The Platinum Card® from American Express is your ticket into the Global Lounge Collection for eligible cardmembers: more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, the most options offered by a travel rewards card. It includes complimentary access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club when flying eligible Delta flights and more. (Terms and conditions apply.)
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Platinum Card® from American Express
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(Winner) Best card for lounge access
|
$695 | 5X points
| As high as 175,000 points
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.
| |
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
 Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Priority Pass
|
$795 | 1X - 8X points
| 100,000 points
Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
|
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
|
Best business
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$695 | 1X - 5X points
| 150,000 points
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
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Capital One Venture X Business
|
Business runner-up
|
$395 | 2X - 10X Miles
| 150,000 miles
150,000 Miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
|
International lounge access
|
$395 | 2X - 10X miles
| 75,000 miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
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Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®*
|
Admirals Club
|
$595 | 1X point
Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
| 70,000 miles
Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
| |
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
|
Delta SkyClub
|
$650 | 1X - 3X miles
| 100,000 miles
Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
| |
The New United Club℠ Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
United Club
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$695 | 1X - 4X miles
| 90,000 miles
Limited-Time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
|
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
|
Hotel card
|
$650 | 2X - 6X points
| 150,000 points
Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
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To bring you our picks for best airport lounge access, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
We rank cards based on the following criteria:
We calculate the value of rewards and perks for the average cardholder using Bureau of Labor Statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes the card’s sign-up bonus, annual bonus (including free night certificates) and travel perks like lounge access and travel credits. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
We consider how easy the rewards are to use, looking at factors like expiration dates, minimum thresholds to redeem, blackout dates and the availability of flexible redemption options like travel statement credits and cash back.
We also compare a card’s benefits, such as purchase protections, travel protections and elite status benefits against benefits from other cards.
Note that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best travel credit card for airport lounge access. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide for eligible cardmembers, including Centurion and Delta Sky Club lounges when flying eligible Delta flights (subject to visit limitations)
The Platinum Card® from American Express might be the best choice if you’re looking for access to nearly every lounge network, or if your top priority is international lounge access. Among the complimentary memberships you can get through this card are the American Express Global Lounge Collection for eligible cardmembers (which includes Priority PassTM Select membership*), Amex’s own Centurion lounges (which the card grants you exclusive access to) and Delta Sky Clubs (which you can enter into before or during Delta flights). The card also comes with a laundry list of credits, benefits and protections, like an airline fee credit for up to $200* and upgraded hotel status with Hilton* and Marriott*.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
More than 1,300 Priority Pass lounges and Chase Sapphire lounges
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers entry into Priority Pass lounges worldwide and Chase Sapphire lounges along with the option to bring two guests. There are more than 1,300 Priority Pass lounge locations and eight Chase Sapphire lounges available, with plans to open more. This card also earns flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which transfer to airline and hotel programs like British Airways, JetBlue, Southwest Rapid Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy® at a 1:1 ratio.
Cardholders also get perks like a $300 annual travel credit and a fee credit for Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck membership.
→ See the best credit cards for Priority Pass.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion and Delta Sky Club lounges (10 visits per year)
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers access to many lounge networks — including Priority Pass (enrollment required) and Amex Centurion lounges, as well as Delta Sky Clubs when you fly with that airline. And while a $695 annual fee applies, business owners with this card get valuable business credits, including up to $1,150 in credits on Dell purchases (enrollment required).
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.The Capital One Venture X Business offers generous airport lounge access but has a lower annual fee than similar travel cards and free cards for authorized users. You won’t get as long a list of fee credits and perks, but there are big advantages, including a $300 annual credit for travel bookings through Capital One and bonus miles. Just be mindful that this is not a revolving credit card – you must pay the balance in full each month.
→ See the best business credit cards for travel.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Access to more than 1,300 international lounges
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is our top pick for international lounge access after The Platinum Card® from American Express. You get Priority PassTM Select membership, which gives you visiting privileges to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide. You can also enter a handful of Capital One airport lounges.
This card also has a $395 annual fee, which is lower than many other travel cards with luxury perks. You can also add authorized users for free, and they’ll get their own lounge memberships at no additional cost.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Access to around 100 Admirals Club and partner lounges worldwide
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is the only credit card that comes with American Airlines Admirals Club membership. Although there’s a $595 annual fee, Admirals Club membership is actually worth up to $850 if you choose to pay for it outright. Plus, getting the card instead also gives you several airline-related perks, including priority check-in, first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries, security and boarding privileges and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit.
→ See the best American Airlines credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Delta Sky Club membership, plus access to Centurion lounges
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the only co-branded consumer Delta credit card that offers Delta Sky Club membership, as well as access to Amex’s exclusive Centurion Lounge network, when you pay for your Delta flight with your card.
And although this card has a $650 annual fee, Delta Sky Club membership costs $695 or more. You’ll also get a round-trip companion certificate every year, a first checked bag free on Delta flights and more.
Just know that you’ll be limited to 15 Sky Club visits per year. However, if you spend at least $75,000 on the card in a year, you’ll get unlimited access the following year.
