Looking for Airport Lounge Access? 7 Credit Cards That Come with Privileges

Credit cards are popular financial tools that can let you earn rewards like cash back and free travel. However, credit card benefits often go beyond the pproints and miles you can earn; there are many credit cards that offer additional perks that may be highly appealing to frequent travelers.

In fact, with some travel cards, you can get complimentary airport lounge access, allowing you the chance to relax in comfort while you wait for your next flight. If you’re looking for a card that gives you the ability to enjoy stylish comfort in airports all over the world, here are several options to consider.

7 credit cards with airport lounge access

With airport lounge access, you can usually find a quiet and comfortable place to sit, as well as enjoy complimentary snacks. In some cases, you might even be able to eat a complete meal at Priority Pass restaurants. There are usually plenty of plugs for your electronics, and you can stay until your flight is ready to board. Here are some of the best travel credit cards that offer this lounge visit perk:

1. The Platinum Card^® from American Express

With the Platinum Card from American Express, you get airport lounge access with several brands included in the Global Lounge Collection, in addition to the prestigious Amex Centurion Lounge. The type of amenities cardmembers can enjoy depends on the lounge network. However, you get unlimited access at participating brands, and some lounges will let you bring in guests free of charge. You typically have to show a valid same-day boarding pass to enter the lounge, and some programs may require enrollment.

In addition to airport lounge access, as a luxury travel rewards card, the Platinum Card from American Express offers several other valuable perks. This includes competitive rates and benefits at certain hotels as well as upgraded status in hotel loyalty programs, such as Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. There are savings and upgrades with the Cruise Privileges Program and rental car rewards status with Hertz. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Best Luxury Travel Benefits

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

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Intro Offer

Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months

Annual Fee

$695

Rewards Rate

5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
• Select your metal card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu
• 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amextravel.com (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and prepaid hotels booked on Amextravel.com
• $200 hotel credit (minimum two-night stay required), $240 digital entertainment credit, $200 in Uber Cash, $300 Equinox credit, $200 airline fee credit
• Access to Centurion and Priority Pass airport lounges
• Select benefits require enrollment.
• $695 annual fee. Terms apply.

Drawbacks

• High annual fee

Card Details

• Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
• 5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
• Terms apply

2. Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you get unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges all over the world. You do need to activate your Priority Pass Select membership to take advantage of this perk. You can bring up to two guests for free; additional guests cost $27 per person. You can also get discounts in the airport for services like dining and spa treatment.

The Sapphire Reserve also comes with other perks, including an application fee statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, special car rental privileges, a $300 annual travel credit, $60 in annual DoorDash statement credits in 2020 and 2021, and a complimentary year of Lyft Pink. Plus, you get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

#1 Premium Travel Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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Intro Offer

Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$550

Rewards Rate

10X points on Lyft rides, Chase Dining purchases, hotels and cars booked via Ultimate Rewards; 5X points on air travel booked via Ultimate Rewards; 3X points on travel and dining; and 1X points on everything else

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• 60,000 point sign-up bonus
• 10X points on Lyft rides, Chase Dining purchases, hotels and cars booked through Ultimate Rewards
• Priority Pass airport lounge access

Drawbacks

• High annual fee
• Excellent credit required

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
• 10X points on Lyft rides, Chase Dining purchases, hotels and cars booked via Ultimate Rewards; 5X points on air travel booked via Ultimate Rewards; 3X points on travel and dining; and 1X points on everything else

3. Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^®

With the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, you get Admirals Club membership, which comes with airport lounge access at more than 50 locations worldwide. Your authorized users get access as well. You can get amenities like snacks and, in certain locations, access to drinks and made-to-order specialties. Some lounges even have shower suites.

Immediate family members can be guests at no additional charge, as long as you’re with them. Depending on the airport, you might be able to access partner lounges, such as Alaska Lounge or Airspace Lounge, with your membership.

In addition to the Admirals Club membership, the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard also comes with your first bag checked free, credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, priority boarding privileges, and 25% savings on inflight purchases.

Admirals Club Membership and More

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^®

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^®

Learn How to Apply

Intro Offer

Earn 80,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $5,500 in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$450

Rewards Rate

4X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases (limited time offer ends 12/31/22, after that 2X) and 1X miles for every $1 spent on other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 80,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $5,500 in the first 3 months
• 4X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases (limited time offer ends 12/31/22, after that 2X)
• First checked bag free
• Admirals Club membership and priority check-in

Drawbacks

• Has high annual fee

Card Details

• Earn 80,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $5,500 in the first 3 months
• 4X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases (limited time offer ends 12/31/22, after that 2X) and 1X miles for every $1 spent on other purchases

4. Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

With the Delta Reserve Credit Card, you get a membership to the Delta Sky Club. You’ll get free access, but guests will need to pay $29 per visit. 

While relaxing in the lounge, you can also enjoy food choices and complimentary drinks in some locations. Free Wi-Fi is available, and you can get help with your flight information at the club. There are more than 50 Delta Sky Club locations, and you can also access partner lounges in airports all over the world.

In addition to airport lounge access, this credit card comes with additional perks. You get your first checked bag free and priority boarding, along with an inflight discount. You can also earn miles faster with Miles Boost, as well as by spending on Delta purchases.

