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I’ll never forget my first airport lounge experience. I was 22, on a work trip to Austin and my boss got me in as a plus one to the Delta Sky Club. I tried to play it cool like I’d been in a fancy lounge before, but the truth is I was like an excited little schoolboy. Free drinks, gourmet snacks, fancy bathrooms, super fast Wi-Fi, etc. It was amazing! Not long after that trip, I discovered how easy it was to become a VIP traveler myself, by using luxury credit cards with lounge access!
Top Picks for Best Credit Cards with Lounge Access
If you want to avoid the stress and hustle at airports and be well-rested and fed during layovers, we’ve rounded up the best credit cards with lounge access to get you there. A quick pro tip: As you read about these credit cards, pay close attention to the specific airline lounges and clubs they give access to. Not all lounges are available at all airports, so think about the locations you commonly fly to to maximize the lounge benefit!
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1. The Platinum Card® from American Express
HTM Rating: Backstage Pass
Lounge Access Benefit: Card Members can receive access to lounges in the Global Lounge Collection, which include: the Centurion Network, Delta Sky Club®, Lufthansa Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge, and Priority Pass Select. Enrollment is required for selected Amex Benefits.
All in all, that’s more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 different countries!
Current welcome offer: bonus_miles_fullHere are all those extra perks that you’ll get too:
- $200 annual hotel credit for Fine Hotels or Hotel Collection
- $200 annual airline fee credit for checked bags and in-flight refreshments
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit ($20 in statement credits each month)
- $300 Equinox Credit each year towards gym membership
- $155 Walmart+ membership credit
- $200 in Uber cash ($15/month and bonus in December) including Uber Eats in the US.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit for faster airport security
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels
- 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year
Seriously, carrying one of these bad boys in your wallet is like holding a VIP concert ticket that grants you access to the green room before and after each show. If you want the widest available access to airport lounges, this is the credit card to get.
Learn more: card_name2. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
HTM Rating: Big Brother
Lounge Access Benefit: Enjoy unlimited complimentary access for you and 2 guests per visit to all-inclusive Capital One Lounges, as well as their Partner Lounge Network (Priority Pass™ and Plaza Premium Group)
Current welcome offer: bonus_miles_fullHere are all the bougie perks included:
- $300 Annual Travel Credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
- Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit
- Get 10,000 miles every year as an anniversary bonus!
- Earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5x miles on flights booked via Capital One Travel
- 2x miles on everyday purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
There are only a handful of Capital One Lounges in the USA, so it’s more likely that you’ll be visiting some of the 1300+ worldwide lounges in the Priority Pass network. Your traveling companions are going to love you because you can bring up to 2 guests into these airport lounges with this credit card too.
One thing I love about Capital One cards – you can boost your point balance by referring friends to apply for credit cards themselves. When your friends sign up using your referral link, you’ll earn 20,000 bonus miles (which equals $200 in travel credits!). Refer. Reward. Repeat!
Learn more: card_name3. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
HTM Rating: Lounge Legend
Lounge Access Benefit: Relax at 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide using your complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership and gain access to every Sapphire Lounge by The Club.
Current welcome offer: bonus_miles_fullMore awesome benefits included:
- $300 travel credit every year
- A complimentary year of Lyft Pink (valued at least $199)
- Earn 5x points on flights booked via Chase Travel℠
- 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked via Chase Travel
- 3x points on dining at restaurants & on eligible delivery and take out
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- 1-year DoorDash membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Personally, I love the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem. They make point redemptions super easy, and you can redeem points a handful of different ways. Booking flights and hotels allows you to snag the most value because every point is worth 1.5 cents for travel. You can even convert points to other popular airline or hotel rewards programs at a 1:1 rate too!
Learn more: card_name4. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
HTM Rating: Escape Artist
Lounge Access Benefit: Enjoy complimentary access to Centurion Lounges, as well as Delta Sky Club locations, plus four One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta. Note: Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; but you can earn an unlimited number of visits each year by spending $75,000 on the card each year)
Current welcome offer: bonus_miles_fullMore benefits packed into this lounge access credit card:
- Annual Companion Certificate
- $200 hotel credit each year, for hotels booked through Delta Stays or Delta.com.
