The promotion has two parts, and the issuer describes it this way:
LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening – that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.
Two bonuses in one
The first part of the bonus doesn’t require meeting a spending threshold. Cardholders will receive a one-time credit of $250 for purchases made through Capital One Travel. The credit is valid for a year after you open the account and may be used toward flights, hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and curated activities booked with Capital One’s travel portal.
The second part does have a spending requirement: Put $4,000 on purchases on the card in the first three months and get 75,000 bonus miles. (This part, in fact, matches the card’s previous bonus. So the limited-time offer amounts to a $250 boost from before.)
A sign-up bonus is only worth chasing if you can meet the spending requirement with planned expenses in your budget. But even if you don’t meet the requirement, this bonus still gives you the $250 credit. That alone will more than make up for the card’s $95 annual fee (see rates and fees). Earning both will make it possible to stretch your vacation budget or free up money for other expenses.
Ongoing rewards offer long-term value
Outside of the introductory offer, you’ll earn an ongoing 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases. An elevated rate of 5 miles per dollar spent applies on eligible purchases made through Capital One Entertainment and Capital One Travel. The card also offers ways to make up the ongoing annual cost after the first year through perks and rewards. There’s a $50 experience credit to use on Lifestyle Collection hotel or vacation rental bookings. Every four years, you can also get a credit of up to $120 for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.