10 Best Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access

We’ve all had at least one nightmare travel experience. From delays to canceled flights, there is a degree of uncertainty that comes with travel that can lead to a lot of anxiety and frustration. Thankfully, there are now airport lounges that help you unwind before a flight, so you can jump-start your travel stress-free. To access them, you either have to pay a hefty one-day pass fee or — if you have the right travel credit card — you can get automatic access. That means free cocktails, high-speed WiFi, and sometimes even a shower before you board.

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10 best credit cards with airport lounge access

1. Best overall credit card with lounge access: American Express Platinum 

Besides the sleek look and the heavy feel that comes with holding one of these bad boys in your hand, the Platinum Card from AMEX comes with various benefits. They currently have a limited-time offer of earning 80,000 membership points if you spend $6,000 in your first six months. This card also comes with statement credits that total over $1,500 in value. Lastly, you’ll get access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, with 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries. 

  • Annual Fee: $695

  • Reward rates & perks: 5x points on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel, 1x points on other purchases 

  • Pros: You can apply with no impact on your credit score, $200 annual hotel credit, $240 digital entertainment credit, $155 Walmart+ credit, $200 Uber credit, $300 Equinox credit, $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit

  • Cons: $695 Annual Fee, minimal rewards for non-travel spending 


2. Best credit card with Priority Pass access: Chase Sapphire Reserve 

Airport lounge access is only one of the many benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Once you spend $4,000 within the first three months, you get 80,000 bonus points or $1,200 that you can spend on your next trip. You also get a $300 annual travel credit each year on your account anniversary. Their Priority Pass access unlocks 1,300+ lounges in over 500 cities worldwide, so choose a city and uplevel your travel plans. 

  • Annual Fee: $550 

  • Reward rates & perks: 10x total points on hotels and car rentals, 5x total points on flights, and 3x points on other travel worldwide, all after you spend the first $300 on travel expenses 

  • Pros: Airport Lounge Access to 1,300 VIP Lounges in over 500 cities worldwide, no foreign transaction fees, 50% more in travel redemption through Chase Ultimate Rewards

  • Cons: High annual fee, is NOT a worthwhile card if you don’t travel often or for business 


3. Best affordable credit card with lounge access: Capital One Venture X 

With the Capital One Venture X card, you get unlimited access to their all-inclusive lounges, and you can bring up to 2 guests per visit. Since it’s unlimited access, you’ll always have a place to stay and rest between flights, during delays, and in case of canceled flights. You also get $100 each year as an anniversary bonus. 

  • Annual Fee: $395

  • Rewards rates and perks: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One travel, 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, 2x miles on all other purchases

  • Pros: Lower annual fee, 75,000 Miles as an early spend bonus once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months, $300 annual travel credit, $100 global entry, and TSA Precheck credit 

  • Cons: Lackluster lounge lineup (only four lounges throughout the US), Capital One travel doesn’t have a lot of domestic airline partners 


4. Best credit card for travelers who often fly Delta: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express 

If you fly Delta, this card is for you. With the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, you get access to the Delta Sky Club, where you can rest before or between flights. You also get two one-time guest passes each year, so you share the luxury of the Delta Sky Club. If you book a Delta flight with your credit card, you get complimentary access to the Centurion Lounge as well. That’s access to two different lounges with one card!  

  • Annual Fee: $550 

  • Rewards rates and perks: 3x miles on Delta purchases, 1x on other purchases  

  • Pros: First checked bag free, priority boarding, worldwide lounges, earn 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 medallion qualification miles 

  • Cons: Only ~50ish Delta Sky Club worldwide lounges to choose from


5. Best credit card for travelers who often fly United: United Club Infinite Card 

United fliers, listen up (…and if you don’t fly United, you might want to start after this). With the Infinite card, you get a United Club membership giving you and eligible travel partners access to United Club locations with complimentary beverages and snacks. You also earn rewards faster with 4x miles on United purchases and get two free checked bags. 

  • Annual Fee: $525 

  • Rewards rates and perks: 4x on United purchases, 2x on all other travel purchases, 2x on eligible delivery services, 1x on all other purchases 

  • Pros: Two free checked bags, United Club membership, 4x on United purchases, United points can be used on many different world-class airlines 

  • Cons: Have to fly United to get the full benefits 


6. Best credit card for travelers who often fly American Airlines: Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard 

This card rewards people who fly American Airlines and is the only credit card with a complimentary Admirals Club membership. You also get the first checked bag free on domestic flights for you and up to eight travel partners on the same itinerary and you get priority boarding on all American Airlines flights.

