Travel credits can help you save money on future trips by allowing you to apply previously issued credits toward new bookings. Capital One Travel provides a simple way to track, manage, and redeem both Capital One travel credits and airline-issued credits, making it easier to plan your next journey.
Travel credits are a type of payment issued by Capital One in certain situations, such as when you receive benefits like price drop protection or a price match guarantee. These credits can be applied toward future bookings made through Capital One Travel.
In some cases, airlines may also issue their own credits instead of refunds when a flight is canceled or changed. These airline credits are usually tied to the original passenger and must be used according to the airline’s specific rules.
To redeem Capital One travel credits for a new booking, follow these steps:
Sign in to your Capital One Travel account.
Open the menu and select My Travel Credits and Offers.
View your available credits and activity history.
Select the credit you want to use when making a new booking.
You can also check a detailed breakdown of your travel credit balance and transaction history from this section.
If you have an airline-issued travel credit linked to your booking, you can usually redeem it through the following process:
Sign in to your Capital One Travel account.
Navigate to the My Trips section.
Locate your airline travel credit.
Select the credit and follow the instructions to apply it to a new booking.
For bookings with certain low-cost airlines, travel credits are managed directly by the airline, so you may need to contact them for assistance.
Capital One travel credits and airline credits are not the same:
Capital One travel credits can be used broadly for future purchases through the Capital One Travel platform.
Airline travel credits are controlled by the airline and must follow their terms, including restrictions on eligible flights, expiration dates, and passenger eligibility.
Typically, airline credits must be used by the same traveler and may only apply to bookings with the original airline.
Some Capital One travel credits do not expire, especially those issued under price protection programs. However, certain credits—such as annual travel credits associated with specific credit cards—may have expiration dates based on account terms.
Airline-issued credits usually have expiration timelines determined by the airline, often requiring travel to begin within a set period from the original ticket date.
Depending on the credit amount, you may be able to use it across multiple bookings. If the total cost of a trip is less than your credit balance, the remaining amount can usually be saved for future use. If the credit is less than the booking total, you can pay the difference using rewards or a credit card.
If you cancel a booking where travel credits were applied, the refunded amount is typically returned to the same form of credit used originally. However, if a credit has already expired at the time of cancellation, it may not be restored.
Travel credits can be a valuable way to reduce future travel costs, especially when used strategically. By keeping track of expiration dates, understanding credit types, and reviewing airline policies, you can maximize the value of your credits and plan your trips more efficiently.