- Up to $240 Resy Credit for US Resy restaurants. Enrollment is required.
- Up to $120 Rideshare Credit for US purchases ($10 credit per month). Enrollment is required.
- 15% off anytime you book Award Travel with miles on Delta flights when using delta.com and the Fly Delta app
- $120 Global Entry credit (which includes TSA PreCheck)
- Free checked bag on every Delta flight booked with your card
- No foreign transaction fees
Delta has one of the largest airport lounge networks, with 50+ Sky Club locations in the USA. In addition to chilling at the Sky Club before your Delta flights, credit card holders will also be added to the Complimentary Upgrade List. Hello, extra legroom and early boarding!
Learn more: card_name5. The New United Club℠ Card
HTM Rating: Permission Slip
Lounge Access Benefit: With a United Club membership you’ll have access to more than 45 United Club locations worldwide. These spacious lounges include complimentary snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi while you wait for your flight.
Current welcome offer: bonus_miles_fullAdditional privileges you’ll love:
- Earn 9x total miles on United flights
- 4x total miles on hotel stays booked through United Hotels
- 2x miles on all other travel and dining
- Free first and second checked bags
- Priority check-in, security screening, boarding, and baggage handling privileges (where available)
- Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
- Get a one year complimentary DashPass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Another cool perk — for rental cars you’ll be invited into the Avis President’s Club, giving you complimentary car class upgrades, and expedited rental service. Cha ching!
Learn more: card_name6. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
HTM Rating: License to Chill
Lounge Access Benefit: Enjoy unlimited lounge visits for you and up to two guests with Priority Pass™ Select membership. You’ll have access to over 1,200 airport lounges around the world.
Current welcome offer: bonus_miles_fullBut wait, there’s more!:
- $300 dining statement credit every year
- Free Night Award, each year after the card anniversary
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy® Property Credit
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck
- Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on Marriott hotel purchases
- 3X points at restaurants worldwide.
- 2x points per dollar on other eligible purchases.
Cardholders will automatically get Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, which means free room upgrades to better views or suits, free high-speed internet access, and additional bonus points on eligible stays. This is a perfect credit card for traveling consultants who frequent Marriott hotels and want all the status perks.
Learn more: card_nameLounge Access Credit Cards Overview:
| Card Name | Lounge Details | Guest Access |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Platinum Card® from American Express | Global Lounge Collection (Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select, Delta Sky Club® (when flying Delta), and more. | Centurion Lounges – 2 complimentary guests Priority Pass – 2 complimentary guests Delta Sky Club® – $50 per guest, up to 2 guests |
| 2. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Capital One Lounges & Partner Lounge Network (Priority Pass™ and Plaza Premium Group) | Includes 2 complimentary guests per visit |
| 3. Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, and Priority Pass™ Select | Includes 2 complimentary guests per visit |
| 4. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | Delta Sky Club®, and The Centurion® Lounge (when you book with Reserve Card) | Receive 4 x Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly together on Delta. After that, $50 per guest, up to 2 guests. |
| 5. United Club℠ Infinite Card | United Club | 2 complimentary guests per visit |
| 6. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Priority Pass™ Select | 2 x complimentary guests per lounge visit |
Choosing the Right Credit Card for You
As you can tell by all the various perks and benefits of each card, not all lounge access credit cards are created equal! It’s crucial to take a strategic approach to picking the right card so you can maximize all the available benefits.
Here are a few things to consider when evaluating lounge access credit cards:
Frequently visited airports
Ask yourself, which airports do you fly into and out of most? Are there common layover cities for most of your trips?
With those airports in mind, look into the airline lounges available at those locations, as well as the amenities they each provide. This should help you narrow down which lounge providers best match your travel needs.
For example, let’s say you fly in and out of Denver International Airport (DEN) a lot, where there is an awesome Capital One Lounge. You might choose the Capital One Venture X card, knowing that you’ll visit that specific lounge often and maximize the benefit.
