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Capital One Travel Price Drop Protection: How It Works [2023]

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Capital One Travel Price Drop Protection: How It Works [2023]

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If you want to use your flexible reward points for travel, utilizing a bank program’s travel portal is one of the easiest ways. Instead of worrying about the ins and outs of transfer partners or award availability, booking through a travel portal is relatively simple.

In 2021, Capital One made a huge splash with the launch of its Capital One Travel portal and the introduction of its flagship credit card, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Using Capital One Travel, cardholders can book flights, hotels, and rental cars using cash or their Capital One miles.

Although nearly every major bank rewards program has a travel portal, Capital One offers a unique perk not offered by any other program: price drop protection for flights.

Let’s look at Capital One’s complimentary flight price drop protection, which cards offer this perk, and how it all works.

What Is Capital One Price Drop Protection?

Capital One price drop protection is a complimentary service that refunds you the price difference if a flight cost drops after booking it through Capital One Travel. Capital One Travel will automatically apply price drop protection to a flight purchase at no additional charge. 

If you’re looking at flights and the price prediction tool recommends booking now, you’ll get price drop protection. Once price drop protection is applied to a flight, Capital One Travel will monitor the price of that particular itinerary for 10 calendar days after the day of purchase. The protection benefit allows for a maximum savings of $50, which is given in the form of a travel credit.

Capital One Travel portal booking example
The Capital One Travel portal offers price drop protection up to $50. Image Credit: Capital One Travel

Protection Applies to Price Freezes

This also applies to flights that can be frozen at a current price with Capital One Travel. Capital One users can freeze the price of a flight for a small fee. Freezing the price of a flight gives you some extra time to plan your trip — and the best part is that you won’t have to worry about the price potentially going up.

If the price increases after you freeze, Capital One will cover the difference up to $1,000 per traveler when you book. If the price goes down after you freeze, you pay the lower price when you book.

For flights subject to a frozen price, price drop protection is based on the recommendation at the time of purchase. If the recommendation changes before or at the time when the frozen flight price is applied, the initial recommendation at the time of purchase to freeze a price still applies.

However, frozen prices do expire. If you book the flight after the frozen price expires, you’ll pay the airline’s current price. 

Hot Tip:

If you void or cancel a flight after booking, Capital One Travel may not provide the price drop protection benefit.

Utilizing the Capital One Travel Portal

Booking travel through Capital One Travel works like almost any other booking engine. Capital One Travel is powered by Hopper, an app that uses data science and then develops algorithms to predict the best time to book travel based on cost.

Capital One Travel makes redemptions easy to follow and predictable. All travel booked through Capital One comes with a standard redemption value of 1 cent per mile. This means you can book a $250 flight for 25,000 Capital One miles. You also have the option of using cash. More on that later.

How Do You Get the Capital One Travel Price Drop
Refund?

Earlier this year, Capital One quietly updated the terms and conditions related to flight price drops. Instead of getting money back to your card, you now get a travel credit of up to $50 when prices drop after booking.

When you receive a travel credit from Capital One Travel, you’ll get an email confirming the amount:

Capital One Travel price protection email
Image Credit: Capital One Travel

You can then apply your travel credits toward the cost of your future bookings at checkout. Your total payment can be split using any combination of travel credits, a rewards account, and a valid Capital One Travel credit card.

Capital One Travel credits
You can see your total travel credit balance at any time on the Capital One Travel site. Image Credit: Capital One Travel
Hot Tip:

There is also a Capital One Travel price match guarantee — if you find a better price for your flight, hotel, or rental car on another website within 24 hours of your purchase, you can receive a refund of the difference as a travel credit.

Which Cards Are Eligible for Capital One Travel Price Drop Protection?

The Capital One Travel price drop is not just for those with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X card. In 2022, Capital One expanded access to all Capital One rewards cards, including non-travel credit cards.

However, certain Capital One cards provide elevated returns on bookings made through Capital One Travel, including the popular Capital One Venture X card and the new Capital One Venture X Business Card. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

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 in's and out's 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.
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
$1,350
$395
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
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 cardapplication.
Excellent (740-840)

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

  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
  • Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • 10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
  • Add authorized users for no additional annual fee (rates & fees)
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

Cons

  • $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • 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
  • 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 booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • 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
  • Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Capital One Venture X Business Card

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 in's and out's 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.
Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
150,000 miles
$2,700
$395
All charges made on this account are due and payable in full when you receive your periodic statement. The minimum payment due is the New Balance as indicated on your statement.

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Business card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

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 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

  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
  • 10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
  • Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
  • No-additional-fee employee cards (rates and fees)
  • No preset spending limit
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

Cons

  • $395 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • 10x and 5x bonus categories are limited to Capital One Travel bookings
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
  • This card has no preset spending limit, so you get purchasing power that adapts to your spending needs. The annual fee on this card is $395
  • Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get the best prices on thousands of options
  • Every year, you’ll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
  • 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
  • Skip the lines with up to a $100 statement credit on TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry. Then enjoy unlimited complimentary access to Capital One Lounges and a network of 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Priority Pass™ and Plaza Premium Group lounges
  • This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
  • Elevate your stay at luxury hotels and resorts from the Premier Collection with a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits on every booking

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: All charges made on this account are due and payable in full when you receive your periodic statement. The minimum payment due is the New Balance as indicated on your statement.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

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 in's and out's 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!
Enjoy 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
$1,350
$95
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
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 cardapplication.
Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

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

  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
  • Access to Capital One transfer partners

Cons

  • Enjoy 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 and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • 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 $100 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
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One Venture X card and Capital One Venture X Business cardholders earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars and 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.

In addition to the elevated earnings on bookings through Capital One Travel, both Capital One Venture X card and Capital One Venture X Business cardholders also get a $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel. This can significantly help offset the annual fees for each card.

Hot Tip:

Check out our guide on the best cards to pair with the Capital One Venture X card.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a Capital One cardholder or want to become one in the future, it is important to know the specifics of the Capital One Travel portal. Valuable perks like flight price drop protection can help travelers secure the best price.

Capital One Travel provides an excellent option to book flights and offers a significant benefit of travel price drop protection. The travel portal is simple and easy to use, both for earning rewards and using your accumulated miles. 

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Featured Image Credit: Faces of Travel via Adobe Stock

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Capital One Travel price drop protection?

Capital One price drop protection is a free service that refunds you the price difference if a flight cost drops after booking it through Capital One Travel.

Which cards come with Capital One price drop protection?

All Capital One rewards cards are eligible for price drop protection when booking through Capital One Travel.

What is the most you can save with Capital One price drop protection?

If you meet the requirements for Capital One price drop protection, you are eligible to earn up to $50 in travel credits.

Is the Capital One Venture X card good for bookings through the Capital One Travel portal?

Yes, it is the best card for bookings through Capital One Travel. Capital One Venture X cardholders earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars and 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.

Ehsan Haque's image

About Ehsan Haque

Ehsan is an avid traveler who has traveled to 100 countries, diligently using points and miles to fund his journeys. Currently, he holds 32 active credit cards and earns over a million points and miles annually, primarily using them for luxury hotels and long-haul premium cabins.

Read More

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