Capital One lounge access changes in effect: What cardholders should know
The time is here: Capital One's new lounge access policies for Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business cardholders have officially gone into effect.
Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders can no longer bring guests into Capital One Lounges or Landings for free. Instead, each guest will cost $45 ($25 for guests age 17 and under; children under 2 years old remain free).
Venture X authorized users no longer receive complimentary lounge access. Instead, primary cardholders need to pay an extra $125 per account to receive unlimited access to Capital One and Priority Pass lounges for up to four authorized users. Venture X Business cardholders can now also add up to four authorized users with Capital One and Priority Pass lounge access for $125 each.
For Priority Pass, Venture X cardholders will pay $35 per guest. Venture X Business cardholders can still bring two complimentary guests to Priority Pass lounges, with additional guests costing $35 each.
Primary cardholders can unlock access for two guests to Capital One Lounges and one guest at Capital One Landings if they spend at least $75,000 on their card in a calendar year. That unlocks guest access for the year you spend $75,000 or more and the following calendar year.
What was once one of the most generous airport lounge access policies on the market for authorized users and guests has been tightened. Here's what cardholders need to know.
How have Capital One's lounge access rules changed?
Previously, Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders could bring guests into Capital One Lounges, Capital One Landings and Priority Pass lounges at no additional cost. Venture X authorized users could also receive complimentary Capital One Lounge, Capital One Landing and Priority Pass lounge access.
This is no longer the case, as primary cardholders are now the only patrons getting in free. Now, there's a cost associated with guests and authorized users — unless you spend $75,000 or more on your Venture X or Venture X Business card in a calendar year.
Here is a breakdown of costs to expect, based on your situation:
| Lounge access | Venture X (personal) | Venture X Business |
|---|---|---|
Primary cardholder | Free access to Capital One Lounges, Capital One Landings and Priority Pass lounges | Free access to Capital One Lounges, Capital One Landings and Priority Pass lounges |
Authorized users with lounge access | $125 per year | $125 per year |
Capital One Lounge and Landing guests | $45 per adult, per visit
$25 per child (2 to 17 years old), per visit Free for children under 2 years old | $45 per adult, per visit
$25 per child (2 to 17 years old), per visit Free for children under 2 years old |
Priority Pass lounge guests | $35 per guest per visit | Two free guests |
Spend at least $75,000 on the card in a calendar year | Two free guests per Capital One Lounge visit, one free guest per Capital One Landing visit | Two free guests per Capital One Lounge visit, one free guest per Capital One Landing visit |
This isn't the first time Capital One has restricted lounge access. In January 2025, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Spark Miles for Business cardholders lost a benefit that provided two complimentary visits to either Capital One Lounges or Plaza Premium lounges.
Related: Capital One announces a new airport lounge opening at CLT — what to know
Who is affected most by Capital One's lounge access changes?
These changes will most affect group travelers, couples with just one Venture X or Venture X Business in their wallets, and families with children 3 years old and up.
Still, authorized users can receive complimentary lounge access after paying $125 per year. This is a downgrade on the Venture X, since it used to be a complimentary benefit for its authorized users.
This is actually a positive change for Venture X Business cardholders, since they couldn't add authorized users with lounge access before these new policies were announced.
Solo travelers won't be affected as deeply, since these new rules restrict access to guests and authorized users.
Related: The benefits of adding a relative as an authorized user
Bottom line
As airport lounge operators continue to battle overcrowding, Capital One decided to take a step to limit complimentary access to guests and authorized users on some of its most popular travel cards.
The option to pay for guest access, whether on a per-visit basis or by adding an authorized user for $125, is there for cardholders who highly value Capital One's airport lounge access privileges. High-spending cardholders who put at least $75,000 on their card in a calendar year will also unlock guest access privileges.
While these changes may create challenges for couples, families and group travelers, solo travelers won't experience as much of a sting.
To learn more, read our full reviews of the Venture X and Venture X Business.
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Business