The Best Personal Cards for Lounge Access
Here are my recommendations for the best personalcredit cards for airport lounge access:
- bonus_miles_full
- $300 Annual Credit via Capital One Travel.
- 10,000 Miles for Each Account Anniversary.
- Airport Lounge Access (Priority Pass, Capital One, & Plaza Premium).
- 10X Miles on Hotels and Rental Cars, and 5x Miles on Flights Booked with Capital One Travel.
- 2X Miles on all other purchases.
- $395 Annual Fee.
- bonus_miles_full
- 5x Points on Flights Booked Directly With Airlines (up to $500,000 in purchases each calendar year)
- Airport Lounge Access (Centurion, Delta Sky Club when flying Delta, Priority Pass, Escape, and Plaza Premium)
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- $695 Annual Fee (Rates & Fees)
The Best Business Cards for Lounge Access
Here are my recommendations for the best business credit cards for airport lounge access:
- bonus_miles_full
- 5X Points on Flights and Prepaid Hotels Booked Via AmexTravel.com
- Airport Lounge Access at Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when Flying Delta, Escape, Plaza Premium, and Priority Pass.
- $695 Annual Fee & No Foreign Transaction Fees (Rates & Fees)
- bonus_miles_full
- Airport Lounge Access to Capital One, Plaza Premium, and Priority Pass.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit
- 10,000 Anniversary Bonus Miles
- 10X Miles on Hotels and Rental Cars and 5x Miles on Flights Booked via Capital One Travel.
- Unlimited 2X Miles on All Other Purchases.
- $395 Annual Fee.
Frequent flyers know that airport lounges can provide a much-needed oasis of comfort and relaxation amidst the chaos of travel. With the right credit card in your wallet, you can gain complimentary access to these premium spaces, enjoying perks like free food and drinks, comfortable seating, and even spa treatments.
In this article, we’ll explore the best credit cards that offer airport lounge access, so you can travel in style without breaking the bank.
1. American Express Platinum Card®
Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club (when Flying Delta), Escape Lounges, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium
American Express Platinum Card® (review) offers the most comprehensive airport lounge network available, giving you access to premium Centurion Lounges plus thousands of other lounges worldwide. You can easily offset the card’s large annual fee through generous credits for Uber, hotels, digital entertainment, Resy dining, and lifestyle brands like lululemon.
Earning Points: 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel®, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year; 5x points on on prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com; 1x points on all other purchases.
Card Benefits:
- Airport Lounge Access to Eligible Cardmembers: American Express Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta and limited to 10 annual visits unless you spend $75,000 in a calendar year), Priority Pass with unlimited visits, Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and select Lufthansa Lounges (when flying a Lufthansa Group airline).
- Statement Credits: You can enjoy monthly and annual statement credits (enrollment required for most benefits; terms and conditions apply) for a wide range of services and merchants, including airline fees, Uber Cash, hotel bookings, digital entertainment, Walmart+, Saks Fifth Avenue purchases, CLEAR® Plus membership, Equinox fitness club membership, and SoulCycle At-Home Bike purchases.
- Elite Status: Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Honors Gold, Hertz President’s Circle, National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive, and Avis Preferred Plus.
- Travel Benefits: Trip delay insurance, trip cancellation insurance, secondary rental car insurance, and baggage insurance plan.
- Purchase Benefits: Extended warranty, purchase protection, return protection, and cell phone protection.
Transfer Partners: Aer Lingus, AeroMexico, Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Choice Privileges, Delta, Emirates, Etihad, Air France – KLM Flying Blue, Hawaiian Airlines, Hilton, Iberia, JetBlue, Marriott, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore KrisFlyer, and Virgin Atlantic.
2. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club (when Flying Delta), Escape Lounges, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (review) delivers premium travel benefits including extensive lounge access (access is limited to eligible card members) and valuable hotel elite status. This premium business card excels at making travel more luxurious, though you’ll need to use multiple statement credits and travel perks to maximize its value.
Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
Earn Rewards: 5x points for flights, prepaid hotels booked at AmexTravel.com; 2x points per dollar for purchases up to $2 million in spending per calendar year in these categories: purchases of $5,000 or more regardless of category, U.S. cloud service and software providers, U.S. construction materials and hardware suppliers, U.S. electronics retailers, and U.S. shipping providers; and 1x points on all other eligible purchases.
Card Benefits:
- Statement Credits: You’ll earn numerous statement credits including $250 for Adobe purchases after spending $600, up to $200 for airline incidentals, up to $209 for Clear Plus membership, up to $1,150 for Dell purchases ($150 in credits plus $1,000 after spending $5,000), Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, up to $200 for Hilton purchases ($50 quarterly with required Hilton for Business membership), up to $600 for Fine Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Collection bookings ($300 biannually with minimum two-night stays required for Hotel Collection), up to $360 for Indeed hiring services ($90 quarterly), and up to $120 for wireless telephone services ($10 monthly from any U.S. provider).
