Credit Cards
14 Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access in November 2026
By
Ben Smithson
Ben Smithson
Senior writer
Ben Smithson is a senior writer for TPG and is based in London. Originally from Australia and a qualified lawyer with a financial services background, he has almost a decade of experience writing about a broad range of travel and loyalty topics.
and
•Stephanie Stevens
Stephanie Stevens
Credit cards writer
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
Edited by
•Matt Moffitt
Matt Moffitt
Contributing editor
Matt Moffitt is a contributing editor and expert in getting the most out of credit cards and points (he carries at least 25 cards in his wallet at any given time). Originally from Sydney, Australia, he won the Green Card Lottery and lived in Austin, Texas for 10 years before relocating to Spain in 2025.
Reviewed by
Paige Balcom
Paige Balcom
Compliance associate
Compliance associate Paige Balcom joined TPG in 2022 and has spent her time working in the credit card industry reviewing content across sites such as CNET, CreditCards.com and Bankrate. She has used her knowledge to train new writers and other compliance members on the intricacies of compliance across multiple brands and partners.
Most of the cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you approve through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Our top picks for the best credit cards from our partners with airport lounge access can elevate your experience the next time you fly. Airport lounges are great places to relax and recharge your devices before a flight and typically offer complimentary refreshments and private bathrooms — which can be a great perk when you find yourself on a long layover.
While you can pay for access to many lounges, it’s also a benefit on select 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 — like Delta Air Lines’ Sky Clubs or American Airlines’ Admirals Clubs. Other cards include Plaza Premium access or a Priority Pass Select membership, which grant entry into curated collections of lounges worldwide. Issuers themselves have also gotten into the game, with American Express Centurion lounges, Capital One lounges and Chase Sapphire lounges opening their doors in recent years.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience than the hectic environment of an airport terminal, our team of experts has compiled the list below of the best credit cards with airport lounge access to enhance your flight experience ahead of your next flight.
At The Points Guy, our goal is to help you maximize your travel experiences while minimizing spending. Our travel and credit cards experts share their own experiences and give honest analyses to help you make decisions that benefit you the most. While we do receive compensation through our credit card application links, ads, and clearly indicated sponsored content, our editorial content, points valuations and card analysis are entirely our own.
- American Express Platinum Card®: Best for premium travel perks and digital entertainment
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for premium travel
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for business owners who prioritize premium travel perks
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for travel and dining combined
- Capital One Venture X Business: Best for businesses with high-spending
- Sapphire Reserve for Business℠: Best for business travel rewards
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best for Delta flyers
- United Club℠ Card: Best for United Club access
- Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card: Best for A premium card with flexible perks for frequent Oneworld flyers
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard®: Best for American Airlines lounge access
- United℠ Business Card: Best for United business travelers
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Best for Delta business travelers
- Citi Strata Elite℠ Card: Best for earning AAdvantage miles without flying
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard®: Best for mid-tier American Airlines rewards
Comparing the best credit cards for airport lounge access
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
| 5X | Earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. |
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
$895
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good,Excellent
The American Express Platinum Card® has a high annual fee but remains one of the best cards on the market for those who prioritize premium travel experiences. A combination of updated and new statement credits makes the refreshed Amex Platinum an ideal card for frequent travelers and digital entertainment enthusiasts alike.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Up to $600 hotel credit (disbursed as up to $300 in statement credits semiannually)
- Up to $300 digital entertainment credit (disbursed as up to $25 in statement credits per month; enrollment required)
- Earns transferable Membership Rewards points
Cons
- $895 annual fee
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. Effective January 1, 2027, Fine Hotels + Resorts® bookings will require a minimum two-night stay to be eligible for the $600 Hotel Credit.
- With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight, Priority Pass membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. *As of 08/2026.
- $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
- $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights™ by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. As a Platinum Card® Member you have special access to reservations on select nights at participating sought after Resy restaurants through Platinum Nights™ by Resy. Simply add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile to book your reservation.
- $219 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 60+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to The Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Whatever the occasion, choose from our two signature collections of premium hotels, curated to inspire and excite you when you book through Amex Travel™: Fine Hotels + Resorts® is a collection of over 1,900 luxury hotels that are destinations unto themselves and the Hotel Collection includes over 1,400 upscale hotels in desirable destinations.
