Travel in style and comfort with these credit cards that provide airport lounge access among other excellent travel perks. Choose from the featured card offers from our partners below and elevate your next travel adventures!
| Credit Card | Financebuzz Rating | Welcome Bonus | Rewards Rate | Intro APR | Regular APR | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 award winner Best Premium Travel Credit Card /images/2024/12/18/capital_one_venture_x_card_art_-_12-18-24.png)
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card |
Excellent for premium travel benefits
4.9
|
75,000
Miles
|
2X - 10X
Miles
|
Purchases:
N/A, N/A
Balance Transfer:
N/A, N/A
|
19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
|
$395
|
|
2025 award winner Best for Luxury Travel /images/2024/12/16/amex-platinum-consumer.png)
The Platinum Card® from American Express |
Excellent for premium travel rewards + airport lounge access
4.9
|
80,000
Membership Rewards points
|
1X - 5X
points
|
Purchases:
N/A, N/A
Balance Transfer:
N/A, N/A
|
20.24% - 28.24% (variable)
|
$695
|
|
2025 award winner Best Overall Business Credit Card /images/2024/12/18/capital_one_venture_x_business_card_art.png)
Capital One Venture X Business |
Excellent for top-notch business travel rewards
4.7
|
Up to 350,000
Miles
|
2X - 10X
Miles
|
Purchases:
N/A, N/A
Balance Transfer:
N/A, N/A
|
N/A
|
$395
|
|
2025 award winner Best Airline Credit Card /images/2024/12/17/chase-united-explorer-12172024.png)
The New United℠ Explorer Card |
Excellent for fantastic rewards for United fliers
4.8
|
80,000
Miles
|
1X - 2X
Miles
|
Purchases:
N/A, N/A
Balance Transfer:
N/A, N/A
|
20.49% - 28.99% Variable
|
$150 (waived first year)
|
|
2025 award winner Best for Lounge Access /images/2024/12/16/chase-sapphire-reserve-12162024.png)
Chase Sapphire Reserve® |
Excellent for top-notch travel rewards
5.0
|
60,000
Points
|
1X - 10X
Points
|
Purchases:
N/A, N/A
Balance Transfer:
N/A, N/A
|
20.24% - 28.74% Variable
|
$550
|
/images/2024/12/16/business_platinum_from_american_express_card_art_-_12-16-24.png)
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express |
Excellent for high rewards rates on travel
4.9
|
150,000 Membership Rewards points + $500 statement credit
|
1X - 5X
Membership Rewards points
|
Purchases:
N/A, N/A
Balance Transfer:
N/A, N/A
|
18.49% - 27.49% Variable
|
$695
|
/images/2024/12/16/amex-delta-skymiles-reserve.png)
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card |
Excellent for Access to Delta Sky Club Lounges
4.8
|
70,000
miles
|
1X - 3X
miles
|
Purchases:
N/A, N/A
Balance Transfer:
N/A, N/A
|
20.24% - 29.24% (variable)
|
$650
|
Today's Top Travel Credit Cards With Lounge Access
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
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If you're looking for a premium travel card with extensive airport lounge access, check out the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees). You'll get unlimited complimentary access to 1,300+ lounges including Priority Pass and Capital One lounges.
This card's year one value is worth an amazing estimated $1,6711 <p class="">These values are based on the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/financebuzz-credit-card-valuation">FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model</a>, which takes a look at rewards earned via spending, the welcome offer, and the annual fee. We used a valuation of 1 cent/point unless otherwise stated above. These are estimated values - your actual earnings will depend on how much you spend and in what categories.<br></p> , which could cover the annual fee of $395 nearly 4X! The benefits of this card are numerous — receive an annual travel credit of $300 for bookings made through Capital One Travel, up to a $120 statement credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry, Hertz elite status2 <p class="">Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply<br></p> and more! Even better, you can also earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening!
- Estimated $1,671 year one value that can help offset the $395 annual fee nearly 4x!
- Access to Priority Pass and Capital One lounges
- Up to a $120 statement credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry
- $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
Purchase and Transfer APR: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
Click here to apply for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card now.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
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The Platinum Card® from American Express is a fantastic choice if you want to take advantage of airport lounges worldwide. With this card, you'll gain access to 1,400+ airport lounges in 140+ countries through the American Express Global Lounge Collection.
This card is worth an incredible estimated $2,220 in the first year1 <p class="">These values are based on the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/financebuzz-credit-card-valuation">FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model</a>, which takes a look at rewards earned via spending, the welcome offer, and the annual fee. We used a valuation of 1 cent/point unless otherwise stated above. These are estimated values - your actual earnings will depend on how much you spend and in what categories.<br></p> , which can help offset the annual fee of $695 nearly 3x!You'll receive tons of perks, including statement credits for airline fees, rideshare, digital entertainment, hotels, CLEAR Plus membership and more. Even better, you can also earn 80,000 membership rewards points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 6 months!