- Airport Lounge Access: American Express Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club when flying Delta (limited to 10 annual visits unless you spend $75,000 in a calendar year), Priority Pass, Escape Lounges, and Select Lufthansa Lounge when flying Lufthansa Group airlines. (Access is limited to eligible Card Members)
- Elite Status: Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Hertz’s President’s Circle, National Emerald Club Executive, and Avis Preferred Plus.
- Other Benefits: No preset spending limit, baggage insurance plan, trip cancellation and delay insurance, secondary rental car insurance, no foreign transaction fees, extended warranty, return protection, purchase protection, and cell phone protection.
Transfer Partners: Aer Lingus, AeroMexico, Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Choice Privileges, Delta, Emirates, Etihad, Air France – KLM Flying Blue, Hawaiian Airlines, Hilton, Iberia, JetBlue, Marriott, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore KrisFlyer, and Virgin Atlantic.
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (review) delivers both everyday value with unlimited 2x miles on purchases and premium comfort through comprehensive airport lounge access for you upon enrollment. You’ll also receive $300 in annual travel credits plus 10,000 anniversary bonus miles, creating substantial ongoing value.
Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
Earning Rewards: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars and 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel; 2x miles on all other purchases.
Card Benefits: $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, airport lounge access (Capital One and Priority Pass) upon enrollment, Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit, Hertz President’s Circle elite status, primary rental car insurance, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and cell phone protection.
Transfer Partners: Accor (2 to 1), Aeromexico, Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Choice Privileges, Emirates, Etihad, Finnair, I Prefer Hotels (1 to 2), Japan Airlines(2 to 1.5), JetBlue (5 to 3), Qantas, Qatar, Singapore KrisFlyer, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Red, and Wyndham Rewards.
4. Capital One Venture X Business
The Capital One Venture X Business (review) offers premium travel benefits including unlimited lounge access and a $300 travel credit. This premium business card stands out with its simple rewards structure of at least 2x miles on all purchases, making it perfect for businesses looking to maximize travel rewards without complexity. Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full Earning Miles: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars and 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals through Capital One Business Travel; 2x miles on all other eligible purchases. Card Benefits: $300 annual travel credit for Capital One Business Travel, 10,000 miles each account anniversary, airport lounge access upon enrollment (Priority Pass and Capital One Lounges), Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit, no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance (trip cancellation, baggage delay, lost luggage, and primary rental car), purchase protection, and extended warranty. Transfer Partners: Accor (2 to 1), Aeromexico, Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Choice Privileges, Emirates, Etihad, Finnair, I Prefer Hotels (1 to 2), Japan Airlines(2 to 1.5), JetBlue (5 to 3), Qantas, Qatar, Singapore KrisFlyer, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Red, and Wyndham Rewards.
5. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Priority Pass and Chase Sapphire Lounges
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (review) offers premium travel benefits including lounge access, hotel elite status, and multiple statement credits that can offset its $795 annual fee. With bonus earnings on travel and dining purchases plus the ability to transfer points to 14 airline and hotel partners, this card delivers strong value for frequent travelers who can maximize its benefits.
Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
Earning Rewards: 10x points on Hotels (excluding The Edit) and car rentals and 5x points on flights through Chase Travel after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually; 10x points on Chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards; 3x points on dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out; 3x points on other travel after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually; 1x points on other eligible spending.
Card Benefits: $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass airport lounge membership with unlimited visits, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS application fee credit of up to $120 every four years, no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance (primary rental car, trip delay, trip cancellation, travel accident, lost luggage, and baggage delay), purchase protection, return protection, and extended warranty.
Transfer Partners: Aer Lingus, Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways, Emirates, Air France KLM Flying Blue, Hyatt, IHG, Iberia, JetBlue, Marriott, Singapore KrisFlyer, Southwest, United, and Virgin Atlantic.
6. United℠ Explorer Card
United Club (2 Free Yearly Passes)
The United℠ Explorer Card (review) delivers premium travel benefits without the premium price tag, making it ideal if you fly United just a few times yearly. You’ll enjoy practical perks like free checked bags and priority boarding alongside monthly credits for ride-sharing and grocery delivery that provide value throughout the year.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earning Miles: 2x miles on United Airlines purchases, dining (including eligible delivery services), hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel; 1x miles on all other purchases.