Access to Delta Sky Club Lounges

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

Learn How to Apply

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Intro Offer

Earn 95,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months (limited time offer)

Annual Fee

$550

Rewards Rate

3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta and 1X miles for all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 95,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months (limited time offer)
• Generous rewards rate for Delta flyers
• Complimentary Sky Club and Centurion Lounge access
• No foreign transaction fee
• $550 annual fee. Terms apply.

Drawbacks

• High annual fee
• Best for frequent Delta travelers

Card Details

• Earn 95,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months (limited time offer)
• 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta and 1X miles for all other eligible purchases
• Terms apply

5. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

When you get the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, you receive complimentary Priority Pass membership and 10 free visits per year. This card offers the Standard PLUS version of membership, so after you use up your 10 free visits, you’ll have to pay a fee of $32 per visit. Your guests will also need to pay $32 per visit. Enrollment is required for this benefit.

Because it’s a Hilton Honors-branded card, you also get complimentary Gold status in the hotel’s loyalty program when you join, as well as a free Weekend Night Reward after spending on eligible purchases. 

You also earn 12X points on eligible purchases at participating Hilton hotels or resorts; 6X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations; and 3X points on all other eligible purchases.

Robust Welcome Offer

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

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Intro Offer

Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$95 (waived first year)

Rewards Rate

12X points on eligible purchases at participating Hilton hotels or resorts; 6X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations; and 3X points on all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
• 12X points at eligible purchases at participating Hilton hotels or resorts
• Free weekend night reward stay after spending $15,000 in a calendar year
• No foreign transaction fee
• $95 (waived first year) annual fee. Terms apply.

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee
• No intro APR
• No free anniversary night

Card Details

• Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
• 12X points on eligible purchases at participating Hilton hotels or resorts; 6X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations; and 3X points on all other eligible purchases
• Terms apply

6. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Unlimited airport lounge access with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership is a feature of the Hilton Honors Aspire Card. You can bring up to two guests for free. Enrollment is required for this benefit.

On top of the airport lounges, you can also take advantage of an annual $250 airline fee credit (you must select an airline to activate this benefit), as well as $250 in statement credits each year for purchases at Hilton Resorts. 

Additionally, there are high-earning tiers for a lot of travel booking, including 14X points on eligible purchases within the Hilton portfolio, 7X points on qualifying travel purchases made directly with airlines/select car rental companies or Amextravel.com, 7X points at U.S. restaurants, and 3X points on all other eligible purchases.

Fabulous Rewards for Hilton Fans

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

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Intro Offer

Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$450

Rewards Rate

14X points on eligible purchases within the Hilton portfolio, 7X points on qualifying travel purchases made directly with airlines/select car rental companies or Amextravel.com, 7X points at U.S. restaurants, and 3X points on all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
• 14X points at eligible purchases within the Hilton portfolio
• $250 in annual Hilton Resort credits
• No foreign transaction fees
• $450 annual fee. Terms apply.

Drawbacks

• High annual fee
• Best for frequent Hilton travelers

Card Details

• Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
• 14X points on eligible purchases within the Hilton portfolio, 7X points on qualifying travel purchases made directly with airlines/select car rental companies or Amextravel.com, 7X points at U.S. restaurants, and 3X points on all other eligible purchases
• Terms apply

7. United Club℠ Infinite Card

With the United Club Infinite Card you can earn 4X miles on United purchases. With this co-branded airline credit card, you also get unique United travel benefits, including your first and second checked bags for free and a United Club membership. For any individual who purchases United airfares often or is interested in making an airline switch, this card can provide you with a lot of value.

A Premium Card for United Flyers

United Club℠ Infinite Card

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Learn How to Apply

Intro Offer

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$525

Rewards Rate

4X miles on United purchases; 2X miles on other travel and dining (including eligible delivery services), 1X miles on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
• 4X points on United purchases and 2X points on other travel and dining
• First and second checked bags are free (terms apply)
• United Club membership
• Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA Precheck, or NEXUS Credit

Drawbacks

• High annual fee
• Benefits focused on travel with United

Card Details

• Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
• 4X miles on United purchases; 2X miles on other travel and dining (including eligible delivery services), 1X miles on all other purchases

FAQs

Bottom line

Many of these cards come with a high annual fees — and some of those fees are fairly hefty. However, access to airport lounges can be a very valuable benefit, especially if you travel a lot and like the idea of a place to relax between flights.

For example, Delta Sky Club charges $545 per year for an individual membership with unlimited access to lounges. If your card offers this perk and you can make good use of the lounges, the value of the membership alone could be enough to offset the annual fee.

Carefully consider the types of travel perks you value and the experiences you want to have. Many of the best credit cards offer perks on top of airport lounge access, and when you add them all up, they can be valuable enough that paying an annual fee is worth it.

Our #1 Travel Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

Learn How to Apply

Intro Offer

Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$95

Rewards Rate

5X points on Lyft rides and travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 3X points on eligible dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases; 2X points on travel; and 1X points per $1 on all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• 60,000 point sign-up bonus
• 5X points on Lyft rides and travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 25% more value when redeeming rewards for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 10% anniversary point bonus each year
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through Ultimate Rewards
• Premium travel protection benefits

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee
• Typically need to spend thousands to reap rewards

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
• 5X points on Lyft rides and travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 3X points on eligible dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases; 2X points on travel; and 1X points per $1 on all other eligible purchases

Author Details

Miranda Marquit Miranda Marquit has been covering money for more than a decade and is a nationally-recognized financial expert and journalist, appearing on CNBC, NPR, Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, FOX Business, and numerous other outlets.

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