Starting February 1, 2026, Capital One is rolling out some big changes to its lounge access rules for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Businesscardholders.
Gone are the days of automatic access for authorized users, free guest access, and Priority Pass guest access. I’m not crying, you’re crying. Actually, we’re all crying. 😭
If you’ve enjoyed the generous lounge benefits with these cards, you’ll want to read this. Here’s what’s changing, what’s staying, and how to keep your Capital One lounge access going strong.
Capital One Lounge Access Updates at a Glance
Here’s the short version:
Authorized users on the Venture X will no longer get free lounge access. You’ll have to pay $125 per year (per user) to keep that perk.
Guest access will no longer be complimentary — unless you hit the $75,000 minimum spend requirement per calendar year.
Priority Pass guest access is going away entirely. Authorized users will also lose access unless you pay the $125 fee.
These changes apply to both the Venture X and Venture X Business cards, but there are a few key differences.
Changes to Capital One’s Guest Policy
If you’re used to waltzing into Capital One Lounges with friends and family, this is where the biggest shift happens.
Until January 31, 2026:
You can bring two guests into Capital One Lounges for free.
You can bring one guest to Capital One Landings.
Authorized users (Venture X only) get the same guest access.
Starting February 1, 2026:
No more free guest access unless you spend $75,000 or more in the prior calendar year.
If you hit that threshold, you’ll get two free guests for Lounges and one for Landings.
Here are the guest fees if you don’t hit the spend:
$45 per adult (18+)
$25 per child (ages 2 to 17)
Free for kids under 2
Note that the $75,000 spend starts counting in 2025, so if you’re hoping to keep guest perks in 2026, your spend needs to start adding up now.
💡 Pro Tip: Confused about the spending requirement? Capital One has a “Spending Insights Tool” where you can view your progress on your personal account.
Lounge Benefit Changes by Card
There’s nothing like a neat little table to take the sting out of some of these changes… right? 🫠
Benefit | Through Jan. 31, 2026 | Starting Feb. 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
Primary Cardholder Lounge Access | Free | Free |
Authorized User Lounge Access | Free | $125 per year per user |
Guest Access | Two for the Lounges / One for Landings | Must spend $75k per year or pay per guest |
Priority Pass Guest Access | Free | $35 per guest |
Authorized User Priority Pass Access | Free | Only with the $125 lounge access fee |
Maximum Number of Authorized Users | Four | Four |
Benefit | Through Jan. 31, 2026 | Starting Feb. 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
Primary Cardholder Lounge Access | Free | Free |
Authorized User Lounge Access | Not included | $125 per year per user (optional) |
Guest Access | Two for the Lounges / One for Landings | Must spend $75k per year or pay per guest |
Priority Pass Guest Access | Two free guests | Two free guests, then $35 per guest |
Authorized User Priority Pass Access | Not included | Only with the $125 lounge access fee |
Maximum Number of Authorized Users | Four | Four |
Sorry, kids — additional cardholders have to be at least 18 years old to enroll in Priority Pass.
How to Keep Lounge Access for Additional Cardholders
Starting February 1, 2026, authorized users will lose all free lounge access unless they pay the $125 fee. And yes… we’ll throw a wake.
That $125 fee gives them access to:
Capital One Landings
Priority Pass lounges (but not guest access)
If you don’t pay that $125 fee, those users can still join you in the lounge, but they’ll have to enter as one of your guests (if you’ve unlocked the $75k benefit) or pay the discounted rate of $45 per visit.
What’s Staying the Same?
Despite the new (sad) limitations, a few benefits are sticking around:
Primary cardholders still get unlimited access to Capital One Lounges
The $45 guest rates will be available for adults, and $25 for kids (aged 2 to 17)
Kiddos under two still get in for free
The $75,000 annual spend will still unlock complimentary guest access for a full calendar year, and the following one, too
While there are new fees, a Venture X account can still have four authorized users
So yes… there’s still a solid path to sweet, sweet lounge access, but it’ll either cost you in spend or fees.
Why is Capital One Making These Changes?
While Capital One hasn’t said much beyond the official terms, it’s likely these changes are being made to control crowding and keep the lounge experience a premium one.
I mean… if you’ve been to a U.S. lounge within the last few years, then you catch my drift. Capital One Lounges are known for great design, food and drinks, and overall vibes, so it makes sense why they’re being a little stingy.
Plus, we’ve seen similar moves from American Express and Chase, so Capital One tightening its access (while unfortunate) isn’t all that surprising.
Other Cards That Offer Lounge Access
Here at Daily Drop, we still believe the Venture X (and the Venture X Business) are some of the best travel cards on the market, even with these changes. But, if you’re looking for other lounge access cards, here are a few:
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: access to Priority Pass and Chase Sapphire Lounges
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Delta SkyClubs (on eligible itineraries), and more
Bottom Line
If you hold a Venture X or Venture X Business card, the best thing you can do right now is plan ahead.
Add up your expected 2025 spend to see if that $75,000 is realistic, decide whether it’s worth paying $125 per year for your authorized users, and expect to pay a little out-of-pocket for guests you don’t qualify for these new perks.
These changes are a big shift, but you can still keep your lounge access with a little planning. Just don’t be surprised if your lounge-loving friends start sending you Venmo requests before your next trip. 😉
