The new Capital One Lounge at JFK International Airport officially opened on June 19, 2025. You’ll find it in Terminal 4’s retail hall, right after security. At 13,500 square feet, it’s now the largest Capital One lounge in the country and their flagship location. It also makes history as the first credit card lounge in the U.S. that stays open 24/7. No closing hours — this space is open every hour of every day.
The design is centered around New York itself. Inside, there’s a dining space inspired by Central Park, a sleek Manhattan-style bar, and more than 40 artworks by NYC-based artists. Large windows give travelers a broad view of the JFK runway, while a dramatic hanging glass sculpture, created by a Brooklyn artist, stands as a major visual feature.
From layout to local artwork, the entire space leans into the “city that never sleeps” theme. Capital One clearly aimed to match the nonstop pulse of New York, and this lounge lives up to it. Even during the initial soft launch period, it stayed open 24 hours, which now becomes a permanent feature. Travelers coming through JFK at any hour — red-eyes, early birds, and midnight delays — will find this lounge ready to welcome them.
Who Can Access the Capital One JFK Lounge
The new Capital One Lounge at JFK welcomes a range of travelers, but the best access goes to Capital One’s premium cardholders. Here’s a breakdown of who gets in, what it costs, and how each card works:
Credit Card | Lounge Access | Guest Policy | Annual Fee | Apply |
---|---|---|---|---|
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Free unlimited access | 2 free guests per visit | $395 | Apply Now |
Capital One Venture X Business Card | Free unlimited access | 2 free guests per visit | $395 | Apply Now |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | $45 per visit | $45 per guest | $95 | Apply Now |
Capital One Spark Miles for Business | $45 per visit | $45 per guest | $95 | Apply Now |
All Other Travelers | $90 per visit | $90 per guest | N/A | Purchase at Lounge |
Access is limited to within 3 hours of your departure time. This policy helps keep the lounge from getting overcrowded and ensures that it’s used by travelers who are actually in transit. Because of its location in Terminal 4 and its strong design and services, this new Capital One Lounge is likely to become a top stop for travelers who want a relaxing space before their flight.
Food and Beverage Offerings with NYC Flair
Capital One is leaning hard into New York’s food culture at its JFK lounge, turning dining into one of the major highlights. The food and beverage options are free for guests and offer a strong local flavor. One standout is the bodega-style coffee and bagel bar, where travelers can grab hand-rolled bagels from the famous NYC bagel shop Ess-a-Bagel. These are paired with high-quality espresso drinks made using beans from Bean & Bean, a New York–based roaster.
There’s also a grab-and-go station for those in a rush, featuring fresh egg sandwiches, wraps, salads, and pastries that reflect classic New York deli offerings. The bagels are delivered daily and baked on-site to maintain their authenticity. Lounge staff are even trained directly by Ess-a-Bagel to get the right flavor and texture — just like you’d expect from a local NYC shop.
But it’s not all quick bites. The lounge also has a rotating menu of small plates, prepared to order and focused on seasonal ingredients. These include dishes like wild arugula panzanella salad or a rich Berkshire pork shank with pea risotto. The goal here is to bring high-end local cuisine into the airport setting.
A particularly unique feature is the in-lounge cheesemonger station, a first-of-its-kind amenity in any airport lounge. Capital One partnered with Murray’s Cheese, a well-known NYC shop, to bring curated cheese and charcuterie boards directly to guests. These are served with wine or beer pairings and presented on artisanal serving boards. It’s a tasting experience you’d usually expect at a gourmet restaurant, not in an airport. This cheesemonger counter is open daily and works on a first-come, first-served basis, giving food-focused travelers something special to look forward to.
Signature Drinks, Rare Bottles, and Midnight Snacks
The drink options at the JFK lounge are just as locally focused as the food. A Manhattan-style bar anchors the space, offering cocktails created in partnership with well-known NYC bartenders and bars. One signature drink was developed with Death & Co., one of the most respected cocktail bars in the city. You’ll also find “Skyscraper IPA” — an exclusive Capital One brew from a local New York brewery, crafted to be the perfect airport beer.
In addition to these signature drinks, guests can try a rotating menu of regional beers, wine selections, and zero-proof cocktails. A standout feature is the Rare Bottle Club, where travelers can sample hard-to-find liquors and premium spirits not usually available at airports. It’s an upgrade in experience that matches the lounge’s luxury angle.
