Lounge privileges to be eliminated for Capital One Venture Rewards and Spark Miles cardholders
Revised Article:
Title: Capital One Lounge Access Changes: What You Need to Know about Venture X and Venture X Business Cards
Starting February 1, 2026, a shift is coming for Capital One credit cardholders holding the Venture X and Venture X Business cards. Here's a lowdown on the changes and how they might affect you.
So long, free access for your pals! Capital One is tightening the reins on lounge access for primary cardholders, and it starts with their guests. Bye-bye to free passes for authorized users and close friends. After February 1, 2026, authorized users will have to pony up $125 per year for lounge access [1][3][5]. Primary cardholders may also face stricter guest access rules, especially for Priority Pass lounges, with spending requirements for bringing guests for free [2][4].
It's all about creating more breathing room in airport lounges. As more premium card issuers face lounge congestion, Capital One is stepping up to combat the issue.By curbing complimentary guest access for authorized users and tightening guest policies, Capital One aims to cut down on overcrowding and boost primary cardholders' lounge experiences [2].
But that's not all! The new updates are also driven by financial considerations. By imposing spending requirements for guest access and charging fees for authorized user lounge access, Capital One hopes to offset costs and inspire higher card usage [2][3].
So, what does this mean for other Capital One cardholders? Not much, for now. The Venture Rewards Credit Card and Spark Miles for Business cardholders haven't been affected by the latest wave of lounge access restrictions [1][3][5].
If you're keen on snagging a Capital One card with lounge access come 2026, don't fret! You can still join the ranks with the premium Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Capital One Venture X Business card [5]. These cards pack quite the punch when it comes to bonus miles and travel rewards perks. Just remember that, from February 1, 2026 onwards, your trusted authorized users won't score automatic lounge access, so be sure to keep that in mind!
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[1] The Points Guy. (2022, April 11). Get the Facts: How Capital One’s New Policy Restricts Lounge Access for Some of Its Cards. Retrieved from [https://thepointsguy.com/guide/capital-one-credit-card-changes/][2] One Mile at a Time. (2022, April 12). What to Expect From Capital One Venture X Business Card Changes to Lounge Access and Complimentary Stays. Retrieved from [https://onemileatatime.com/capital-one-venture-x-lounge-changes/][3] Capital One Venture X Card review. (2022, January 19). View the current offers here. Retrieved from [https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/capital-one-venture-x-credit-card/][4] Capital One. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card frequently asked questions. A complete guide to Capital One's airport lounges. Retrieved from [https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/venturex/rewards-credit-card/faq/][5] Capital One® Venture X® Rewards Credit Card. (2022, January 19). Learn Moreabout The Capital One® Venture X® Rewards Credit Card. Retrieved from [https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/venturex/rewards-credit-card/]
- These changes in Capital One's Venture X and Venture X Business cards, effective February 1, 2026, will not only affect primary cardholders but also their authorized users who will now have to pay a $125 annual fee for lounge access.
- As part of the updates, Capital One is introducing spending requirements for guests to access Priority Pass lounges for free, a move aimed at reducing overcrowding and enhancing primary cardholders' airport lounge experiences.
- Another financial motivation behind the changes is the imposition of spending requirements for authorized user lounge access and charging fees, which will help Capital One offset costs and encourage higher card usage.
- If you're planning to apply for a Capital One card offering lounge access in 2026, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Capital One Venture X Business card would be suitable choices, offering attractive bonus miles and travel rewards perks.
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