Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access [April 2023]

If you’re a frequent traveler, consider a premium credit card that offers complimentary airport lounge access. You’ll not only receive lounge access with these cards but a whole treasury of travel benefits.

Premium credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses, travel purchase credits, free internet access, the ability to earn travel rewards, luxury perks and benefits, assistance when things go wrong, and travel and purchase protections.

Don’t buy a lounge membership or even a day pass until you’ve reviewed our collection of credit cards to consider for complimentary lounge access, which cards provide this perk to authorized users, which cards offer discounted lounge access, and our breakdown on how much complimentary lounge access is worth.

Table of Contents

The 6 Best Personal Credit Cards for Complimentary Lounge Access
The 3 Best Business Credit Cards for Complimentary Lounge Access
The 5 Best Credit Cards With Lounge Access for Authorized Users
Credit Cards With Discounted Lounge Access
The Real Value of Airport Lounge Access
Final Thoughts

The 6 Best Personal Credit Cards for Complimentary Lounge Access

Personal consumer credit cards are the go-to cards for securing complimentary lounge access, as you’ll find a wider selection than with business credit cards.

It’s difficult to compare credit cards on lounge access benefits alone, as a card with a high annual fee might offer other perks or rewards that more than offset that annual fee. You’ll have to investigate further to see if a card is right for your situation overall and not just a perfect fit from a lounge access perspective.

Personal Credit Card	Welcome Offer and Annual Fee	Lounge Access and Guest Access Info
The Platinum Card® from American Express	Earn 80,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months. Annual fee of $695 (rates and fees)	American Express Global Lounge Collection access to 1,400+ airport lounges, including: Centurion Lounges Delta Sky Club lounges when flying Delta Select Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Priority Pass lounge access when enrolled Select Virgin Clubhouses Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner Plaza Premium Lounges Guest access varies by lounge network This card (and the business version) gets you access to the most airport lounges worldwide We get ~$5,200+ in value from the card every year
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card	Earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Annual fee of $395	The best value lounge access card Access to Priority Pass lounges, Capital One Lounges, and select Plaza Premium Lounges Allows access for cardholder plus up to 2 additional guests Add up to 4 authorized users at no additional cost; authorized users receive the same lounge access as cardholders
Chase Sapphire Reserve®	Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Annual fee of $550	Access to Priority Pass lounges and Sapphire Lounges Allows access for cardholder plus up to 2 additional guests
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card	Limited Time Offer: Earn 150,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months. Offer ends 4/5/2023. Annual fee of $95	Priority Pass lounge access 10 complimentary day passes annually, $35 each visit after that
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card	Earn 150,000 points after spending $4,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months. Annual fee of $450	Priority Pass lounge access Allows access for cardholder plus up to 2 additional guests
United Club℠ Infinite Card	Earn 80,000 miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months Annual fee of $525	United Club and select partner Star Alliance Lounges Allows access for cardholder plus immediate family or 2 additional guests

Most credit cards that have global lounge access, including Priority Pass Select membership, allow 2 additional guests at no cost. The number of guests you can bring and the amount you will be charged for guests beyond the allotted maximum differs by card.

You can review the guest details in the offer information before you select a card or check the terms and conditions in the card benefits guide when you receive your card for current rates.

Bottom Line: Although lounge access may be a primary reason you’re considering a credit card, you’ll want to review the other perks, benefits, credits, and rewards that come with the card to see if it’s a fit overall.

The 3 Best Business Credit Cards for Complimentary Lounge Access

When it comes to business cards, there are significantly fewer options that offer airport lounge access, but there are still a few compelling options. So for any business owner looking for a great card that also provides lounge access, here are the top options:

