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Ready to get your lounge on? These credit cards provide access (either free or at a price) to a variety of airport lounges, from Priority Pass to Delta Sky Club to Amex Centurion.
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The information related to Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, American Express® Green Card, and Centurion® Card from American Express have been collected by Credit Card Insider and have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of these products.
We’ve rounded up all the credit cards that offer some form of airport lounge access, broken down by card type and lounge brand.
The most valuable cards — those that offer unlimited free lounge visits — are listed first for each category, while the more restrictive cards come later.
You’ll find a wide range of options, from no annual fee to over $500 per year. No matter what lounge brand you like, or whether you travel once in a while or practically nonstop, you’re sure to find a card to make your trips a little more comfortable.
Is an Airport Lounge Credit Card Right for You?
How often do you fly? Once or twice per year, every other month, or practically nonstop? If you spend much time in airports, you’ve no doubt glanced at a lounge or two.
Inclusive meals and drinks, showers, a quiet place to work or relax: Airport lounges can be a welcome reprieve for a weary traveler, or a fun launchpad for a vacation.
If you’ve looked enviously at airport lounges, and want an easy and inexpensive way to access them, a credit card could be the way to go.
Memberships are pricey, and day passes can run $30 to $50 or more. But many credit cards offer lounge access either via memberships or on a per-entry basis, giving you a way to earn credit card rewards, take advantage of perks, and enter lounges all in one.
You’ll find cards at a variety of price points, in terms of annual fees. Frequent travelers can go with a premium travel card with a high fee (which would typically provide unlimited lounge visits), while infrequent travelers might want a card with no or a low annual fee (which would typically provide some number of free lounge visits per year).
That includes the fairly common Priority Pass Select membership, along with access to the more exclusive Amex Centurion Lounges, plus Delta Sky Clubs and a variety of others.
There’s a business version of this with the same lounge access, which is the runner up here, along with the Centurion Card (but that’s invite only).
The Global Lounge Collection provides unlimited visits to the following lounges for Platinum cardholders, with certain restrictions. While most cards just provide access to one lounge brand, the Amex Platinum card stands out for such a broad offering. If you want to relax at every airport you ever visit, this card will give you the best chance of finding a lounge you can enter.
Lounge Brand
Access
Details
Airspace Lounge
Cardholder, spouse, children under 21, and up to two guests can enter for free
International American Express Lounge
Cardholder and one guest can enter for free
The Centurion Lounge
Cardholder and up to two guests can enter for free
Delta Sky Club
Cardholder can enter for free
Up to two guests can enter for $29 per person
Same-day Delta boarding pass required
Escape Lounge
Cardholder and up to two guests can enter for free
Lufthansa
Cardholder can enter for free
Some locations allow guests for a fee
Same-day Lufthansa boarding pass required
Plaza Premium Lounge
Cardholder and up to two guests can enter for free
Priority Pass
Cardholder and up to two guests can enter for free
Additional guests cost $32
Complimentary membership
Enrollment required
Some lounges do not admit guests
Excludes non-lounge experiences
Authorized card users can access these lounges as well. Up to three Platinum authorized users can be designated for a total price of $175. After that, each additional Platinum authorized user will cost $175.
Authorized users have the same lounge access in most cases, but there might be some restrictions. If you’re not totally sure you can enter a particular lounge as an authorized user, call and check before you make travel plans.
5X Membership Rewards points per dollar (on up to $500,000 spent per calendar year, then 1X) on:
Flights booked directly through airlines or through American Express Travel
Prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel
2X Membership Rewards points per dollar on other eligible travel expenses booked through American Express Travel
1X Membership Rewards point per dollar on all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
75,000 bonus points for spending $5,000 in the first 6 months; 10X points on eligible purchases at U.S. Gas Stations and U.S. Supermarkets, on up to $15,000 in combined purchases, in the first 6 months
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit: A credit for the application fee of either Global Entry ($100 every five years) or TSA PreCheck ($85 every four-and-a-half years)
The Hotel Collection: A $100 hotel credit for every eligible two-night stay. Eligibility for this offer is limited. Enrollment is required in the Amex Offers section of your account before redeeming.
