For frequent travelers, having a quiet, comfortable space to relax and recharge before a flight can make a world of difference. That’s where airport lounge access comes in – offering an oasis away from the crowds, noise and chaos that often accompany a typical airport terminal experience. While airline loyalty elite status and pay-per-use passes can grant access, premium travel credit cards make it easier than ever to gain complimentary lounge privileges through valuable card benefits.
From the exclusive American Express Centurion Lounges to the expansive Priority Pass network, this guide will take you through the top credit card options for enjoying lounge access in 2024. We’ll explore each card’s lounge offerings, rewards programs, welcome bonuses and other key perks to help you determine the best fit for your travel needs and budget.
Why Trust Our Lounge Access Expertise?
At Forbes Advisor, our goal is to provide well-researched, actionable advice from seasoned credit card and travel experts. For this guide on airport lounge access cards, our team carefully evaluated dozens of credit card offers, diving deep into the specific lounge networks, entry policies, amenities and other perks associated with each one.
We pride ourselves on staying up-to-date with the latest card benefits, policy changes and overall lounge experience – ensuring our readers have the most accurate information to make an informed decision. Rest assured, you’re in knowledgeable hands when it comes to selecting the right lounge access card for your lifestyle.
Best Premium Cards for Lounge Access
The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Annual Fee: $695 (rates & fees apply)
- Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months.
- Rewards Rate: 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1X point on other purchases.
When it comes to airport lounge access, few cards can rival the robust offerings of The Platinum Card® from American Express. As a cardholder, you’ll gain entry to the ultra-luxurious Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta, select Airspace and Escape lounges, and over 1,400 lounges in the expansive Priority Pass network.
The Centurion Lounges, in particular, have set a new standard for airport luxury, featuring chef-inspired cuisine, premium cocktails, spacious seating areas, and amenities like spa services and family rooms. Just be aware that these premium lounges can get crowded during peak travel times.
Aside from the excellent lounge access, the Amex Platinum card offers a wealth of other high-end travel perks. These include up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, up to $200 in annual Uber credits, up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits, and a complimentary CLEAR® membership to speed through airport security.
The card’s $695 annual fee is undoubtedly steep, but savvy cardholders can easily offset it by maximizing the various annual credits and taking advantage of the robust lounge access.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Annual Fee: $550
- Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
- Rewards Rate: 5X points on flights booked through Chase Travel℠ and 10X points on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase Travel℠. 3X points on other travel and dining. 1X point on other purchases.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a go-to premium travel card that checks all the boxes for airport lounge access. With this card, you’ll receive a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide for you and up to two guests per visit.
In addition to lounge privileges, the Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel credit, triple points on travel and dining purchases, and the ability to redeem points for 50% more value through Chase’s travel portal. Cardholders also enjoy valuable travel protections like trip cancellation/interruption insurance and primary auto rental coverage.
At $550 annually, the card’s fee is on the higher side. However, the combination of lounge access, bonus rewards categories, and the generous travel credit can easily justify the cost for frequent travelers. The 75,000-point welcome bonus (worth $1,125 when redeemed for travel) sweetens the deal further.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $395 (rates & fees apply)
- Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate: 2X miles on all purchases. 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a relative newcomer but has quickly established itself as a top-tier travel card thanks to its impressive lounge access policy. Cardholders enjoy unlimited complimentary access to over 1,300 lounges in the Priority Pass network, plus the growing collection of Capital One Lounges, for themselves and up to two guests per visit.
Beyond lounge privileges, the Venture X offers a $300 annual travel credit, 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary, solid bonus categories for travel purchases, and the ability to transfer miles to over 15 airline and hotel partners.
With an annual fee of $395, the Venture X undercuts other premium travel cards while still delivering exceptional value through its combination of travel credits, bonus rewards opportunities, and robust lounge access for the whole family.
Airline and Hotel Co-Branded Cards with Lounge Benefits
While the premium travel cards above offer the most comprehensive lounge access privileges, several airline and hotel co-branded credit cards also provide lounge benefits tailored to their respective loyalty programs. These cards can be an excellent choice for brand-loyal travelers seeking additional perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and earning accelerated points or miles on brand purchases.
United Club℠ Infinite Card: This United Club℠ Infinite Card grants full United Club lounge membership, which includes access to over 45 United Club locations and participating Star Alliance partner lounges around the globe. The annual fee is $525, but complimentary access for you and two adult guests can quickly justify the cost for frequent United flyers.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Annual Fee: $550), you’ll enjoy complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs® when traveling on a same-day Delta flight. You can also bring up to two guests for $39 per person. The card provides access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: The Citi® /AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (Annual Fee: $595) provides a complimentary Admirals Club membership, unlocking access to American Airlines’ signature lounge network for the primary cardholder, authorized users, and their eligible guests.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Frequent guests of Marriott hotels will appreciate the lounge access offered by the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (Annual Fee: $650). It includes a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for the primary cardholder, granting access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide.
