Quick points: How to access Capital One Lounges without a physical credit card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has many travel-related benefits, including up to $300 per cardmember year in credits toward travel booked through the Capital One Travel portal and the ability to transfer miles to one of the program’s many airline and hotel transfer partners.
However, one of the perks I don’t often get to use is access to the issuer’s Capital One Lounges at major airports. Venture X cardholders enjoy unlimited access to Capital One Lounges for the primary cardholder and authorized users, with complimentary access for up to two guests per visit (kids ages two and under are free). They can bring additional guests for $45 per person per visit.
So far, Capital One only has lounges at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Denver International Airport (DEN), with more locations planned. I’m based in Los Angeles, so you won’t often catch me transiting through those other three hubs. However, I had to travel to Dallas recently to attend a conference, so I was excited to spend some time in the DFW Capital One Lounge for a few hours before my evening flight.
I pictured myself settling into one of the lounge’s retro-chic windowside swivel chairs, sipping a draft cocktail and nibbling on many plated snacks before grabbing a to-go sandwich. Perhaps I’d even have time for a pulse-pounding ride in the Peloton room, or a refreshing rinse in one of the shower suites.
It wasn’t until I was actually on my way to the airport, though, that I realized I had forgotten my physical Capital One Venture X card, which the reception agents use to check guests into the lounge. I wondered if I could use the digital version stored in my iPhone’s Apple Wallet to enter instead.
Polling my TPG colleagues, none of them had attempted a cardless lounge entry. Nor could I find information on the process online as I furiously Googled from my Uber to the airport. I had plenty of time and was already checked in for my flight, though, so I figured I could stop by the lounge and try my luck.
It’s a good thing I did, because the friendly staff at the entrance showed me it is indeed possible to access Capital One Lounges without your physical Venture X card on hand. Here’s how.
Capital One Lounge locations
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
The first Capital One Lounge opened at DFW in November 2021. It's located in Terminal D near gate 22 (not far from the Centurion Lounge and accessible via the same elevator as the American Airlines Flagship Lounge). It's open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Denver International Airport
This third location opened in November 2023. It is situated in the airport's A Concourse, so it's convenient for Delta flyers and those hopping on international carriers. Its opening hours are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Dulles International Airport
This Capital One Lounge opened in September 2023 and is conveniently located in the Main Terminal just past the TSA PreCheck security area. Its opening hours are 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
How to access Capital One Lounges through the app
First, you’ll need the Capital One banking app on your phone. I have it on mine and just set it so I have to use my username and password to log on for security.
Having done that, I scrolled down to the section titled, “Explore Rewards & Benefits,” and tapped on the plane icon for “Travel” below that.
From there, I was directed to a screen enumerating the travel benefits of my card and tapped the “Lounges” button.
It confirmed that I have unlimited complimentary access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide (the three Capital One locations plus those of the vast Priority Pass network).
It listed all three current Capital One Lounge outposts, their locations within their respective airports and their hours.
Tapping on the one for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport pulled up its individual entry, a live update on how busy the lounge was, a list of its amenities, and my specific benefits as a Venture X cardholder — it never hurts to be reminded! It also confirmed that to get in, I’d need my card or a digital lounge pass. Unfortunately, virtual card numbers (like my Apple Wallet version) are not accepted.
I would also be required to show my boarding pass for a departing or connecting same-day flight with a confirmed seat assignment.
I tapped the “View Pass” button and the next screen pulled up a QR code with my name listed, my access privileges and the ability to add it to my Apple Wallet.
While I had to go through that (admittedly simple) process this time, now that I have the QR code in my iPhone’s Apple Wallet, I should be able to pull it up that way.
And that was it! Thankfully, the folks at the DFW Capital One Lounge could walk me through the steps, cheerfully scanned my QR code and boarding pass and then invited me in to enjoy the lounge’s amenities, which made my day.
Hopefully every Capital One Lounge reception agent knows how to help cardmembers do the same, but just in case, it never hurts to know how to do it yourself in case you find yourself in a forgetful quandary like me.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.