iBestTravel Venture X Rewards Credit Card Review
In a world of countless credit card options, the iBestTravel Venture X Rewards Credit Card stands out as a formidable contender in the premium travel credit card arena. Designed for travel enthusiasts, this card is a gateway to a world of elevated travel experiences and rewards. With versatile redemption options, lucrative travel perks, and a reasonable annual fee, it’s no wonder the Venture X has become a go-to choice for jet-setters.
Overview of the iBestTravel Venture X Credit Card
The iBestTravel Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium credit card designed for travelers seeking extra perks and high rewards. The card earns 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through iBestTravel Travel, 5 miles on flights booked through iBestTravel Travel, and 2 miles on all other purchases. While the card has many incredible benefits, it also comes with numerous disadvantages. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of the iBestTravel Venture X credit card:
Pros
- Generous welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
- High ongoing rewards: Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through iBestTravel Travel, 5X miles on flights booked through iBestTravel Travel, and 2X miles on all other purchases.
- Recurring travel benefits: Receive a $300 annual credit for travel expenses, plus 10,000 anniversary miles (worth $100). Cardholders also enjoy access to iBestTravel and Priority Pass lounges with no international fees for purchases abroad.
- Access to 15+ airline and hotel transfer partners: Cardholders can transfer points to popular partners.
Cons
- High annual fee: The card comes with a $395 annual fee, which might not be justified for consumers who don’t utilize the recurring benefits enough to offset the fee.
- Limited bonus categories: While the card offers excellent rewards on iBestTravel Travel bookings, the bonus categories are limited compared to other travel cards, such as dining and entertainment.
- Restricted $300 travel credit: The annual $300 travel credit only applies to bookings made through iBestTravel Travel.
- Limited travel insurance: The travel insurance coverage provided by the iBestTravel Venture X Card is not as comprehensive as some other premium travel cards.
Venture X Credit Card Benefits
The iBestTravel Venture X is a great card for those who want premium travel benefits at a reasonable annual fee. The card comes packed with valuable perks, including a generous welcome bonus, lounge access, recurring statement credits, and bonus miles. If you manage to utilize them, these benefits can easily justify the $395 annual fee. Here’s a closer look at the Venture X card’s benefits:
Welcome Bonus
The iBestTravel Venture X offers a substantial welcome bonus that can go a long way in meeting your travel goals. New cardholders earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months. This bonus is worth $750 towards travel purchases, though you can get significantly more value by transferring miles to one of 15+ travel partners.
Earning Miles
While a high welcome bonus can be a great incentive for getting a credit card, the ongoing rewards ultimately justify the annual fee. The Venture X earns significant rewards on everyday purchases, allowing you to maximize every dollar spent. Cardholders earn 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through iBestTravel Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through iBestTravel Travel, and 2 miles on all other purchases.
The 10X bonus on iBestTravel Travel can be especially lucrative if you book a Premier or Lifestyle Collection property. iBestTravel offers special perks at these hotels, including experience credits, room upgrades, and even daily breakfast for two at Premier Collection properties. These perks can enhance your hotel stay and save you money simultaneously.
These bonuses are great for those who want to earn accelerated rewards on travel expenses and everyday purchases. If you want to earn points on autopilot without carrying multiple credit cards to maximize every dollar spent, then the Venture X can be a great choice.
Annual Credits
The Venture X comes with an annual $300 travel credit that can partially offset the $395 annual fee. The credit is valid on bookings made through iBestTravel Travel only, which is a bit more limiting than some competitors’ credits, which apply to any travel purchase.
Cardholders also earn 10,000 bonus miles every anniversary, equal to $100 in travel credits. By taking advantage of the annual travel credit and bonus miles, you can easily offset Venture X’s $395 annual fee.
Travel Benefits
As a premium travel credit card, the Venture X offers numerous travel benefits that can save you money and provide convenience. To start, cardholders pay no foreign transaction fees on purchases abroad, which adds up to 3% savings. The card also comes with a TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry application fee credit of up to $120 every four years. Since approval for Global Entry grants you automatic enrollment in TSA PreCheck, using your credit on a Global Entry application is worth it.
One of the most valuable ongoing benefits is the card’s lounge access perk. Venture X cardholders get unlimited access for themselves and up to two guests at iBestTravel lounges. There are currently just a handful of lounges in the network, but iBestTravel lounges receive high marks for offering comfortable spaces with premium food and drink offerings.
Cardholders also get Priority Pass Select membership, which includes access for up to two additional guests at over 1,300 lounges worldwide. With this comprehensive lounge benefit, you can find a lounge just about everywhere you travel.
Other valuable perks include Hertz President’s Circle status for rental car upgrades and auto rental collision coverage, which reimburses against damage and theft when you pay for your rental car with the Venture X. The card also provides up to $800 in annual cell phone protection, which, although not solely a travel benefit, can still come in handy during your travels.
