Living in London with Capital One Aspire World

As you will remember, I already posted about my first experiences with my new Capital One Aspire World card during my stay in Milan for fashion week. And I thought it was only fair to talk about my thoughts after using it for two months.
The truth is I am extremely pleased with the entire process. As I mentioned last time, the Aspire World card gives 5% cashback every month for the first three months. This sounds great in abstract but is even better in reality! On my first month I got £50 cashback, which is pretty amazing because I essentially paid that much less than I actually spent!
It is also extremely easy to pay back your monthly balance. If, like me, you choose not to set up a direct debit you can either pay over the phone – to the very helpful and nice customer services team – or you can do it yourself online. Also online you can keep track of your expenditure and balance. But even better is the Capital One iPhone app! You can literally check your account anywhere, anytime. For someone like me who often forgets to check these things at home the Capital One app is a life-saver!
After Milan and the great first experience with the cashback I came to the conclusion that it was actually better to use my Aspire World card for all my daily payments – whether it is a dinner, drinks, takeaway, a new pair of shoes or jeans, a new book or magazine or my weekly groceries. If you keep your debit card usage only for taking cash out you'll find this system pays off!

Here is a bit of what I've been up to with my "black card".
Follow me on Instagram @fashionfrankly

Steak & frites at Electric House – Late night dinner at Duck & Waffle

My new Nike Free Run +3 – My new Nudie Jeans

Drinks at Soho House – Domino's Pizza takeaway

An Extraordinary Theory of Objects, by Stephanie LaCava – Vogue Paris

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Milan Fashion Week with Capital One Aspire World

A good credit card is everyone's must-have, especially when you travel. I had been looking for the one best suited to my needs for a while now, which is why I was happy to find out about Capital One's Aspire range. There is a different type depending on your needs, your income, your credit history...
Over my stay in Milan for fashion week I had the chance to try out their Aspire World credit card, which was the best time to do so as it's always a fun trip but one that needs careful planning of the expenses. What really made me go for it was it's 5% cashback (up to 100) for the first three months and 1.25% unlimited cashback after that – who wouldn't want cashback for their spending?
You can use Capital One's website to help you decide which card fits you best.

I like to always stay at the Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan not only because it's the top hotel in the city but because it is also where most of the industry people stay over fashion week. Because hotels usually charge you as you check in – as a deposit they then return – and then again at check out Capital One's card was the perfect accessory so I didn't have to worry about crazy charges on my current account. All my room service, the hotel's chic breakfast and cheeky night caps were also charged to my room and, hence, to my Aspire World card.

Also, when in Rome Milan... good food is a must, especially after long days of running between shows and appointments. I used my black card – as I like to refer to it – to pay for my amazing dinners. If you're ever in town, make sure you visit Giacomo Arengario – exquisite Italian food and the most incredible views!
If you're looking for something more relaxed, the Brera neighbourhood is beautiful at night and you can find cute little places like Fiori Chiari Plates where you'll find great food.

There are endless places in Milan to have a break during the day. I took my Aspire World card on many of them – a chilled but chic lunch at the Bvlgari Hotel, Aperol spritz aperitivo at (my favourite) Corso Como 10 or food and coffee at any time at the Armani Bamboo Bar at the top of the Armani Hotel.

All images @fashionfrankly on Instagram

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