Best airport lounge access credit cards of March 2025
Airport lounges offer a sanctuary from the often stressful airport experience, but access can be expensive. That’s where credit cards with airport lounge access become invaluable. These cards provide entry to these exclusive spaces, offering a more comfortable and relaxing pre-flight environment. Rather than paying high fees for individual lounge passes, travelers can leverage the benefits of credit cards for airport lounges, which often include other premium travel perks like travel credits and concierge services. This makes these cards a compelling option for frequent flyers seeking a more refined travel experience.
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CardRatings’ top picks for the best credit cards for airport lounge access
For frequent flyers, airport lounges offer a sanctuary of comfort and convenience, transforming travel from a chore to a pleasure. But which credit cards get you into airport lounges? Several premium cards provide access to extensive lounge networks, either through direct partnerships or Priority Pass memberships. Below is a curated list of some of the best credit cards for airport lounges, each offering unique perks tailored to the discerning traveler seeking a more refined airport experience.
Why we like it
The Ultimate Rewards points system offers incredible flexibility, allowing for redemption across various travel options and catering to diverse needs. The generous travel credit effectively offsets the annual fee, making the card's perks more accessible. And finally, the Priority Pass lounge access, a key feature, provides a wide range of lounge options globally, offering a flexible and reliable way to enhance travel experiences.
The Ultimate Rewards points system offers incredible flexibility, allowing for redemption across various travel options and catering to diverse needs. The generous travel credit effectively offsets the annual fee, making the card's perks more accessible. And finally, the Priority Pass lounge access, a key feature, provides a wide range of lounge options globally, offering a flexible and reliable way to enhance travel experiences.
- In addition to Priority Pass Select lounge access, cardholders also have exclusive access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club, found in popular airport locations such as Boston, New York (LGA and JFK), San Diego, and more.
- Card membership includes a travel statement credit opportunity worth up to $300 per year, which can help a great deal in covering the annual fee.
- You can earn bonus points not just on travel but also on dining, so you have another way to rack up your points. Plus, there's that extra earning available when you make certain travel bookings through Chase Travel℠.
- Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel.
- Though it can easily be offset for the right cardholder, the annual fee shouldn't be overlooked. If you won't utilize the card enough to offset this cost, it's likely not your best option.
- You only earn bonus points on dining and some travel-related purchases. If you spend a great deal in other categories, such as groceries or even gas, you’ll likely earn more with a different card. Perhaps consider adding another Ultimate Rewards-earning card to your portfolio to maximize these purchase rewards.
Why we like it
With a lower-than-typical annual fee for this level of card, there's a lot to like. For example, complimentary access to 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network. Plus, authorized users receive many of the same great perks as the primary cardholder, for no extra fee.
With a lower-than-typical annual fee for this level of card, there's a lot to like. For example, complimentary access to 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network. Plus, authorized users receive many of the same great perks as the primary cardholder, for no extra fee.
- Cardholders can receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership.
- An annual bonus of 10,000 miles is a nice "thanks for another year as a customer" gift.
- No annual fee for authorized users is almost unheard of in the premium card market – take advantage of this offer to fully maximize what Venture X has to offer.
- The Capital One Lounge network is, well, not really a "network" just yet given there are only a few locations currently. We have high hopes for the future though and the Partner Lounge Network access is nice in the meantime.
- While lower than the annual fees of most premium cards, it's still shouldn't be overlooked. Make absolutely certain you'll more than offset that fee in order to make it worthwhile.
Why we like it
Yes, the annual fee is hefty but given the extra perks that come with this card, there are ample opportunities to offset the annual fee in credits and perks, and, besides those, you'll have a card that opens doors to luxury when you travel. American Express is a CardRatings advertiser. Enrollment required for some benefits.
Yes, the annual fee is hefty but given the extra perks that come with this card, there are ample opportunities to offset the annual fee in credits and perks, and, besides those, you'll have a card that opens doors to luxury when you travel. American Express is a CardRatings advertiser. Enrollment required for some benefits.
- This card is well-known for its many valuable perks and benefits. See the "additional details" tab for full details!
- Airport lounge access includes access to the Global Lounge Collection as well as the Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta) and Priority Pass Select lounges.
- This card charges one of the highest annual fees of any card on the market. It's important to make sure you'll utilize the perks enough to offset this cost.