  • Annual Fee: $450 

  • Rewards rates and perks: Limited offer of 4x miles on American Airlines purchases, 1x miles on other purchases

  • Pros: Free checked bag for you and up to 8 other people, complimentary Admirals Club membership 

  • Cons: You earn points slower compared to other credit cards, and only six Admiral Clubs within the United States 


7. Best basic credit card for limited lounge access: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass 

If you’re looking for a credit card that gets you lounge access without having to pay for all the extra bells and whistles, then the Hilton Honors AMEX Surpass card is for you. With high-earning rewards, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of your points faster than other cardholders. You get 130,000 points once you spend $2,000 in the first three months of your membership. You can also enroll in Priority Pass Select and get ten complimentary airport lounge visits with access to 1,300 lounges in over 130 countries. 

  • Annual Fee: $95 

  • Rewards rates and perks: 12x points on hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 6x points at U.S supermarkets and gas stations, 3x on all other eligible purchases

  • Pros: Lower annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, can earn reward points quickly 

  • Cons: Limited lounge access  


8. Best credit card with lounge access and hotel perks: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire  

If you thought it couldn’t get better than the Surpass Card, it can. The Hilton Aspire Credit Card is the most exclusive Hilton credit card, and for good reason. You get 150,000 bonus points once you spend $4,000 in the first three months. There’s a free night reward once you sign up and every year after renewal, as well as a $250 Hilton Resort statement credit. The Aspire Card also has unlimited lounge visits for you and two guests.

  • Annual Fee: $450 

  • Rewards rates and perks: 14x points on participating Hilton hotels and resorts 

  • Pros: Free night reward, unlimited lounge access for you and two guests, Hilton Honors Diamond status 

  • Cons: Points have a lower value than other rewards programs  


9. Best credit card with lounge access and points redemption rate: Mastercard Black Card 

The Mastercard Black Card comes with the best points redemption rate of 2% (30%+ higher than the Sapphire Reserve and 100% higher than the Amex Platinum) and a cash-back redemption rate of 1.5%. You also have a concierge at your service 24/7 through the app, phone, or email and comes with a VIP luxury card travel that includes a $100 annual airline credit and complimentary access to 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, guests included.  

  • Annual Fee: $495 

  • Rewards rates and perks: 2% airfare redemption rate, 1.5% cash back redemption rate 

  • Pros: VIP Airport Lounge Access (Priority Pass), annual airline credit, global entry and TSA Precheck application credit

  • Cons: Fewer opportunities to earn rewards, not as established as American Express or Chase


10. Best credit card for travelers who frequent Marriot hotels: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card 

If you frequently stay at the Marriott, then the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express card may be the best credit card for you. With this card, you can enroll in Priority Pass Select and get access to over 1,300 lounges in over 130 countries. You also get a free night after every year you renew your card as well as Platinum Elite status, which lets you earn 50% more points on hotel purchases.

  • Annual Fee: $650 

  • Rewards rates and perks: 6x points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 3x points at restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines, 2x on all other eligible purchases 

  • Pros: Marriott Platinum Elite Status, Priority Pass Select Access, 25 Elite night credits renewed annually 

  • Cons: High annual fee, must be VERY loyal to Marriott for this card to be worth its price 


Credit cards with airport lounge access - common FAQs

Do I use my credit card for lounge access?

If you have a credit card that offers complimentary lounge access, by all means, use it! Two of the most popular lounge credit cards are the Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum. If you don’t have a credit card that offers lounge access, you’ll have to pay to enter the lounge, which can often cost $50 or more per visit.

Should I have multiple cards with lounge access?

Unless you are using different credit cards for different point schemes (one for groceries, one for travel, one for gas, etc.) it may be a bit excessive to have multiple credit cards that offer the same lounge access. These lounge access cards can add up, and with just a few cards, you could be paying thousands a year to access lounges.

What is the best credit card for lounge access?

Our two favorite cards for airport lounge access are the American Express Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve. Both of these cards offer access to over a thousand lounges worldwide, with unlimited access, no matter what airline you’re flying.

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