Amex Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve: Which Has The Best Lounge Access? [2025]

Key Takeaways

• The Platinum Card^® from American Express offers better lounge access, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and select Virgin Clubhouses.
• Both cards offer access to over 1,300 Priority Pass Lounges (with the Amex Platinum card, enrollment is required for this benefit).

Having access to an airport lounge while traveling has obvious benefits. The convenience and cost-savings of complimentary food and beverages alone may be reason enough to secure a membership. Additionally, the opportunity to have a comfortable space to relax between flights, free Wi-Fi, and clean restrooms makes the prospect of purchasing a lounge membership very compelling.

Unfortunately, annual lounge access can cost more than $500 for just an individual membership and much more if you want your traveling companions to join you.

The easiest, and potentially most cost-effective, means of securing lounge access is with a premium travel rewards credit card that offers complimentary access.

Utilizing a premium travel rewards card for airline lounge access is the focus of our article today. We’ve selected 2 of the best cards out there with airport lounge access — the Platinum Card^® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®.

Both offer complimentary worldwide lounge access, but each has its own network of available properties.

Join us as we dig deeper to find out which of our 2 featured cards offers access to the most lounges.

Card Snapshots

Before we discuss the level of lounge access for the Amex Platinum card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, let’s look at a quick overview of some of the exceptional benefits you’ll find with each card.

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Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

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Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
• More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card^® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
• More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card^® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
• More Value! $209 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card^®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express Membership Rewards

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Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,500

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.99% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

With so many premium benefits, you’ll want to compare these cards carefully to determine which card is a better match for you. We’ve put together a detailed comparison of the Amex Platinum card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card, as well.

Lounge Networks

Now it’s time to dive into the specific lounge access benefits of the Amex Platinum card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. We’ll look at each lounge network, where the properties are located, the approximate number of properties available, plus information on accessing these lounge and lounge alternative properties.

Please keep in mind that trying to count lounges is like trying to count a large herd of sheep; you’re bound to miss some and count others twice. Some lounges have closed, some have reopened, and new lounges may be added. Not all lounges in a network may grant access using our featured cards, some lounges are affiliated with more than 1 network, and lounge network affiliations can change.

However, even with these variables, the end result is the same — one of our featured cards offers greater lounge access than the other.

Let’s continue and explore all the lounge access options available on our featured cards.

Lounge Network Comparison Summary

_{*Enrollment required}

**10 visits to Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta same-day) with the ability to unlock unlimited visits through spend

Shared Lounge Networks

Aspire Lounge (3)

Priority Pass cardmembers flying out of Ontario (ONT) or San Diego (SAN) can enjoy access to the Aspire Lounge network. The lounge offers showers, complimentary snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. Beer, wine, cocktails, and food items are available for purchase.

Cardmembers receive an up to $10 food and beverage certificate when entering.

Just show your card along with a same-day boarding pass and ID to enter. You can bring up to 2 guests at no additional charge.

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club (2)

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club currently only has 2 locations open — Hong Kong (HKG) and Boston (BOS). These premium lounges are part of the Priority Pass network like The Club lounges are today. We should see additional locations opening soon.

Primary cardmembers and authorized users of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card who have activated their complimentary Priority Pass lounge access can enter the lounge. Cardholders may bring up to 2 guests per Priority Pass membership card, per visit, for free, and additional guests for $27.

Note that Amex Platinum cardholders who are enrolled Priority Pass will only be able to enter a domestic Sapphire Lounge by The Club location 1 time at no cost per calendar year and will be charged a $75 entry fee upon each subsequent visit to any location within the Sapphire Lounge by The Club network. The Hong Kong lounge is open to Priority Pass members and their eligible guests without the visit limitation.

Lufthansa Lounges (30)

Lufthansa has a broad worldwide network of dozens of lounges both in the U.S. and internationally.

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders have access to several Lufthansa Lounges via their Priority Pass membership.

Amex Platinum cardmembers flying same day on Lufthansa Group flights in any class of ticket can access participating Lufthansa Business Lounges. Members flying on Lufthansa Group flights in business class may access participating Lufthansa Senator Lounges. As not all of the Lufthansa Lounges are participating, we’ve estimated access to around 30 of the approximate 50 lounges (see the lounge locator for participating).