Business Credit Card	Welcome Offer and Annual Fee	Lounge Access and Guest Access Info
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express	Earn 120,000 points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Annual fee of $695 (rates and fees)	This is our #1 business credit card for getting into lounges around the world American Express Global Lounge Collection access to 1,400+ airport lounges, including: Centurion Lounges Delta Sky Club lounges when flying Delta Select Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Priority Pass lounge access when enrolled Select Virgin Clubhouses Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner Plaza Premium Lounges Guest access varies by lounge network We get $5,000+ in benefits and value every year from using the Amex Business Platinum card
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card	Earn 70,000 miles after spending $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months. Annual fee of $550 (rates and fees)	Access to Delta Sky Club, Centurion Lounge (when you book your Delta flight with your Delta Reserve card), and Escape Lounge – The Centurion Studio Partner Lounge access for the cardholder only when traveling on Delta; get 2 additional guests at a discounted rate, children 2 and under are free
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card	Limited Time Offer: Earn 165,000 points after spending $5,000 in purchases the first 3 months. Offer ends 4/5/23. Annual fee of $95 (rates and fees)	Priority Pass lounge access 10 complimentary day passes annually, $35 each visit after that

Similar to our personal card list, the Amex Business Platinum card takes the top spot thanks to it providing access to several different airport lounge networks including Priority Pass lounges, Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Escape Lounges, and Plaza Premium Lounges.

Bottom Line: There aren’t many business credit cards offering complimentary lounge access, so you may want to look for lounge access benefits on a personal consumer credit card, as there are more choices available.

The 5 Best Credit Cards With Lounge Access for Authorized Users

When you’re traveling, complimentary lounge access for you and your family or other travel companions is a great perk.

There are times, however, when others may be traveling without you and would greatly benefit from complimentary lounge access. Simply adding an authorized user can allow them to enjoy some of the same travel benefits with the credit card, including complimentary lounge access.

These are some of the cards that grant lounge access for authorized users and a breakdown of the associated fees.

Credit Card	Lounge Access for Authorized Users	Annual Authorized User Fee
The Platinum Card® from American Express	American Express Global Lounge Collection access to 1,400+ airport lounges Annual fee of $695 (rates and fees)	$175 total fee for up to 3 authorized users (rates and fees)
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card	Priority Pass, Capital One Lounge, and select Plaza Premium Lounge access The best value card for authorized user lounge access Annual fee of $395	$0 for up to 4 authorized users
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®	American Airlines Admirals Club access Annual fee of $450	$0 for up to 10 authorized users
Chase Sapphire Reserve®	Sapphire Lounge and Priority Pass access Annual fee of $550	$75 per authorized user
Citi Prestige® Card	Priority Pass access Annual fee of $495 (no longer open to new applicants)	$50 per authorized user

Bottom Line: While adding an authorized user can be a cost-effective way to secure lounge access and other card benefits, keep in mind that with Chase, there could be 5/24 rule implications for the authorized user. Remember that you’re responsible for all charges made to the credit card, including those made by an authorized user.

Credit Cards With Discounted Lounge Access

Not all credit cards with a lounge access benefit offer it for free. Some include a basic lounge membership (normally worth about $99) and then discount the access fee. Your complimentary membership might be with Lounge Club, Priority Pass, or LoungeKey — all similar or related global lounge networks.

A credit card with this benefit includes the Hilton Surpass card that includes free Priority Pass membership with 10 free visits per year, then $35 per visit.

If you have a World Elite Mastercard, you have discounted lounge access through the Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey. Other credit cards, like the Hilton Surpass card, may offer free standard Priority Pass membership, but may or may not include free passes per year.

Just call the number on the back of your card or check your cardholder agreement to see if you have free lounge network membership and discounted lounge access.

Bottom Line: Discounted lounge access is not a stand-alone reason to select a credit card, but you may want to check if any of your current cards have this valuable benefit. You could be enjoying some of the most luxurious lounges in the world for just a $35 entrance fee.

The Real Value of Airport Lounge Access

You don’t need to have a premium credit card to enjoy access to airport lounges, but you will need to secure a potentially pricey lounge membership or a day pass. And remember, not all lounges can be accessed with a card, such as PS LAX.

This breakdown of membership costs illustrates the approximate value of the complimentary lounge access you can receive with premium cards.