- Most purchases will only earn one point per dollar spent – it's specific flight and hotel purchases that earn more. If you don't spend heavily in these categories, you might have trouble racking up points.
Why we like it
The comprehensive lounge network access offered by this card, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select, and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), provides a truly premium travel experience. This vast network creates a reliable and comfortable oasis for business travelers, making it an exceptional card for those who prioritize elevated airport experiences.
The comprehensive lounge network access offered by this card, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select, and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), provides a truly premium travel experience. This vast network creates a reliable and comfortable oasis for business travelers, making it an exceptional card for those who prioritize elevated airport experiences.
- This card includes access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which is extensive and could be a welcome respite for the weary business traveler.
- Besides lounge access you get a bunch of other travel benefits such as up to $200 annual airline fee credit with a qualifying airline and elevated status with Marriott and Hilton programs. See the "additional details" tab for full details! Enrollment required for select benefits
- This card has one of the highest annual fees of any business or consumer card - make sure you consider if its perks are truly worth the cost before you apply.
- The spend requirement for the initial bonus is high, so make sure that's within your company's budget to meet so you don't miss out on the generous bonus.
Why we like it
This card rewards your loyalty, in this case to Delta Airlines. As with most branded airline cards, that loyalty gets you things like priority boarding and in-flight discounts, which are nice to have if you frequently find yourself taking to the skies with the same airline.
This card rewards your loyalty, in this case to Delta Airlines. As with most branded airline cards, that loyalty gets you things like priority boarding and in-flight discounts, which are nice to have if you frequently find yourself taking to the skies with the same airline.
- This card includes complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club, as well as four one-time guest passes each year.
- The welcome offer for new cardholders offers a nice supply of bonus miles, starting membership off on the right foot.
- This card includes other valuable benefits like a round-trip companion certificate each year you renew and first checked bag free.
- This card has a high annual fee which could be expensive if you aren’t a frequent Delta flyer.
- Most of the benefits and perks are related to Delta so you might find it difficult to get much value out of the card unless you are a Delta fan.
Why we like it
This card is all about loyalty. If you're a regular American Airlines traveler, you could very well offset the annual fee on this card plus enjoy the nice extra perks. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.
This card is all about loyalty. If you're a regular American Airlines traveler, you could very well offset the annual fee on this card plus enjoy the nice extra perks. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.
- Earn an ongoing four AAdvantage® bonus miles for every dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and one AAdvantage® bonus mile for every dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
- The Admirals Club is known to be one of the most expensive airport lounge networks to join independently, so the fact that this card offers access as a cardmember perk is huge.
- Get the first checked bag free for yourself and up to eight companions on domestic itineraries - potentially saving you hundreds each time you fly with American Airlines!
- Although this card is good for airport lounge access, it charges a high annual fee. You’ll need to consider whether you can take advantage of other benefits and rewards, especially if you don’t use the lounge access perks.
Why we like it
Lounge access along with numerous other money saving perks for the regular traveler make this card a nice addition to a United-loyalist's wallet. Plus, all those perks come together to form a nice path toward offsetting the annual fee.
Lounge access along with numerous other money saving perks for the regular traveler make this card a nice addition to a United-loyalist's wallet. Plus, all those perks come together to form a nice path toward offsetting the annual fee.
- The list of possible credits to make your trip simpler (and a bit less expensive) is lengthy.
- Getting your first checked bag free is pretty common with airline cards, but this card goes a step further and gives you a second checked bag free as well.
- Save more with 25% off your United in-flight purchases.
- That annual fee is not to be overlooked. Ensure you can more than offset it by putting the perks and rewards to good use.
- As with any co-branded card, this one is good for the United-loyal – but not TOO loyal. If you already fly with United enough to earn status and rack up plenty of miles, this card probably isn't going to be terribly useful to you.
Why we like it
This card shines as a top pick for budget-conscious travelers seeking a touch of airport luxury. We love that it delivers valuable perks without breaking the bank. Beyond its affordability, the card's priority boarding makes for a smoother travel experience, and the two annual United Club passes offer a taste of premium lounge comfort, making it a standout for those who want occasional lounge access without a hefty annual fee.
This card shines as a top pick for budget-conscious travelers seeking a touch of airport luxury. We love that it delivers valuable perks without breaking the bank. Beyond its affordability, the card's priority boarding makes for a smoother travel experience, and the two annual United Club passes offer a taste of premium lounge comfort, making it a standout for those who want occasional lounge access without a hefty annual fee.
