The least expensive cards for airport lounge access
Editor's Note
There's nothing quite like airport lounge access. With the right credit card, you can escape from the general airport stress to a separate space to work, relax and enjoy complimentary refreshments while you wait for your flight.
But typically, that access is reserved for those with the most premium cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express. If you're keeping your annual fee costs low, you may have accepted your fate to wait out your layover at whichever eatery is closest to your gate.
However, there are several ways to achieve airport lounge access without paying a high annual fee.
Here are our favorite cards that don't break the bank and get you through the lounge doors.
Related: Best credit cards for lounge access
Become an authorized user
Before you apply for a new credit card, consider whether a loved one already has a card with lounge access and is willing to add you as an authorized user.
Authorized users can often enjoy the same lounge access as the primary cardholder and can be added relatively cheaply. If you can swing it, this will give you the biggest bang for your buck.
If a friend or family member has a Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), for instance, they can add you as an authorized user for just $195 per year. As an authorized user, you'll enjoy the same lounge access — to Priority Pass and Chase Sapphire Lounges — as the primary cardholder for much lower than the $795 annual fee they pay.
Just keep in mind that, as an authorized user, you won't earn your own points or enjoy some other benefits the card offers the primary cardholder.
Related: The 7 credit cards with the greatest value for authorized users
The least expensive cards for lounge access
Even if you don't have a loved one who can (or is willing to) add you as an authorized user on their premium account, you still have some good options. While the cards below have more limited lounge access than their premium counterparts, they'll get you through a lounge door at a fraction of the cost.
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card has no annual fee and comes with four Priority Pass visits each year. If you're an infrequent traveler or only pass through airports with Priority Pass lounges a few times a year, this card is an excellent option.
The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
With Altitude Connect, you'll earn 4 points per dollar spent on travel purchases and 2 points per dollar spent on dining, streaming services and grocery store purchases.
Cardholders also receive a statement credit up to $100 every four years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck — an excellent perk for a card with no annual fee.
For more details, check out our full review of the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect.
Related: Best no annual fee credit cards
United Explorer Card and United Business Card
You don't have to get United's premium United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees) to enjoy access to the United Club network.
Both the United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) and the United℠ Business Card (see rates and fees) has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150, ($0 intro annual fee for the first year with the Explorer card as well) and come with two United Club passes each cardholder year (redeemable for the cardholder or authorized user).
Both cards also offer United perks such as bonus miles on United purchases, a free checked bag and a fast track to earning elite status, as well as valuable travel protections.
With the United Business Card, you'll also earn bonus miles at gas stations, office supply stores, transit purchases and dining purchases (including eligible delivery services). Meanwhile, with the United Explorer Card, you'll earn bonus miles on dining and receive a credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus.
For more details, check out our full reviews of the United Explorer and United Business cards.
Apply here: United Explorer Card
Apply here: United Business Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business
Even though it's in the premium credit card category, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business are worth considering for lounge access on a budget. Although their $395 annual fee may initially seem steep, it's still much lower than their premium competitors.
Plus, the cards also come with a $300 annual credit for their respective travel portals. If you can maximize that, your out of pocket cost is just $95 — a bargain, given that it comes with unlimited access to Priority Pass and Capital One lounges.
As a cardholder, you'll earn bonus points on travel booked through the respective travel portal and 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases. You'll also enjoy valuable perks like bonus miles each account anniversary and a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Plus, with the Venture X, lounge access isn't just for the main cardholder. Authorized users (you can add up to four for no additional cost) receive the same access, and each cardholder also gets complimentary access for up to two guests each until Feb. 1, 2026.
For more details, check out our full review of the Venture X and Venture X Business.
Learn more: Capital One Venture
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Business
Related: Capital One Venture X vs. Venture X Business: Small but important differences
Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Credit Card
Another premium card, the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card offers some lounge access with a lower $395 annual fee. While this fee may be steep, the perks provided by the card can help offset it.
Cardholders receive eight annual Alaska lounge passes (two per calendar quarter). If you already have an Alaska Lounge membership, you can share these passes with friends and family. Additionally, this card offers perks like priority boarding and a free checked bag when flying on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines.
Plus, you'll also receive an annual global companion award, earn bonus points on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines purchases and on international transactions and receive an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
For more details, check out our full review of the Atmos Rewards Summit.
Apply here: Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Credit Card
Related: Is this new space the best Alaska Airlines lounge in the country?
PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Card
As a credit union card, the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Card flies under the radar. But if you're looking for reasonably priced airport lounge access, it's definitely worth a look.
It has an annual fee of $95 that is waived for PenFed Honors Advantage members and comes with Priority Pass access for the cardholder and one guest. It's important to note that cardholders have to pay a $35 lounge entry fee for each person, each lounge visit.
The information for the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The card also offers a $100 airline incidental credit, which can be used to cover lounge passes, and earns bonus rewards on travel purchases and comes with a statement credit to cover your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
You must be a PenFed member to apply for the Pathfinder Rewards Card, but you can become a member by opening a savings account with PenFed and depositing at least $5.
Related: Cash back vs. travel rewards: How to choose a credit card
Bottom line
Airport lounge access is a luxury perk, but you don't necessarily have to pay luxury annual fee prices to get it. With any of these cards, you'll be able to enjoy a reprieve during your next long layover for a much lower cost than what is typically associated with lounge access.
Just be warned — a taste of the good life with one of these cards might convince you to splurge for a more premium travel rewards credit card after all.
Related: How to choose a credit card for airport lounge access
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 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.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 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 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 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.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.