Complimentary hotel statuses: Hilton Honors Gold status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
Up to $200 in annual Uber Cash: Add your Platinum card to the Uber App to get up to $15 in Uber Cash per month, plus a bonus $20 in December; U.S. Eats orders and rides only.
Uber Eats Pass: Get unlimited $0 delivery fees and 5% off orders at eligible restaurants for 12 months; must enroll by 12/31/21. Taxes and service fees may apply and do not count toward the order minimum. Eats Pass will start auto-billing 12 months from enrollment, at then-current monthly rate. Learn more.
Uber VIP status: Add your Platinum card to the Uber App to get Uber VIP status where available.
$100 in annual Saks credits: A $50 credit for January through June, and a $50 credit for July through December
No foreign transaction fee
Annual fee: $550; $175 for the first three Platinum authorized users, then $175 each
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Review) offers the same excellent airport lounge access as the consumer Platinum Card. At $595, this card isn’t cheap, but it provides some business-specific perks and features that aren’t available with the consumer counterpart (Rates & Fees).
Authorized users cost $300 each for the Business Platinum card, and they have the same lounge access for the most part. In some cases authorized users may be limited, however. If you’re planning to use an authorized user card to get into a lounge you’ve never been to before, it might be wise to call and check before you go.
Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 10x points on eligible purchases on your new Card at U.S. Gas Stations and U.S. Supermarkets, on up to $15,000 in combined purchases, during your first 6 months of Card Membership. That’s an additional 9 points on top of the 1 point you earn for these purchases.
Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member and Additional Centurion Cards only.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. Starting January 1, 2021, earn 5X points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Enjoy complimentary access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.
Receive complimentary benefits through American Express Travel with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts® program at over 1,100 properties . Learn More.
Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$550 annual fee.
Terms Apply.
American Express is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Review) is one of our favorite travel credit cards. It boasts a strong rewards program that’ll serve you well for domestic or foreign trips, whether you’re booking flights or dining out.
Along with your Priority Pass access you’ll have a nice travel credit to help knock down the annual fee, plus an airport security credit and excellent travel insurance perks. Learn more about making the most of your Sapphire Reserve benefits here.
Lounge Brand
Access
Details
Priority Pass
Cardholder and up to two guests can enter for free
Additional guests are $32 each
Complimentary membership
Enrollment required
Some lounges do not admit guests
Authorized users cost $75 each per year, and get the same access to Priority Pass lounges.
50% point bonus: A 50% bonus on points redeemed for travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards (comes to 1.5 cents per point)
$300 annual travel credit: Good for any travel expenses, unlike the credits you get with some other cards
$120 Peloton credit: Enroll to get up to $120 back for an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership (through 2021). No fitness equipment is required.
This is perhaps the only card to provide two full Priority Pass Select memberships. Those memberships can go to anyone on the account: the primary cardholder, any joint account holders, and any authorized users.
The Citi Prestige® Card (Review) is much-loved for its fourth night free perk, even though it was recently downgraded to a twice-per-year limit. You can still use it to get an awesome discount, especially for more expensive hotels.
This travel card’s bonus categories (which include air travel and hotels) pair nicely with the Priority Pass and fourth night benefits, making it easy to maximize the card’s value — you can earn rewards and tap into various benefits for several legs of your journey.
Lounge Brand
Access
Details
Priority Pass
Unlimited access for the cardholder
Immediate family and up to two guests can enter for free
Additional guests cost $27 each
Complimentary membership
Enrollment required
Some lounges do not admit guests
Authorized users cost $75 each, and they can access this lounge perk as well.
The Mastercard® Black Card™ (Review) is expensive for what you get, and we wouldn’t typically recommend it, but it has one standout feature that sets it apart: It allows for unlimited guests at Priority Pass lounges.
There are a few cards that allow for unlimited guests, and this is probably the easiest to get. The other Luxury Card that provides it has quite the annual fee and is an even harder pill to swallow; and the only other option, the Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card, is not always available and requires you to be a City National Bank client (but it actually provides two full Priority Pass memberships!).
Lounge Brand
Access
Details
Priority Pass
Unlimited access for the cardholder and unlimited guests
Complimentary membership
No enrollment required
Some lounges do not admit guests
Unlike most cards, you don’t have to manually enroll in Priority Pass Select when you get either the Mastercard Black or Gold card; you’ll be automatically enrolled after you’re approved.
