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Get ready to take your airport experience to the next level with Capital One travel credit cards. Not only do they offer amazing benefits, but they’re also incredibly affordable. And not one Capital One comes with foreign transaction fees! Plus, did you know that you can potentially access three different lounge networks for free?
Sounds amazing, right? Here’s how you can access the Capital One Lounge next time you’re flying. Below, you’ll also find two of the best Capital One cards.
Annual $300 travel credit; premium perks: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
At least 2x Miles on all purchases; Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit of up to $100: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Who Are The Capital One Lounge Partners?
Capital One offers access to three different airport lounge networks:
- Capital One Lounge: The Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW) location is open. Locations at Denver (DEN) and Washington Dulles (IAD) are opening soon.
- Priority Pass: Over 1,300 worldwide locations across 145 countries.
- Plaza Premium: Over 100 locations worldwide, including select Virgin Atlantic clubhouses.
In addition to these partner networks, Capital One announced the launching of Capital One Landing locations. The first two locations will be at Washington National (DCA) and La Guardia (LGA). They will focus on offering a dining experience.
Related: Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access
Credit Cards with Capital One Lounge Access
Three Capital One credit cards with an annual fee currently provide complimentary access to the Capital One Lounge membership. Without one of these cards, each visitor would pay $65 per visit to enter a Capital One Lounge location. It’s no surprise that these are also some of the best Capital One credit cards for travel.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Changes are being made regarding access to the Capital One Lounge and card perks. Here’s what is changing, according to Capital One:
“Effective January 1, 2025, Venture and Spark Miles cardholders will no longer receive complimentary lounge access. You will have 2 complimentary visits to Capital One Lounges or Plaza Premium Lounges to use by December 31, 2024. Venture and Spark Miles cardholders can access Capital One Lounges at a special rate of $45 for themselves and their guests.
All other cardholders & non-customers can enter at the standard rate of $65.”
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The premium Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is your only option for unlimited access to all three lounge networks. In addition to getting in for free, you can also bring two additional guests at no cost on each visit.
You will pay $45 per excess guest (3rd or more) at Capital One Lounge locations. The pricing and admittance policy differs for Priority Pass and Plaza Premium locations.
In addition to this benefit, Venture X members also enjoy these curated perks:
- Annual $300 credit for Capital One Travel purchases
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
- 10,000 miles anniversary bonus
- Earn up to 10x miles on purchases
The annual fee is $395 for the primary card, and you can request up to four free authorized users. The secondary cards can enjoy complimentary lounge access without the primary member present.
New Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles when they spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (Until January 01, 2025)
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers two one-time visits per year to either the Capital One Lounge or Plaza Premium networks. Your travel companions can also use these passes to enter a participating lounge to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Unfortunately, your lounge passes are not valid at the Priority Pass locations. However, many other premium travel credit cards offer this benefit if this is something you are set on having.
This card has a $95 annual fee and is free for authorized users. Only the primary cardholder receives the lounge passes.
If you’re a casual flyer, this card is more affordable than the Venture X Rewards if you don’t need the X’s other luxury travel benefits. Other Venture Rewards card benefits include:
- Earn 5x miles on hotels and car rentals through Capital One Travel
- Earn 2x miles on all remaining purchases
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit of up to $100
You can redeem your purchase rewards as a travel statement credit for upcoming travel or 1:1 point transfers to airlines and hotels.
New Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Capital One Spark Miles For Business (Until January 01, 2025)
Of the handful of Capital One Spark business credit cards, only the Capital One Spark Miles for Business offers lounge access on work trips. Each year, the primary cardholder receives two one-time visits to the Capital One Lounge or Plaza Premium networks.
The annual fee is $0 for the first year and then $95 annually. Additional employee cards are free, but they won’t receive their own lounge passes. Other card benefits include:
- Earn 5x on hotels and car rentals through Capital One Travel
- Earn 2x on all remaining purchases
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
New Capital One Spark Miles for Business cardholders can earn 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once they spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Here are the Capital One Spark Business approval odds.
Final Thoughts on Getting Lounge Access With Capital One Cards
In conclusion, the best way to get Capital One lounge access is with The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. It is the best overall option, as you receive full and unlimited access to the three lounge network partners. Even if you only plan on visiting a lounge once or twice, the other year-round benefits are valuable for flights, hotels, rental cars, and experiences. In addition to offering complimentary airport lounge visits, these three best options for the best credit cards for airline miles.
Annual $300 travel credit; premium perks: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
At least 2x Miles on all purchases; Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit of up to $100: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Related Articles:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Capital One Venture Credit Card Review
- Does The Chase Sapphire Preferred Offer Lounge Access?
- How Much is 50,000 Capital One Miles Worth?
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I flew through DFW last week and used my Spark business card for entry to the C1 lounge and was told that the card could be used for unlimited entry, not just twice. That was my first time there so I’m not sure if this was accurate but figured I’d mention it.
Thanks for the data point!