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club with two one-time passes each year, awarded each account anniversary.
- Cardholders can enjoy their first checked bag for free, saving up to $160 per roundtrip flight! (Terms apply.)
- Enjoy over $400 in partner credits each year!
- While the United Club passes are a great perk for a card with such a manageable annual fee, you only get two each year. If you regularly travel with United, a more premium option offering additional visits might be worth that cost.
- While the first-year waived annual fee is a welcome benefit, it's important to consider the ongoing cost of the card beyond that initial period.
Why we like it
This card can help you achieve luxury experiences at both the airport and your hotel. Not only does it offer VIP hotel perks, but it also offers a few travel benefits that are sure to make your experience at the airport more comfortable as well.
This card can help you achieve luxury experiences at both the airport and your hotel. Not only does it offer VIP hotel perks, but it also offers a few travel benefits that are sure to make your experience at the airport more comfortable as well.
- Receive either a statement credit every four years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership through any Authorized Enrollment Provider for TSA PreCheck (up to $85) when you pay the application fee with your card.
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, card members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. Benefit options include: Five Suite Night Awards, a free night valued at 85K points, and mattress and box spring $1,000 discount from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- In addition to earning rewards on hotel stays, cardholders can also earn rewards on restaurant purchases worldwide and airline purchases made directly with the airline, as well as a boost of 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
- Terms apply. Enrollment may be required for select benefits.
- The annual fee isn't for everyone, but if you're looking for a luxury hotel and airport experience, this card can help you have just that.
- This card features a lot of great travel perks, however, while the rewards rate offered on eligible Marriott Bonvoy property stays is nice, it's not quite as high as you might expect for a card with such a high annual fee.
Compare the best credit cards for airport lounge access by perks and features
Want to see how our picks for the best credit cards for airport lounges stack up against each other? Our comparison tool makes it easy to compare up to threetwo cards at a time. Simply select the cards you’re interested in and we’ll automatically display their key perks and features side-by-side. With a quick glance, you can easily identify the card that best suits your needs and preferences.
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Compare the best credit cards for airport lounges by user ratings
By analyzing real-world user experiences, we have developed a robust rating system that reflects the performance and value of various credit cards based on consumer insights. This chart allows you to easily compare these ratings side-by-side, enabling informed decision-making based on the feedback of actual cardholders.
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CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. Responses were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ ratings were then averaged under broad topics.
How did each of our winning cards rate according to you?
CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. Responses were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ ratings were then averaged under broad topics.
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Survey methodology: CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. CardRatings’ website analytics from Jan. 1, 2024-Oct. 31, 2024 were used to determine a selection of the most popular cards. Responses to 10 questions were given on a scale of 1-10. For nine of these questions, respondents’ scores were averaged under broad topics. The overall rating represents an average of respondents’ responses to their overall rating of each card. “Cardholder favorite” cards are those scored in the top 10 overall.
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Frequently asked questions about credit cards with airport lounge access
What are the types of airport lounge networks?
Airport lounges fall into three main categories: airline-specific (like Delta Sky Clubs), credit card issuer lounges (like Centurion Lounges), and independent networks (like Priority Pass). Airline lounges are usually for premium flyers or members, while credit card lounges require specific cards. Independent networks offer access through memberships or day passes, often via credit card benefits like Priority Pass. While you can buy day passes or memberships directly, frequent travelers may find that a credit card with lounge access offers better value.
Learn more about the various airport lounge options in our guide to airport lounge access.
What is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass offers access to a global network of over 1,300 airport lounges, restaurants, and suites across more than 600 airports worldwide. Lounge amenities range from complimentary refreshments and showers to dedicated workspaces. You can purchase a Priority Pass membership directly, starting at $99 with per-visit fees. However, many premium credit cards include a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which typically waives these per-visit charges. To access a lounge, simply present your Priority Pass membership card and travel documents. While the core benefits remain consistent, specific access rules, including guest policies, can vary depending on the credit card issuer, so it’s crucial to understand the terms associated with your particular membership.
Learn more about Priority Pass.
What are Centurion Lounges?
Centurion Lounges are a part of the Centurion Network of 40+ lounges across the world accessible to certain American Express cardmembers and are often considered a premier airport lounge experience.