Authorized users cost $195 each, and they can use this lounge benefit as well.
Unlimited access for the cardholder and unlimited guests
Complimentary membership
No enrollment required
Some lounges do not admit guest
The Mastercard® Gold Card™ (Review) is quite expensive at $995 per year. Representing the high end of the Luxury Card lineup, it has the same lounge access as the cheaper Mastercard Black Card.
Authorized users cost $295 each, and they can use this lounge benefit as well.
This is perhaps the only card to provide two full Priority Pass Select memberships. Those memberships can go to anyone on the account: the primary cardholder, any joint account holders, and any authorized users.
Patented black-PVD-coated metal card—weighing 22 grams.
2% value for airfare redemptions with no blackout dates or seat restrictions. 1.5% value for cash back redemptions. Earn one point for every one dollar spent.
24/7 Luxury Card Concierge®—available by phone, email and live mobile chat. Around-the-clock service to help you save time and manage tasks big and small.
Exclusive Luxury Card Travel® benefits—average value of $500 per stay (e.g., resort credits, room upgrades, free wifi, breakfast for two and more) at over 3,000 properties.
Annual Airline Credit—up to $100 in statement credits toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more. Up to a $100 application fee credit for the cost of TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry.
Enrollment in Priority PassTM Select with access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide with no guest limit. Includes credits at select airport restaurants for cardholder and one guest.
Cell phone protection for eligible claims of up to $1,000 each year. Plus additional World Elite Mastercard® benefits.
Annual Fee: $495 ($195 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply.
This card provides consistent Priority Pass lounge access at the lowest annual fee, though you’ll only get a handful of free visits per year. There are some cards without annual fees that can provide access through bonus offers, and you’ll find them in the runners up here, but you’d actually end up paying more for a more expensive lounge deal with them.
To get the UNFCU® Elite Visa® Card you’ll need to be a UNFCU member. Employees of the United Nations are eligible to join the UNFCU, along with members of their families and some other individuals.
Must spend $1,000 within either 120 or 155 days of receiving the offer, depending on offer details
12-month membership only
Enrollment required
Must use Deserve card as preferred payment method for Priority Pass
Deserve card must be in good standing and on file with Priority Pass at the time of lounge visit
The Deserve Edu Mastercard (Review) may provide some cardholders with an offer for a one-year Priority Pass Select membership for spending a certain amount. The amount of time you get will depend on your specific offer: Current cardholders who receive an offer will get 120 days, while new cardholders who get an offer while applying will get 155 days.
Authorized users are currently not allowed with Deserve cards.
Cardholders get $100 in annual credits to spend with LoungeBuddy, and that can get you into a variety of different lounges, from wide-ranging access brands like Priority Pass and DragonPass to airline-specific brands like Delta Sky Club and Southwest Airlines Lounges.
A lot of cards provide a Priority Pass Select membership, but if you’re not enamored with those lounges you might want to check out what LoungeBuddy has to offer.
Lounge Brand
Access
Details
LoungeBuddy
$100 in annual credits for purchases
Must pay with your Green card on the LoungeBuddy website or app
Your $100 in credits will apply to purchases of LoungeBuddy access made through the LoungeBuddy website or app. The credits will arrive two to four weeks after making purchases.
Depending on the lounge brands you want to enter, $100 could get you two to three visits per year, or perhaps more. LoungeBuddy brands include Priority Pass, DragonPass, Delta Sky Club, United Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge, and more.
Purchases made by authorized users are eligible for the credits, but only $100 in credits in total will be available for any card account per calendar year.
$100 annual CLEAR credit: Up to $100 in credit per year for a CLEAR membership, which provides expedited security screening at certain airports, stadiums, and events
Point transfer: To a selection of airline and hotel partners, like British Airways, Delta, Marriott, and Choice Privileges
Amex Offers: Find significant discounts at a changing selection of merchants and websites.
Complimentary ShopRunner membership: ShopRunner provides free two-day shipping and returns at participating online retailers.
Travel protections: Baggage Insurance Plan, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
American Express is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.