To access Lufthansa Lounges, you will need to show your eligible card, a same-day boarding pass for Lufthansa, SWISS, or Austrian Airlines, and a government-issued ID. Some lounge properties will allow you to bring guests for a fee.

Plaza Premium Lounges (130+)

Holders of either card who travel internationally will appreciate having access to any of the over 130 Plaza Premium Lounges worldwide. Cardmembers can access Plaza Premium Lounges regardless of airline or flight class with their eligible card and same-day boarding pass. Amex Platinum cardholders can show their physical card, while Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers can show their Priority Pass card.

Priority Pass Lounges (1,300+)

With more than 1,300 lounges and lounge alternative properties, Priority Pass is by far the largest lounge network. The value of a Priority Pass membership that provides complimentary lounge access is at least $469 each year (the cost of purchasing a direct membership), as this purchased pass will not include any complimentary guest access (+$35 each guest per visit).

The complimentary Priority Pass Select membership found on both cards includes access for the cardmember plus 2 guests at no extra charge. The membership with the Amex Platinum card grants access to only airport lounge properties and not participating lounge alternative Priority Pass restaurant venues, Minute Suites, Be Relax, or Gameway video lounges (which the Chase Sapphire Reserve card does).

You must first enroll in your membership via your online card account under the benefits section. You’ll then receive a Priority Pass membership card in the mail that you will use to access lounge properties.

Show your boarding pass for a same-day flight on any airline, your ID, and your Priority Pass card or digital card to gain access.

Hot Tip: Several credit cards offer Priority Pass Select membership or a set amount of 1-time visit passes each year. Here are some of the best credit cards with Priority Pass access. 

Virgin Clubhouses (5)

Virgin Clubhouses are known for their stylish décor, delicious food selection, on-site mixologists, and personal amenities. Holders of either card can access select Virgin Clubhouse locations that participate in the Priority Pass or Plaza Premium Lounge networks.

Cardmembers must show their card and same-day boarding pass to enter and can bring up to 2 guests.

Lounge Networks Unique to Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card (and the business version, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express) offers a wide variety of lounge selections, both in the U.S. and internationally. With the card in your wallet, you’ll be able to find a lounge in most major airports.

Let’s look at some of the options in the Amex Global Lounge Collection that you’ll have during your travels.

Centurion Lounges (27)

One of the most prestigious lounge networks available with the Amex Platinum card is the Centurion network of lounges. Centurion Lounges take pride in serving featured local food items, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and personal amenities such as showers. Amenities will vary by location.

There are 10+ lounges in the U.S. and the number continues to increase. You’ll find Centurion Lounges when you travel internationally as well, with 10+ additional properties worldwide.

Amex Platinum cardholders can enter all Centurion Lounges, and cardmembers may enter with up to 2 complimentary guests if they have spent $75,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year, otherwise, a guest day pass can be purchased for $50 per adult or $30 per child between the ages of 2 and 17.

You will need to show your Amex Platinum card and same-day boarding pass.

Hot Tip: You can add Additional Platinum Cards to your Amex Platinum card for $195 per card (see rates & fees). Additional cardholders have full access to all the lounges in the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges. 

Delta Sky Club (50)

Delta Sky Club offers free premium Wi-Fi, a large selection of hot and cold food items, snacks, complimentary beer, wine, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and premium alcoholic beverages for purchase. With an individual Sky Club membership costing $695 annually, having complimentary lounge access via the Amex Platinum card is a nice benefit if Delta is your preferred airline.

Amex Platinum cardmembers will have access to most Delta Sky Clubs when traveling the same day on Delta flights (ticket numbers that begin with 006). Just present your Amex Platinum card and your Delta boarding pass to enter. You can gain access for up to 2 guests, who are also traveling on Delta, for a fee (currently $50 for each guest).

Hot Tip: You may be able to utilize up to $200 in statement credit for airline incidentals on your Amex Platinum card for guest access purchases. Our article gives you several ideas for taking advantage of this card benefit. 

Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner (14)

The Escape Lounges network is expanding, now with 15 total properties. Each location features cuisine developed by a local chef, a dedicated mixologist, and a locally crafted beer selection.

Amex Platinum cardmembers can fly on any airline to enjoy access to Escape Lounges. The cardholder can bring 2 additional guests and children under 24 months at no cost.

You will need your Amex Platinum card, same-day boarding pass, and ID to enter.

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card offers the American Express Global Lounge Collection, featuring a stellar lineup of airport lounges that can be accessed with the card.

Lounge Networks Unique to Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

You won’t find a long list of lounge networks partnering with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, but you’ll still find more than 1,300 lounges and lounge alternative properties that could provide plenty of value and variety during your travels.

Let’s look at how Chase delivers the lounge access benefit that comes with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Sapphire Terrace (1)

Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card allows cardholders and 2 guests access to Chase Sapphire Terrace locations. Currently, there’s only 1 location at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Texas.

Sapphire Terrace locations do not accept Priority Pass.

Priority Pass Lounge Alternatives (70+)

One advantage of having the Priority Pass membership associated with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is complimentary access to Priority Pass alternative lounge properties. These properties include participating airport restaurants, Minute Suites, Be Relax spas, and Gameway video game lounges.

If your travels include airports that have participating venues, you’re sure to find additional value. Here’s how the alternative lounge Priority Pass benefit works:

Airport Restaurants

Whether it’s Bobby Van’s Steakhouse at JFK or the Lark Creek Grill at SFO, no need to depend on an airport lounge for your meal and cocktail. Priority Pass participating restaurants are located throughout the U.S. and internationally. The numbers vary as restaurants open, close, or leave the network, but there are approximately 25 participating airport restaurants in the U.S. and another 40+ internationally.

Terms and conditions vary by property, so be sure to review before visiting. To find a participating Priority Pass restaurant, start with our Priority Pass location article, download the Priority Pass app, or visit the Priority Pass Select website.

Hot Tip: If you choose to do so, you can visit more than 1 Priority Pass participating restaurant in the same airport on the same day. If your companion also has Priority Pass, you could use the pass for another free Minute Suite hour during the same visit as your free hour. 

Minute Suites

If you need to grab a nap, get some work done, or take a shower, a Minute Suite could be a welcome space during your travels. Your Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s Priority Pass will give you 1 free hour, after which you will be charged $28 per hour. You’ll also have access to showers (not at all locations) at a discounted price. You can find a Minute Suites location here.

Be Relax Spa

Perhaps a nice massage would help relax you during your travels. With approximately a dozen locations at major airports, Be Relax offers complimentary spa massage treatments varying from 10 to 30 minutes. Most locations allow you to bring 1 guest and there is a limit of 1 treatment per person. Each treatment has a value of $35 to $40.

Treatment availability and guest policies vary by location.

Gameway

You’ve had your Priority Pass restaurant meal, a nap at Minute Suites, a massage at Be Relax, and now it’s time to play some video games! Pull out that Priority Pass card once again to enjoy up to 2 hours of free play, a cold soda, and some snacks at a Gameway video lounge.

Locations at Charlotte (CLT), Dallas (DFW), Houston (HOU), and Los Angeles (LAX) airports accept the Priority Pass associated with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Final Thoughts

With access to nearly 1,550 lounge locations, the Amex Platinum card offers the most lounge access overall. Plus, having exclusive access to Centurion Lounges can offer the best level of lounge experiences.

Chase does offer the unique opportunity to utilize lounge alternative airport properties for complimentary services at Minute Suites, Be Relax, and Gameway.

If the airports you frequent have participating Priority Pass lounge alternatives, you may prefer the lounge access benefits Chase Sapphire Reserve card has to offer. And the Chase Sapphire Reserve card has a lower annual fee.

In the end, the better lounge access card for you will depend on your priorities, how much you travel, the airports you frequent, and if you can realize enough card value overall to help offset the annual fee.

Finally, with more people traveling and not all lounges fully functional, lounges have become crowded. Access can be limited during peak times, wait times to enter may be long, and hours of operation may be limited. Airports can often have several available lounge options, however, so be sure to check for alternative choices before you fly.