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 travel perk, especially for those traveling with companions.
Many premium travel cards allow authorized users to access lounges, though this typically involves an extra fee per user.
Authorized users often receive similar lounge privileges as primary cardholders, including entry to networks like Priority Pass, airline-specific lounges and premium spaces.
Comparing available options helps travelers determine which card best fits their needs for sharing lounge access.
What to consider
Fees for adding authorized users vary by card and may increase with the number of users added.
Some cards limit lounge visits or require specific travel conditions, such as flying with a particular airline or presenting a same-day boarding pass.
Lounge access policies and guest privileges can change, so reviewing the latest terms before applying or adding users is important.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of leading travel cards that offer lounge access for authorized users, including specific guest policies and fee structures.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
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
$195 for each additional authorized user (see rates and fees)
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)
American Airlines Admirals Clubs with immediate family members or up to two guests with them at no additional cost (no partner lounges)
$695
Up to three additional cardholders for $175, then $175 for each additional authorized user
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)
*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 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 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 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 . 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.
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 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 here. For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Delta Reserve card, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Delta Reserve Business card, click here.
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.