- $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Get up to a $12.95* statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Apply for Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Apply now
for Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Cardat Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
| 10 Miles | 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 5 Miles | 5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2 Miles | 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day |
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
740-850Excellent
If you can maximize the $300 annual credit towards bookings through Capital One Travel, the Venture X’s annual fee effectively comes down to $95. Add in a 10,000-mile bonus every account anniversary (worth $185, according to TPG valuations), and the card may become the strongest option out there for a lot of travelers. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
Pros
- Generous welcome offer
- 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
Cons
- $395 annual fee
- The $300 annual credit only applicable for bookings made through Capital One Travel portal
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Top rated mobile app
Best for business owners who prioritize premium travel perks
Apply for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Apply now
for The Business Platinum Card® from American Expressat American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
| 5X | Earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers¹, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per Card account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus. ¹Effective February 17, 2027, select merchants only. See terms. |
| 1X | Earn 1X points on other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Learn more.
As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
$895
Regular APR
17.99% - 28.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express continues its long-standing streak as one of the most valuable cards on the market for frequent business travelers. The Amex Business Platinum card offers perks like automatic Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status (enrollment required) and statement credits that can be used toward business-specific purchases.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Offers easy to use business-specific statement credits
- Earns valuable and transferable Membership Rewards points
Cons
- $895 annual fee
- As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Learn more.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 01/2026.
- See how you can unlock over $4,000 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
- Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel® using the Business Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. Effective January 1, 2027, Fine Hotels + Resorts® bookings will require a minimum two-night stay to be eligible for the $600 Hotel Credit.
- No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
- Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton for Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Gift cards are not an eligible purchase. Benefit enrollment required.
- Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
- Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $219 back per calendar year on your CLEAR+ Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
- Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
- Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
- Enroll and get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year on U.S. purchases of ChatGPT Business* on the Business Platinum Card. *Subject to auto-renewal.
- Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
- Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
- Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required. Effective February 17, 2027, select merchants only. See terms.
- 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers¹, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per Card account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus. ¹Effective February 17, 2027, select merchants only. See terms.
- 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
- NEW: With the Business Platinum Card® , you receive a complimentary American Express® ZO Membership from Tishman Speyer. Enjoy access to premium ZO Clubhouses and Lounges in select U.S. cities. Plus, get 4 complimentary day passes per month at U.S. Studio spaces and up to $500 in statement credits each calendar year when you use the Business Platinum Card® for event space bookings and/or a Dining Club membership.
- 1X points on other eligible purchases
- Apply to know if you’re approved with no personal or business credit score impact. If you are approved and choose to accept the Card, your personal and business credit scores may be impacted
- Terms Apply.
at Chase's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
| 8x | Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠. |
| 4x | Earn 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. |
| 3x | Earn 3x points on dining worldwide. |
| 1x | Earn 1x points on all other purchases. |
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
100,000 bonus points.
Annual fee
$795
Regular APR
19.74% - 28.24% Variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
740-850Excellent
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® remains one of the most rewarding travel credit cards thanks to its elevated earning rates on both Chase Travel℠ and direct hotel and airline purchases. Cardholders also gain access to more than $3,000 in potential annual value through premium perks like lounge access, hotel status, lifestyle credits and flexible travel credits.
With its strong earning structure and access to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, it’s a top choice for travelers seeking both luxury and long-term value.
Pros
- Automatic $300 annual travel credit each account anniversary year
- Earn 8 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel purchases and 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked direct
- Over $3,000 in total annual cardmember value, including credits for StubHub, Apple Music, Apple TV+ and DoorDash
- $300 annual dining credit (split up as two semiannual $150 credits) for Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables restaurants
- Access to Chase’s 14 hotel and airline travel partners
- No foreign transaction fees
- Complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status (through Dec. 31, 2027)
Cons
- Steep $795 annual fee, plus a $195 fee per authorized user
- Some credits are split biannually, requiring careful tracking to maximize value
- Some credits require enrollment or specific platforms, which may make it more difficult to maximize value
- May not be a good fit for those who don’t spend heavily on travel or select lifestyle categories
- Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases.
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, a statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck® or NEXUS application.
- Get up to $150 in statement credits from January through June and again from July through December for a maximum of $300 annually when you dine at restaurants part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV and Apple Music for a minimum of one year when activated by June 22, 2027, a value of $324 annually.
