’s virtual assistant. Through Eno, cardholders can ask questions, get virtual card numbers, and more.
How to choose a Capital One card
When you’re deciding on a new credit card, whether you’re a Capital One loyalist, this is your first time testing them out, or you’re looking to upgrade to something new, there are a few important things to consider.
1. Figure out your credit score
Depending on what your credit score is, you may have a limited selection of credit cards to choose from. Most of Capital One’s credit cards are for people with good or excellent credit, but they offer credit cards for bad credit or fair credit.
2. Think about rewards
Capital One rewards cards fall into two main categories: miles-earning and cash-back cards. For the avid traveler, a miles-earning card like the Venture Rewards card can provide immense value. For the everyday spender, a cash-back card like the Savor Rewards card might be more of what you’re looking for.
3. Look at the annual fee
Some cards charge annual fees, like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card with its $395 annual fee. For people who can make the most of the benefits these types of cards provide, the yearly price tag may be well worth it. For semi-frequent travelers or people who aren’t big spenders, a no-annual-fee reward card may be a better bet.
How to apply for a Capital One credit card
You can apply for a Capital One card online from your home. Once you find a card you’re interested in, click the “Learn More” button next to the card on this page, then click on the button that says “Apply Now” to begin filling out an online application!
Additionally, Capital One has a “pre-approval” questionnaire on their website which can give you an idea of the likelihood of getting approved for a card when you apply.
Best Capital One credit cards: FAQ
What is the best Capital One credit card?
The best Capital One credit card depends on the rewards you want to earn, the perks you want access to, and the fees you’re comfortable paying each year. However, our favorite Capital One cards are the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
How do you redeem Capital One rewards?
Your redemption options will vary depending on the type of Capital One card you sign up for. For example, their travel credit cards let you redeem for gift cards, merchandise, travel through Capital One or transfers to Capital One airline and hotel partners. However, their cash back credit cards only let you redeem for gift cards, merchandise or statement credits.
What type of credit card is Capital One?
Capital One offers both Mastercard and Visa options, but most are Mastercard. Overall, Mastercard and Visa don’t have many differences, and they are both widely accepted in the U.S. and overseas.
Does Capital One offer any other products besides credit cards?
Yes! Capital One offers credit cards, auto loans, checking accounts, and savings accounts. You can learn more about Capital One savings accounts in our helpful guide.
Are Capital One cards accepted at Costco?
It depends. Visa-branded Capital One cards are accepted in-store and online at Costco, and Mastercard-branded Capital One cards are only accepted online and in the Costco app (See what payment methods are accepted at Costco).
Do Capital One cards have foreign transaction fees?
No, Capital One cards have no foreign transaction fees, so you can use them freely when traveling in the U.S. and abroad without worrying about pesky fees.
How many Capital One credit cards can I have at once?
You can have several credit cards from this issuer, with no published limit. We recommend staggering your applications over several months (or years) so you don’t get denied for having too much “new credit.”
We also don’t recommend opening too many credit cards if you’re likely to lose track of them and then forget to pay them off, or if you’re prone to “taking advantage” of your credit and spending more money than you have (leading to debt).
About the Author
Holly D. Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer who covers topics like insurance, investing, credit and family finance. As a leading voice in the travel and loyalty space, Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries over the last decade.
The author has also written extensively on the power of household budgeting, and she even co-authored a book on the topic. Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love was originally published in 2017, and it teaches families how to use zero-sum budgeting to reach their financial goals. She is also the co-owner and founder of the family finance and travel website, ClubThrifty.com.
Johnson’s 10+ years of writing have focused on helping families make important financial decisions at each stage of their lives. The author also applies the financial principles she teaches to her own life, and she is currently on track to retire in her late 40’s with her partner. She currently lives in Central Indiana with her husband and children, and she is a regular contributor for Bankrate, CNN, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report Travel and many other notable publications.
* Opinions expressed here are those of LA Times Compare and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.
All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publication. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.