Centurion Lounges have curated luxury amenities including regionally inspired dishes from award-winning chefs, cocktails created by renowned mixologists, and designed spaces for work or relaxation. Some unique amenities include spa treatments at the Dallas-Fort Worth Centurion Lounge Exhale spa, self care at the Equinox Body Lab at the John F. Kennedy Centurion Lounge, and the Napa Valley wine tasting area in the San Francisco International Centurion lounge.
What is the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club?
The Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club is an airport lounge exclusively for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders and, in some cases, Priority Pass members. These lounges offer premium amenities like complimentary food, drinks, and comfortable seating, with some locations featuring wellness areas. Access is primarily through the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, and the lounges are located in select major airports.
How do I get free airport lounge access?
Travelers can often gain complimentary airport lounge access through a few key methods. Certain premium credit cards offer memberships or direct access to lounge networks, effectively waiving per-visit fees. Alternatively, achieving elite status with an airline can unlock access to their affiliated lounges, particularly when traveling internationally. Finally, flying in first or business class on select airlines frequently grants entry to designated lounges as a part of the premium travel experience.
How to choose a credit card for airport lounge access?
Selecting a credit card for airport lounge access requires careful consideration of your travel patterns. Begin by identifying which lounge networks align with your typical airports and airlines. If you’re loyal to a specific airline, explore cards offering direct access to their lounges, or compare the cost of a standalone membership. Be mindful of potential access restrictions, particularly with Priority Pass, as lounges may have limited hours or capacity. Scrutinize guest policies to understand whether companions can join you without additional fees. By weighing these factors, you can choose a card that maximizes your lounge access benefits and enhances your travel experience.
Should I have multiple airport lounge access credit cards?
The necessity of multiple credit cards for lounge access hinges on your individual travel habits. While any lounge access can elevate your airport experience, frequent travelers might find value in diversifying their access. If you often navigate airports with limited lounge options, cards offering different networks provide valuable flexibility. For those who maximize the broader benefits of premium cards, combined lounge access can become a worthwhile perk, helping to offset annual fees. Furthermore, if you desire both airline-specific and independent lounge access, such as wanting access to a specific airline’s lounges while also having Priority Pass, carrying multiple cards could be advantageous. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether the added convenience and range of access justify the potential costs.
Which credit cards have lounge access?
Many premium travel credit cards offer airport lounge access, though the specific networks and benefits vary. Some cards provide direct access to proprietary lounges operated by the card issuer, while others offer memberships to independent lounge networks. Additionally, certain airline-branded cards grant access to the airline’s own lounges. Generally, these cards come with higher annual fees, reflecting the value of the lounge access and other travel-related perks they provide.
All the cards listed above offer airport lounge access as a perk of card membership. Our editors consider these the best credit cards for lounge access.
Do I need to pay additional fees for airport lounge access with a credit card?
Whether you’ll pay additional fees for airport lounge access with a credit card depends on the specific card and the type of lounge access it provides. Some cards offer complimentary access to certain lounges, meaning you won’t pay anything extra beyond the card’s annual fee. Other cards might provide a membership to a lounge network, like Priority Pass, which sometimes includes a limited number of free visits or requires per-visit fees beyond a certain threshold. Finally, some airline-branded cards grant access to their own lounges, but may have guest policies that require additional payment. So, always check the specific terms and conditions of your credit card’s lounge access benefits to understand any potential extra costs.
How do I maximize airport lounge access benefits with a credit card?
To truly maximize your airport lounge access benefits, start by thoroughly understanding the specific lounge networks your card provides access to. Identify which lounges are available at your frequently visited airports and during your typical travel times. Next, familiarize yourself with any guest policies, ensuring you know how many companions can join you for free. Pay close attention to potential access restrictions, such as time limits or capacity constraints, especially with independent lounge networks. If your card offers multiple lounge options, strategically choose the most convenient or amenity-rich location based on your needs. Additionally, leverage any complimentary amenities offered within the lounges, such as food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and work spaces, to enhance your travel experience. Finally, keep track of any per-visit fees or usage limitations to avoid unexpected costs and ensure you’re getting the most value from your card’s lounge access perk.
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Rating methodology: CardRatings’ experts review the fine print, details, perks, rewards and features of hundreds of cards and compare them side-by-side with similar cards. A card that makes an excellent balance transfer card may not make a great cash-back rewards card even though it offers those rewards. While the Best of the Year list is announced annually, that list – and all other “best of” lists on CardRatings – are regularly reviewed and updated as issuers change the terms and features of each card often.
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