Lois Larson
Airport lounges are a respite from the chaos of air travel, offering complimentary food, drinks, and other luxurious amenities. Access to these lounges has become a popular perk on travel credit cards, with some cards offering broader lounge access networks than others. The right credit card for airport lounge access depends on the user's travel preferences and can range from \$0 to \$700 per year. This article will explore the different types of credit cards that offer airport lounge access and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of lounge visits | Unlimited or limited number of visits per year |
| Lounge networks | Delta Sky Clubs, American Airlines Admirals Clubs, Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, etc. |
| Perks | Complimentary food and drinks, free Wi-Fi, newspapers, reclining chairs, spa treatments, etc. |
| Eligibility | Spend a certain amount within a specific time frame, e.g., $5,000 within the first 3 months |
| Fees | Annual fees ranging from $96 to $795, with higher fees often offering premium perks |
| Rewards | Bonus points, travel credits, purchase protection, no foreign transaction fees, etc. |
| Card issuers | Chase, American Express, U.S. Bank, Citi, Barclays, Scotiabank, TD Aeroplan, CIBC Aventura, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Cards with the best airport lounge perks
Airport lounges are designed to be a respite from the more chaotic aspects of air travel, and access to airport lounges has become a popular perk on travel credit cards. There are multiple types of airline lounge access you can get with a credit card. Some cards will get you into airline-specific lounges, while others include a Priority Pass membership, granting entry into curated collections of lounges worldwide. Issuers themselves have also opened their own lounges in recent years. Here are some cards with the best airport lounge perks:
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express gets you access to more than 1,400 locations, including the issuer's own Centurion and International American Express lounges, as well as Delta Sky Clubs and lounges in the Priority Pass, Escape, Plaza Premium, and Air Space networks. It also offers high-end perks like elite status in certain hotel loyalty programs, concierge service, and Global Dining Access by Resy, among others. There is a steep annual fee of $695, which is about as high as it gets for a mainstream card.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
With the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you’ll get access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass Select. You’ll also be able to get into Chase’s own branded lounges. There is a high annual fee of $795, but this covers a large chunk of the card’s high annual fee.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Venture X packs a punch as a premium travel card, including extensive lounge access. There are now three Capital One Lounges open, featuring excellent amenities for U.S. travelers. In addition, the $300 annual credit through Capital One Travel — which effectively lowers the $395 annual fee to just $95 a year. Anyone who wants to earn more than 1 mile per dollar on every purchase and travelers who value access to more than 1,300 airport lounges after enrolling in Priority Pass™, travel credits, and valuable transfer partners.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular alternative and one of the best beginner travel cards. It has a much lower fee of $95, earns 3 points per dollar spent on dining, 2 points per dollar spent on travel, and offers access to the same Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners. While it lacks the premium perks of the Sapphire Reserve, it still provides solid travel protections and the ability to build up a stash of valuable points over time.
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Cards with the best overall value
When it comes to cards with the best overall value for accessing airport lounges, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to choose a card that aligns with your travel habits and preferences. For example, if you're loyal to a particular airline, a co-branded airline card like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve or the Delta American Express might be a good option. These cards often provide perks such as priority check-in, boarding, and free checked bags, in addition to lounge access. On the other hand, if you fly with various carriers, a card with a broader network, like those that include a Priority Pass membership, may be more suitable. Cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite offer access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass, as well as additional perks.
Another factor to consider is the annual fee. While some cards with premium perks have annual fees ranging from $400 to $700, this may not be the best value for occasional travellers. Instead, consider cards with lower annual fees that still offer valuable benefits, such as the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege credit card, which offers unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America and six free visits per year to over 1,200 airport lounges. Additionally, some cards waive the annual fee for the first year, which can be a great way to test out the benefits without committing long-term.
It's also worth looking at the rewards and earning rates offered by each card. The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite, for example, provides membership in the Visa Airport Companion Program, four free lounge visits per year, and a statement credit towards a Nexus application fee every four years. This card also offers a first-year annual fee rebate and additional perks, making it a great option for frequent travellers to the U.S. Ultimately, the best overall value will depend on your individual needs and travel patterns, so be sure to compare the features and benefits of each card before making a decision.
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Cards with the best lounge access for frequent travellers
For frequent travellers, choosing the right credit card for airport lounge access is not just about the perks, but about how well it fits with your travel habits. Some cards only offer access to specific airline lounges, while others provide broader access through third-party programs. If you're loyal to one airline, a co-branded airline card, such as a Delta American Express, could be a good choice. However, if you fly with different carriers, a card with a wide network, like those that include a Priority Pass membership, will be more useful.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card offers access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership. Cardholders can also access Chase's own branded lounges. Other benefits include a $300 annual travel credit, high and flexible rewards on travel, and fee credits for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck.
