5 Lesser-Known Perks of the Capital One Venture X

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is my favorite travel card right now, and I use it all the time. (See rates and fees.) Like most travel cards, it has some standout perks that you notice immediately. These include a big welcome bonus, high rewards rate, plus a $300 annual credit through Capital One Travel and 10,000 bonus miles per year starting on your first anniversary. That helps take the sting out of the $395 annual fee.

It also has benefits that don't get as much attention, even though they can be extremely valuable. If you have this card or you're thinking about applying for it, here are its lesser-known perks.

1. Price drop protection and price matching through Capital One Travel

Credit card travel portals can be hit or miss, but Capital One offers an excellent one for its cardholders. Capital One Travel has lots of features that make booking trips easier and cheaper, including:

• Free price drop protection: If you book a flight and the price drops within 10 days, you'll get up to $50 in travel credit for the difference.
• Price matching: If you find a better price and let Capital One know within 24 hours of booking, it will give you a travel credit for the difference.
• Price predictions and alerts: Capital One uses a color calendar to show you which dates have the lowest prices on flights. It also lets you know if it's a good time to book and lets you set price watch alerts.

Also worth mentioning -- this card earns bonus miles on Capital One Travel bookings. It earns 10 miles per $1 on hotel and rental car bookings and 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel. That's much higher than the (still impressive) standard rate of 2 miles per $1 on purchases.

2. Free additional cardholders

One of the things I really love about this card is that you can add authorized users free of charge. Most premium travel credit cards charge at least $75 per authorized user. You can add your spouse and/or children without paying extra. Authorized users even get their own airport lounge access, just like you do as the primary cardholder.

3. Luxury hotel benefits through Capital One Premier Collection

Capital One Premier Collection is the card issuer's curated collection of hotels. As a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card holder, you get extra benefits when you book these hotels. Benefits include:

• $100 experience credit to use during your stay
• Daily breakfast for two
• Complimentary wifi
• Room upgrade (when available)
• Early check-in and late checkout (when available)

Be sure to check out the full terms and conditions for Premier Collection and Capital One Travel.

4. Cellphone protection

With how expensive smartphones have gotten, fixing or replacing one can do a number on your budget. If you pay your cellphone bill with your Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, it offers cellphone protection. If your phone is stolen or damaged, you'll get reimbursed. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.

In addition to cellphone protection, this card also has other valuable protections on eligible purchases, including:

• Return protection
• Extended warranty protection
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
• Travel accident insurance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver

5. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President's Circle® status

As a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card holder, you're eligible for Hertz's highest elite status. You can enroll online for complimentary Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President's Circle® status*. This has some benefits that come in handy anytime you need to rent a car, including:

• Access to the widest selection of rental vehicles.
• Guaranteed upgrades, if available.
• A dedicated customer service texting line.
• The ability to skip the rental counter and head straight to the car at select locations.

Even the lesser-known perks of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card can save you money and get you a better overall travel experience. I've been using it since it launched, and in my opinion, it's one of the best credit cards for frequent travelers.