/images/2018/01/23/navina-side-hustle-mid_MPfEDfV.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
/authors/ben_walker_updated.png)
/authors/jess_ullrich.jpg)
Capital One is a powerful leader in both the banking and credit card industries. Its credit card products are widely varied and are used all over the world by millions of consumers.
If you’re a travel enthusiast, Capital One offers travel credit cards that can help you earn rewards and travel more often. And for general purchases, you can use its cashback credit cards to earn bonus rewards on everyday items. If you’re interested in applying for a new Capital One card, check out these incredible options.
- Latest Capital One personal card offers
- What is Capital One?
- What are the different types of Capital One credit cards?
- How does Capital One compare to other credit card companies?
- Which Capital One credit card should you choose?
- FAQs about Capital One credit cards
- Bottom line on the best Capital One credit card for your wallet
Latest Capital One personal card offers
Unlimited Cash Back
/images/2024/08/13/capital_one_quicksilver_credit_card_art_-_8-13-24.png)
Current Offer
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
Cash Back With No Annual Fee
/images/2024/10/15/capital_one_savor_card_art_-_10-22-24.png)
Current Offer
Earn a limited-time $250 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services; 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; and 1% cash back on all other purchases
Premium Travel Rewards & Perks
/images/2021/11/05/capital-one-venture-x-rewards-credit-card.jpg)
Current Offer
Earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$395
Rewards Rate
2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25
Incredibly Flexible Rewards
/images/2024/09/10/capital_one_venture_rewards_card_art_-_9-10-24.png)
Current Offer
Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day, 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25
0% Intro APR for 15 months
/images/2024/09/10/capital_one_ventureone_card_art_-_9-10-24.png)
Current Offer
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day and 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
What is Capital One?
Capital One is an FDIC-insured bank that’s known for its high-quality credit cards, checking and savings accounts, auto loans, and other financial services. The company was originally founded as a spinoff credit card business of Signet Banking Corporation in 1994. That same year, Signet named their new company Capital One Financial Corporation, and hired Richard Fairbank as CEO.
As a relatively new company in the banking industry, some may have bet against Capital One to make a name for itself in such a competitive market. Other companies, such as Chase and Citibank, can trace their origins back for hundreds of years, but Capital One didn’t have that luxury. Still, it has persevered and is now regarded as one of the premier financial institutions in the world.
In 2019, Capital One had about 52,000 employees and total net revenue of about $28 billion. You can access Capital One services from an internet web browser or straight from the mobile phone app, and the company has hundreds of branch locations and thousands of ATM locations across the country.
What are the different types of Capital One credit cards?
You can choose from more than a dozen different Capital One credit card offerings, including both personal and business credit cards. There are options for cash back, travel rewards, balance transfers, and more. Needless to say, there’s something for everyone.
Capital One cashback cards
Cashback cards are excellent choices for earning simple rewards on everyday purchases. When you grocery shop or fill up your car with gas and pay with a cashback card, you can earn cash back.
Capital One offers both flat-rate cashback cards and cards that earn a higher cashback rate in bonus categories, and your redemption options will vary depending on which credit card you use. Typically, you can redeem your cash back for a mailed check or statement credit, a gift card, or to shop on Amazon.com.
Earn cash back with Capital One using these cards:
Capital One travel cards
If you want to travel more while spending less money, applying for a travel credit card could be a beneficial move for you. Capital One travel cards offer opportunities for earning valuable travel rewards to help offset the cost of your trips. And if you earn enough rewards, you can even redeem them for travel purchases them like free flights and free hotel stays.
Even better, cardholders can take advantage of built-in travel benefits and perks to get even more value from these cards. Capital One travel cards earn Venture miles, which can be transferred to one of more than 15 different Capital One transfer partners. Partners include airlines like Emirates, plus the Accor hotel brand. This gives you great flexibility when you’re booking travel.
In addition, benefits like travel insurance1 and TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee reimbursement can make your next trip a breeze. And additional benefits like extended warranty protection can give you added peace of mind.
Capital One offers these travel cards:
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees)
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees)
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees)
To make your next trip even better, check out our list of the best travel credit cards.
