Using a credit card with lounge access offers the perfect way to make airport travel more comfortable; instead of waiting at a crowded gate, you can enjoy a quiet environment, free drinks and complimentary snacks. Many premium travel credit cards include this benefit, among other perks like generous welcome bonuses and travel credits. However, these cards often have high annual fees and credit score requirements.
Without further ado, these are the best credit cards for airport lounge access:
Best credit cards for airport lounge access: Editorial reviews
If you want to access a wide range of lounges, look no further than The Platinum Card® from American Express. It gives you unlimited entry to the Global Lounge Collection, which includes Priority Pass lounges and lounges from American Express, Lufthansa, Delta, Escape and Centurion. Enrollment may be required. Terms apply.
If you travel with family, this might not be a great option as guests incur extra fees. The card also has a hefty annual fee of $695, but it comes with plenty of perks for luxury travelers.
Notable perks: Over $1,500 in annual statement credits available, exclusive airport lounge access, hotel elite status with Marriott and Hilton, and more.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is beloved among travelers, and for good reason — it includes a free Priority Pass Select membership and free access for up to two guests. Cardmembers and up to 2 guests can also access the exclusive Sapphire Lounge at select airports. However, if you’re looking for an airport lounge access credit card with a low annual fee, look elsewhere. The Sapphire Reserve will cost you $550 every year.
Notable perks: Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS, a $300 annual travel credit, 50% more value when redeeming points through Chase Travel℠, Priority Pass lounge access, great travel insurance protections, The Edit by Chase Travel℠ access, and more.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a suite of benefits for regular travelers: a $300 yearly travel credit, a solid welcome offer and 10,000 bonus miles every year. Plus, you’ll get a Priority Pass with two free guest passes and access to Capital One lounges. Add free authorized users, and they’ll also get Priority Passes.
Occasional travelers will probably get better value from a different credit card. The Venture X comes with a $395 annual fee, which is only worth it if you use the benefits regularly.
Notable perks: Annual $300 travel credit, free priority pass lounge access, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, annual bonus miles
If you’re a United loyalist, you’ll get plenty of use out of the United Club℠ Infinite Card. This co-branded Chase card earns United MileagePlus miles and includes two free checked bags on United flights. It also comes with a free United Club membership — a great alternative to the often-crowded Priority Pass lounges.
Be sure to check that your regular airports have United Club locations; although the welcome bonus and free-bag perks are nice, they may not justify the card’s $525 annual fee.
Notable perks: Free first and second checked bags, 25% in-flight discount, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fee credit, complimentary United Club access for card members and eligible travel companions
Somewhat frequent United flyers will find a lot of value in the United℠ Explorer Card. With two complimentary United Club℠ passes each year, this card offers a chance to experience the luxury of lounge life every once in a while without the commitment of a higher-tier card. If you travel frequently, though, those 2 passes may not be enough, and United Club passes are typically $59 each.
Notable perks: Free checked bag on every United Airlines flight, 25% in-flight discount, priority boarding benefits, 2 United Club lounge passes per year, Statement credit for Nexus, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
If your travels bring you to Marriott hotels regularly, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is an excellent option. The card includes a Priority Pass Select membership with an unlimited number of visits for you and up to two guests. Enrollment required.
However, if your hotel stays tend to be spread among brands, you might benefit more from a general travel rewards card.
Notable perks: Up to $300 Brilliant Dining credit per year, Priority Pass Select lounge access, automatic Marriott Platinum Elite status, annual Marriott Free Night Award
Regular Delta flyers will love the perks of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card — a free Delta Sky Club membership, four free guest passes and free access to The Centurion lounge.
Bear in mind that American Express has a more limited acceptance rate outside the United States, which is something to think about if your travels are largely international.
Notable perks: Free checked bag on Delta flights, annual companion certificate, Delta Sky Club access, Centurion lounge access, in-flight discounts, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit
What is a credit card for airport lounge access?
A lounge access credit card grants you free entry to airport lounges. Many cards do so by providing a free membership to Priority Pass — a program that includes more than 1,400 lounges around the world. Others, such as Capital One cards and Chase cards, also include access to brand lounges.