Another pro tip: It’s a good idea to research exactly where the lounges are located within each airport. Airports are huge and not all lounges are accessible from every terminal. In fact, they could be a good 25-minute walk away on the other side of the airport!
For example, my closest airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and sometimes I want to visit the Centurion Lounge… But, it’s located deep within the international terminal, not very convenient for people taking domestic flights! Technically you can get there, but it’s not convenient – LAX is HUGE, so I never get to use the lounge.
Long story short, be realistic about which lounges you are going to visit, and then narrow down your credit card choice to suit.
Airline loyalty
If you always fly United, get the card_name! And if you always fly Delta, get the card_name! You’re going to have more frequent visits to those particular airline lounges if you hold their particular credit cards.If you don’t have a single airline that you always book, you might fare better with a wide network of lounges. For example, Priority Pass has a huge list of lounges worldwide, and there are several credit cards that provide lounge access as a perk.
Guest access to lounges
If you’re traveling as a couple or regularly with co-workers, you’ll want to ensure guest passes are available. While most airport lounges allow guests for an extra charge, it’s way better if you can get them in for free!
True story… Before I joined the How To Money team, I traveled to New York City with Joel Larsgaard for a mutual friend’s event. We had flights home at a similar time and traveled to the airport together. Since I was an Amex Platinum Card member at the time, I got us both into the Centurion Lounge, where we discussed the potential of me joining the HTM team. So when I say that guest passes to lounges matter, they definitely do… They helped me land my current job!
Secondary credit card benefits
After determining which lounges you want to visit, you might be tempted by two or three credit cards that provide the same lounge access. Now it’s time to look at the additional perks, rewards, and points that make the most sense for you.
Most lounge access credit cards come with Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credits alongside travel credits for hotels or flights booked within the card issuer’s travel portals. Beyond this, there are a number of unique perks that each card offers. Which ones stand out as things you will use most? Perhaps trip insurance or free baggage makes the most sense, or maybe earning extra points for restaurant spending.
All in all, choose the perks that best suit your typical spending and travel needs. Remember these credit cards all come with a hefty annual fee. So you want to make sure you get at least that amount of value in points and rewards by using the card.
Annual fees vs. lounge access value
Like I just said, the lounge access credit cards we recommend come with a massive annual fee. Lounge access ain’t cheap! That’s why no matter which credit card you choose, it’s essential to ensure you take full advantage of the benefit in order to recoup the value in fees.
The good news is that most welcome offers are very generous and often offset the first 1-2 years of card ownership. But if you’re going to keep the card long-term, continue to evaluate how much you use the perks so you can decipher whether the annual fee makes sense or not.
Main Benefits of Airport Lounges
Entry to airport lounges is usually a premium benefit of luxury travel credit cards, offering cardholders more comfort and convenience while traveling. These lounges are exclusive and are not available to the everyday traveler. Here are the common amenities you can find at airport lounges:
Comfortable space and open seating
Sure, the crowded terminals offer plenty of people-watching activity. But I promise, waiting for your flight in an airport lounge is WAY more pleasurable. Large comfy couches, spacious tables for dining, private bathrooms and shower facilities… As soon as you walk through the lounge doors you feel your travel stress immediately dissipate.
Free food, beverages, and high-speed Wi-Fi
Free public Wi-Fi might be standard at most airports these days, but it can be an absolute pain to connect and it’s not always reliable. Whether you’re trying to get serious work done, or just leisurely browsing, an airport lounge is a great place to post up and bust out your laptop.
Many lounges offer complimentary food and snacks, which can actually save you a bunch of money instead of eating out for lunch and dinner. And I can personally vouch for lounge food. I think it tastes like homemade cooking! Seriously, many lounges have excellent chefs who create healthy, delicious, and diverse menus.
As for beverages, most lounges offer complimentary drinks. I don’t know about you, but I’ll never turn down a free beer, no matter what time of day or night it is. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!
Business facilities and charging stations
Airport lounges offer quiet and modern workspaces for people who want to stay productive while traveling. Some have small conference rooms for team meetings, and there are ample charging stations for all your devices.
