Capital One increases lounge fee for noncardholders

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For those without an eligible Capital One credit card, visiting a Capital One Lounge before a flight just got pricier.

Although those with a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or a Capital One Venture X Business get unlimited access to Capital One lounges and those with a Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card receive a discounted rate when visiting Capital One lounges, other travelers need to pay the full fee for access to these lounges.

As of Aug. 12, Capital One increased the entry fee for non-Capital One cardholders from $65 to $90. Children under the age of 2 still get in for free with a parent or guardian.

Related: A complete guide to Capital One's airport lounges

Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders can continue to bring in two guests for no additional cost and pay a special rate of $45 per visit for additional guests. To share lounge access with family and friends, Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders can add authorized users, who also receive lounge access for themselves and up to two guests each, at no cost.

It seems fairly evident that Capital One is trying to control capacity at its lounges and avoid the issues of overcrowding often seen at American Express Centurion lounges or long lines at Delta Sky Clubs.

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We reached out to Capital One in regards to overcrowding.

"We know that getting into a Capital One Lounge is top of mind for our customers," a Capital One spokesperson told TPG, "and we are making this change to ensure guests have a best-in-class experience in our Capital One Lounges every time they visit."

Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

This is just the latest in Capital One's lounge access changes. Late last year, the issuer announced that Venture Rewards and Capital One Spark Miles for Business cardholders will lose their two annual free lounge visits effective Jan. 1, 2025. Still, these cardholders will continue to receive access to Capital One lounges for a special rate of $45 for themselves and their guests per visit.

Overall, these changes will limit the number of noncardholders who choose to pay for lounge access considering the steep price. If you find yourself frequenting Capital One lounges multiple times each year, you'll be much better off getting the Venture X or the Venture X Business instead of paying these new noncardholder entry fees.

Related: How to choose a credit card for airport lounge access