How To Cover Travel Purchases With Capital One Miles [Step by Step]

Capital One’s travel rewards credit cards earn valuable Capital One miles, which are versatile for many reasons. Not only can you transfer your miles to Capital One’s hotel and airline partners, but you can also redeem them for airfare, hotels, or rental cars through the Capital One travel portal.

However, there’s another lesser-known way to redeem Capital One miles: covering recent qualifying travel purchases with a statement credit.

It’s easy to use your Capital One miles in this way once you know how — keep reading to learn the step-by-step process!

What Qualifies as a Capital One Travel Purchase?

Capital One has 10 travel categories that qualify as a “travel purchase” on your statement credit:

Each Capital One mile is worth 1 cent when redeemed for recent travel purchases.

Of course, there are more obvious travel categories in the list above, such as airlines and hotels. However, where Capital One miles become even more useful is the ability to use them to cover other travel-related expenses, from cruises to train tickets. On the other hand, travel agents can be a trickier category to figure out. If you’re working one-on-one with a personal travel agent, they may (or may not) fall into Capital One’s travel category depending on what systems they use. Meanwhile, online travel agents (OTAs) like Expedia and even Costco Travel will fall under this travel category, and therefore you can cover these expenses.

How To Cover Travel Purchases With Capital One Miles

Capital One makes it easy to cover all or part of a travel purchase with your Capital One miles. From either your desktop or mobile app, you’ll log in to your Capital One account and click on the box that displays your rewards balance.

Click on View Rewards if you’re on the desktop version. On the mobile app, you’ll just select your card to see your rewards balance. Next, you can see all the ways that you can redeem your miles, including Cover travel purchases.

Then, a box will appear that displays all of your qualifying recent travel purchases.

From here, you’ll be able to scroll through your eligible travel purchases. As you can see in the screenshot above, you can see what the expense was, the amount, and how many miles you’ll need to cover the entire cost. If you don’t have enough miles or don’t want to use your entire balance, you can also elect to cover part of the purchase.

Other Ways To Use Capital One Miles for Travel

Using your Capital One miles to cover eligible travel purchases is just one of the ways to maximize these travel rewards. Remember that you can also transfer your miles to more than a dozen airline and hotel transfer partners or book new travel through the Capital One Travel portal.

Transfer Capital One Miles to Airline and Hotel Programs

In general, transferring your miles out to Capital One’s airline and hotel transfer partners is the best way to get the most value out of your miles.

For example, the screenshot below shows the cash rate for a Virgin Atlantic flight from San Francisco (SFO) to London (LHR), where an Economy Classic fare starts at $552. If you were to book this same flight through Capital One Travel, you would either pay a similar cash rate or spend 55,200 Capital One miles, as each mile is worth 1 cent through the portal.

Now if you decided instead to transfer your Capital One miles directly to Virgin Red (which you can then easily move to Virgin Atlantic), you would see that the same flight requires just 15,000 Virgin Points and $110 in taxes and fees. Thanks to a 1:1 transfer rate, you would need nearly 40,000 Capital One miles fewer by transferring your miles to Virgin Red — which is a fantastic deal despite the taxes and fees.

Sometimes, there are transfer bonuses that give your bonus miles when transferring your Capital One miles to transfer partners. Our Transfer Partner Calculator makes it easy to determine how many miles you need to transfer for the redemption that you want.

Note that the minimum transfer amount required for each loyalty program is 1,000 miles. Transfer times will vary, between instant transfers like with Wyndham Rewards to upwards of 36 hours with Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.

It’s worth noting that transfer ratios from Capital One to a partner can vary as well.

Book Travel With Capital One Miles

Don’t want to deal with the headache of transferring your Capital One miles? The simplest way to book travel with your miles is by using the Capital One Travel portal. You can book flights, hotels, and rental cars through the portal at a rate of 1 cent per mile.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card holders also get exclusive access to The Premier Collection. Similar to Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts, The Premier Collection offers a portfolio of luxury hotels with premium perks for Capital One Venture X cardholders. Premier Collection hotels can be booked directly through the Capital One Travel portal. Perks include up to $100 experience credit (varies by hotel), complimentary breakfast for 2, a space-available room upgrade, and more.

Best Credit Cards for Earning Capital One Miles

There are 3 personal credit cards that earn Capital One miles:

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome Offer

Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent Credit

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Welcome Offer

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.

20,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 18.49% - 28.49% thereafter

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Ability to use transfer partners

Cons

• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 18.49% – 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 18.49% - 28.49% thereafter
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

In addition, these business cards earn Capital One miles:

Capital One Venture X Business Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X Business card offers at least 2x miles on all purchases, and comes packed with premium perks.

Capital One Venture X Business Card

The Capital One Venture X Business card offers at least 2x miles on all purchases, and comes packed with premium perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.

150,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $2,700

Annual Fee

$395

APR

25.74% (Variable)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Business card is a great all-around premium rewards card that helps you rack up miles on all of your business expenses.

From 2x miles per dollar on all purchases, airport lounge access, an annual travel credit, complimentary employee cards, and more, there is plenty to love about the Capital One Venture X Business card.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Business Travel
• 5x miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Business Travel
• 2x miles per dollar on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee
• 10x and 5x bonus categories are limited to Capital One Business Travel

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
• Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
• With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
• Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
• Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Your card is designed to be paid in full. However, you have the option to carry over a portion of your balance with interest if needed. Pay at least the minimum payment amount by your payment due date, otherwise you'll be charged a 2.99% late fee
• Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 25.74% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One Venture Business Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Capital One Venture Business Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 Miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

100,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,800

Annual Fee

$95

APR

24.49%

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Business card is a great fit for business owners looking for a well-rounded travel rewards card that offers an uncomplicated earn structure, a handful of useful benefits, and a reasonable annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
• Earn 2x miles on all other purchases
• $50 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel

Cons

• Charges a $95 annual fee
• Limited travel protections

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a one-time welcome bonus of 100,000 miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won’t expire for the life of the account
• Receive up to $220 in credits: Receive an annual $50 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel, up to an annual $50 statement credit for purchases at qualifying advertising or software merchants, plus up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^® every four years. Terms and conditions apply
• Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
• Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
• $95 annual fee
• Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
• Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 24.49%
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Capital One VentureOne Business Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Capital One VentureOne Business Card

Welcome Offer

Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

50,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $900

Annual Fee

$0

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel.
• 1.5x miles on all other purchases
• $0 annual fee

Cons

• Doesn’t offer business bonus categories
• Not as rewarding as other business cards that earn 2x points or 2% back

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
• 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel.
• 1.5x miles on all other purchases
• $0 annual fee
• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status
• No foreign transaction fees
• Rental car insurance

Financial Snapshot

• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

In addition to earning lucrative welcome offers, Capital One makes it easy to earn miles — especially on travel purchases. Each of these cards come with access to Capital One Travel, but Capital One Venture X cardholders come out ahead by earning 10x miles on hotels and rental cars and 5x miles on flights when booked directly through the portal. All of the other cards above will earn 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars through the portal.

Each of these cards also earns between 1.25x and 2x miles on all other eligible purchases, making it easy to earn a lot of Capital One miles.

Final Thoughts

Most people are familiar with redeeming Capital One miles through transfer partners or via the Capital One Travel portal. Another great option to use your miles is to cover all or part of your travel purchases on your statement credit — and it’s easy and convenient to do so!