Top Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access in 2025

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Premium Travel Experience

While some individuals lament the decline of the Golden Age of Travel, others contend that we are currently experiencing it. Premium travel options are increasingly accessible, often requiring only a single credit card.

Airport lounges serve as an excellent illustration of a premium travel amenity becoming widely available. These lounges offer travelers a refined and comfortable environment to relax before and after their flights, featuring plush seating, complimentary beverages, snacks, and additional amenities. Several lounges even provide showers, enabling travelers to rejuvenate before departure or after a lengthy journey. With these offerings, airport lounges significantly enhance the travel experience.

A credit card that grants access to airport lounges can dramatically elevate your travel experience. Many of these cards additionally offer priority boarding benefits, which expedite boarding and reduce the time spent waiting at the gate. Moreover, cardholders accumulate bonus points on flights, which can be redeemed for complimentary flights or upgrades in the future. With annual fees ranging from $95 to $695, a suitable card is available for every budget.

We have compiled a selection of the best credit cards for airport lounge access to streamline your decision-making process. Below are our top recommendations:

The Best Credit Cards

• Best for the largest lounge network: The Platinum Card® from American Express*

• Best for Priority Pass Select membership: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Best for Admiral’s Club lounges: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

• Best for United lounges: United Club℠ Infinite Card

• Best for Delta SkyClub: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card*

• Best budget card: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for the largest lounge network

The Platinum Card® from American Express stands out as the top choice for individuals seeking extensive lounge access. Holders of this card can enter over 1,400 airport lounges globally. Cardholders are granted complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, allowing entry to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. Additionally, access is provided to exclusive Centurion Lounges, as well as the Escape and Airspace lounge networks, Delta Sky Clubs during Delta flights, and Lufthansa lounges for Lufthansa Group travelers.

The card also offers an airline fee credit of up to $200 annually. Therefore, if you find yourself at an airport without lounge facilities in this vast network, you may purchase a day pass with your Platinum Card and subsequently receive reimbursement. Furthermore, Amex Platinum Card authorized users receive their own lounge access, which may justify the additional cost. See rates and fees.

Welcome bonus: 80,000 points after $8,000 spent within six months of card issuance.

Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year); 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotel bookings via Amex Travel; 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Lounge benefits: Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, encompassing Centurion network lounges, Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Escape, Lufthansa, and Delta Sky Club lounges.

Other travel benefits: Up to $1,500 in annual travel, dining, and entertainment credits; Hilton and Marriott Gold elite status; elite status with Avis, Hertz, and National rental cars; travel delay insurance; trip cancellation & interruption insurance.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $695. See rates and fees.

Pros

• Access to the most extensive lounge network of any credit card.

• Authorized users receive their own lounge access.

• More than $1,500 in annual travel credits, including airline incidental fees.

Cons

• High annual fee.

• Annual fee of $175 for up to three authorized users.

• Approval subject to Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule (i.e., cardholders are eligible for the welcome bonus only once without special offers).

Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Priority Pass Select membership

Numerous premium credit cards provide Priority Pass Select membership; however, the quality of membership can vary. Acquiring it through the Chase Sapphire Reserve® includes dining credits at selected airport lounges and cafes, which is advantageous during peak hours or when you desire a quick meal before boarding.

Exceptional dining establishments are part of the Priority Pass network, such as Landry’s at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or Bobby Van’s Steakhouse at New York-JFK’s Terminal 8. Qualifying Priority Pass Select members enjoy a $28 credit per person at these restaurants, which is ample. This benefit applies to authorized users as well, providing them with their own Priority Pass memberships.

Unfortunately, Capital One and American Express cardholders do not receive dining privileges, making the Chase Sapphire Reserve® a superior option for Priority Pass Select membership.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. This translates to $900 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards: Earn 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals when booked through Chase Travel℠, following an initial $300 spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining, and 1 point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.

Lounge benefits: Access to Priority Pass Select membership with restaurant privileges and Chase Sapphire lounges.

Other travel benefits: Receive up to $300 in annual travel statement credits encompassing airfare, hotels, and rental cars; points redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠ provide 50% additional value (for instance, 60,000 points equate to $900 toward travel); Priority Pass Select membership; application fee credits towards Global Entry, TSA Precheck, or NEXUS every four years; travel protections, including cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, primary rental car insurance (up to $75,000 both domestically and abroad), and lost luggage reimbursement.

Credit score: Excellent.

Annual fee: $550 (plus $75 for each authorized user).

Pros

• Access to Chase and Priority Pass lounges, including participating airport restaurants and cafes.

• Lounge benefits include authorized users.

• The $300 annual travel credit offset partially mitigates the high annual fee.

Cons

• High annual fee.

