The Platinum Card® from American Express is the best card for lounge access because it comes with access to several popular airport lounge networks.
Airports worldwide are home to one of the best perks for travelers — airport lounges. Instead of cramming into a seat at your gate, lounges provide comfort, convenience and complimentary services to help you relax and unwind before your flight.
The question is how do you gain access to airport lounges? Many credit cards come with airport lounge memberships or passes. These cards tend to have higher annual fees than other cards, but often the cost is more than made up through the value of lounge access and other card perks. Below are some of our top picks for credit cards with airport lounge access so you can determine if one is right for you.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Over 1,200 airport lounges in over 120 countries, including Centurion and Delta Sky Club lounges
The Platinum Card® from American Express is the best card for airport lounge access hands-down. Cardholders get access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes Priority Pass™ Select membership, exclusive access to Amex’s own Centurion lounges, and entry into Delta Sky Clubs before or during Delta flights. The card also comes with a laundry list of credits, benefits and protections like up to a $200 airline fee credit (enrollment required) and upgraded hotel status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required).
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Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
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Access to more than 100 international lounges
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is another strong pick for international lounge access. Its Plaza Premium Group feature allows you to access more than 100 international lounges. It has access to Priority Pass lounges on top of that — and at a $395 annual fee, which is lower than The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
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Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Lowest cost for a Priority Pass membership
Chase Sapphire Reserve® is our top pick for Priority Pass perks since you get lounge access for the most reasonable annual fee. The card has a $550 annual fee, but also comes with a $300 annual travel credit that applies to most travel purchases and cancels out most of that fee. Essentially, as long as you travel enough to use up the travel credit, you’ll get access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide for a cost of just $250 per year.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Over 1,200 airport lounges in over 120 countries, including Centurion and Delta Sky Club lounges
If you’re a fan of The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is just as good, if not better. It’s our top pick for a business card with lounge benefits because it offers access to the same lounge networks as the consumer version of the card, including Priority Pass™ Select membership, access to Amex Centurion lounges, and access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta. While a $695 annual fee applies, business owners with this card get valuable business credits, such as up to $400 in credits from Dell and up to $360 in credits with Indeed (enrollment required).
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Access to nearly 50 Admirals Club® lounges and 60 partner lounges
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is the only credit card that comes with American Airlines Admirals Club® membership. While a $595 annual fee applies, Admirals Club® membership is actually worth up to $650 if you chose to pay for it outright. Getting the card instead gives you several airline-related perks, including priority check-in, security, and boarding privileges and a Global Entry or TSA Precheck fee credit.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Delta SkyClub membership, plus access to Centurion lounges
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the only co-branded consumer credit card from Delta that offers Delta Sky Club membership as well as access to Amex’s exclusive Centurion Lounge network. While a $550 annual fee is required to get this card, purchasing Delta Sky Club membership alone would set you back a minimum of $650 Cardholders also get a round-trip companion pass every year, a first checked bag free on Delta flights and more.
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Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Access to 45+ lounges, including United Polaris lounges
United fans will love the United Club℠ Infinite Card since it comes with access to United Club lounges and premium travel services when flying United. Major benefits outside of airport lounge access include first and second checked bags free, priority check-in and boarding and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit. The annual fee on this card is $525, whereas paying for United Club membership costs a minimum of $650.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.10 Priority Pass visits each year with a low annual fee
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is great for infrequent travelers since it comes with 10 free passes to Priority Pass airport lounges with an annual fee of just $150 per year. Earning rates for this card are also generous, and it comes with valuable hotel perks, like Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required).
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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The Platinum Card® from American Express
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Winner
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Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Terms apply. | $695 | |
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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
International runner-up
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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 | 2X Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 10X Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5X Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel | $395 |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
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Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
Priority Pass
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Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. | $550 |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
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Business
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Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. | 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus. | $695 | |
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Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®*
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Admirals Club®
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Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. | Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases | $595 | |
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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card*
Learn More
on American Express's secure site |
Delta SkyClub
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Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. | $650 |
Learn More
on American Express's secure site |
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United Club℠ Infinite Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
United Club
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Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. | $525 |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
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Low annual fee
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Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025. | Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio. Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations. Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases. Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. | $150 |
Getting a credit card with airport lounge access is worth the cost if you travel often to destinations with lounges within your network. Airport lounges offer several amenities and benefits for travelers including:
Having lounge access is only valuable if you plan to take advantage of the perks that come with it. If you only fly a few times a year, a credit card with lounge access may not be the best fit.
