Best Credit Cards With Airport Lounge Access of November 2024 (Updated Monthly)
[data-lightrail id="54"]{name}[/data-lightrail] is the best card for lounge access because it comes with access to several popular airport lounge networks.
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Airports worldwide are home to one of the best perks for travelers — airport lounges. Instead of cramming into a seat at your gate, lounges provide comfort, convenience and complimentary services to help you relax and unwind before your flight.
The question is how do you gain access to airport lounges? Many credit cards come with airport lounge memberships or passes. These cards tend to have higher annual fees than other cards, but often the cost is more than made up through the value of lounge access and other card perks. Below are some of our top picks for credit cards with airport lounge access so you can determine if one is right for you.
Credit cards with lounge access in [date:custom:Y]
The following cards all come with complimentary airport lounge access. If approved for a card, you may receive an email or other correspondence on how to activate your lounge membership. In most cases, you'll need to take action on your end before you can visit a lounge.
Card | Annual fee | Lounge access | Guest policy |
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[data-lightrail id="54"]{name}* | {fee.annual.text}
[data-lightrail id="54"]]See rates and fees[[/data-lightrail]
| American Express Global Lounge Collection | Varies depending on the lounge network and individual lounge policies[/data-lightrail] |
[data-lightrail id="614"]{name}* | {fee.annual.text} | American Express Global Lounge Collection | Varies depending on the lounge network and individual lounge policies[/data-lightrail] |
[data-lightrail id="1190"]{name}* | {fee.annual.text} | $100 LoungeBuddy Credit | N/A[/data-lightrail] |
[data-lightrail id="1129"]{name} | {fee.annual.text} | Priority Pass™ Select | Two guests max per visit for primary cardholders and authorized; additional guest passes cost $27 per guest, per visit[/data-lightrail] |
[data-lightrail id="2240"]{name} | {fee.annual.text} | Priority Pass™ Select, Capital One lounges, Plaza Premium lounges | Two complimentary guests per visit (Capital One and Plaza Premium), Complimentary guest access (Priority Pass™)[/data-lightrail] |
[data-lightrail id="1302"]{name} | {fee.annual.text} | 10 Complimentary Priority Pass™ Select Passes | Complimentary passes may be used for guests[/data-lightrail] |
[data-lightrail id="1155"]{name} | {fee.annual.text} | 10 Complimentary Priority Pass™ Select Passes | Complimentary passes may be used for guests[/data-lightrail] |
[data-lightrail id="1327"]{name} | {fee.annual.text}
[data-lightrail id="1327"]]See rates and fees[[/data-lightrail]
| Priority Pass™ Select | First two guests are free at select lounges[/data-lightrail] |
[data-lightrail id="1229"]{name} | {fee.annual.text} | United Club | Up to two guests free[/data-lightrail] |
[data-lightrail id="1213"]{name} | {fee.annual.text} | Two Anniversary United Club One-Time Passes | N/A[/data-lightrail] |
[data-lightrail id="56"]{name} | {fee.annual.text}
[data-lightrail id="56"]]See rates and fees[[/data-lightrail]
| Delta Sky Club, Centurion Lounges | Delta Sky Club: Up to two guests for a $39 fee per person, Centurion Lounges: Up to two guests for $50 fee per person[/data-lightrail] |
[data-lightrail id="53"]{name} | {fee.annual.text}
[data-lightrail id="53"]]See rates and fees[[/data-lightrail]
| Delta Sky Club Per-Visit Rate | Up to two guests for a $39 fee per person[/data-lightrail] |
[data-lightrail id="866"]{name} | {fee.annual.text} | Admirals Club | Up to two guests free[/data-lightrail] |
[data-lightrail id="1210"]{name} | {fee.annual.text} | Priority Pass™ Select | Two free guests max per visit for primary cardholders and authorized; additional guest passes cost $27 per guest, per visit[/data-lightrail] |
[data-lightrail id="1201"]{name} | {fee.annual.text} | Priority Pass™ Select | Two free guests max per visit for primary cardholders and authorized; additional guest passes cost $27 per guest, per visit[/data-lightrail] |
- Annual fee: {fee.annual.text}
-
Lounge network:
- American Express Global Lounge Collection
- International American Express Lounges
- Centurion Lounges
- Delta Sky Club
- Escape Lounges
- Plaza Premium Lounges
- Priority Pass Lounges (enrollment required)
- Air Space Lounges
- Number of lounges: Over 1,200 airport lounges in over 120 countries
- Authorized user access: You can add additional card members for a fee. Additional card members have the same lounge access as the primary card member.
- Guest policy: Guest policies vary depending on the specific lounge network. Many allow up to two guests per visit.
- When can you access lounges?: Lounge access is for same-day travel only.
- Terms apply
{name} is the best card for airport lounge access hands-down. Cardholders get access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes Priority Pass™ Select membership, exclusive access to Amex's own Centurion lounges, and entry into Delta Sky Clubs before or during Delta flights. The card also comes with a laundry list of credits, benefits and protections like up to a $200 airline fee credit (enrollment required) and upgraded hotel status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required).
Drawbacks? The high annual fee
Runner-up for best card with international lounge access
[affiliate-lightrail id="2240" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Priority Pass" signupbonus="true" /]- Annual fee: {fee.annual.text}
- Lounge network: Priority Pass™ Select, Plaza Premium Group, Capital One
- Number of lounges: Over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
- Authorized user access: Authorized users receive the same full complimentary access to lounges as primary cardholders.
