Capital One Venture X Lounge Access Changes: What Travelers Must Know
Discover how Capital One’s 2026 lounge access changes impact Venture X cardholders, guest policies, and authorized users, reshaping premium travel perks and aligning with industry trends.

Key Takeaways
- Capital One ends free lounge access for authorized users in 2026
- Guest access now requires $75,000 annual spend for free entry
- Authorized users pay $125 yearly for lounge privileges
- Venture X Business cardholders gain new lounge access options
- Capital One’s changes align with Amex and Chase policies

When Capital One launched the Venture X Rewards Credit Card, it quickly became a favorite among travelers for its generous airport lounge access. But starting February 1, 2026, this hospitality takes a hit. Capital One is tightening lounge access rules for Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders, introducing fees for authorized users and restricting guest privileges. These moves respond to soaring lounge popularity and aim to preserve a premium experience amid growing crowds. In this article, we unpack the key changes, compare them with competitors, and explore what this means for your travel wallet.
Understanding Lounge Access Changes
Imagine arriving at your favorite airport lounge, only to find your trusted travel companion’s complimentary access has vanished. That’s the reality Venture X cardholders face starting February 1, 2026. Capital One is ending free lounge access for authorized users and additional cardholders, introducing a $125 annual fee for each to regain entry. While you can still add authorized users for free, their lounge privileges now come with a price tag. This shift is a stark departure from the card’s 2021 launch, when sharing lounge benefits was a standout feature. The bank’s rationale? Lounges have become so popular that wait times and crowding threaten the premium vibe. By tightening access, Capital One aims to keep lounges a haven rather than a hustle.
This change also affects guest policies. Previously, primary cardholders could bring guests into Capital One Lounges and Landings without extra fees. Now, only those spending $75,000 annually on their card retain this perk. If you don’t meet that threshold, expect to pay $45 for adult guests and $25 for children 17 and under, with toddlers under 2 still free. Priority Pass lounge guest access also shifts: Venture X primary cardholders lose complimentary guest entry, paying $35 per guest, while Venture X Business holders keep their two free guests. These layered changes reshape how travelers share their lounge privileges, demanding a fresh look at who gets in and at what cost.
Comparing Capital One to Competitors
Capital One’s lounge access overhaul doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it mirrors moves by industry giants American Express and Chase. For example, Amex Platinum charges $195 annually for authorized user lounge access, while Chase Sapphire Reserve sets that fee at $75. Capital One’s $125 fee lands squarely between these two, offering a middle ground in pricing. When it comes to guest access fees, Capital One’s $45 for adults and $25 for kids under 18 are slightly cheaper than Amex Centurion Lounges, which charge $50 and $30 respectively. However, Chase Sapphire Reserve still leads with the most generous guest policy, allowing two free guests in Priority Pass lounges.
Notably, Capital One is the first among the “Big Three” issuers to remove complimentary guest access from Priority Pass lounges for its primary Venture X cardholders. Both Amex and Chase maintain this benefit, underscoring a competitive edge. For Venture X Business cardholders, the new ability to pay $125 for authorized users’ lounge access is a win, as previously no complimentary access existed. This nuanced landscape means travelers must weigh fees against benefits carefully. If lounge access is your top priority, Chase’s Sapphire Reserve might offer better guest perks, albeit with a heftier $550 annual fee. Capital One’s changes bring it closer to peers but also highlight the trade-offs between cost and convenience.
Impact on Venture X Cardholders
For many Venture X cardholders, the news hits like a cold gust at the gate. The card’s $395 annual fee once unlocked one of the most generous lounge access policies, including free entry for authorized users and guests. Now, authorized users lose complimentary access unless you pay $125 per person yearly. Guests face new spending hurdles or fees, reshaping how families and friends travel together. This is a considerable downgrade in perks, especially for those who valued sharing the lounge experience without extra costs.
Yet, there’s a silver lining for Venture X Business cardholders. They gain a new option to add lounge access for up to four authorized users at $125 each, a benefit previously unavailable. This addition could make the business card more appealing for teams or families traveling together. Despite these cuts, Capital One emphasizes continued access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounges, Landings, and Priority Pass locations. The card’s solid rewards—like 2 miles per dollar spent and a $300 annual travel credit—still offer value. But if lounge access was your main draw, these changes might prompt a rethink of your travel credit card lineup.
Navigating Guest Access Restrictions
Guest access has always been a prized perk for premium travel cards, a way to share airport luxury with companions. Capital One’s new rules tighten this privilege significantly. To bring guests into Capital One Lounges and Landings without fees, you must spend $75,000 annually on your Venture X card—a steep bar for many. Meeting this threshold lets you bring two guests to Lounges and one to Landings free of charge, valid for the spending year and the following calendar year. Miss the mark, and you’re looking at $45 per adult guest and $25 per child aged 17 or under, with toddlers still free.
Priority Pass lounges add another twist. Venture X primary cardholders lose free guest access and must pay $35 per guest, while Venture X Business holders keep two complimentary guests. This split policy means business cardholders enjoy a perk denied to their personal card counterparts. These guest fees, while lower than some competitors, still represent a new cost for many travelers. The changes reflect Capital One’s effort to manage lounge crowding and maintain quality. For travelers who often fly with family or friends, these restrictions may feel like a squeeze on the once-generous hospitality Capital One offered.
Maximizing Value Amid Changes
Facing these lounge access shifts, what’s a savvy traveler to do? First, assess your travel habits and spending. If you regularly spend $75,000 or more annually on your Venture X card, you can keep free guest access, softening the blow. For authorized users, consider whether paying the $125 lounge access fee makes sense or if they’d be better off with their own card. This could unlock more flexibility and benefits tailored to their travel style.
Remember, Capital One’s Venture X still offers compelling rewards beyond lounges: a $300 annual travel credit, 10,000 bonus miles each anniversary, and 2 miles per dollar on all purchases. These perks help offset the $395 annual fee. If lounge access is your top priority, comparing cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve—offering two free Priority Pass guests and a $75 authorized user fee—might be worthwhile despite its higher $550 fee. Ultimately, staying informed and proactive lets you steer your travel wallet wisely. Capital One’s changes aren’t the end of premium perks but a call to rethink how you unlock airport luxury.
Long Story Short
The upcoming Capital One Venture X lounge access changes mark a significant shift from the card’s original generous perks. While the $125 fee for authorized users and guest restrictions may sting, they reflect a broader industry trend toward balancing demand and exclusivity. For solo travelers, the card still offers solid value with access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide and strong rewards. But if you often travel with family or friends, these changes might prompt a reevaluation of your card strategy. Consider your spending habits and travel style carefully—sometimes, paying a bit more or switching cards can unlock smoother airport experiences. Ultimately, knowing the new rules empowers you to navigate lounge access without surprises and keep your travel moments relaxing and rewarding.