• Adding an authorized user incurs a cost of $75, which is not charged by most travel cards.

• Approval is contingent on the Chase 5/24 rule (i.e., approval will not be granted if five credit cards have been opened in the preceding 24 months).

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Best for Admiral’s Club lounges

If you frequently travel through an American Airlines hub, the comfort provided by an Admiral’s Club membership may be appealing. A more economical alternative to paying upwards of $625 for membership is to acquire the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. This card bears an annual fee of $450 and grants access to over 50 lounges globally. Moreover, you may bring up to two companions with you.

This card includes several benefits that enhance your travel experience, such as priority check-in and security screening, free checked baggage, and the opportunity to earn elite status through credit card spending. Even if you choose to tuck the card away and solely utilize the Admiral’s Club membership, it can still be beneficial.

Welcome bonus: Earn 70,000 miles after spending $7,000 within three months of card issuance.

Rewards: Earn 2X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1X miles on all other purchases.

Lounge benefits: Complimentary Admiral’s Club membership, valued at up to $650, allowing access for two guests.

Other travel benefits: Up to $100 Global Entry/TSA Precheck credit every five years; earn 10,000 Loyalty Points after spending $40,000 per status year; primary cardholder and up to eight companions receive a free checked bag, priority check-in, security screening, and boarding when flying American; save 25% on in-flight American Airlines purchases.

Credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $450.

Pros

• Each dollar spent earns 1 Loyalty Point towards AAdvantage elite status.

• Admirals Club lounge access surpasses the annual fee’s value.

• Complimentary lounge access extends to authorized users.

• Enhanced travel advantages when flying American Airlines.

Cons

• The annual fee is considerable if you do not utilize the Admiral’s Club benefit.

• The welcome bonus is not competitive with other airline cards.

• Limited earning potential outside of American Airlines purchases.

United Club℠ Infinite Card: Best for United lounges

United Airlines operates 45 airport lounges around the world, providing travelers with comfortable environments to unwind prior to their flights. A United Club membership typically costs $650 but can be bypassed by obtaining the United Club℠ Infinite Card, which includes complimentary United Club membership and allows access for up to two adults (or one adult and dependent children under the age of 21).

This card also provides Premier Access travel services, enhancing the overall airport experience through priority check-in, security screening, boarding, and baggage handling, where applicable.

Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Rewards: Earn 4X miles on United-related purchases, including tickets, Economy Plus, in-flight food, beverages, and Wi-Fi; 2X miles on all other travel expenditures including airfare, trains, taxis, hotels, car rentals, and rideshare; 2X miles on dining, and 1X mile on all other purchases. Additionally, earn 500 PQP for every $12,000 spent (up to 8,000 PQP annually).

Lounge benefits: Complimentary United Club membership, granting access for two traveling companions.

Other travel benefits: Free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to four companions; Premier Access travel services; priority upgrades on award tickets; up to $100 Global Entry/TSA Precheck credit every four years; 25% cashback on United in-flight and Club premium drink purchases; IHG One Rewards Platinum elite status; two annual $75 statement credits for IHG hotel purchases; Avis President’s Club circle.

Credit score: Excellent.

Annual fee: $525. See rates and fees.

Pros

• Substantial welcome bonus.

• United Club membership valued at up to $650.

• Capable of earning PQP toward United elite status via spending on the credit card.

• Enhanced travel experience when flying United.

Cons

• High annual fee.

• Travel benefits may not apply unless you regularly fly United.

• United does not make an award chart public, and award rates can exceed those of competitors.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best for Delta Sky Club

If you are interested in access to both the Delta Sky Club® and Centurion Lounges, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve card presents an excellent choice. Beginning February 1, 2025, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; however, to qualify for unlimited visits each year thereafter, total eligible purchases on the card must meet or exceed $75,000 from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, and in each subsequent year. Cardholders utilizing all 15 visits may purchase additional Delta Sky Club visits at a rate of $50 per person using the card. Every year, four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes will be issued to cardholders when flying with Delta, enabling sharing this privilege with family and friends.

Aside from the Amex Platinum Card, this is the sole card that encompasses Centurion Lounge access. However, utilizing this card for your Delta flight is required for Centurion Lounge entry. With an annual fee of $650, this card may present a slightly more economical option. See rates and fees.

Welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership.

Rewards: Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

Lounge benefits:

• Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club. Effective February 1, 2025, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn unlimited visits in subsequent years, total eligible purchases must equal or exceed $75,000 annually.

• Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes per year when flying with Delta.

• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when booking a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.

