On our trip to visit every country, we’ve had some longggg travel days. But one thing that has made a huge difference during long travel days is airport lounge access. We celebrate every time we find that an airport we are flying through has a lounge! Food, wifi access, comfortable seating areas…lounges are amazing! But the best part is that you can get free access to certain lounges through some of our favorite travel credit cards!
If you’re new to the world of credit cards and lounge access, no worries! We created this guide with our top picks for credit cards with airport lounge access. Hopefully your next long travel day will be more enjoyable now!
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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
With an annual fee of $395, this is the least expensive option. But the most exciting part is that cardholders receive a $300 annual travel credit and a generous 10,000 mile anniversary gift – essentially offsetting the annual fee. It also includes perks such as up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit and 2 miles earned for every dollar spent.
- Lounge Access: Capital One, Plaza Premium, and Priority Pass lounges worldwide
- Guest Policy: 2 guests can join the cardholder for free at Capital One and Plaza Premium lounges, and unlimited guests at Priority Pass lounges
Click here to learn more about the Capital One Venture X Rewards card.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
This card is renowned for its premium benefits. It has a hefty $695 annual fee (see rates and fees), so we recommend this to people who can utilize its perks. With 5x points on flights (excellent for frequent flyers) booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) and a plethora of travel credits (including for Uber), many travelers believe this is the best card offering airport lounge access because it gives access to the luxurious Centurion Lounges.
- Lounge Access: Over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries, including Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass Select
- Guest Policy: $50 per guest at Centurion Lounges, and 2 guests can join the cardholder complimentary at Priority Pass lounges
Click here to learn more about The Platinum Card® from American Express. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Offering similar perks to the personal card and the same $695 annual fee (see rates and fees), this card is tailored for business needs, with 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com. It also offers up to over $1000 in various credits (such as for CLEAR Plus) and gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels.
- Lounge Access: Over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries, including Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass Select
- Guest Policy: $50 per guest at Centurion Lounges, and 2 guests can join the cardholder complimentary at Priority Pass lounges
Click here to learn more about The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Last but not least! This is our travel staple, excellent for points earning potential. With a $550 annual fee, offset by a $300 annual travel credit, it offers up to 3x points on travel and dining, making it a favorite among frequent flyers. It also includes perks such as up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit and a number of other travel credits. But our favorite part is the travel insurance it includes – such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance and primary car rental insurance. This makes it an invaluable companion for traveler – ensuring peace of mind during unforeseen circumstances.
- Lounge Access: Over 1,300 lounges worldwide with Priority Pass Select
- Guest Policy: 2 guests can join the cardholder for free
Click here to learn more about the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card.
Which of the credit cards with airport lounge access is best for you? Learn more here!
Those are our favorite credit cards with airport lounge access, but you can learn about other travel credit cards here and click below for more of our specific recommendations!
- Our Top Recommended Credit Cards
- Best Credit Cards for Hotel Points & Airline Miles
- Best Credit Cards for Businesses
The Daily Drop newsletter is another great resource to stay up to date on the latest credit card offers.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included on this website.