Capital One is implementing significant changes to the lounge access benefits for its Venture X and Venture X Business credit cards, set to take effect on February 1, 2026. These changes aim to address the growing issue of overcrowding in airport lounges, which many users have been experiencing as the popularity of such amenities rises.
Under the new policy, authorized users will no longer automatically receive lounge access perks. Instead, cardholders can add lounge access for authorized users at a fee of $125 per user. This shifts from the previous model where up to four authorized users could access lounges at no additional cost, representing a potential $500 increase in expenses for cardholders who opt for this feature.
For guest access to Capital One Lounges and Capital One Landings, the cards will now require an annual spending threshold of $75,000 to maintain the ability to bring guests. Otherwise, the primary cardholder will have exclusive access to lounges. Notably, the personal version of the card will no longer include complimentary guest access at Priority Pass lounges, a benefit that many premium credit cardholders have enjoyed.
While these updates bring about a more costly experience, some potential advantages include a possible decrease in lounge crowding, making for a more enjoyable experience for those who do access lounges. Capital One asserts that these changes are in line with industry trends and are necessary to ensure a high-quality lounge experience for its customers.
Despite the negative sentiment surrounding these changes, many cardholders may find value in the overall offerings of the Venture X, such as the $300 annual travel credit and the annual bonus miles. As travelers adapt to these new conditions, there remains hope that this shift will enhance the lounge experience by limiting access and ultimately improving service quality.
In light of these changes, cardholders and potential applicants will need to weigh the benefits of the Venture X and its revamped lounge access policy against their travel habits and spending habits to determine if the card still aligns with their needs.