We find the coupon book trend fairly tedious and frustrating, but we’ve had to admit that American Express has sort of won this game by offering “coupons” and perks that are actually compelling. But since many of us don’t really like the coupon book approach at all, does that make Capital One the winner since they haven’t done much with the coupon book strategy at all?
Capital One wins the coupon book wars by not playing
Watch here:
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(00:10) – Coupon Book Wars
(03:57) – But many consumers don’t want to play the coupon book game
(04:17) – Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (which you can learn about here) and Capital One Venture X Business Card (which you can learn about here)
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If Capital One wants to join the coupon game I’m sure there are some former Chase employees with relevant experience who are looking for jobs about now.
Amex should have raised the fee $1500 to make it a true travel card again, with travel perks/coupons, higher travel point earnings and help reduce amex lounge overcrowding.
Serious FOMO, but I inadvertently signed up for the Alaska card and Ink on the same day (again FOMO) thinking I had six months to meet the INK spend. Besides, I never get approved for Capital One cards.
I just saw a C1 Vx ad today in Grand Central advertising the card as “Elevated not Complicated*” which means they are leaning into this just after the Amex Platinum update.
* I may have that word wrong but it was similar to this.
Have you guys considered doing industry interviews? Like get the head of Cap One Vx on your podcast and make sure s/he understands this is a differenting factor. Or the head of development of one of the award search tools so they can discuss pain points and the product roadmap.
Your comment suggests that hobbyists have a level of influence over card issuers and loyalty programs that they don’t actually possess.
Your comments suggests you view the FP as nothing more than hobbyists which begs the question why you are here.
You might not be aware that the team has conversations with the banks and airlines ahead of product launches or program changes. Other “hobbyists” like Ben from OMAAT are invited to flying leading first class cabins with airline CEOs. So businesses recognize the value of “hobbyists” – why don’t you?
Also if you want to educate yourself on the difference between a hobby and a business, here is the IRS definition – confirmation that the government doesn’t consider FP a hobby!
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/hobby-or-business-heres-what-to-know-about-that-side-hustle
“The only way to win is to not play” – I see what you did there boomers
I love Capital One. There are a couple of other things that I often take advantage of that I rarely hear mentioned. They have an excellent Capital One Dining program for Venture X and Biz Venture X where they have tables reserved at extremely popular restaurants–often you can book the same day! You get an excellent table and usually some sort of bonus–amuse buche or glass of wine. This is different than Amex Platinum or Ritz Carlton concierge where they will try to book you a table (usually using OpenTable)–these tables are held for Capital One members. It’s been a life saver for special occasions. Also, I don’t think you can overstate how amazing the Capital One Lounges are. For example, at JFK they have a cheese monger with cheese tastings with wine pairings, and have servers pour champagne for all members at sunset. I honestly don’t know how they make money on those lounges–they go the extra mile to surprise and delight. Finally–as Nick well knows–the baseball tickets are a fun and inexpensive splurge. I have every premium card, but if I had to choose two, right now it’s Capital One Venture Business X and the Alaska Summit.
They will join the club come February when lounge access is gone for AUs.
This, although it’s not AU, but for guests. No more guests allowed for free!
While disappointing if I had to choose between losing guest access or increasing the annual fee by $300+ I’d take the former. I’ve yet to be able to utilize a Capital One lounge but if P2 and I frequented a location with one they could still add me as an AU and I could pay the $125 annual fee for my AU card to grant me access. If you’ll go more than 3 times that is cheaper than paying for guest access every time and lower than the AU card fees for AMEX Platinum or CSR (both $195).
Now if we lose guest access and the Venture X turns into a coupon book with a much higher fee – I’m not sure why I’d keep it at that point!
For cripes sake, don’t jinx it!