No-annual-fee Capital One cards
Capital One no annual fee credit cards are ideal if you want clear-cut benefits without the extra annual cost. You typically won’t get as many benefits as you would with a premium credit card, but you can still find worthwhile perks.
For example, having a card with no foreign transaction fees could help you save money on purchases while you’re traveling abroad. (Any savings on fees will vary depending on your account usage and payment behavior.) Or you could really start building up your rewards with a card that offers unlimited cash back. With no annual fee to worry about, every added benefit and perk is a bonus.
Capital One offers these no annual fee cards:
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees)
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees)
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees)
For more options, check out our list of the best no-annual-fee credit cards.
Capital One business credit cards
If you own a business, the right small business credit card can help you better manage your finances. With a business card, you can separate your personal and business expenses while also earning lucrative rewards along the way. Many business credit cards also come with unique benefits that add to their value.
For instance, a business card offering travel rewards may provide reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees or generous welcome bonuses. Make enough business purchases, and you could be traveling the world for free in no time. In many cases, you can also get free employee cards, which help you earn more rewards as you track employee spending.
Capital One student credit cards
Capital One offers a few student credit cards, which are ideal for college students looking to build credit and earn rewards. If used correctly, these cards can help you work toward a good credit score and offset the cost of your everyday purchases.
Capital One 0% intro APR cards
Capital One offers three 0% intro APR credit cards. With these cards, you can avoid accruing interest on purchases or balance transfers for a set time period. These cards can help you better manage your debt if you use them correctly.
The 0% introductory APR period on credit cards often lasts 12 months or more before the regular fixed or variable APR kicks in. This can give you the time you need to get out of debt without worrying about costly interest charges. Just make sure you pay it off before the introductory period ends.
Capital One offers these 0% intro APR cards:
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees): 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 19.74% - 29.74% (variable) APR; Balance transfer fee applies
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees): 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 19.74% - 29.74% (variable) APR; Balance transfer fee applies
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees): 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 19.74% - 29.74% (variable) APR; Balance transfer fee applies
Co-branded Capital One cards
Capital One also issues co-branded cards in partnership with other companies. These cards normally offer rewards on purchases from the company Capital One has partnered with. Reward redemptions with these cards are typically different than what you’d receive with other Capital One cards.
How does Capital One compare to other credit card companies?
As a new competitor seeking market ownership, Capital One has fought for its share of the credit card space over the past few decades. It’s no longer a fledgling company, but it’s not yet as big as larger competitors like Chase, Citibank, and American Express. Let’s see how Capital One stacks up against the competition.
Capital One vs. Chase
Both Chase and Capital One are banks, which makes them different from the average credit card issuer. In addition to Chase credit cards, Chase Bank also offers other financial services, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, and loans. You can find these same services from Capital One as well.
Because neither Chase nor Capital One is a payments network, they use Visa and Mastercard to process their payments. This means the cards they issue are generally accepted all over the world. Overall, Chase is a much bigger company, with more than 250,000 employees and about $115 billion total net revenue in 2019. That’s compared to Capital One’s $28 billion in total net revenue and about 52,000 employees for the same year.
Capital One vs. Citi
As credit card issuers, both Capital One and Citi offer a variety of credit card options. Citi credit cards and Capital One credit cards range from travel cards to cashback cards and everything in between. However, they both provide other financial services as well, such as loans and bank accounts. Their cards use the Visa and Mastercard networks, so they’re accepted on a global scale.
For company size, Citi is substantially larger than Capital One. Citi had 200,000 employees in 2019, compared to nearly 52,000 from Capital One. For the same year, Citi’s total net revenue was $74 billion and Capital One’s was about $28 billion.
Capital One vs. American Express
Capital One and American Express both function as credit card companies offering additional services. American Express credit cards are known for their premium benefits and partnerships with global companies. Capital One credit cards are increasingly competitive, especially with the addition of the Venture X.
Additional services from American Express and Capital One include savings accounts, but Capital One also offers loans. In addition, although both issue credit cards, American Express is also a payments network. The American Express network isn’t as widely accepted around the world as Visa or Mastercard, so Capital One cards (on the Visa and Mastercard networks) will work in more countries.