- Member FDIC
Earn 300K Miles + $1,300 Travel Credit
Best for businesses with high-spending
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
| 2X miles | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase |
| 5X miles | 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel |
| 10X miles | 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Limited-time card anniversary offer: Celebrate 3 years of Venture X Business and earn up to $4,300 in travel value when you spend $120,000 in your first 4 months as a cardholder—$1,000 bonus to use on Capital One Business Travel + 300,000 bonus miles + your $300 annual Capital One Business Travel Credit
Earn up to $4,300 in travel value when you spend $120,000 in your first 4 months as a cardholder
150,000 miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
25.99% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
740-850Excellent
The Capital One Venture X business card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit and lounge access. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture X Business card.
Pros
- The Capital One Venture X Business card has a generous welcome offer.
- In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 travel credit and airport lounge access, at a reasonable annual fee of $395.
- Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.
Cons
- The card requires a substantial amount of spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Limited-time card anniversary offer: Celebrate 3 years of Venture X Business and earn up to $4,300 in travel value when you spend $120,000 in your first 4 months as a cardholder—$1,000 bonus to use on Capital One Business Travel + 300,000 bonus miles + your $300 annual Capital One Business Travel Credit
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Your card is designed to be paid in full. However, you have the option to carry over a portion of your balance with interest if needed. Pay at least the minimum payment amount by your payment due date, otherwise you'll be charged a 2.99% late fee
- Top rated mobile app
Comparing the best credit cards for airport lounge access
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
at American Express's secure site | premium travel perks and digital entertainment | As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. Open Intro bonus You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. | 5X points Open Rewards rates
| $895 | ||||||||
at Capital One's secure site | premium travel | Earn 75,000 bonus miles Open Intro bonus Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel | 2 - 10X miles Open Rewards rates
| $395 | ||||||||
at American Express's secure site | business owners who prioritize premium travel perks | As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. Open Intro bonus You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Learn more. | 1 - 5X points Open Rewards rates
| $895 | ||||||||
at Chase's secure site | travel and dining combined | 100,000 bonus points. Open Intro bonus Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1 - 8X points Open Rewards rates
| $795 | ||||||||
Earn 300K Miles + $1,300 Travel Credit at Capital One's secure site | businesses with high-spending | Earn up to $4,300 in travel value when you spend $120,000 in your first 4 months as a cardholder Open Intro bonus Limited-time card anniversary offer: Celebrate 3 years of Venture X Business and earn up to $4,300 in travel value when you spend $120,000 in your first 4 months as a cardholder—$1,000 bonus to use on Capital One Business Travel + 300,000 bonus miles + your $300 annual Capital One Business Travel Credit 150,000 miles | 2 - 10X miles Open Rewards rates
| $395 |
Credit pointers with Brian Kelly
The Points Guy shares how to choose the best lounge access card to align with your travel style
59 sec video
How we rate cards
TPG's editorial team rates cards based on several factor but most importantly, we consider which ones would ultimately provide the most value to you as a cardholder. To select the best airport lounge access cards on the market, we accounted for what types of lounge specific cards get you into, what additional perks and benefits a card offers and whether or not a specific card has transfer partners you can use. To learn about how TPG evaluates and chooses cards for our roundups, check out our methodology here.
Welcome bonusThe best lounge access cards feature solid welcome bonuses that let you quickly accrue a points or miles.
Annual feeWe considered cards across the annual fee spectrum to provide an option for various budgets and types of travelers.
Earning ratesSome of our top picks are premium travel cards which offer lucrative earning rates that add up quickly.
Redemption optionsThe best airport lounge access cards not only provide access to lounges around the world, they also let you redeem earned rewards in various ways.
Added benefitsOur top picks consider what other perks you have access to once you're a cardholder. This includes lucrative earning rates, insurance and other protections.
Is lounge access worth it?
Lounge access is an essential perk for frequent travelers. According to a TPG newsletter survey, a whopping 80% of our readers rank lounge access as one of the top three most valuable card benefits. From a quiet place to work to a peaceful space to unwind during your layover, lounge access can make for an easy — and, dare we say — relaxing travel experience.
This information was collected via opt-in surveys of TPG’s roughly 900,000 daily newsletter subscribers in May-June 2024. All data is anonymous and aggregated; you can view our full methodology for collecting and utilizing data here.
Ask our experts
What is the best airport lounge access credit card — and why?
