Best Credit Cards with Lounge Access
Overview
Traveling, whether for business or leisure, often involves long hours at the airport. During these waiting hours, access to an airport lounge can offer a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the terminal. Lounge access provides comfort, privacy, complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi, and more. Fortunately, several credit cards come with lounge access as a key benefit, making them an excellent choice for frequent flyers. This article by Academic Block will explore the best credit cards offering airport lounge access.
American Express Platinum Card
One of the most prestigious credit cards available, the American Express Platinum Card is synonymous with luxury travel perks, including access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide. This includes access to the exclusive Centurion Lounges, which are considered among the best in the industry. Additionally, cardholders get access to Priority Pass lounges, Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta), and lounges in the Plaza Premium network.
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Annual Fee : $695 (as of 2024)
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Lounge Access : Access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Club, and more
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Additional Benefits : 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, $200 annual airline fee credit, and complimentary elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a popular card for those who enjoy luxury travel experiences, offering extensive lounge access and other travel-related perks. Cardholders receive Priority Pass Select membership, which grants access to over 1,300 airport lounges globally. This benefit alone makes the card one of the top choices for frequent travelers.
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Annual Fee : $550 (as of 2024)
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Lounge Access : Priority Pass Select (over 1,300 lounges)
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Additional Benefits : 3x points on travel and dining, $300 annual travel credit, and 1.5x points on travel purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
For those who frequently fly with American Airlines, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is an excellent option, offering access to Admirals Club® lounges at airports around the world. The card also includes access to other lounges through Priority Pass.
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Annual Fee : $450 (as of 2024)
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Lounge Access : Admirals Club and Priority Pass lounges
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Additional Benefits : 2x miles on American Airlines purchases, 1x mile on other purchases, and complimentary first checked bag on American Airlines flights.
The Platinum Card® from American Express (Business)
A great option for business travelers, the American Express Business Platinum Card offers many of the same lounge access benefits as the personal Platinum card, including entry to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta). This card provides premium services specifically tailored to those traveling for business, making it a valuable asset for professionals.
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Annual Fee : $695 (as of 2024)
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Lounge Access : Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Club
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Additional Benefits : 5x Membership Rewards points on flights, 1.5x points on eligible purchases in select categories, and access to business-focused travel and concierge services.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a relatively new player in the premium travel credit card market, but it offers excellent value for travelers. It comes with Priority Pass membership, providing access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. Additionally, the card offers some great rewards for travel and dining expenses.
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Annual Fee : $395 (as of 2024)
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Lounge Access : Priority Pass Select (1,300+ lounges)
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Additional Benefits : 2x miles on every purchase, 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and a $300 annual travel credit.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Similar to the personal Platinum card, the American Express Business Platinum Card provides exceptional lounge access, including Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass membership. This card is designed for business owners who travel frequently, offering access to more than 1,200 lounges globally, and also provides an array of travel protections and rewards.
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Annual Fee : $695 (as of 2024)
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Lounge Access : Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Club
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Additional Benefits : 1.5x points on select business purchases, 5x points on flights, and comprehensive travel protections.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
For travelers loyal to Hilton hotels, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers excellent lounge access in addition to other benefits. The card provides Priority Pass Select membership, giving access to over 1,300 lounges globally, making it a strong contender for frequent travelers who prioritize luxury accommodations and airport comfort.
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Annual Fee : $450 (as of 2024)
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Lounge Access : Priority Pass Select
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Additional Benefits : 14x points at Hilton hotels, 7x points on flights, and a free weekend night award after each card renewal.
United Club Infinite Card
For frequent United Airlines flyers, the United Club Infinite Card offers access to United’s United Club lounges as well as more than 1,000 additional lounges worldwide through Priority Pass. The card is ideal for those who prefer flying with United Airlines and enjoy having a comfortable, quiet place to relax before flights.
