Venture X Lounge Access Changes: What Capital One Cardholders Need to Know in 2026
PointsCrowd is a community-supported platform. When you apply for a credit card, make an order, or otherwise interact with the advertisers through the links on this page we may earn an affiliate commission. This helps us maintain and develop the platform further at no cost to you.
Capital One is updating lounge access rules for Venture X personal and business cards starting February 1, 2026, with new fees and limits for guests and users.
What’s Changing?
1. Authorized Users Lose Free Lounge Access
Previously, personal Venture X primary cardholders could add up to four authorized users—and all enjoyed complimentary access to Capital One Lounges, Landings, and Priority Pass lounges. Starting February 1, 2026, authorized users will no longer have free lounge privileges unless a $125 annual fee per person is paid.
2. Guest Access Now Paid (Unless Big Annual Spend)
- Personal & Business cards: Primary and qualifying authorized users can no longer bring complimentary guests to Capital One Lounges or Landings—guests will now pay $45 per adult, $25 for ages 2–17, while children under 2 remain free.
- Priority Pass network: Guest access is also no longer free—expect $35 per guest per visit.
3. Spend $75,000 Annually to Reinstate Guest Access
There’s a silver lining—for those who spend $75,000 on the card in a calendar year, complimentary guest access is reinstated for the remainder of that year and the subsequent one:
- Primary and fee-paid authorized users get two free guests in Capital One Lounges.
- They also get one free guest in any Capital One Landing.
Why the Shift?
Capital One explains that the changes are designed to control crowding and maintain a high-quality lounge experience amid popularity growth across the lounges industry-wide. This mirrors similar strategies by American Express and Chase, who have introduced restrictions to manage overcrowding.
Comparison with Other Premium Cards
- Amex and Chase: Already charge fees for authorized-user lounge access—Amex Platinum charges $195, while Chase Sapphire Reserve charges $75. Capital One’s new $125 fee falls between those amounts.
- Venture X Business cardholders still enjoy better guest treatment in the Priority Pass network, with two (2) complimentary guests versus the personal card.
Traveler Reactions
- Fury with frustration: Sources like the New York Post report travelers calling the changes a “substantial devaluation” and “deeply disappointing,” lamenting the added hurdles for families.
- Balanced views: Some travelers welcome the changes, saying fewer crowds could mean a better lounge experience.
Bottom Line: Still Worth It — Maybe
Even with these lounge policy adjustments, the Venture X card offers ongoing benefits:
- Access to over 1,300 lounges
- A $300 annual travel credit
- 10,000 bonus miles each anniversary
- Solid ongoing earnings on travel, dining, and everyday purchases
If you’re a solo traveler or heavy spender, you might still find strong value. But families, occasional travelers, or those who rely on guest access may want to review if the card still fits their travel lifestyle.
Key Dates to Note
- June 3, 2025: Discounted guest fees introduced for children under 17
- February 1, 2026: All new lounge rules go into effect
Travelers should decide whether the restrictive new lounge rules align with their usage habits. For high spenders and solo flyers, the card keeps its edge—but for anyone who relied heavily on shared lounge access, it may be time to reevaluate.
