Top Cards for Airport Lounge Access
If you’re a frequent traveler, having access to airport lounges can make your trips SO much more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are my top picks for credit cards that offer complimentary lounge access, along with their bonus point categories and other super valuable benefits.
1. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Why I Love This Card: The Platinum Card® from American Express is renowned for its premium travel benefits, including access to a wide range of airport lounges around the world.
Bonus Point Categories:
5x Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel
5x Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
1x point on other purchases
Lounge Access:
The Centurion Lounge
Priority Pass Select (enrollment required)
Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta)
Airspace Lounge
Escape Lounges - The Centurion Studio Partner
Other Benefits:
Up to $200 airline fee credit annually
Up to $200 Uber Cash annually
Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
Hilton Honors Gold Status (enrollment required)
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status (enrollment required)
No foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee: $695 (see rates and fee)
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.
2. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Why I Love This Card: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is designed for travelers seeking luxury and flexibility. It offers generous rewards and extensive lounge access.
Bonus Point Categories:
10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
2x miles on all other purchases
Lounge Access:
Capital One Lounges
Priority Pass (enrollment required)
Other Benefits:
$300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
10,000 anniversary bonus miles each year
Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
No foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee: $395
3. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Why I Love This Card: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers premium travel rewards and extensive lounge access, making it a top choice for frequent travelers.
Bonus Point Categories:
3x points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit
3x points on dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out
1x point per dollar on all other purchases
Lounge Access:
Priority Pass Select (enrollment required)
Other Benefits:
$300 annual travel credit
Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
50% more value when you redeem points for travel through Chase Travel℠
Complimentary DashPass subscription from DoorDash
No foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee: $550
4. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Why I Love This Card: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is perfect for Delta loyalists, offering exclusive benefits and extensive lounge access.
Bonus Point Categories:
3x miles on Delta purchases
1x mile on all other purchases
Lounge Access:
Delta Sky Club
Centurion Lounge (when flying Delta)
Other Benefits:
Companion Certificate (domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin) each year upon renewal
Upgrade Priority on Delta flights
First checked bag free on Delta flights
20% savings on in-flight purchases
No foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee: $650 (see rates and fee)
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.
Final Thoughts
For frequent travelers, having access to airport lounges can transform your travel experience. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times over the last couple years that Bryan and I have thanked our past selves for choosing to open one of the above cards. Between delayed flights, long layovers, and moments where we just simply wanted a little drink and free delicious food, our access to airport lounges has been the biggest stress reliever while traveling. As always, make sure to choose the card that best aligns with your travel habits and enjoy the luxury of lounge access on your next trip!
Opinions expressed here are 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 within the post.