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Annual Fee : $525 (as of 2024)
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Lounge Access : United Club lounges and Priority Pass lounges
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Additional Benefits : 4x miles on United purchases, 2x miles on dining and travel, and a first checked bag free on United flights.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
For those loyal to Delta Air Lines, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card provides access to Delta Sky Club lounges, as well as Priority Pass lounges. This card is designed for frequent Delta travelers and offers an array of additional benefits, including priority boarding and complimentary upgrades.
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Annual Fee : $550 (as of 2024)
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Lounge Access : Delta Sky Club and Priority Pass
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Additional Benefits : 3x miles on Delta purchases, 1x mile on other purchases, and complimentary first checked bag.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is not a premium travel card, but it offers some fantastic perks for travelers. While it doesn’t provide as extensive lounge access as other premium cards, it does come with Priority Pass Select membership, which gives access to over 1,300 lounges around the world.
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Annual Fee : $95 (as of 2024)
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Lounge Access : Priority Pass Select
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Additional Benefits : 2x points on travel and dining, 1x points on other purchases, and 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Final Words
Airport lounge access enhances your travel experience by providing comfort and relaxation. From premium cards like the American Express Platinum to more affordable options like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, there are choices to suit different needs. Consider the annual fee, lounge access, and additional travel benefits when selecting a credit cards with lounge access. We value your feedback! Please leave a comment to help us enhance our content. Thank you for reading!
This Article will answer your questions like:
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the best travel credit cards for lounge access. It offers access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through the Priority Pass Select program. This card also comes with additional travel benefits, including 3x points on travel and dining, making it ideal for frequent travelers seeking a premium experience.
Yes, the American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card offers lounge access without an annual fee, through the American Express Global Lounge Collection. While the card does not come with as many premium perks as higher-tier cards, it provides access to over 1,200 lounges globally. It’s a great option for budget-conscious travelers who still want lounge benefits.
The best credit cards with airport lounge access include the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which offers Priority Pass Select access, the Platinum Card from American Express, which includes access to the Centurion Lounge, and the Citi Prestige Card. These cards provide extensive lounge access along with valuable travel rewards and additional luxury perks.
The Delta Reserve Card offers exclusive lounge access at Delta Sky Clubs. Cardholders can access these lounges when flying with Delta or on a Delta partner airline. Additionally, they can bring guests for a fee. This premium card also comes with other travel perks, such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and higher earning rates on Delta purchases.
While no single credit card provides access to *all* lounges globally, several premium cards like the American Express Platinum Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve offer extensive lounge access to various networks, including Priority Pass, American Express Centurion Lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs. These cards cover a wide range of lounge types, making them some of the best for frequent flyers.
The American Express Platinum Card is the best for lounge access. It provides access to over 1,200 lounges worldwide, including the American Express Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Priority Pass lounges. In addition to lounge access, it offers numerous travel benefits, such as 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels, and a $200 airline fee credit.
To get free lounge access with credit cards, apply for premium cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Platinum Card. These cards offer access to a variety of lounges, including Priority Pass, Centurion, and other exclusive lounges. Some cards also provide complimentary memberships or access based on cardholder status, along with additional travel benefits like upgrades and credits.
The American Express Business Platinum Card is an excellent choice for business travelers seeking lounge access. It provides access to more than 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, including the Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass. Business owners also benefit from 5x points on travel and a range of other premium perks such as no foreign transaction fees and access to business benefits.
Several credit cards offer both lounge access and rewarding programs. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum Card provide access to airport lounges while offering extensive rewards on travel and dining. These cards offer points or miles, which can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or cashback, making them ideal for travelers who want both perks and rewards.
The American Express Centurion Card (Black Card) offers unlimited lounge access to over 1,200 lounges worldwide. Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum Card provide unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges and other networks. These premium cards cater to frequent travelers seeking extensive lounge privileges globally.
Lounge access with credit cards works by offering membership or access to networks like Priority Pass or American Express Centurion Lounges. When you present your card at participating lounges, you can enjoy amenities such as food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. Some cards allow cardholders to bring guests, while others charge a fee for guest entry.