Many people liked the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card because it gave them free access to airport lounges. Lounge access lets cardholders, guests, and authorized users find comfort while waiting at the airport for their flights. Nonetheless, from February 2026, some changes are coming to the benefits offered. The effect of these updates could determine how much the card is actually worth, especially when you are spending with friends or family.
Past Lounge Access Advantages
Later, Capital One also offered cardholders the ability to allow their guests and secondary cardholders in the lounge without paying extra. For example, some of these are Entrance by Capital One, Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass Lounges, and Capital One Landing, which serve food in an airport restaurant setting. It put the card in the spotlight among top travel cards. Allowing frequent travelers and families to bring guests into lounges was very convenient for everyone.
Major Transitions Will Begin in 2026
On February 1, 2026, Capital One is revising how its lounges are accessed. Most of these changes will benefit people who have access to the network, including guests. First, having a status card will no longer give you free entrance to airline lounges. If you make someone an authorized user, they still won’t be eligible for lounge access, and that would require a $125 fee from you each year for them. When they pay this fee, they get entry into Capital One Lounges, Landings, and Priority Pass lounges.
Access to the Guest Network Is Tightly Controlled
The program has also ended free access for guests. Initially, Venture X cardholders got to bring guests into lounges without charge. Now, to bring guests for free, you have to use your card for at least $75,000 in a single year. If you qualify, you can have two guests join you in a Capital One Lounge and one on a Capital One Landing at no cost. In case you do not meet the spending requirement, each guest will be charged: $45 per adult, $25 per child under 18, and there are no charges for kids under 2. Extra guests in a Priority Pass lounge will cost $35.
What Doesn’t Change
Unlike others, the principal cardholder will continue to use lounges without charges. It’s still $395 every year for the annual fee on the Venture X card. People with this card continue to enjoy many advantages, such as a $300 travel credit, an extra 10,000 annual miles given each year (worth about $100), and double miles when spending on anything. These special perks assist in evening out the price of the card for people who travel alone.
What Is the Reason for These Changes
Capital One Venture X explained that their lounges are becoming more crowded, and many passengers had to deal with lines and overcrowded spaces. Filtering the access of guests and authorized users is intended to give the main cardholders a better experience. American Express and other companies have modified their benefits to reduce the crowding in their cardholder lounges.
Is It Still Worth Signing Up For the Venture X Card?
Worthiness of the Capital One Venture X card is tied to how often you travel. Also, if you usually travel by yourself and take advantage of the travel credit and miles, the card offers a good deal. But if your friends or family use the lounge access, the updates might not make this credit card look as attractive. Paying over $75,000 a year keeps the price for guests and authorized users at $0.
Different Choices to Try
Some other cards offer better lounge access options if you need it for more people. Chase Sapphire Reserve members can bring two guests free of charge to Priority Pass lounges, and there are more lounges to choose from. It requires paying a fee of $550 each year and charges another $75 per authorized user added to your account. If lounge access matters the most to you, it may fit your lifestyle better.