The information related to American Express® Green Card has been collected by Credit Card Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product.
The Aspire is your premium Hilton credit card option, with a bevy of perks to help make your stays a bit cheaper and more pleasant. These include the highest elite hotel status, over $500 in annual credits, and at least one free weekend night per year.
You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges, but, since this is an Amex card, you won’t get any Priority Pass restaurant credits — an unfortunate update to the program.
Lounge Brand
Access
Details
Priority Pass
Cardholder and up to two guests can enter for free
Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status: Includes a 100% bonus on Base points earned, room upgrades to suites when available, executive lounge access, a 48-hour room guarantee, and more
Annual free Weekend Night Award: One free night every year, and earn another free weekend night by spending $60,000 in a calendar year
$100 Hilton on-property credit: Good for every eligible stay of two nights or more, valid for incidental fees only
Annual $250 Hilton resort statement credit
Annual $250 airline fee statement credit: For incidental fees only
No foreign transaction fee
Annual fee: $450
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (Rates & Fees)
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you use your new Card to make $4,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, enjoy a free Weekend Night Reward within your first year and every year after renewal.
Earn 14X Hilton Bonus Points when you make eligible purchases on your Card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio.
Earn 7X Bonus Points for eligible purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies & at U.S. restaurants.
Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Enjoy up to $250 in Hilton Resort Credits on your Card each anniversary year, when you stay at participating resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
Enjoy complimentary Diamond status with your Hilton Honors Aspire Card.
$450 annual fee.
Terms Apply.
American Express is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.
The information related to Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected by Credit Card Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product.
The Brilliant card is one of the better premium hotel cards, with plenty of valuable credits and features to help offset its annual fee. There are a few other Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, but this is the only one with any kind of airport lounge access.
Like the Platinum and Hilton Aspire above, this is an Amex card, so you won’t get any restaurant credits to go along with your lounging.
Lounge Brand
Access
Details
Priority Pass
Cardholder and up to two guests can enter for free
6X Marriott Bonvoy Bonus pointsperdollar for eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
3X Marriott Bonvoy pointsperdollar:
At U.S. restaurants
On flights booked directly with airlines
2X Marriott Bonvoy pointsperdollar spent on all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
125,000 bonus points for spending $5,000 in the first 3 months; up to $200 in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants in the first 6 months
$300 annual Marriott Bonvoy hotel credit: Up to $300 in statement credits for eligible purchases
Free Night Award: Every year after your account anniversary you’ll get a Free Night Award, good for redemption values of 50,000 points or less.
Application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: A statement credit for the application fee of either Global Entry ($100 every five years) or TSA PreCheck ($85 every four-and-a-half years)
Complimentary Gold Elite hotel status: Includes perks like a 25% bonus on base points, 2 p.m. late checkout, and more
15 Elite Night Credits: Each year you’ll get 15 Elite Night Credits toward a higher member status
$100 property credit: Earn up to $100 in property credits when booking at least two nights direct with a special rate code at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis.
Bonus points for airline transfers: Get 15,000 bonus points for every 60,000 points transferred to airline programs.
No foreign transaction fee
Annual fee: $450
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card (Rates & Fees)
Earn 125,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Plus, earn up to $200 in Statement Credits for eligible purchases at U.S. Restaurants within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Expires 5/12/2021.
Enjoy up to $300 in statement credits each year of Card Membership for eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy Hotels. 3 points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
Receive 1 free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Enjoy unlimited airport lounge visits when you enroll in Priority Pass™ Select membership.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
$450 Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.
American Express is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.
This is a great perk if you regularly travel with family, as all of your designated authorized users get the same complimentary lounge access. But, before springing for the premium AA option, you may want to compare this card’s features to what you’d get from a less expensive American Airlines card.
Lounge Brand
Access
Details
Admirals Club
Cardholder and immediate family or two traveling companions can enter for free
Complimentary membership
Activation required
Authorized users can access Admirals Club lounges as well. Up to 10 authorized users can be added for free. However, certain affiliated lounges may be off limits to authorized users.