Showers
It’s never fun arriving at your destination and immediately apologizing to the person who picks you up about how bad you smell. Well, with lounge access credit cards, you might be able to snag a quick shower at the airport! This could be handy if you travel for business and have long layovers. I’ve personally never showered at an airport (but maybe I should? 🤷).
Pros and Cons of Lounge Access Credit Cards
Sometimes, getting a credit card for the sole purpose of airport lounge access makes sense. If you travel a lot, the return on investment can pay off quickly. That being said, there are a couple of downsides to consider when getting credit cards with lounge access…
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Access to lounges! Rest well, eat well, and have more peace of mind while traveling. | A large annual fee is typically attached to credit cards with lounge access. This might not make sense for infrequent travelers. |
| Luxury travel credit cards typically come with other travel perks, like priority upgrades, higher status with hotel partners, or free checked luggage. | Lounge access is subject to availability. So you might not even be able to get in if it’s too busy! And not all lounges are available in all locations. |
| You can accumulate reward points with everyday spending, which stretches your travel budget further. | Guest access can be restricted with some credit cards and specific lounges. |
| Welcome offers are typically the largest with luxury travel credit cards with lounge access. | Amenities vary greatly between lounges! |
Different Types of Airport Lounges
Yes, most lounges are similar on the inside – fancy large spaces with amenities not available to regular travelers. But, it’s important to note that each airport lounge “brand” caters to a different type of customer experience.
Airline-specific lounges
Delta Sky Club and United Club are examples of airport-specific lounges. These were built and designed to host a specific airline’s VIP passengers, to upgrade their travel experience. Many are outfitted according to the airline’s branding and identity, providing a country club feel where regular flyers can relax, work, or enjoy a meal.
Priority Pass network lounges
The Priority Pass network is MASSIVE. They’ve got over 1300 lounges across the globe, including 150+ in North America alone. Members can unwind, catch up on work, and enjoy the amenities no matter which airline they are flying on. There’s a ton of flexibility with Priority Pass, which makes it a great option for folks who don’t have specific airports they frequent.
Note: Joining Priority Pass sometimes involves a separate signup, even though it’s included in your credit card benefits. There’s no additional fee, but you’ll need to register directly with Priority Pass to activate the membership.
Centurion Lounges for Amex cardholders
Centurion Lounges are exclusive to American Express members. They set the gold standard for luxury in airport lounges! These lounges are renowned for their fancy service, modern amenities, gourmet dining, premium drinks, and some even have spa services!
Maximizing lounge access benefits
When you’ve got a credit card with lounge access, you’ll want to use this perk as much as possible. Here are a few tips to get the most out of lounge access:
Understanding entry requirements
If you’re hoping to visit a lounge, do some research before arriving at the airport. Some lounges require reservations to be made a few hours in advance. Others have dress codes to abide by. You’ll also want to know the hours that lounges are open because they’re not 24/7!
Some documentation is required for lounge access. Typically you’ll need to show them your credit card that provides access to the lounge, and ID, and an airline ticket proving you are traveling that day. For airport-specific lounges, for example, Delta Sky Club, you need to have a same-day ticket booked on that airline to access the lounge. Understanding all these rules in advance will avoid disappointment.
Research guest access
Guest entry into airport lounges depends on the program you’re signed up for and the specific credit card perks you have. It’s important to know the ins and outs of guest access passes, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket at the lounge.
Keep track of lounge access expiry dates
If you receive complimentary passes to airport lounges, keep track of when they expire. It’ll be a shame to miss out on all that comfort and amenities because your pass expired without you noticing!
Use all the amenities
Try the fancy bathroom soaps, fill up on gourmet food, and grab a pocket full of free snacks on the way out. The lounge is there for you to enjoy and take full advantage of. Obviously, you’ll want to be polite and respectful while visiting airport lounges. But don’t be nervous or scared to use and enjoy the benefits.
Credit Cards with Lounge Access FAQ
Here are some common questions folks ask about credit cards with lounge access as a benefit.
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*Advertiser Disclosure: How to Money has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. How to Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact on how and where card products appear on the site. Lastly, the site does not include all card companies or all available card offers.
*Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
*User Generated Content Disclosure: Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
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