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Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
7 credit cards that offer lounge access to authorized users
Augusta Stone is a credit cards writer for TPG. She joined the TPG team in 2023 and is excited to take points and miles beginners with her on a journey toward maximizing rewards.
September 18, 2026 • 9 min read
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Quick summary
Airport lounge access is a highly valued benefit for frequent travelers, offering amenities like complimentary food, drinks and quiet spaces.
Guest access policies for lounges have tightened due to overcrowding, making it harder for companions to enter without their own privileges.
Many travel cards now allow authorized users to receive their own lounge access, typically for an additional fee per user.
Comparing top travel cards reveals differences in lounge networks, guest policies and the cost to add authorized users.
What to consider
Authorized user lounge access generally requires paying an extra fee, which varies by card and sometimes by the number of users added.
Some cards limit lounge access to specific networks or require users to be traveling on certain airlines to enter certain lounges.
Recent policy changes may restrict the number of lounge visits or require high annual spending to unlock unlimited access.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of which travel cards offer the most comprehensive lounge access for authorized users and how their fees and policies differ.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
The joys of an airport lounge are even better when shared.
From complimentary food and drinks to premium amenities like showers and quiet rooms, lounges are a reprieve from chaotic terminals and hurried travelers. If you're traveling with a companion, it's likely you'd want them to join you when you visit.
While many rewards cards promote complimentary airport lounge access as a perk for primary cardholders, guest access has been tightening amid lounge overcrowding. What's a traveler and their companion to do?
If you're frequently traveling with a partner or have someone who would benefit from having their own lounge privileges, these are the cards you should add to your wallet.
Comparing the best cards with authorized user lounge access
American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Delta Sky Club*, Centurion and Priority Pass lounges (with the same entry privileges as the primary cardmember; enrollment required)
Delta Sky Clubs** and Centurion Lounges (when traveling on flights marketed and operated by Delta Air Lines and presenting a same-day Delta boarding pass)
Delta Sky Clubs** and Centurion Lounges (when traveling on flights marketed and operated by Delta Air Lines and presenting a same-day Delta boarding pass)
$650 (see )
$175 per additional cardmember (see )
*Eligible Platinum Card members will receive 10 visits per eligible Platinum Card, per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go locations when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight, unless they spend $75,000 or more on their card to unlock unlimited visits.
**Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more per calendar year.
The Amex Platinum provides the same extensive lounge access enjoyed by primary cardmembers to authorized users. You'll pay an additional cardmember fee of $195 per authorized user.
Authorized users of the Amex Business Platinum receive the same lounge access privileges as primary cardmembers. However, there's a steep $400 fee for additional cardmembers on this one.
THE POINTS GUY
Like its personal counterpart, the Amex Business Platinum is a fantastic card for frequent travelers who run a small business. It offers many perks that differ from those of the consumer card, so it could be a good idea for some cardmembers to carry both.
If you want to share access to the growing collection of Chase Sapphire lounges (and enjoy a Priority Pass Select membership), you'll want to add an authorized user to your Chase Sapphire Reserve for a $195 fee.
Authorized users on the Venture X can receive access to Capital One lounges and Priority Pass lounges. You can add authorized users at no additional cost, though lounge access for additional cardholders costs $125 per authorized user (up to four users).
THE POINTS GUY
Still, the Venture X remains a great option for travelers, as it comes with a lower annual fee threshold (compared to other premium cards) while offering luxury perks.
If access to select Admirals Clubs matters to you, you may want to add an authorized user to the AAdvantage Executive. You'll be charged $175 for up to three additional cardholders, then $175 for each additional authorized user.
THE POINTS GUY
Frequent American Airlines flyers will appreciate the value this top-tier card provides, especially if Admirals Club access is important to them.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardmembers can add an additional cardmember for $175, and they'll receive access to Delta Sky Clubs and Centurion Lounges (when they travel on flights marketed and operated by Delta and present a same-day Delta boarding pass).
THE POINTS GUY
The features on this card, including multiple perks when you fly Delta and an annual companion certificate, have Delta loyalists in mind.
Like the previously mentioned personal Delta Reserve, you can add additional cardmembers to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business for $175 each. They receive access to Delta Sky Clubs and Centurion Lounges, including their own allotment of Sky Club passes.
THE POINTS GUY
Business owners who fly Delta will appreciate this card's benefits, which allow cardholders to earn elite status and Delta SkyMiles.
If lounge access is a top priority for someone you travel with frequently, it makes sense to add them as an authorized user on one of these cards.
These seven travel rewards cards also provide multiple useful benefits outside of lounge access, so be sure to factor in the additional perks before you apply.
Remember that lounge access for authorized users still comes at a cost, and each card on this list charges an additional fee to add cardholders.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click . For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click . For rates and fees of the Amex Delta Reserve card, click . For rates and fees of the Amex Delta Reserve Business card, click .