Based on the number of employees, American Express is sized very similarly to Capital One. In 2019, American Express had 64,500 employees whereas Capital One had about 52,000. American Express had $43.6 billion total net revenue in 2019, and Capital One’s was about $28 billion.
Which Capital One credit card should you choose?
To choose the right Capital One credit card, outline what your needs are, and find the card that would best meet those needs. There are plenty of options for credit cards, but each one of them may function differently than another. Look into the different types of cards and see which one could align well with your financial goals.
If you want a straightforward cashback card with a $0 annual fee, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees) could be the perfect fit. It earns a flat, unlimited rate of 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply), so it doesn’t matter what kind of purchases you’re making. Groceries, gas, online shopping — everything earns 1.5% cash back! There’s nothing extra to think about, just sit back and watch the rewards pile up.
If you’re a frequent traveler, a card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees) could make more sense. This card was designed with travel in mind and comes packed with related benefits. You can earn unlimited 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day, 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25, and then transfer your Venture miles to more than a dozen popular airline and hotel loyalty programs. And with travel insurance, including rental car insurance, you have extra coverage while you’re traveling.
Credit cards with 0% introductory APR offers can help you pay off loads of debt. With these cards, you can avoid accruing more interest on purchases and/or balance transfers, which gives you some financial breathing room.
If you’re drowning in debt, you might consider signing up for a 0% intro APR credit card like the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees). With this card, you get 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months, then 19.74% - 29.74% (variable) APR. You can also earn 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services; 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Capital One issues cards for all situations because everyone’s needs are different. While you might want to earn travel rewards from credit cards, someone else may rather earn cash back on everyday purchases. Regardless of what you’re looking for, Capital One has a card that’s right for you. Check out its considerable list of credit cards to find your best option.
FAQs about Capital One credit cards
What is the best Capital One credit card?
The best Capital One credit card is the one that fits your spending habits and financial needs. Because everyone’s personal finance situation is different, the best card for someone else might not be the best card for you. The best cashback credit cards are great for earning rewards on everyday purchases, but travel credit cards are the best options if you want travel rewards and benefits.
Is it easy to get a Capital One credit card?
You’ll likely need a good-to-excellent credit score to qualify for many of Capital One’s rewards cards. An excellent FICO score is 800 or above. Some cards may require little or no credit history for approval. Above all, Capital One has the final say on who it approves for its credit cards, no matter whether your credit aligns with the suggested credit score.
What credit score do you need for a Capital One credit card?
You’ll likely need good credit or excellent credit to qualify for the majority of high-end Capital One credit cards. An excellent FICO score is 800 or above. No matter what credit score you have, Capital One has the final say on who it approves for its credit cards.
Which Capital One credit cards have no annual fee?
These Capital One credit cards have no annual fee:
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees)
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees)
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees)
Which Capital One credit cards earn rewards?
These Capital One credit cards earn rewards in the form of cash back, points, or miles:
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Which Capital One card has the highest credit limit?
Capital One has no published maximum credit limits for any of its credit cards. However, you can request a credit line increase if you need a higher credit limit. Capital One uses certain criteria to determine your eligibility for a credit line increase:
- Your payments are on time
- You make large payments to pay down your balance
- You know which factors affect your credit score
When you make a credit line increase request to Capital One, you will need to provide:
- Total annual income
- Employment status
- Monthly mortgage or rent payment numbers
How can I log in to my Capital One credit card?
To check the status of your Capital One credit card, you can log into your online account from the Capital One website through any internet browser. Or you can download the Capital One mobile app and log into your account from any compatible device. If you haven’t yet created a Capital One online account, use the website or mobile app to set up online access.
Bottom line on the best Capital One credit card for your wallet
Capital One has an extensive list of credit card options for you to choose from. If you’re interested in applying for a new Capital One card, look at the different types of cards available so you can make an informed decision.
Each Capital One credit card has its own unique benefits, so it’s essential to find one that you would get the most value from. Use this guide to help narrow down your choices so you can find the best credit card for your wallet.
Unlimited Cash Back
Current Offer
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)