To add more personality and rhythm throughout the day, Capital One has introduced themed “daily rituals.” These include things like morning iced coffee carts with Italian cold brew, evening champagne toasts, and even a Midnight Snack cart that rolls out at 12:30 a.m. These roaming carts serve everything from sweets to drinks, adding fun and local flavor at any hour. It’s another example of how this lounge blends top-tier service with a nonstop NYC vibe — truly offering something special around the clock.
JFK Terminal 4 Becomes Ground Zero for Premium Lounges
JFK’s Terminal 4 is quickly becoming one of the most competitive lounge hubs in the world for credit card holders. With the opening of the new Capital One Lounge, Terminal 4 now houses branded airport lounges from all three major U.S. credit card issuers — Capital One, American Express, and Chase. That makes it the only terminal at any airport globally to do so.
The American Express Centurion Lounge opened in T4 several years ago and quickly became a favorite for premium Amex cardholders. More recently, Chase took over the former Etihad Lounge space and opened a Chase Sapphire Lounge in the same terminal. The arrival of the Capital One Lounge completes the trifecta, giving travelers access to top-tier spaces no matter which card brand they use.
Terminal 4’s popularity among credit card issuers is no accident. It’s one of JFK’s busiest terminals, home to many international airlines and domestic carriers. Delta is the biggest tenant, and it sees huge foot traffic daily. That makes T4 a strategic spot to launch and showcase these lounge products to a steady stream of high-spending, card-carrying travelers.
It’s also a much-needed upgrade. Airline lounges — especially Delta Sky Clubs at JFK — have dealt with serious overcrowding. Now, with Capital One offering more space, Chase jumping in, and Delta opening a dedicated Delta One lounge for business-class travelers, the terminal finally has more room to spread out. Travelers now have more choices, better service, and far less waiting.
Capital One’s decision to debut its flagship lounge here shows they’re not just filling a gap. They’re stepping into one of the most competitive lounge arenas in the country — and aiming to stand out by offering something different.
How Terminal 4 Became the Lounge Capital of NYC Travel
This rush of new lounges reflects a larger trend: credit card companies are competing hard to win over premium travelers with better perks. Every brand has its own vibe. American Express leans into luxury and fine dining. Chase, through its partnership with The Club, offers a more versatile premium space. Capital One is pushing innovation with a fully 24/7 lounge that reflects the style and flavor of New York.
What makes Capital One’s move bold is its commitment to round-the-clock service — something rare in U.S. airport lounges. While JFK doesn’t have many overnight flights, Capital One clearly sees value in offering comfort at any hour. Whether you’re catching a red-eye, connecting early, or dealing with delays, the lounge is always open.
As a result, Terminal 4 is quickly becoming a dream for frequent flyers with the right credit cards. You can move between Amex, Chase, and Capital One lounges in the same terminal. With Delta’s premium lounge also in the mix, T4 now delivers a world-class experience for travelers who want comfort, style, and service before they board. It’s no longer just about flying — it’s about how well you wait.
Capital One’s JFK Lounge Sets a New Standard in the U.S.
The new Capital One Lounge at JFK Terminal 4 is more than just another place to relax — it’s a major move in the credit card lounge world. Capital One didn’t just build a bigger lounge. They built a smarter, more refined, and more traveler-friendly one. With 24/7 access, top-tier amenities, and a distinct New York identity, this lounge signals that Capital One is ready to play at the top level alongside Amex and Chase.
The space features a true blend of comfort and style. Think gourmet food from NYC icons, signature cocktails, rare spirits, fresh coffee, curated cheese boards, and even dedicated quiet areas and showers. All this is available at any hour, making it an ideal spot no matter when your flight leaves. Lounge-goers aren’t just getting snacks and a seat. They’re getting a full experience — one that feels more like a boutique hotel than a waiting area.
The NYC theme is smartly woven into everything, from the bagels to the artwork. Capital One’s strategy is clearly to anchor their flagship lounge in one of the most high-traffic, high-profile airports in the world — and they pulled it off. Early feedback suggests it avoids the crowding issues that plague other lounges, which is a big win for travelers seeking calm and comfort.
For travelers holding the Capital One Venture X card, this lounge is a major perk. And with Terminal 4 now home to lounges from Amex, Chase, and Delta, it officially becomes a battleground for premium perks. TheMilesAcademy considers this a must-visit spot if you’re flying through JFK. It’s a perfect place to recharge, get inspired, or simply enjoy a slice of New York before your next destination.
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