Lounge Network or Service	Single 1-Year Membership Cost	Cost To Add a Spouse, Partner, or Guest to Membership	Single-day Pass for 1 Person
American Airlines Admirals Club	$550 to $650 depending on elite status	$600 additional for household membership depending on elite status	$59
Centurion Lounge	N/A	N/A	$50 for guest
Delta Sky Club	$545	$300 additional for Executive Membership which includes access for up to 2 additional guests	$39 (for Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express cardholders)
LoungeBuddy	N/A	N/A	$25 to $55 per visit
Lounge Pass	N/A	N/A	$19 to $60 per visit
Plaza Premium Lounges	N/A	N/A	$35 to $65 for a 2- to 6-hour pass
Priority Pass Select	$469	N/A; annual membership covers only cardholder, additional guest $35 per visit	$35 per visit for cardholder with basic $99 annual standard membership
United Club	$550 to $650 depending on elite status	$650 additional for spouse or partner	$59

If you’re a frequent traveler who purchases several single-lounge access passes per year or an annual lounge membership, you may fare better by selecting a premium credit card that includes complimentary lounge access.

The added value of credit card bonus offers, additional travel perks, rewards, credits for travel purchases, and travel and purchase protections can make securing a premium travel credit card a wise economic decision.

Bottom Line: While premium credit cards that include complimentary airport lounge access may come with high annual fees, these cards provide excellent value that goes beyond what you’d receive with an annual lounge membership.

Final Thoughts

Lounge access is one of the most valuable travel perks, so having this benefit included on a premium credit card makes sense for serious travelers. Plus, if you’re purchasing a lounge access membership elsewhere, it’s a simple economic decision to consider a premium credit card that includes this perk.

And while lounge access may be important, you’ll want to consider the whole package of benefits that come with each card as lounge access will be just one of many valuable benefits available on a premium travel card.

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, and Citi Prestige® Card, was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees for The Platinum Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees for The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.

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Featured Image Credit: Qatar

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best credit card for lounge access?

The best credit card for lounge access is the one that fits your travel priorities and budget. If you travel often with a specific airline, for example, you may consider that airline’s branded credit card. If you frequent airports with Priority Pass lounges, you may consider a different credit card entirely.

If you’re looking for a card with a lower annual fee than the typical $450 fee for premium cards, your choices will be limited, but there are a few available. Narrow your choices to the cards that match your lounge access priorities and then review the entire card packages before applying. Many travelers like the Amex Platinum card (or the Amex Business Platinum card) as it gets you access to the largest number of airport lounges worldwide.

How does Priority Pass work?

Priority Pass is a global lounge network that offers lounge access with different membership levels and price points.

Priority Pass partners with credit card issuers who include complimentary membership for cardholders. Depending on your card’s membership, you may enjoy free unlimited lounge access or have a limited number of free passes annually, then $35 per visit, or pay $35 for every visit.

Is there a credit card with no annual fee that comes with lounge access?

Most of the credit cards that offer complimentary lounge access have hefty annual fees. However, the Hilton Business Amex card has a lower annual fee and comes with 10 free passes to Priority Pass lounges worldwide, making it a very good economic choice for lounge access.

If you want a personal credit card, the Hilton Surpass card also offers 10 free Priority Pass visits per year with a similar non-premium annual fee.

Does adding an authorized user to my card hurt my credit score?

Adding an authorized user to your credit card will not hurt your credit score because you’re still the only one responsible for paying and managing the account. The authorized user is simply an additional user.

With that said, if the authorized user makes a lot of purchases you don’t know about and you fail to make sufficient payments on your card or are late in making payments, your credit score will be affected.

For this reason, you’d only want to add an authorized user you know and trust.

Do I use my credit card for lounge access?

If your credit card comes with Priority Pass Select membership, you will need to register with Priority Pass to receive a digital membership card and subsequent physical card that will arrive in the mail. You can then use your Priority Pass Select membership card to gain access to Priority Pass lounges.

Airline-branded credit cards and other premium credit cards such as the Amex Platinum card allow you to use your credit card for lounge access. For others, you’ll need your Priority Pass Select card.

You’ll need to reference your associated credit card agreement when you receive your card to determine which card to use for lounge access.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine was born in Northern Michigan but spent most of her career operating her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services offices throughout the state. Her previous experience involved building and writing business plans in the mergers and acquisitions sector in New York, as well as staffing in the insurance and financial technology software field. Her successful insurance and financial services career has been an excellent foundation from which to source her knowledge for many of Upgraded Points’ travel insurance articles.

Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.

8 comments

Eric August 10, 2018
I am amazed at how many of my friends are either not aware or don’t use their card benefits especially when it comes to airport lounges. These are also the same people who complain about crowded boarding areas when sitting in their wallet is the solution. Great post!!
Reply
- Christine Krzyszton August 15, 2018
  Great observation, Eric, the lack of awareness is surely the culprit. Thanks for reading and for your comment.
  Reply
Martin Bazarian March 18, 2020
I was told by American Express representative over the phone that there are 1200 airport lounges worldwide I can have access to with my Platinum Card without paying additional fees. At this site, there is no information about this promise. Does Nairobi have a lounge, or Addis Ababa, or Chicago, or Buenos Aires? This information should be available with one or two clicks. Prompt me if I am missing something or I was simply mislead by American Express.
Reply
- Christine Krzyszton March 18, 2020
  Hi Martin. We are not American Express, we are Upgraded Points, a blog specializing in providing information on credit card rewards programs and travel. If you log in to your Platinum Card account, you should be able to find a link to lounge locations worldwide. However, here are links taken from this article that will take you to lists of these 1,200 + lounges: The Centurion Lounge: https://upgradedpoints.com/american-express-centurion-lounges/
  The International American Express® Lounges: https://upgradedpoints.com/international-american-express-lounges
  Delta SkyClub (note: you must be flying with Delta to get access):https://upgradedpoints.com/delta-sky-club-lounges/
  Priority Pass Select: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airports/priority-pass-guide/ Escape Lounges: https://upgradedpoints.com/escape-lounges-in-the-us And this article: https://upgradedpoints.com/amex-platinum-card-airport-lounge-access
  Reply
peggy Mueller January 9, 2023
Can you please reply with which cards still have the restaurant priority pass? The Venture X card dropped restaurants I believe. I really would like a card that still had priority pass restaurant access. I have the Amex Platinum and Cap One Venture X.
Reply
- Jarrod West January 9, 2023
  Hi Peggy,
  The Chase Sapphire Reserve and U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card still offer restaurant access. The Citi Prestige card does as well but it is not open for new applications at this time.
  Reply
Rusitravel March 24, 2023
My company will pay for 1 annual lounge membership, but I am already one world Sapphire, so can enter all OW lounges. Which one would you choose living in Europe?
Reply
- Keri Stooksbury March 24, 2023
  Hi Rusitravel, you might want to consider a Priority Pass or Plaza Premium membership, either purchased outright or via a credit card mentioned in our article. You can run any airports you transit through through Priority Pass’ search (top left box at PriorityPass.com) to see where you might have access. Plaza Premium has a similar search on its website (go to Find Lounges at the top). Thanks for reading!
  Reply

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The 10+ Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access [April 2023]

The 6 Best Personal Credit Cards for Complimentary Lounge Access

The 3 Best Business Credit Cards for Complimentary Lounge Access

The 5 Best Credit Cards With Lounge Access for Authorized Users

Credit Cards With Discounted Lounge Access

The Real Value of Airport Lounge Access

Final Thoughts

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best credit card for lounge access?

How does Priority Pass work?

Is there a credit card with no annual fee that comes with lounge access?

Does adding an authorized user to my card hurt my credit score?

Do I use my credit card for lounge access?

About Christine Krzyszton

8 comments

Any thoughts or questions? Comment below! Cancel reply

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The 6 Best Personal Credit Cards for Complimentary Lounge Access

The 3 Best Business Credit Cards for Complimentary Lounge Access

The 5 Best Credit Cards With Lounge Access for Authorized Users

Credit Cards With Discounted Lounge Access

The Real Value of Airport Lounge Access

Final Thoughts

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best credit card for lounge access?

How does Priority Pass work?

Is there a credit card with no annual fee that comes with lounge access?

Does adding an authorized user to my card hurt my credit score?

Do I use my credit card for lounge access?

About Christine Krzyszton

8 comments

Any thoughts or questions? Comment below! Cancel reply

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