The $395 Credit Card I Rarely Use — and Why It’s Still a Bargain

The $395 Credit Card I Rarely Use — and Why It’s Still a Bargain

Capital One Venture X Delivers More Than It Costs, Says Longtime Cardholder

Annual fees are one of the most dreaded aspects of credit cards — but for savvy travelers like me, the right card can more than pay for itself. I rarely swipe my Capital One Venture X, but I still consider it one of the smartest financial decisions in my wallet.

Why a $395 Fee Makes Sense for Me

At first glance, it’s tough to justify a card that charges $395 a year, especially when Capital One offers a similar card — the Venture — at just $95 annually.

But the Venture X comes stacked with travel perks, making it far more than just a piece of plastic. Even if I don’t use it for daily spending, the perks make this card a serious value.

Lounge Access That Saves Us Hundreds

The Capital One Venture X offers complimentary access to Capital One Lounges, plus Priority Pass membership — a benefit that can cost several hundred dollars on its own. My family of five has taken full advantage of the Denver lounge, enjoying free meals, snacks, and quiet spaces before boarding our flights.

We’ve saved on dozens of overpriced airport meals, especially with airlines like Southwest that don’t serve in-flight food. The access alone easily covers the card’s fee.

$300 Travel Credit Brings Real Cost Down to $95

Each year, the Venture X includes a $300 annual travel credit, as long as the reservations are made through Capital One Travel. That means my real out-of-pocket fee is just $95 per year — the same as the lower-tier Venture card, but with far more value.

It also comes with:

• $120 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit

• At least 2x miles on all purchases

• The ability to transfer miles to airline and hotel loyalty programs

Recently, I transferred 50,000 miles to Turkish Airlines to book five last-minute tickets, saving my family nearly $1,800.

Adding Family Members for Extra Value

I added my wife, father, and teenage daughter as authorized users. That meant they also enjoyed full lounge access — at no extra cost. However, starting February 1, 2026, Capital One will limit free guest lounge access to those spending $75,000 annually. Otherwise, authorized users must pay $125/year for entry.

Even with the change, I still see potential value. If we continue traveling as a family, that $125 fee per guest may be worth it — and far less than what we’d spend on airport meals and drinks.

Why I Rarely Use the Card — But Still Keep It

While the Venture X earns miles on every purchase, I don’t use it much. Its travel transfer partners aren’t a great fit for how I travel. I prefer Southwest and Hyatt, both of which partner with Chase Ultimate Rewards, not Capital One.

So yes, it’s one of my least-used cards. But even without regular spending, the travel credits, lounge access, and family benefits keep it in my wallet year after year.

Final Thoughts: Not Every Swipe Needs to Justify the Fee

Some cards are about points and cashback. For me, this one’s about peace of mind, convenience, and travel comfort. As long as I keep traveling — especially with my family — this card earns its keep.

Come February, I’ll reassess whether the new guest lounge policy still works for us. But for now, I’m happy to pay $395 for a card that feels like a $1,000 value.