Other travel benefits: Acquire a Companion Certificate for First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flights annually upon renewal of your card. The Companion Ticket requires government-imposed taxes and fees (not exceeding $80 for round-trip domestic flights, and no more than $250 for international round-trip flights). In-flight baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Refer to the terms and conditions for complete details.; Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when redeeming miles for Award Travel on Delta flights via delta.com and the Fly Delta app. This discount is not applicable to partner-operated flights or taxes and fees.; members reach upgrade priority over other Medallion members within the same Medallion tier and fare class; acquire a $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 spent on the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card annually, contributing toward Medallion Status for the subsequent year.; complimentary first checked bag for the cardholder; receive a 20% statement credit on in-flight Delta food and beverage transactions.

Credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $650.

Pros

• High welcome bonus.

• Premium travel advantages typically reserved for elite members.

• Earns elite qualification requirements that can be met through card spending.

Cons

• Sky Club access is exclusive to the primary cardholder.

• Limited earnings on non-Delta purchases.

• Delta SkyMiles often entails elevated redemption rates for premium cabins.

Capital One Venture Card: Best budget card for lounge access

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card represents an optimal choice for accessing lounges without incurring an exorbitant annual fee. With a modest annual fee of $95, the card provides two complimentary airport lounge visits each year at Capital One or Plaza Premium Lounges. The only limitation is that Capital One currently hosts just one lounge at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, while three more lounges are anticipated at Denver International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas), and Dulles International Airport. The Plaza Premium lounges network is more extensive, featuring over 100 lounges globally.

As lounge visits are capped at two per annum, the Capital One Venture Card is ideally suited for travelers who fly infrequently.

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from card opening.

Rewards: 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel; 2X miles on all other expenses.

Lounge benefits: Two complimentary visits annually to Capital One and partner lounges, including Plaza Premium lounges.

Other travel benefits: Up to a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck; Hertz Five Star status; rental car insurance and travel accident insurance.

Credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $95.

Pros

• Generous lounge access policy accompanying a $95 annual fee card.

• Substantial welcome bonus and ongoing earning potential.

• Points transferable to 18 airline and hotel partners.

Cons

• Comparatively limited lounge network relative to other credit cards.

Who should get a credit card with airport lounge access?

A credit card with airport lounge access is advantageous for both frequent and occasional travelers. It furnishes entry to exclusive lounges globally, enabling relaxation while awaiting flights, ultimately resulting in savings at airports through complimentary refreshments, fast Wi-Fi, and other facilities that may not be present in the terminal building.

Whether for business or leisure travel, having a designated area to unwind and attend to work can vastly enhance the travel experience. Certain lounges even provide dedicated children’s areas to alleviate a potentially tedious waiting period before flights. With some credit cards permitting lounge access for two guests, these spaces become feasible for small families and groups.

How to choose the best credit card with airport lounge access?

Choosing a credit card that grants airport lounge access necessitates an understanding of your travel patterns. If you are predominantly loyal to a single airline, acquiring a co-branded card with lounge access can be beneficial. Conversely, for infrequent fliers, selecting a extensive lounge network like Priority Pass may be more suitable. Numerous credit cards, such as the Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum Card, include Priority Pass Select memberships, allowing complimentary lounge visits and admission for up to two guests.

Evaluate the airports where you typically travel. Assess the available lounges and choose a card that offers sufficient access. The Priority Pass network is broad enough to satisfy the majority of consumers’ requirements. However, for those frequently departing from an American Airlines hub, an Admiral’s Club membership through the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard may be more advantageous.

Alongside seeking lounge access, prioritize cards that provide other travel-related perks such as free checked baggage, priority boarding, and discounts on in-flight purchases. Also, consider the annual fee associated with the card and compare it with others featuring similar benefits; it is essential to ensure that the benefits surpass the annual fee.

Best credit cards for airport lounge FAQ

Which credit card gives free airport lounge access?

Numerous credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, provide airport lounge access. Should you seek access to a specific airport lounge, consider a premium airline credit card that includes lounge membership.

Which credit card has the most lounge access?

The American Express Centurion Card is widely acknowledged for providing the most extensive lounge access among credit cards. This exclusive card grants holders entry to over 1,200 airport lounges across more than 500 cities worldwide, encompassing The Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club, and Priority Pass Select.

How many times can you access an airport lounge with a credit card?

This is contingent on the credit card and the airport lounge itself. A handful of credit cards offer unlimited access to specific lounges, whereas others might only accommodate a finite number of visits each year. Be certain to review the terms and conditions associated with your credit card prior to attempting to access an airport lounge.

* Eligibility and Benefit levels vary by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for further details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Editorial disclaimer: The opinions articulated herein are solely those of the author and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any banks, credit card issuers, airlines, or hotel chains.

This article was initially published on August 1, 2023, and subsequently updated on February 1, 2024.