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege credit card is another great option for frequent travellers, offering unlimited access to luxury airport lounges. Cardholders get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges throughout North America for themselves and a guest, as well as six free visits per year to over 1,200 airport lounges. This card also includes travel insurance, a Nexus fee rebate, and other travel benefits.
For those who frequently travel to the United States, the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite is a good choice. It includes membership in the Visa Airport Companion Program and offers four free lounge visits per year. Cardholders also get a statement credit towards a Nexus application fee every four years.
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is another top pick, offering six free airport lounge visits per year through a complimentary Priority Pass membership. This card stands out as one of the few in Canada that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
When choosing a credit card for lounge access, it's important to consider the overall value, flexibility, and how easy it is to maximise the benefits. Lounge access cards can range from $400 to $700 per year, so it's essential to select one that aligns with your travel preferences and needs.
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Cards with the best lounge access for occasional travellers
Occasional travellers may find better value with lower-fee cards that offer limited but still useful travel perks. The key is to choose a card that fits your travel habits. If you're loyal to one airline, a co-branded airline card could be a good option. For example, Delta SkyMiles Reserve offers access to Delta Sky Clubs. However, if you prefer to fly with different carriers, a card with access to a wide network, such as those that include a Priority Pass membership, may be more suitable.
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is a good option for Canadians, offering six free visits per year and no foreign transaction fees. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege credit card is another top choice for Canadians, providing unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America and six free visits per year to over 1,200 airport lounges.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a high-end card with a $795 annual fee, but it offers access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. The card also provides a $300 annual travel credit, high and flexible rewards on travel, and other benefits.
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite is a good choice for frequent travellers to the U.S., offering four free lounge visits per year and a statement credit towards a Nexus application fee.
While credit cards with lounge access can provide great benefits, it's important to consider your travel habits and choose a card that aligns with your needs.
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Cards with the best lounge access for non-US citizens
Airport lounges are designed to be a respite from the more chaotic aspects of air travel, and access to airport lounges has become a popular perk on travel credit cards. Here are some of the best credit cards with lounge access for non-US citizens:
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
With the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card, cardholders can get complimentary entrance to over 1,300 Priority Pass lounges worldwide after a one-time enrollment in Priority Pass Select. Cardholders can also get into Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club, plus select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes when flying with Star Alliance. The card offers up to $300 in annual travel credits as reimbursement for travel purchases, as well as up to $500 in credit toward hotels with The Edit, up to $300 in dining credits, and up to $300 for qualifying StubHub purchases. The card has a high annual fee of $795, but the travel credits can help justify the cost.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express offers access to lounges in 140 countries through the Global Lounge Collection, which includes the Priority Pass network and American Express Centurion Lounges. Members also receive limited access to Delta Sky Clubs and Lufthansa Lounges when flying with the respective airline on the same day. The card provides over $1,500 in value from benefits and statement credits for those who know how to utilize them.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is a great option if you're looking for a card with no annual fee but still want lounge access. While the specific benefits of this card are not mentioned, it has been rated as one of the best cards for lounge access by Forbes Advisor.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers an unlimited number of Delta Sky Club lounge visits each year if you spend $75,000 or more with the card. However, there is no access to Delta Sky Club's network of partner locations with this card. The card has a steep annual fee of $650, but it offers rich welcome bonuses and limited ongoing rewards of 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta, and 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
It's important to note that the availability and terms of these credit cards may vary depending on your country of residence and the issuing bank or financial institution. Be sure to review the specific terms and conditions of each card before applying.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the best credit cards for airport lounge access include the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege credit card, the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve.
Airport lounges offer a respite from the chaotic environment of the terminals. They typically provide complimentary food, drinks, newspapers, and Wi-Fi. Some lounges even offer additional perks like conference rooms, fax machines, spa treatments, private rooms, and showers.
Lounge access credit cards typically range from $400 to $700 per year. The higher-end cards with premium perks tend to have higher fees, so it's important to consider your travel habits and whether you will fully utilise the benefits.
The right credit card depends on your travel habits. If you are loyal to a specific airline, a co-branded airline card might be a good option. However, if you fly with various carriers, a card with access to a wider network, like Priority Pass, may offer more flexibility.
Yes, you can purchase a Priority Pass membership directly, which comes in different tiers (Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige). Additionally, some lounges allow you to pay for access without a membership, but this may not always be the most cost-effective option.