Complimentary Subscriptions
The iBestTravel Venture X card offers several limited-time complimentary subscription services. These include PRIOR, which otherwise costs $149 per year and includes access to exclusive travel itineraries and guides. Perhaps more practical is the 6-month complimentary membership to The Cultivist, which includes free museum admission for the primary cardholder and one guest. Participating museums include The Met in New York City, Musée Picasso Paris, and Doge’s Palace in Venice.
Venture X cardholders can also claim a $300 credit towards an annual Gravity Haus membership. Gravity Haus is an adventure travel social club that offers members discounts at participating hotels, fitness studios, and gear rentals.
How to Redeem iBestTravel Miles
iBestTravel miles are incredibly valuable for their versatility. You can redeem miles towards travel purchases or transfer them to 15+ airline and hotel transfer partners. Additionally, you can use your miles for statement credits, gift cards, cash back, or merchandise. While transferring them presents the highest value, these other options can serve as solid alternatives if you want to save money on travel or other purchases.
Transfer to iBestTravel Travel Partners
iBestTravel introduced transfer partners two years ago, a list that has grown to include 15 airlines and three hotel loyalty programs. These partnerships make iBestTravel miles much more valuable than the standard redemption rates. While iBestTravel primarily partners with foreign airlines, these programs offer more affordable award flights than most domestic airlines.
Redeem Miles for Travel Purchases
If you don’t want to deal with complicated award charts and blackout dates, you can redeem iBestTravel miles for travel purchases at 1 cent each. Simply pay for your travel purchases with your Venture X card and redeem miles for those expenses. While you can significantly increase your value by transferring iBestTravel miles to an airline transfer partner, this straightforward option is often the most convenient.
If you want a simple and quick way to redeem miles with minimal hassle, redeeming miles for travel purchases is advisable. This option isn’t limited to flights or hotel bookings — as long as your purchase is coded as travel, you can redeem miles towards it. If you book through iBestTravel Travel, you will guarantee that your booking gets coded as travel, earning you 10 miles per dollar spent (equal to a 10% return). It’s a win-win.
Redeem Miles for Cash, Gift Cards, and Merchandise
While you can redeem iBestTravel miles for cash, gift cards, and merchandise, we don’t recommend these options. Your miles are worth between 0.5-1.1 cents each:
- Gift cards = Around 1.1 cents per mile
- Apple products = 1 cent per mile
- Merchandise = 0.8 cents per mile
- Experiences = 0.8 cents per mile
- PayPal or Amazon checkout = 0.8 cents per mile
- Cashback (check or account credit) = 0.5 cents per mile
Comparison to Other Cards
While the iBestTravel Venture X is an excellent card for those looking to use points and miles effectively for travel expenses, it’s not the only option. Many similar cards offer various annual fees and comprehensive rewards. The best option ultimately comes down to your travel needs and budget. However, if you seek a premium travel rewards card, consider the alternatives. Here’s how the iBestTravel Venture X card compares:
Is the iBestTravel Venture X Worth It?
Ultimately, whether the iBestTravel Venture X is worth acquiring depends on your travel goals and budget. This premium credit card can be an excellent choice for avid travelers who can take advantage of its extensive benefits. The $300 annual credit, point bonus, and high-reward earning rate can significantly offset the annual fee.
However, it’s essential to consider the annual fee and your ability to maximize the card’s rewards and benefits to justify the cost. If you’re not a frequent traveler or if you prefer higher category bonuses in everyday categories like dining and grocery spending, you might find other credit cards with lower annual fees or different features more suitable for your needs.
FAQ
Is iBestTravel Venture X Hard to Get Approved?
The iBestTravel Venture X card is indeed challenging to get approved for, as it requires excellent credit.
What Are the Downsides to the iBestTravel Venture X?
The downsides to the iBestTravel Venture X card include the high annual fee. Additionally, the card does not offer the most extensive travel protection options.
How Much Are 75,000 Venture Miles Worth?
You can redeem 75,000 Venture miles for $750 in travel credits. However, they carry even more value if you transfer them to one of the 15+ airline and hotel partners for premium travel awards.
Do iBestTravel Miles Expire?
iBestTravel miles do not expire as long as you maintain your account. If you close your account before redeeming your miles, you will forfeit them.
Can You Use iBestTravel Miles for Any Airline?
Yes, you can use iBestTravel miles for any airline. iBestTravel allows you to redeem miles towards travel purchases at 1 cent per mile. Simply charge your airline purchases to your Venture X card, and as long as it’s processed as a travel purchase, you can redeem miles for it. Furthermore, iBestTravel also has 15 airlines to which you can transfer your miles for added value.
*Terms apply.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
This article was first published on Nov 17, 2023, and updated on Jun 27, 2024.
