Capital One Lounge Access Is Changing: Here’s What You Need to Know Before 2026
If you’ve been flexing your Capital One Venture X at airport lounges like royalty—feet up, snacks in hand, sipping your third espresso just because you can—we’ve got news. The ride isn’t over, but the VIP lane is getting a bit more crowded, and Capital One is putting up some new velvet ropes starting February 1, 2026.
Let’s break it down before the coffee gets cold.
The Gold Standard (For Now)
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has quietly become the MVP of airport lounge access. For a single $395 annual fee, the primary cardholder enjoys access to:
- Capital One Lounges
- Capital One Landings
- Priority Pass lounges
And it gets better: This access includes up to two guests. Still not done—authorized users also enjoy the same access. And guess what? You can add up to four of them… for free. That’s been one heck of a sweet deal.
But deep down, we all knew this buffet couldn’t last forever. Now we have a hard stop: February 1, 2026.
What’s Changing for Venture X Personal Cardholders
Here’s where the plot thickens:
1. Guest Access Will Be Earned
Starting in 2026, the complimentary guest perk disappears—unless you’re a big spender. Cardholders who shell out at least $75,000 per calendar year (starting in 2025) will retain:
- Two free guests at Capital One Lounges
- One guest at Capital One Landings
Didn’t spend that much? You’ll be charged per guest. Think of it as lounge cover charge for light spenders.
2. Authorized Users Lose the Free Perks
Capital One is cutting the cord on free lounge access for authorized users—unless you’re willing to cough up $125 per user, annually. That fee gets them:
- Access to Capital One Lounges
- Access to Capital One Landings
- Priority Pass membership (with a catch, explained below)
Yes, you can still add authorized users to the Venture X for free—but lounge privileges are now an à la carte item.
3. Priority Pass Guest Access Gets the Axe
Priority Pass lounges are also joining the fee train. Starting February 1, 2026:
- Guests of the primary Venture X personal cardholder will be charged $35 per person.
- Authorized users won’t be allowed to bring guests at all (unless it’s the business card—more on that next).
The Venture X Business Card: Quietly Winning?
If you’re holding the Venture X Business card, congrats—your situation is actually improving.
As of now, there’s no lounge access for additional users at all. But once the changes kick in, you can add up to four authorized users and pay $125 for each one to get full access to lounges. That’s a new perk, not a downgrade.
Here’s what will still work in your favor:
- The primary cardholder will continue to receive two complimentary Priority Pass guests.
- Authorized users (added with the $125 lounge fee) will also get two complimentary guests at Priority Pass lounges.
- Additional guest access can still be purchased for $35 per person.
Meanwhile, the competition is out here trying to charge a small fortune. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express wants $350 just to add a cardholder. That does include lounge access, but it’s nearly triple the fee Capital One is asking. If lounge access for your team matters, that $125 Capital One deal looks like a bargain.
Lounge Guest Fees Start Earlier: Mark Your Calendar
Capital One is rolling out updated guest fees before the big 2026 policy switch:
Starting June 3, 2025:
- Adults: $45 per guest
- Kids 17 and under: $25
- Children under 2: Free (at least someone still gets a free ride)
These apply to Capital One Lounges and Landings alike.
Doing the Math
Even if you’re adding an authorized user for $125 and paying the $395 annual fee, that’s $520 total for two people to enjoy access to some of the nicest lounges in the game.
Compare that to:
- $695 for the Amex Platinum (primary card only)
- $550 for the Chase Sapphire Reserve (plus limited guest privileges)
Suddenly, the fee doesn’t sting quite as much. And if you're a solo traveler? These changes don’t touch you—your access stays the same.
Final Thoughts
Are these changes annoying? Sure. But they’re not outrageous—especially in a world where lounge overcrowding has turned once-peaceful retreats into standing-room-only snack scrambles.
Capital One is rebalancing value and usage. If you travel often, spend smart, and can leverage the full perks (like the $300 travel credit and 10,000-mile anniversary bonus), the Venture X cards still punch above their weight.
Bottom line: if you're sitting pretty now, don’t panic. But come 2026, be ready to swipe a little smarter—or bring fewer friends.
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Jacqueline Gomez
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All information is accurate as of the date of publication but may change over time.
Always check for the latest details before making travel plans.