Capital One Tightens Lounge Access Rules for Venture X Cards

Starting February 1, 2025, Capital One will significantly limit airport lounge access for Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders unless they meet a high annual spending threshold. Under the new rules, complimentary guest access will no longer be automatic. Instead, cardholders must spend at least $75,000 in a calendar year to bring two guests into Capital One Lounges and one guest into Capital One Landings without extra charges.

Without meeting that spending requirement, guests will be charged $45 per adult and $25 for those 17 and under per visit. Adding an authorized user will cost $125 annually, which grants them lounge privileges and access to the Priority Pass network.

The policy shift follows similar changes by American Express and Chase, as card issuers work to ease crowding in airport lounges that have grown increasingly popular with premium travelers. Venture X, which launched in 2021 with a $395 annual fee, positioned Capital One as a competitor to Amex’s $695 Platinum Card and Chase’s $550 Sapphire Reserve.

Capital One currently operates lounges at Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, Washington Dulles, and Las Vegas airports. New locations are planned for JFK and LaGuardia in New York. The restrictions reflect the growing pressure on lounge operators to balance demand with maintaining an exclusive experience.

Analysts say Capital One, once seen as a challenger brand in the lounge space, is now grappling with the same capacity issues that have affected more established rivals. As airport lounges evolve into premium experiences, companies are redefining who gets access—and at what cost.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com