The Capital One Venture X card is one of our favorite cards because it offers outstanding value with 2x miles on every purchase, 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals, and 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. You also receive 10,000 miles each anniversary, a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, and endless benefits. The card grants you President’s Circle status at Hertz and provides lounge access for you (plus two guests), and up to four authorized users (plus their two guests). It’s the best card to get your family into airport lounges, including Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass™, and Plaza Premium Group. Even though the annual fee is $395, the $300 credit plus the 10,000-anniversary miles effectively wash out the fee, making this card a no-brainer. It also includes primary car rental insurance, adding even more value to your wallet.

Another significant benefit is the ability to cover travel expenses with your miles, making this card very beginner-friendly. You can use your miles to cover travel purchases made with the card, making it flexible and straightforward to redeem rewards. With all these perks plus the generous sign-up bonus, it’s the only premium card you need to elevate your travel experience and maximize your rewards.