As a frequent traveler who has visited more than 50 countries in the last decade, usually with my family in tow, I know firsthand how important it is to have airport lounge access. Airport lounges give you a quiet place to escape loud and crowded airport terminals, which can be especially valuable when your flight is delayed or you have a long layover. Plus, airport lounges offer complimentary food and drinks, helping you save money.
I have never paid for airport lounge access outright. Instead, I get airport lounge access through credit cards as a cardholder perk, and so does my husband. If you’re interested in enjoying the luxury of airport lounge access, read on to learn which cards offer this benefit.
The Platinum Card® from American Express* earns flexible Membership Rewards points for travel, which come with multiple redemption options, including travel through AmexTravel.com and point transfers to Amex airline and hotel partners.
This card has the best airport lounge membership program overall since you get a Priority Pass Select membership, entry into Amex Centurion lounges and access to Delta Sky Clubs when you fly with Delta Air Lines. Note that, beginning on Feb. 1, 2025, cardholders with The Platinum Card® from American Express will be limited to 10 Delta Sky Club visits per year.
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The Platinum Card® from American Express* earns flexible Membership Rewards points for travel, which come with multiple redemption options, including travel through AmexTravel.com and point transfers to Amex airline and hotel partners.
This card has the best airport lounge membership program overall since you get a Priority Pass Select membership, entry into Amex Centurion lounges and access to Delta Sky Clubs when you fly with Delta Air Lines. Note that, beginning on Feb. 1, 2025, cardholders with The Platinum Card® from American Express will be limited to 10 Delta Sky Club visits per year.
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The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card* lets users earn Capital One miles that can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel through Capital One or transfers to Capital One airline and hotel partners. In terms of airport lounge access, members get a Priority Pass Select membership with access to more than 1,300 lounges, entry into Capital One airport lounges and membership with other Capital One partner lounges.
Note that Capital One airport lounge access applies regardless of which airline you fly, so it’s more flexible in general. Members can also bring two complimentary guests into all lounges.
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- 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
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- $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card* lets users earn Capital One miles that can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel through Capital One or transfers to Capital One airline and hotel partners. In terms of airport lounge access, members get a Priority Pass Select membership with access to more than 1,300 lounges, entry into Capital One airport lounges and membership with other Capital One partner lounges.
Note that Capital One airport lounge access applies regardless of which airline you fly, so it’s more flexible in general. Members can also bring two complimentary guests into all lounges.
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- 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
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- $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are known for their flexibility. You can redeem these points for cash back, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise and more. Chase points also transfer to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, and Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders get 50% more value when they redeem points for travel through Chase Travel.
Cardholders also get a Priority Pass Select membership with entry into more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world, regardless of which airline they fly. The cardholder and up to two guests can enter for free.
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- 22.49% – 29.49% Variable
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- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are known for their flexibility. You can redeem these points for cash back, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise and more. Chase points also transfer to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, and Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders get 50% more value when they redeem points for travel through Chase Travel.
Cardholders also get a Priority Pass Select membership with entry into more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world, regardless of which airline they fly. The cardholder and up to two guests can enter for free.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
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- Regular APR
- 22.49% – 29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card* earns Delta SkyMiles, which can be used with Delta and SkyTeam partners. This card comes with complimentary Sky Club access for the cardholder and four one-time guest passes per year. After that, you can bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location. Lounge entry is only available for travelers flying with Delta-operated or Delta-marketed flights.
Cardholders also get access to Amex Centurion lounges when they fly with Delta. Note that, beginning Feb. 1, 2025, cardholders will only get 15 Sky Club visits per year (to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter).
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
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- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
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The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card* earns Delta SkyMiles, which can be used with Delta and SkyTeam partners. This card comes with complimentary Sky Club access for the cardholder and four one-time guest passes per year. After that, you can bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location. Lounge entry is only available for travelers flying with Delta-operated or Delta-marketed flights.
Cardholders also get access to Amex Centurion lounges when they fly with Delta. Note that, beginning Feb. 1, 2025, cardholders will only get 15 Sky Club visits per year (to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter).
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- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
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The United Club℠ Infinite Card earns miles in the United MileagePlus program, which can be used for flights with United and its Star Alliance partners.
This card comes with a complimentary United Club membership for the cardholder, who can bring up to two adults or one adult and dependent children under 21 years of age each visit. Cardholders can only use United Clubs on the day they fly with United, Star Alliance or a contracted partner. Utilizing an airport lounge could help mitigate some travel-induced stress.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
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- Regular APR
- 21.99% – 28.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The United Club℠ Infinite Card earns miles in the United MileagePlus program, which can be used for flights with United and its Star Alliance partners.
This card comes with a complimentary United Club membership for the cardholder, who can bring up to two adults or one adult and dependent children under 21 years of age each visit. Cardholders can only use United Clubs on the day they fly with United, Star Alliance or a contracted partner. Utilizing an airport lounge could help mitigate some travel-induced stress.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
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- Intro Purchase APR
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- Regular APR
- 21.99% – 28.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®* earns miles in the American AAdvantage program, which can be redeemed for flights with American and its Oneworld Airline Alliance partners.