→ See the best Delta credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Access to over 45 United lounges, five United Polaris lounges and partner lounges
United fans will love The New United Club℠ Card, since it comes with access to United Club lounges and premium travel services when flying United. Major benefits outside of airport lounge access include first- and second-checked bags free, priority check-in and boarding and a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit. The annual fee on this card is $695, whereas paying for United Club membership costs a minimum of $750.
→ See the best United credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.1,200-plus Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required) and experiences
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a luxury hotel credit card that has some of the benefits you’ll find with airline credit cards and flexible travel credit cards. For example, this card comes with automatic Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite status, up to a $300 dining credit each year (up to $25 monthly), a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership and Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership*.
The $650 annual fee can be worth it for Marriott enthusiasts who can benefit from on-property perks and other elite benefits.
→ See the best hotel credit cards.
Getting a credit card with airport lounge access is worth the cost if you often travel to destinations with lounges within your network. Airport lounge benefits can include:
Keep in mind that airport lounge amenities vary widely — some lounges will feature elaborate food spreads with a luxury atmosphere, while others will only have a small selection of snacks and drinks.
You should also be aware that lounge access is only valuable if you plan to take advantage of the perks that come with it. If you don’t travel much, or just won’t spend much time in an airport lounge, the expense of an airport lounge card might not be worth it.
There are additional ways to get free airport lounge access beyond credit cards:
Elite status
Some airlines allow you to access lounges if you’ve achieved a higher status in their frequent flyer program. However, this isn’t the case with every program, so make sure to check before you count on it.
Fly in first class
In some cases, booking a first-class flight can earn you free entry into an airport lounge on the day of your flight. This is especially true for high-cost international flights in a premium cabin.
Military affiliation
Some airport lounge networks extend free access to uniformed military members and their families. This includes Admirals Club and United Club.
Keep in mind that there is still a cost involved — either through purchasing airfare with the airline or paying the annual fee for a card with lounge access. You just aren’t paying directly for lounge access.
The Centurion Lounge network is home to around 40 world-class airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion and Escape lounges. Features often include complimentary drinks and food prepared by world-class chefs and carefully crafted seating areas for work or relaxation.
Priority Pass is among the most popular airport lounges because of its vast number of lounges available worldwide. The network is home to over 1,700 lounges worldwide that can feature amenities like Wi-Fi and refreshments. Some Priority Pass lounges offer perks like spa treatments and sleeping rooms, and there are even restaurant locations available through the program.
Admirals Club is American Airlines’ airport lounge network. This network has almost 50 lounges throughout the world, and members can also access over 50 partner lounges. Admirals Club lounges feature snacks, made-to-order food, beverages, business centers, shower suites and personal travel assistance.
United Club is the lounge network for United Airlines. The network includes more than 45 lounges worldwide and six United Polaris lounges — although Polaris lounges typically have stricter entry requirements. Members also have access to select Star Alliance partner lounges. Lounges typically feature standard amenities like free snacks and beverages, comfortable seating and Wi-Fi.
Delta Sky Club has locations around the world to meet travelers’ needs. Features often include complimentary beverage services and food, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, business centers and shower facilities.
There are a handful of Capital One-branded airport lounges for Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business cardholders. Visitors can enjoy chef-inspired food, relaxation and fitness rooms, shower suites and workspaces and regional craft cocktails.
Lounges are located in Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas. Two more locations – in New York’s JFK and LaGuardia airports – are under construction.
Chase offers its premium cardholders Priority Pass membership, as well as access to its own Chase Sapphire Lounges. There are five locations in operation as of now: New York’s JFK and LaGuardia, Phoenix, San Diego and Hong Kong. The Chase Lounge in Boston is under renovation, and new lounges in Las Vegas and Philadelphia are coming soon. Amenities vary by location but may include: food and beverage, signature cocktails, comfortable seating or working or relaxing and wellness offerings.
If you don’t have a credit card with lounge access, you may still be able to gain entry. Many airlines allow you to buy memberships or one-time passes for a fee. United Airlines, for example, sells one-time passes for its United Clubs for $59. American Airlines Admirals Club offers several annual membership options with fees of up to $1,650 for a household membership.
Other lounge networks don’t allow walk-ins to buy guest passes. For example, American Express Centurion lounge access is limited to certain cardholders and their guests.
The following factors can help you find the right credit card with lounge access for your needs.
Deciding which air travel prescreening program is best for you depends on your travel habits. Global Entry is more useful for international travelers to get through passport checks, while TSA PreCheck can speed up your check-in process for domestic flights.
All of the credit cards offering airport lounge access that our researchers could find have annual fees. And since it is considered a premium benefit, it’s usually reserved for higher-fee cards. No annual fee cards typically have lower value perks.
There are currently 45 United Club lounges and six United Polaris lounges and partner lounges.
There are currently 50+ Delta SkyClub Lounges located throughout the U.S. and around the globe.
American Express lounges, called Centurion, have 27 locations. American Express cardmembers can also access 15 Escape Lounge locations.
American Airlines has around 100 locations of its Admirals Club Lounges worldwide.
Southwest Airlines does not have its own airport lounges.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card, Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card, Signify Business Cash℠ Card and U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