- Estimated $2,220 year one value that can help offset the $695 annual fee nearly 3x!
- Access 1,400+ airport lounges in 140+ countries through the American Express Global Lounge Collection
- Up to $200 in Uber Cash, up to $200 in airline credits, and up to a $199 credit for a CLEAR® Plus membership
- No foreign transaction fees
- Select benefits require enrollment
Click here to learn how to apply for The Platinum Card® from American Express
Capital One Venture X Business
/images/2024/12/18/capital_one_venture_x_business_card_art.png)
If you're looking for a business travel card with generous lounge perks, check out the Capital One Venture X Business(Rates and fees). With this premium business travel card, you get unlimited airport lounge access to 1,300+ lounges.
Even better? The insane value of the other perks: For a limited time, earn up to 350,000 bonus miles: 150,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months, and an additional 200,000 miles once you spend $200,000 in the first 6 months. This offsets the annual fee of $395 and then some. You also receive an annual travel credit of $300 for bookings made through Capital One's travel booking site, up to a $120 statement credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry, 10,000 anniversary miles, and more!
- Welcome offer of up to 350,000 that can help offset the $395 annual fee and then some
- Unlimited access to Priority Pass and Capital One lounges
- Up to a $120 statement credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry
- $300 annual credit and 10,000 anniversary bonus miles for bookings through Capital One's travel booking site
This card doesn't have an APR; instead, there's a late fee of 2.99% of the unpaid portion each month.
Click here to apply for the Capital One Venture X Business now.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
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If you fly United, want a solid bonus offer, and enjoy lounge access before a trip, The New United℠ Explorer Card(Rates and fees) could be a great choice. This card gives you 2 United Club lounge passes each year — plus plenty of additional "premium" perks — for a low annual fee of $150 (waived first year).
The year one value of The New United℠ Explorer Card is worth an astounding estimated $2,2341 <p class="">These values are based on the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/financebuzz-credit-card-valuation">FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model</a>, which takes a look at rewards earned via spending, the welcome offer, and the annual fee. We used a valuation of 1 cent/point unless otherwise stated above. These are estimated values - your actual earnings will depend on how much you spend and in what categories.<br></p> . You'll get tons of benefits with this card, too — up to a $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit, priority boarding and more! Even better, cardholders earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open!
- Estimated $2,234 year one value — that's over 12x the annual fee of $150 (waived first year)!
- Two United Club Lounge Passes Per Year when the primary cardmember or authorized user is traveling
- Up to a $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
- Priority boarding and first checked bag free
Click here to apply for The New United℠ Explorer Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
/images/2024/12/16/chase-sapphire-reserve-12162024.png)
The Chase Sapphire Reserve®(Rates and fees) is one of the top premium travel cards on the market for many reasons — one of them being access to over 1,300 VIP lounges in airports nationwide, with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership.
It gets better — cardholders earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening! Plus, receive additional perks including a $300 annual travel credit, reimbursement for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry, and more — which could easily offset the $550 annual fee.
- Access to 1,300+ VIP Lounges with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
- Reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
- $300 annual travel credit
Click here to apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
/images/2024/12/16/business_platinum_from_american_express_card_art_-_12-16-24.png)
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a fantastic choice if you want to take advantage of premium airport lounges worldwide. With this card, you'll gain access to premium Centurion lounges, the American Express Global Lounge Collection, Delta Sky Club lounges, and Priority Pass Select lounges. That's over 1,400+ airport lounges in 140 countries!
This card is worth a powerful estimated $2,778 in the first year1 <p class="">These values are based on the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/financebuzz-credit-card-valuation">FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model</a>, which takes a look at rewards earned via spending, the welcome offer, and the annual fee. We used a valuation of 1 cent/point unless otherwise stated above. These are estimated values - your actual earnings will depend on how much you spend and in what categories.<br></p> , which can help offset the annual fee of $695 nearly 3x! There are also a number of benefits with this card — including statement credits for airline fees and CLEAR Plus membership, exclusive perks at fine hotels and resorts, credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck, and more. Enrollment is required.
- Estimated $2,778 year one value that can help offset the $695 annual fee nearly 3x!
- Access 1,400+ airport lounges in 140+ countries through the American Express Global Lounge Collection
- Up to a $199 statement credit for a CLEAR® Plus membership
- Foreign transaction fees: None
Click here to learn how to apply for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
/images/2024/12/16/amex-delta-skymiles-reserve.png)
If you fly Delta and want complimentary access to an incredible variety of airport lounges, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card could be the perfect fit for you. With this card, you'll gain complimentary access to Delta Sky Club (15 Visits each Medallion® Year; unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year) and Centurion lounges worldwide.