While these co-branded cards provide lounge access tailored to their respective brands, they often come with higher annual fees and may lack the more comprehensive travel benefits found on premium travel cards. Brand loyalists willing to pay a premium for lounge access and other loyalty perks may find them worthwhile.
Mid-Tier Cards Offering Limited Lounge Access
For those seeking occasional lounge access without the high annual fees of premium travel cards, a handful of mid-tier credit card options provide a limited number of complimentary lounge visits each year. These cards can be a budget-friendly way to experience airport lounges while still enjoying other cardholder benefits.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card: The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card (Annual Fee: $95, waived the first year) offers a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with 4 free lounge visits per year. It also provides strong rewards in popular spending categories like travel, dining, and streaming services.
United℠ Explorer Card: Frequent United flyers can consider the United℠ Explorer Card (Annual Fee: $95, waived the first year), which includes two complimentary United Club passes annually. While limited, these passes can be a nice perk for the occasional lounge visit when flying United.
American Express® Green Card: The American Express® Green Card (Annual Fee: $150) offers a complimentary membership to the LoungeBuddy program, granting cardholders access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide for a discounted rate of $27 per visit.
While these mid-tier cards don’t provide unlimited lounge access, they can be a cost-effective way to enjoy the occasional lounge visit without committing to a premium travel card’s higher annual fee.
Conclusion
As the demand for more comfortable and luxurious travel experiences continues to grow, airport lounge access has become a highly sought-after perk for frequent flyers and road warriors alike. By strategically leveraging the right credit card, you can unlock a world of exclusivity and respite within some of the world’s busiest airports.
Whether you’re seeking the ultra-premium amenities of the American Express Centurion Lounges, the global reach of the Priority Pass network, or the brand loyalty perks of an airline or hotel co-branded card, there’s a lounge access credit card to suit virtually every travel style and budget.
Remember, the true value of these cards extends far beyond just lounge access. From generous welcome bonuses and accelerated rewards earning to comprehensive travel protections and annual credits, the right premium travel card can be a powerful tool in elevating your entire travel experience.
As you navigate the options and embark on your next journey, keep in mind that lounge access is just one piece of the puzzle. By carefully considering your travel patterns, brand loyalties, and overall spending habits, you can identify the card that not only grants you a sanctuary at the airport but also maximizes your rewards and savings every step of the way.
FAQs About Credit Cards with Lounge Access
What is considered an airport lounge?
Airport lounges are dedicated spaces within airport terminals that provide a more comfortable and relaxing environment for travelers. Amenities typically include complimentary snacks and beverages, WiFi access, comfortable seating, and sometimes even showers or nap rooms. Lounges can be operated by airlines, credit card issuers, or independent companies.
What types of airport lounges are available?
The main types of airport lounges include:
- Airline Lounges (e.g., Delta Sky Clubs, United Clubs, American Airlines Admirals Clubs)
- Credit Card Issuer Lounges (e.g., American Express Centurion Lounges, Capital One Lounges, Chase Sapphire Lounges)
- Independent Lounge Networks (e.g., Priority Pass, Plaza Premium Lounges)
How do I get access to airport lounges?
There are several ways to gain airport lounge access:
- Holding elite status with an airline loyalty program
- Purchasing an annual lounge membership directly from the lounge operator
- Holding a premium travel credit card that includes lounge access as a benefit
- Purchasing a day pass for a single lounge visit
Using a credit card with lounge access as a benefit is often the most cost-effective and convenient way for frequent travelers to access lounges.
What amenities are typically available in airport lounges?
While amenities can vary, most airport lounges offer:
- Comfortable seating areas
- Complimentary snacks and beverages (including alcoholic drinks)
- High-speed WiFi
- Power outlets and work stations
- Newspapers and magazines
- Showers and nap rooms (at select lounges)
- Children’s play areas (at select lounges)
Premium lounges like the Amex Centurion Lounges often feature more upscale amenities like full-service bars, chef-inspired dining options, and spa services.
Can I bring guests into airport lounges?
Most credit cards that offer lounge access allow the primary cardholder to bring a set number of guests per visit, typically one or two guests. Some cards charge additional fees for guest entries, while others allow unlimited complimentary guest access.
It’s important to check the specific card’s terms and conditions for guest policies, as they can vary widely. Airline and hotel co-branded cards may have different guest policies than general travel rewards cards.
Are airport lounges worth the cost?
For frequent travelers, airport lounge access can absolutely be worth the cost, especially if it’s included as a complimentary benefit through a premium travel credit card. Lounges provide a peaceful respite from the chaos of busy airport terminals, offering comfortable seating, complimentary food and beverages, and other amenities to make your travel experience more enjoyable.
However, for infrequent travelers or those on a tight budget, paying for lounge access out-of-pocket may not be as worthwhile. In these cases, it’s best to weigh the potential cost savings and convenience against the actual need for lounge access.
In another related article, Maximize Food and Travel with the American Express Gold Card in 2024