Since lounge cards are targeted toward travelers, they often include a wealth of other perks. Some of the best credit cards earn miles or points, with bonus rates in the travel category, as well as credits for travel services and purchases.
Pros and cons of credit cards for airport lounge access
Who should get a credit card for airport lounge access?
Regular travelers will see the biggest benefit from credit cards with airport lounge access; they’re quiet, and the free food and drinks save you from paying inflated airport prices.
Cards with Priority Pass memberships are particularly valuable if you’re often out of the country; only a small percentage of the brand’s partner lounges are located in the United States. For domestic travelers, airline-specific lounges such as those accessed with Delta or United cards might be a better fit.
You don’t necessarily need to be a frequent traveler to benefit from a lounge credit card. Most come with a slew of perks that you can use for occasional trips such as free miles and points which can add up quickly, enabling you to book free or reduced-cost flights, hotels and rental cars.
Airport lounge types
Airline lounges
Airline lounges are operated by individual airlines; in the United States, the most common are Delta Sky Clubs, American Airlines Admirals Clubs and United Clubs.
These lounges aren’t usually included in Priority Pass, so they tend to be quieter. To get a free membership, you’ll usually need a co-branded airline credit card.
American Express lounges
American Express’ luxury Centurion Lounges offer high-end food, drinks and decor. These lounges are open to people with a few select American Express cards, including The Platinum Card from American Express.
▶︎ Read more: Amex Platinum Card benefits
Capital One lounges
Capital One operates a small network of premium lounges that are a step above most Priority Pass locations. They’re open to certain Capital One cardholders and people who purchase passes.
Chase lounges
Chase Sapphire lounges are similar to those operated by Capital One. You can find them in Boston and New York, with new locations opening soon in select cities.
Priority Pass lounges
Priority Pass lounges are among the most common airport options, especially internationally. They’re open to members and day-pass holders. Many properties also participate in other lounge networks, which means they can be busy. However, they do offer free Wi-Fi, drinks and food.
Other notable lounges
In some airports, you can find third-party clubs that aren’t run by airlines or credit cards. These include notable options such as PS and Escape lounges.
How to choose the best airport lounge access credit cards
The best travel credit card with lounge access is different for everyone. To find the ideal fit, it’s important to consider these factors.
Access to airport lounges
Look at the lounges that are included with your credit card. Are lounges available at the airports you frequently visit? How many visits are included? Can you bring guests for free, or do you have to pay a fee?
Annual fee
Many lounge access credit cards have high annual fees. Compare the fee to the benefits, and determine if you’ll use enough of the perks to get your money’s worth.
Welcome bonus
Compare welcome bonuses for your top card choices. Calculate the value of each offer, and determine if you’ll be able to use the points or miles to cover upcoming travel purchases.
Rewards
Cards with lounge access often earn miles or points that you can redeem for travel-related purchases. They can help you cover or defray the costs of domestic and international flights and hotels. Compare the earnings categories on rewards cards to your spending habits to find one that suits you.
Travel benefits
Check out the other perks the card offers. Options often include:
- Free Wi-Fi, food, drinks, showers and spa services at lounges
- Statement credits to cover travel purchases
- Credits for travel services such as TSA PreCheck or CLEAR
- Free hotel nights
- Discounted flights
Travel protections
Read the credit card benefits statement to learn more about the travel insurance included. This usually includes coverage for baggage loss, trip cancellation, trip interruption and rental car collision damage.
How to get a credit card with airport lounge access
Getting a lounge access credit card requires completing a standard application.
When completing an application, expect to provide:
- Contact information
- Identifying details including your Social Security number
- Income and employment information
How to gain access to the airport lounge
Once you’re approved for a credit card, you’ll usually need to take additional steps before you can access airport lounges. For example, Priority Pass requires you to sign up with a special code or link to get the membership card.
Some cards require you to present the credit card, a LoungeKey QR code or a voucher. For these options, you’ll need to show a same-day boarding pass and sometimes, a photo ID.
Alternatives to credit cards for airport lounge access
A credit card isn’t the only way to access airport lounges. If you’re unsure whether to go for a card with airport lounge access, consider these options instead.
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For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this page.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please visit this page.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please visit this page.