This card comes with access to Admirals Clubs and partner lounges when the cardholder flies with American or its Oneworld partners. Cardholders can bring immediate family (spouse and children under 18) into the lounge or up to two guests with each visit.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
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- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®* earns miles in the American AAdvantage program, which can be redeemed for flights with American and its Oneworld Airline Alliance partners.
This card comes with access to Admirals Clubs and partner lounges when the cardholder flies with American or its Oneworld partners. Cardholders can bring immediate family (spouse and children under 18) into the lounge or up to two guests with each visit.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
What is a credit card that offers airport lounge access?
Credit cards with airport lounge access are cards that offer airport lounge membership as a cardholder perk. Each card has its own rules for lounge accessibility. Some only offer access to a small selection of their own airport lounges and partner lounges, whereas others offer access to thousands of airport lounges around the world.
Airport lounge access offered through co-branded airline credit cards is restricted to when you fly with that airline. If you have access to Delta Sky Clubs with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, for example, you can only use it if you’re flying with Delta-operated or a Delta-marketed flight.
That’s why, in addition to having airport lounge access with my favorite frequent flyer program, I make sure I have access to Priority Pass. After all, Priority Pass airport lounge access lets you use and enter more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world no matter which airline you’re flying with. This ensures I almost always have access when I book airfare with carriers other than my frequent flyer program.
Pros
Save money on food and drink by eating in airport lounges
Enjoy Wi-Fi and space to spread out in lounges
Some airport lounge memberships allow free guests
Gain other perks in addition to airport lounge access
Earn travel rewards for spending
Cons
Some airport lounge access only works when you fly with a specific airline
Lounge entry rules can be complicated
Lounge crowding is a major problem
High annual fees apply
How to choose a travel credit card with airport lounge access
Comparing credit cards with airport lounge access can be challenging since rewards and benefits vary. Here are some factors to help you narrow down your options.
Rewards rate
Compare travel credit cards’ rewards rates and welcome offers. For example, some credit cards earn the most points or miles when you book travel within a specific program, whereas others offer more flexible options to earn points or miles.
Redemption options
Make sure you understand how you can redeem rewards, and pick a card with the type of rewards you want the most.
Travel partners
Some co-branded airline credit cards with lounge access offer entry into partner lounges, which can come in handy for international travel. Flexible travel credit cards often let you transfer your points to airline and hotel partners, which can help you get more value out of each redemption.
Your travel style
Consider which airports you travel most to and which lounges are available. Do you always travel alone? Or, do you need a credit card that lets you bring your travel guests into the lounge with you? Narrow down credit cards based on airport lounge access you can actually use.
How to get the most out of airport lounge access
The card may dictate how often you’re able to visit airport lounges, but so will how you travel. The following tips can help you get the most out of your membership.
- Research lounge availability ahead of time. Before you choose flights with a layover or a new departure city, make sure you know which lounges you can access and the hours they’re open. Many airports have multiple lounges, so having an idea of the quality of lounges and what they offer can save you time.
- Know the guest policy. Know whether you can bring guests into lounges with you for free or for a fee.
- Have both spouses or partners get a membership. When you travel often with children, it can help for both parents to have their own airport lounge membership. For example, my husband and I both have Priority Pass, which means we can enter the lounges with our two children as guests.
- Have more than one membership if you’re a frequent traveler. This could mean having an airline credit card with lounge membership for the carrier you fly with most often, then having Priority Pass as a backup for those times you fly with a different airline.
Alternatives to credit cards with airport lounge membership
You don’t have to get airport lounge membership with a credit card, and in fact, you can purchase this membership outright. For example, Delta Sky Club, United Club and Admirals Club memberships are all available for purchase directly with each airline.
How to apply for a credit card
Once you find a credit card that ticks off all your boxes, you can apply. The following moves can help you get the airport lounge credit card you want.
- Determine if you already have a frequent flyer account: If you’re applying for a co-branded airline credit card and you have a frequent flyer number, you’ll need to list it on your application. If you’re applying for a flexible travel credit card, however, this step won’t apply.
- Apply securely on the credit card issuer’s website: Click the corresponding link above to access the official application page or visit the issuer’s site.
- Fill out the application: Fill out the credit card application with your full name, frequent flyer number (if you have one), address, phone number, monthly housing payment, household income and Social Security number.
- Get your card: If you’re approved for a credit card with airport lounge access, you’ll typically receive your card in the mail in seven to 10 business days. Remember to always pay your card on time and avoid overspending.
FAQs
The best card for airport lounge access is The Platinum Card® from American Express since you get a Priority Pass Select membership, entry into Amex Centurion lounges and access to Delta Sky Clubs when you fly with Delta Air Lines.
Airport lounge access is great for all types of travelers, but especially for those who frequently have layovers, travel with children or travel for business and need a quiet place to work.
Airport lounge amenities vary widely, but they all offer a selection of snacks, meals and drinks. Some of the most luxurious airport lounges even have shower suites, quiet rooms for working or sleeping and family play rooms. Airport lounges also offer free internet access.
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Our methodology
CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash-back, welcome bonuses, travel rewards and balance transfers. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles -- with the understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different -- and the designated function of a card.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, click here.
*All information about the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, The Platinum Card from American Express, Capital One Venture X Credit Card and Citi/ AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
