We can all agree, escaping the busy crowds of the terminal and stepping into a calm, comfortable lounge makes any trip smoother. Gone are the times when only first-class travelers or loyal frequent flyers could get through those lounge doors. These days, carrying the right credit card is often all you need to unlock free entry for yourself and your guests across lounges around the globe.
We are about to walk you through the seven top credit cards that can open up lounge access for you.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
When it comes to credit cards for airport lounge access, The Platinum Card® from American Express leads the pack.
For an annual fee of $695, you get entry into the American Express Global Lounge Collection, but you need to enroll first. This membership unlocks over 1,400 lounges spread across 650 cities in 140 countries. You will be able to access a range of airline and independent lounges, including:
- Aspire Lounges
- American Express Centurion Lounges
- Delta Sky Clubs
- Escape Lounges—The Centurion® Studio Partner
- Lufthansa Lounges
- Plaza Premium Group Lounges
- Priority Pass Select™ Lounges
Each lounge network sets its own access and guest rules. Usually, you must show your Amex Platinum Card, a valid photo ID, and a boarding pass for same-day travel. Some lounges, like Delta Sky Clubs and Lufthansa Lounges, ask you to fly with their respective airlines to enter. For Lufthansa Lounges, flights on any Lufthansa Group airline qualify.
In many cases, you can bring up to two guests at no extra cost. Some lounges might charge a guest fee, depending on their policy.
If you are eyeing Delta Sky Club access, be aware it is limited to 10 visits per Medallion year. To get unlimited visits for the rest of the Medallion year and the next one, you need to spend $75,000 in eligible purchases within a calendar year.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
If you are looking for a strong credit card for lounge access without paying top dollar, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® delivers solid value.
With an annual fee of $550, you get free entry into two major lounge networks:
- Priority Pass Select
- Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club
You are welcome to bring up to two guests with you at no extra charge, giving your travel days a little extra comfort.
Keep in mind, a standalone Priority Pass membership with unlimited visits usually costs around $469 each year. Guest passes at Chase Sapphire Lounge locations typically cost $35 per person per visit. When you factor in these savings, it becomes clear the lounge benefits help balance out much of the Sapphire Reserve’s yearly fee.
One more advantage: access to Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club is reserved only for Sapphire Reserve cardholders, giving you an exclusive perk that adds more value to carrying this card.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
If you want strong airport lounge access without paying a steep annual fee, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a smart choice.
At $395 per year, you gain complimentary entry to over 1,300 lounges around the world. As a Capital One Venture X cardholder, you will have access to:
- Priority Pass Select lounges
- Capital One Lounges
You can bring up to two guests with you at no extra charge, making every trip a little more relaxed for both you and your travel companions.
Since these lounges operate independently, you will not need to fly with any specific airline to get inside. Just present your Venture X card, a Priority Pass membership card (if needed), a same-day boarding pass for any flight, and a government-issued photo ID.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
If you often fly with American Airlines, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® could be one of the best credit cards for lounge access you can carry.
This card gives you a complimentary Admirals Club® membership, valued at up to $850 during your first year. Admirals Club lounges are part of American Airlines’ network, offering close to 50 locations across the globe. No other credit card grants automatic entry into Admirals Clubs, making this a major advantage for frequent American Airlines travelers.
You can bring your immediate family members or up to two guests with you free of charge. Authorized users on your account enjoy lounge access too, which stretches the value even further.
To step inside an Admirals Club, you will need to show your Citi / AAdvantage card, a government-issued ID, and a same-day boarding pass for a flight either operated or marketed by American Airlines, any Oneworld® partner, or Alaska Airlines.
When you consider that Admirals Club memberships can run anywhere from $700 to $1,650 depending on factors like membership type and renewal status, it becomes easy to see how quickly the card’s $595 annual fee can pay for itself.
The New United Club℠ Card
If you want easy access to United Club® lounges, the New United Club℠ Card gives you a strong edge.
With this card, you receive a complimentary United Club membership, a benefit valued up to $750. United Club lounges cover around 45 locations, including access to five United Polaris lounges, offering a more elevated travel experience.
Your membership lets you bring up to two guests with you for free, or one adult and any dependent children under 21. It is a major bonus that makes travel days far more comfortable for you and your group.
Depending on your MileagePlus status, a United Club membership normally costs between $550 and $750 a year. When you consider that the United Club Card charges a $695 annual fee, it becomes clear how quickly the lounge access benefit alone can outweigh the cost of carrying this card.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
Even though the U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is no longer open to new applicants, existing cardholders can still enjoy its lounge access perks.
This card offers up to eight complimentary visits to Priority Pass lounges every year. Once you use your eight free entries, any additional visits come with a $35 fee per person.
While it does not provide unlimited lounge access, it works well for travelers who do not visit lounges more than a handful of times a year. Staying within those eight free visits can add serious value, helping you get more out of the $400 annual fee.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card gives you two one-time passes each year to access United Club lounges. These passes are for your personal use and cannot be transferred.
For a credit card with a $150 annual fee, which is waived for the first year, this lounge access perk stands out as one of the stronger options available.
Even if you only use the two free visits, you can easily get enough value to help balance out the cost of keeping the Explorer Card long term.
Choose the Right Credit Card and Upgrade Your Airport Experience
When you carry the right travel credit card, you can skip the crowded gate areas and step into a quieter, more comfortable space before takeoff. Instead of fighting for a seat, you can enjoy hot meals, complimentary drinks, and a more relaxed atmosphere while you wait for your flight.
Whether you are aiming for wide lounge access through the Amex Platinum, unlimited Priority Pass entry with the Sapphire Reserve or Venture X, or prefer sticking with a single airline’s lounges, there is a card that fits the way you travel.