First checked bag free: On American Airlines flights, for you and up to eight traveling companions
25% savings on eligible in-flight purchases: A 25% discount on in-flight purchases of food and beverages on American Airlines flights
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application credit: A statement credit for the Global Entry ($100) or TSA PreCheck ($85) application fee, once every five years
Enhanced Airport Experience: Get priority check-in, screening, and boarding privileges when available.
10,000 Elite Qualifying Miles: Earn 10,000 Elite Qualifying Miles by spending $40,000 in a given account year.
No foreign transaction fee
Annual fee: $450; up to 10 authorized users for no fee
Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage®bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Admirals Club® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you
Earn 10,000 AAdvantage® Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) after you spend $40,000 in purchases within the year
No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation
The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 15.99% – 24.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi’s discretion.
Like most other airline cards, you’ll earn some rewards but most of the value comes from the extra benefits, like free checked bags, priority boarding, annual companion passes. Cardholders receive complimentary access to Delta Sky ClubsandCenturion Lounges, which helps make this card worth the fee.
Lounge Brand
Access
Details
Delta Sky Club
Free access for cardholder when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight
Includes two free one-time Sky Club guest passes
Up to two guests per visit, for $39 per person
For Delta partner flights not operated or marketed by Delta, access is $39 per person
Complimentary membership
Entry requires ticket for same-day travel with Delta or a partner airline
Centurion Lounge
Free access for cardholder when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight
Up to two guests per visit, for $50 per person
Complimentary membership
Entry requires ticket for same-day travel with Delta or a partner airline
Authorized users cost $175 each, and will have the same lounge access.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer expires 4/28/2021.
Accelerate your path to Medallion Status, with Status Boost®. Plus, in 2021 you can earn even more bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) to help you reach Medallion Status.
Complimentary access into the Delta SkyClubs® for you when traveling on a Delta flight.
Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book your Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
This card can get you into the United Club for free every time you fly, but a different United card may be a better fit if you won’t fly as much or don’t need to visit a lounge every trip. You’ll find some less expensive options in the runners up, but those cards charge for every lounge visit.
Lounge Brand
Access
Details
United Club and participating Star Alliance
Unlimited access for you and up to two guests, depending on location
Complimentary membership
Entry requires a boarding pass for same-day travel with United, Star Alliance, or a contracted partner
Authorized user cards are free, but authorized users do not get independent access to United Clubs.
Its fee is $89 (waived for Senator and HON Circle Members), and it lacks some of the features you typically find on airline cards, like free checked bags and advance boarding. But it does come with an annual companion certificate, a rare find on a card at this level that could prove quite valuable.
Lounge Brand
Access
Details
Lufthansa Business Lounge
Two access vouchers per year
Vouchers will expire 12 months after issuance
Complimentary membership
Entry requires a Lufthansa, Star Alliance, or Codeshare partner boarding pass for a same-day departing flight
Your first vouchers will be sent after the account is first used for a purchase. Every year after that, vouchers will be sent 45 days after payment of the annual fee. Vouchers may take four to six weeks to arrive after qualifications have been met.
Authorized users are free with this card, but they do not get their own lounge vouchers. Only the primary cardholder will get the two vouchers per year.
Annual companion ticket: Good for an economy-class ticket, subject to taxes and fees
15% off Miles & More hotel and car awards: Automatically applied when you pay with your card
Convert award miles to status miles: Each year, you can convert up to 25,000 award miles to status miles at a 5:1 ratio.
Shopping and travel protections: Like Baggage Delay Insurance and Trip Cancellation Insurance
No foreign transaction fee
Annual fee: $89 (waived for Senator and HON Circle Members); no fee for authorized users
2X miles per dollar spent on tickets purchased from Miles & More integrated airline partners
1X mile per dollar spent on all other purchases
50,000 bonus miles for spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
25,000 bonus miles for spending $20,000 in the first year
Introductory 0% balance transfer APR for 15 months (must be completed within the first 45 days), then your rate will be 15.99%, 19.99% or 24.99% Variable
Annual Companion Ticket awarded after making the first purchase and every year afterward
Two annual passes to the Lufthansa Business Lounge
Up to 15% discount on Miles & More hotel and car rental partners
No foreign transaction fees
$89 annual fee; waived for SEN and HON Circle Members
The SKYPASS Visa Signature Credit Card is affiliated with Korean Air, and provides two free annual visits to Korean Air Airport Lounges.
