@longtimelurker wrote:
@greatscott85 wrote:This is a great question! Your thoughts are very succinct. Just curious, have you looked at PenFed? I'm not sure how they are post BK, perhaps someone else might. But if you can, I'd argue that the Pathfinder is a better travel card, no AF with Access America checking (I swear I DO NOT work for PenFed haha), need an EQ 750 to get it. If not PenFed, can you get in with Navy Federal? The Flagship MAY be possible. If not, grab another card, then PC to Flagship or get the second card after 6-12 months.
Neither of those cards allow transfers to partners though, right? Which is the positive of the Venture (otherwise, as said, it's an overpriced 2% card after the first year). Re Pathfinder, I found a review that says: "You'll get the most out of your rewards if you redeem for travel — an average value of 1.7 cents per point, according to a PenFed representative."
I saw the same claim for the Penfed Platinum Rewards Visa and wasn't able to see values anything like that. Anyone had better luck?
It looks like you're right for transfers. I don't have any PenFed for their points cards. The PCR is good for me, for now...haha. The Flagship rewards are "ok" at best, imo. The other benefits, to include Amazon prime/TSA, for $50 AF make it worthwhile
I saw that review. It does make it noteworthy! I'm sure how people redeem affects the value. New age points vs cashback I'm sure elicit lots of thoughts and battle lines 
OP have you looked at US Bank?
The Altitude Go has a secured version, no AF and it earns points nicely.
If you can qualify, the Altitude Connect has points for travel and dining / groceries. Both are VISA without FTF.
Also, keep in mind your existing QS earns 1.5% with no AF. A Venture with AF requires spend on the order of $10k per year just to earn enough at 2% to match the 1.5% earnings.
The transfer of Venture "miles" isn't really at 1:1 is it? I thought it was something like 1.5:1.