Card Benefits: Free first checked bag for you and one companion, 2 United Club one-time passes each year, $120 Instacart credit, $100 JSX credit, $60 ridesharing credit, $100 United Hotels credit, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS application fee credit, 25% back on United inflight and Club premium drink purchases, no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance (primary rental car, trip delay, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and baggage delay), purchase protection, and extended warranty.
7. United Club℠ Infinite Card
United Club
The United Club℠ Infinite Card (review) stands out as United’s most premium personal credit card offering extensive United Club lounge access and elite-style benefits. The card provides excellent value for loyal United travelers through its lounge access, free checked bags, and bonus miles on United purchases.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months; plus 5,000 bonus miles after you add an authorized user in the first 3 months.
Earning Miles: 4x miles on United Airlines purchases; 2x miles on all other travel purchases (hotels, rental cars, cruises, transit, rideshare, etc.) and dining (including eligible delivery services); 1x miles on all other purchases.
Card Benefits: United Club membership, free first and second checked bags for you and companion, Premier Access, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS application fee credit of up to $120 every four years, 25% back on United inflight and Club premium drink purchases, IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, Avis President’s Club, No foreign transaction fees, travel insurance (trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage delay, lost luggage, and primary rental car), purchase protection, return protection, and extended warranty.
8. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge (when flying Delta)
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (review) offers premium perks for frequent Delta flyers, including airport lounge access and an annual companion certificate. While it comes with a high annual fee, frequent Delta flyers can find significant value through its array of travel benefits and ability to boost elite status qualification.
Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
Earning SkyMiles: 3x SkyMiles on Delta Air Lines purchases; 1x SkyMiles on all other eligible purchases.
Card Benefits:
- Airport Lounges: Access to Delta Sky Clubs* when flying Delta and to American Express Centurion Lounges when you use your card to book your Delta flight.
- Delta Perks: Annual companion certificate at renewal, free first checked bag and priority boarding for you and up to eight travel companions, 15% award discount, 20% back on in-flight purchases, and $200 annual Delta Stays credit.
- Other Benefits: $240 Resy credit at U.S. Resy restaurants (up to $20 in statement credits per month; enrollment required), $120 Rideshare credit on U.S. rideshare purchases (up to $10 in statement credits per month; enrollment required); Hertz’s President’s Circle, Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit, travel insurance (trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage insurance, and secondary rental car), extended warranty, return protection, and purchase protection.
* Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
9. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge (when flying Delta)
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card (review) offers premium perks for frequent Delta flyers, including lounge access and a companion certificate. While it has a high annual fee, the card can provide great value through its elite status boost, upgrade priority, and travel credits for loyal Delta customers.
Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
Earning SkyMiles: 3x SkyMiles on Delta Air Lines purchases; 1.5x SkyMiles on transit, shipping, and office purchases; 1.5 SkyMiles per dollar on all non-Delta purchases after spending a total of $150,000 in a calendar year; and 1x SkyMiles on all other eligible spending.
Card Benefits:
- Airport Lounges: Access to Delta Sky Clubs* when flying Delta and to American Express Centurion Lounges when you use your card to book your Delta flight.
- Delta Perks: Annual companion certificate at renewal, free first checked bag and priority boarding for you and up to eight travel companions, 15% award discount, 20% back on in-flight purchases, and $250 annual Delta Stays credit.
- Other Benefits: $240 Resy credit at U.S. Resy restaurants (up to $20 in statement credits per month; enrollment required), $120 Rideshare credit on U.S. rideshare purchases (up to $10 in statement credits per month; enrollment required); Hertz’s President’s Circle, Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit, travel insurance (trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage insurance, secondary rental car), extended warranty, return protection, and purchase protection.
* Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits (including Grab and Go) at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
10. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Admirals Club
- bonus_miles_full
- Admirals Club Lounge Membership
- Free Checked Bag (for you and 8 travel companions)
- Priority Boarding and Priority Check-In
- Global Entry / TSA Pre-Check Credit
- $595 Annual Fee
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® offers great value for frequent American Airlines flyers, featuring complimentary Admirals Club membership and priority airport benefits. You’ll earn solid rewards on American Airlines purchases while getting the opportunity to fast-track your way to elite status through spending and bonus Loyalty Points.
Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
Earn Rewards: 10x miles on hotels and car rentals booked via American Airlines; 4x miles on American Airlines purchases; and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases.
Card Benefits: Admirals Club membership, free first-checked bag and priority check in, boarding, and security screening for you and up to eight travel companions, 25% in flight savings, $120 annual Avis or Budget rental car credit, $120 Lyft credit (up to $10 per month when you pay for at least 3 eligible rides each month), $120 Grubhub credit (up to $10 per month), Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, no foreign transaction fees, trip cancellation and trip delay insurance, and lost luggage reimbursement.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please click here. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, please click here. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