This is a pretty simple card, overall, without many airline perks beyond lounge access. But the annual fee is smaller than your typical airline card, so if Korean Air often finds its way onto your itinerary it could help you earn more miles more quickly.
Lounge Brand
Access
Details
Korean Air Airport Lounge (KAL Lounge)
Two access coupons per year
Entry requires same-day ticket with KAL
You’ll receive your access coupons 8 to 10 weeks after paying the annual fee.
Authorized users for this card are free, but you won’t get any extra access coupons. Only two coupons are provided per account, per year.
As you can see, travel credit cards often offer complimentary or discounted Priority Pass lounge access. The program’s benefits don’t end there, though, so learn more about everything else Priority Pass Select has to offer.
Enhance Your Travel Experience with Airport Lounges
If you travel often and want to make life a bit more comfortable, consider getting a credit card with airport lounge access. Airport lounges have a variety of perks to help you relax and prepare for flights, or unwind after a long haul.
There are many different lounge brands around the world, offering different amenities and levels of service. You’ll typically have a quiet space to relax or work, while some lounges also provide complimentary food and drinks or shower facilities.
We’ve collected all the credit cards that offer some type of airport lounge access, starting with the most valuable card offers in each category followed by less valuable options. If you know of any cards with lounge access that we don’t have listed here, please contact us to let us know!
What’s the Best Credit Card for Airport Lounge Access?
The best credit cards for airport lounge access are, without a doubt, this pair of American Express cards:
Most cards with lounge memberships only provide entry to one lounge brand, like Priority Pass; but these cards come with Amex’s Global Lounge Collection, which gives you access to a variety of lounge brands:
For a $50 annual fee, it provides five complimentary visits to Priority Passlounges every year. After that, each visit will cost $32 per person.
There aren’t really any other great perks with the UNFCU Visa Elite. And it only earns 2X points per dollar at grocery stores and restaurants. But if you want an inexpensive credit card to get into airport lounges, this $50 offer will be your cheapest option.
There’s also one other credit card without an annual fee that can provide lounge access, but with some restrictions. The Deserve Edu Mastercard (Review) can provide a one-year Priority Pass Select membership for spending $1,000 in a specified period of time, but only some cardholders will get this offer. There are no free lounge visits included, however; each visit will cost $32 per person.
Insider tip
Some co-branded credit cards that offer lounge access have their annual fees waived for the first year, making them more affordable. But after that you’ll pay $95 per year for most of them.
What Are Priority Pass Lounges and Which Credit Cards Provide Access?
Priority Pass is a network of over 1,200 lounges around the world, and it’s the most common lounge brand you’ll find associated with credit cards. Many cards provide a “Priority Pass Select” membership, but the terms of your membership (like entry fees) will depend on your specific card.
In most cases, your Priority Pass Select membership includes not just lounges but airport restaurant credits, too. You’ll typically get around $28–$30 at participating restaurants, and the credit usually applies to one guest as well. But take note that American Express cards with Priority Pass memberships don’t come with restaurant credits.
What Are Centurion Lounges and Which Credit Cards Provide Access?
American Express Centurion Lounges are high-end lounges located mostly in the U.S., providing a respite for weary travelers who want to relax in comfort.
With menus designed by celebrity chefs, workspaces, showers, and even complimentary spa treatments, Centurion lounges are a step above your typical airport lounge. There’s also a Centurion Suite at the Staples Center in L.A., which you can access with your card, and other pop-up lounges are sometimes found at big events.
The following cards provide this coveted access to Centurion Lounges:
How Do I Use a Credit Card to Access Airport Lounges?
Airport lounge access is available with many travel credit cards. Some cards provide as many free visits as you’d like. Others are more limited, and will charge you and your guests a fee for every visit. Most are somewhere in between, offering some number of free day passes before making you pay.
To enter an airport lounge you’ll usually need to show a same-day boarding pass. In most cases you’ll also need to show the card that provides access and a valid ID.
To enter airline-specific lounges, like Delta Sky Clubs, you’ll typically need a same-day boarding pass for that airline.
In many cases, depending on the card, authorized users are granted the same lounge access as the primary cardholder.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
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