There are a few ways to get free airport lounge access:
Credit cards
One of the best ways is through credit cards. Some credit cards offer complimentary access to a lounge network (multiple lounge networks in some cases).
Elite status
Some airlines allow you to access lounges if you’ve achieved a higher status in their frequent flyer program.
Fly in first class
In some cases, especially with domestic flights, booking a first-class flight can earn you free entry into an airport lounge on the day of your flight.
Keep in mind that there is still a cost involved — either through purchasing airfare with the airline or paying the annual fee for a card with lounge access. You just aren’t paying directly for lounge access.
If you’re looking for the best lounge networks to join, there are several to choose from. Below are some of the most popular airport lounge networks among travelers today.
The Centurion lounge network is home to more than 40 world-class airport lounges worldwide. The network includes Centurion and Escape lounges. Features often include complimentary drinks and food prepared by world-class chefs and carefully crafted seating areas for work or relaxation.
Priority Pass is among the most popular airport lounges because of its vast number of lounges available worldwide. The network is home to over 1,300 lounges in 600 cities worldwide. Lounges feature standard amenities like Wi-Fi and refreshments. Some Priority Pass lounges offer perks like spa treatments and sleeping rooms.
Admirals Club® is American Airlines’ airport lounge network. The network has almost 50 lounges spread across the world. Members also get access to 60 partner lounges. Admirals Club® lounges feature snacks, made-to-order food, beverages, business centers, shower suites and personal travel assistance.
Membership fee: $550 to $650
Number of lounge locations: 45+ United Club lounges, six United Polaris lounges
Best cards for access: United Club℠ Infinite Card, United℠ Business Card
United Club is the lounge network for United Airlines. Along with over 45 lounges worldwide, select members and travelers can also access its six United Polaris lounges. Members also have access to select Star Alliance partner lounges too. Lounges feature standard amenities like free snacks and beverages, comfortable seating, and Wi-Fi.
The information related to the United℠ Business Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication.
Membership fee: $695 to $1,495
Number of lounge locations: 50+ lounges worldwide
Best cards for access: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Delta Sky Club has locations around the world to meet travelers’ needs. Features often include complimentary beverage services and food, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, business centers, and shower facilities.
If you don’t have a credit card with lounge access, you may still be able to gain entry. Many airlines allow you to buy memberships or one-time passes for a fee. United Airlines, for example, sells one-time passes for its United Clubs for $59. American Airlines Admirals Club® offers several annual membership options with fees of up to $1,250 for a household membership. Some lounge networks, like Centurion, do not sell lounge access passes or memberships.
Airport lounges can be an enjoyable and relaxing experience for travelers. You can maximize your experience by following these tips.
Take time to familiarize yourself with your lounge network before visiting. Learn what perks come with lounge membership, lounge locations, guest pass policies, family and kids policies and other pertinent program details.
Once you have flights booked, find out what lounges are available at your departure and arrival airports. Lounges often have their own set of policies, procedures, and hours. Find out if there’s anything special you need to know before your visit. Figure out where it’s located in the airport in relation to your gate.
Plan on arriving at least 30 minutes early to take advantage of all of the lounge’s amenities. Having to rush through your lounge time, grab a quick snack and sit for a minute is not enjoyable. Always plan for enough time to enjoy lounge access.
Another way to maximize your lounge visit is to do a lap around the entire lounge before sitting down. That way, you know what they offer and where everything’s located. Check out all of the amenities and seating areas before you settle in.
Sometimes airport lounges can be too relaxing. Remember that you’re at the airport for a reason — your flight. Make a note of your flight’s boarding time to avoid missing it. Set an alarm if you think you might lose track of time.
Several credit cards come with free access to airport lounges, including The Platinum Card® from American Express, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® and Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Some credit cards offer free airport lounge network memberships. Other cards may offer one-time lounge passes or exclusive discounted lounge visit rates.
Typically, you can either show your credit card or your lounge membership card to access an airport lounge. Some lounge networks also offer a digital membership card through their mobile app. Most lounges also want to see a same-day boarding pass.
Check your cardholder agreement or contact the credit card issuer to determine if airport lounge benefits are included with your card.
To make choosing the right card easier, we’ve looked at credit cards reviewed on ValuePenguin as well as cards on major issuer sites to compile a list of cards that offer the best airport lounge access. Our recommendations are based on the strength of the cards’ lounge networks, as well as the additional value you can earn with the cards — including the rewards value, cost of ownership and value of benefits such as travel and purchase protections and airline companion passes. Our choices are not influenced by our advertisers. Learn more on how we calculate rewards.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by third parties such as Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
The information related to the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