This card is worth an incredible estimated $1,874 in the first year1 <p class="">These values are based on the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/financebuzz-credit-card-valuation">FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model</a>, which takes a look at rewards earned via spending, the welcome offer, and the annual fee. We used a valuation of 1 cent/point unless otherwise stated above. These are estimated values - your actual earnings will depend on how much you spend and in what categories.<br></p> , which can help offset the annual fee of $650 more than 2x! You'll receive an annual companion certificate, priority boarding, first checked bag free, and many other perks. Even better, you can also earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months!
- Estimated $1,874 year one value that can help offset the $650 annual fee more than 2x!
- Complimentary access to Delta Sky Club (15 Visits each Medallion® Year; unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year) and Centurion lounges worldwide
- Up to $120 every 4 years for Global Entry or up to $85 every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck®
- Complimentary annual companion certificate
Click here to learn how to apply for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Bottom Line
2025 award winner Best Premium Travel Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees) is a great choice for travelers who want lounge access — but also other perks that have the power to offset the annual fee completely.
- Generous welcome offer: Earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's worth $750 toward travel.
- Lounge access: You'll get unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges including Priority Pass and Capital One lounges, and the Partner Lounge Network.
- Estimated $1,6711 <p class="">These values are based on the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/financebuzz-credit-card-valuation">FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model</a>, which takes a look at rewards earned via spending, the welcome offer, and the annual fee. We used a valuation of 1 cent/point unless otherwise stated above. These are estimated values - your actual earnings will depend on how much you spend and in what categories.<br></p> year one value could help offset the $395 annual fee: Enjoy a welcome offer worth $750, an annual $300 credit to use on Capital One Travel, an anniversary bonus of 10,000 miles, up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, Hertz elite status2 <p class="">Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply<br></p> , and more.
- Insane reward rates on travel: Earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25.
- Visa Infinite card3 <p class="">For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.<br></p> benefits: Visa Infinite cardholders receive many types of purchase and travel protections, including cell phone protection, baggage delay reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption reimbursement, extended warranty protection, trip delay reimbursement, and auto rental collision damage waiver.
2025 award winner Best Premium Travel Credit Card
Benefits
Card Details
- $300 annual travel credit
- 10,000 anniversary miles
- Unlimited access to Capital One and Priority Pass lounges
- Elevated rewards miles on flights and hotels booked via Capital One Travel
- Valuable travel protections
- Apply Now
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Intro Offer
Earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$395
Why we like it
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about travel credit cards with lounge access? We've answered the most common ones below to help you choose the right card for your next trip.
Travel credit cards earn points (sometimes called miles) each time you make an eligible purchase. The typical earning rate is 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, and many cards give you extra points for certain purchases, typically within travel categories.
The value of a point (or mile) depends on the card that earned it and how you redeem it, but a good rule of thumb is to assume each point is worth an average of about 1 cent.
Your points accumulate in a rewards account, where you can use them to pay for travel. Most cards let you book travel directly using a portal, but instead of paying cash, you can pay with your points or miles. Depending on the card, you may also have the option of booking travel directly from your airline or hotel of choice, then cashing in your points for a credit against those expenses.
If you wanted to get lounge access alone, a membership could cost up to $650/year. That's about the same as the annual fee for a premium card. So when you pay the annual fee, you know you are at least getting your money's worth.
But here’s a better way to think about it: Use the card's other perks to help offset the annual fee, and the lounge access can seem like a “free” bonus. For example, say a card comes with credits for flights, rideshares, and hotel accommodations, which could total $500 in annual value ... and the card has a $500 annual fee. If you use the perks to save $500 on purchases you would have made anyway, that offsets the $500 fee. But guess what? You also get to enjoy the lounge access the card offers. That's a huge win!
Airline-specific cards, like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or United℠ Explorer Card, can be beneficial if you are loyal to a particular airline. These cards can provide additional perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags, or bonus miles on purchases.
If you value luxury and premium services, the American Express Global Lounge Collection offers access to high-end Centurion® Lounges. If you want convenience and a broad range of locations, Priority Pass lounges could be enough to make you happy and you can access them with a handful of cards (with moderate annual fees).
If you frequently travel internationally, you might look at cards that offer access to a wide network of lounges worldwide, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
For domestic travelers, cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or United℠ Explorer Card might be more suitable, especially if you frequently fly with these airlines.
If you often travel with family or friends, consider the guest policy of each card. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card allow you to bring two guests, which can be a significant advantage for group travelers.
Travel internationally? Cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card provide access to a vast network of lounges worldwide, including Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Lounges. These cards ensure that you have a comfortable place to relax at a wide range of destinations worldwide.
How we chose these cards
FinanceBuzz evaluated a selection of cards from our partners, looking at various criteria including the annual fee, travel benefits, and bonus offers. We did not review all cards in the category and compensation was considered when evaluating and ordering the cards.