How to choose the best airport lounge access credit card
To choose the best airport lounge access card, consider factors like how often you travel and what you want to get out of a lounge. This could be access to things like premium WiFi or the ability to enjoy a meal and drinks at no additional cost. If you want to freshen up with a shower — or even a nap — there are some lounges that offer the ability to do these things, too.
Here are some of the main points to consider when choosing a credit card:
- Look for a credit card that provides access to a wide network of airport lounges that align with your travel habits and destinations.1Lounge network coverage
- Understand the eligibility criteria for accessing the lounges with the credit card, which may include flying on a specific airline or alliance, having status in an airline loyalty program, or meeting a minimum spending requirement.2Eligibility requirements
- Having guest access can be beneficial if you frequently travel with a companion. If the card does not allow guest access, your travel companion may consider getting their own card with lounge access.3Guest access
How to ensure you have lounge access before your next flight - The Points Guy
Having the right card, for example, can (literally) open up the door to great lounges
Pros + cons of lounge access credit cards
Pros
- Unlocking lounge access with a credit card can make your travel experience much less stressful
- Most lounge access credit cards earn rewards on every purchase that can be used for future vacations
- Many credit cards with lounge access include many additional perks — like travel benefits and statement credits for select purchases
- Carrying a card with lounge access can be less expensive than frequently purchasing lounge access outright
Cons
- If you spend beyond your means on a lounge access credit card, you’ll incur large interest charges and can damage your credit
- Most credit cards with lounge access incur high annual fees, so they may not be worthwhile for infrequent travelers
- Many card issuers have restricted lounge access in recent years, making it harder to bring in guests or family members for free
- Your home airport may not have a lounge for you to access with a credit card
Frequently asked questions
Airport lounges typically offer a more relaxed and comfortable environment to prepare for your flight than the crowded terminal. They provide comfortable seating, quiet areas, Wi-Fi access, charging points, complimentary food and beverages, and sometimes even showers and spa facilities.
If you have to work or need a quiet space to relax before your flight, airport lounges can provide a more conducive environment than a busy terminal. For those travelers who frequently experience flight delays or have long layovers, access to an airport lounge can make your wait more comfortable and enjoyable. However, check access times to see how early you can access a lounge before your next flight.
To start your journey as comfortably as possible, away from the chaos of a busy airport terminal, these are the best credit cards with airport lounge access to elevate your experience ahead of your next flight:
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best premium travel credit card
- American Express Platinum Card®: Best consumer card for airport lounges
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Priority Pass lounges and restaurants
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best for Delta flyers
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Depending on how frequently you travel, the airports you visit and the airlines you fly, having multiple cards that offer access to different lounge networks may make sense. Since you can only access Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines lounges when flying those specific carriers, having the correct credit card for lounge access is essential.
You can cover your bases by holding a card that offers airline-specific lounge access for your favorite airline and another card that offers independent lounge access when flying other airlines that do not partner with your preferred airline.
Related: 4 reasons why the Amex Platinum might be the ideal credit card for Delta flyers
The easiest way to get free airport lounge access is to sign up for a credit card that offers lounge access as a complimentary perk. However, you can snag airport lounge access with some types of airline elite status.
Priority Pass is an airport lounge membership program that provides members with access to more than 1,300 airport lounges — and sometimes non-lounge experiences such as restaurants — around the world. With a Priority Pass membership, you can visit some of the best Priority Pass lounges regardless of the airline you’re flying or your ticket class. You can even access Priority Pass lounges when you’re flying in economy class on a low-cost airline.
If you have Priority Pass access benefits through a credit card, you’ll usually need to enroll in Priority Pass Select. However, the access policies vary across cards, so be sure to determine what benefits your card offers before heading to the airport. For example, Priority Pass Select memberships for American Express cards don’t cover visits to restaurant lounges. And cards with lower annual fees often only offer 10 complimentary lounge visits per year.
Related: The best credit cards for Priority Pass lounge access
Enrollment required for select benefits.
Centurion Lounges are high-end lounges accessible to select American Express cardmembers. These lounges are often known for offering locally curated, high-quality dining and drinks. Some Centurion Lounges even provide other perks, including spa services and wine tasting.
Airport lounges typically provide access to seating, power, Wi-Fi, nonalcoholic drinks and snacks for no additional charge. However, some airport lounges offer other amenities such as meals, spa services, shower rooms, meeting rooms and alcoholic drinks. And in some cases, these additional amenities are also complimentary for anyone who has access to the lounge.