- Guest policy: Primary cardholders and authorized users are allowed a maximum of two guests per visit. Passes for additional guests cost $45 per guest per visit at Capital One lounges.
- When can you access lounges?: Lounge access is for same-day travel only.
{name} is another strong pick for international lounge access. Its Plaza Premium Group feature allows you to access more than 100 international lounges. It has access to Priority Pass lounges on top of that — and at a {fee.annual.text} annual fee, which is lower than [data-lightrail id="54"]{name}[/data-lightrail] and the [data-lightrail id="1129"]{name}[/data-lightrail].
Drawbacks? Capital One doesn't have a large airport lounge collection of its own, so the main draw of this card is its partner lounge network. Capital One has one lounge at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, with two more slated to open in Denver International Airport and Dulles International Airport.
Best credit card with Priority Pass lounge access
[affiliate-lightrail id="1129" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Priority Pass" signupbonus="true" /]- Annual fee: {fee.annual.text}
- Lounge network: Priority Pass™ Select
- Number of lounges: Over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
- Authorized user access: Authorized users receive the same full complimentary access to lounges as primary cardholders.
- Guest policy: Primary cardholders and authorized users are allowed a maximum of two guests per visit. Passes for additional guests cost $32 per guest per visit.
- When can you access lounges?: Lounge access is for same-day travel only.
{name} is our top pick for - Free or Discounted Membership"]Priority Pass perks since you get lounge access for the most reasonable annual fee. The card has a {fee.annual.text} annual fee, but also comes with a $300 annual travel credit that applies to most travel purchases and cancels out most of that fee. Essentially, as long as you travel enough to use up the travel credit, you'll get access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide for a cost of just $250 per year.
Drawbacks? The Priority Pass program is inferior to many lounge programs on this list. Some of the best lounge networks don't participate in Priority Pass, and Priority Pass members are often second on the admission list to airline elite status members.
Best card with lounge access for business
[affiliate-lightrail id="614" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Lounge access" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="614"]- Annual fee: {fee.annual.text}
-
Lounge network(s):
- American Express Global Lounge Collection
- International American Express Lounges
- Centurion Lounges
- Delta Sky Club
- Escape Lounges
- Plaza Premium Lounges
- Priority Pass Lounges (enrollment required)
- Air Space Lounges
- Authorized user access: You can add additional card members for a fee. Additional card members have the same lounge access as the primary card member.
- Guest policy: Guest policies vary depending on the specific lounge network. Many allow up to two guests per visit.
- When can you access lounges?: Lounge access is for same-day travel only.
- Terms apply
If you're a fan of [data-lightrail id="54"]{name}[/data-lightrail], {name} is just as good, if not better. It's our top pick for a business card with lounge benefits because it offers access to the same lounge networks as the consumer version of the card, including Priority Pass™ Select membership, access to Amex Centurion lounges, and access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta. While a {fee.annual.text} annual fee applies, business owners with this card get valuable business credits, such as up to $400 in credits from Dell and up to $360 in credits with Indeed (enrollment required).
Drawbacks? The high annual fee
Best credit card for Admirals Club lounge access
[affiliate-lightrail id="866" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Admirals Club" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="866"]- Annual fee: {fee.annual.text}
- Lounge network(s): Admirals Club
- Number of lounges: Nearly 50 lounges plus access to 60 partner lounges
- Authorized user access: No charge to add authorized users. Authorized users have access to domestic and international Admirals Club locations but not full membership privileges.
- Guest policy: Up to two guests free
- When can you access lounges?: Lounge access is for same-day travel only.
The {name} is the only credit card that comes with american Airlines Admirals Club membership. While a {fee.annual.text} annual fee applies, Admirals Club membership is actually worth up to $650 if you chose to pay for it outright. Getting the card instead gives you several airline-related perks, including priority check-in, security, and boarding privileges and a Global Entry or TSA Precheck fee credit.
Drawbacks? You're limited to Admirals Club and its partners' lounges. The annual fee may not be worth it if you don't frequently visit airports with these lounges.
Best credit card for Delta Sky Club lounge access
[affiliate-lightrail id="56" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Delta Sky Club" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="56"]- Annual fee: {fee.annual.text}
- Lounge network(s): Delta SkyClub, Centurion
- Number of lounges: 50+ Delta SkyClub Lounges, 40+ Centurion Lounges
- Authorized user access: Authorized users receive full lounge access
- Guest policy: Up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $39 each at Delta SkyClub and $50 each at Centurion lounges.
- When can you access lounges?: Lounge access is for same-day travel on Delta flights.
- Terms apply
The {name} is the only co-branded consumer credit card from Delta that offers Delta Sky Club membership as well as access to Amex's exclusive Centurion Lounge network. While a {fee.annual.text} annual fee is required to get this card, purchasing Delta Sky Club membership alone would set you back a minimum of $545 ($695 starting Jan. 1 2023). Cardholders also get a round-trip companion pass every year, a first checked bag free on Delta flights and more.
Drawbacks? You're limited to Sky Club and Centurion lounges. The annual fee may not be worth it if you don't frequently visit airports with these lounges.
Best credit card for United Club lounge access
[affiliate-lightrail id="1229" view="benefits_box" featured_title="United Club" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="1229"]- Annual fee: {fee.annual.text}
- Lounge network(s): United Club
- Number of lounges: 45+ United Club lounges, six United Polaris lounges
- Authorized user access: Authorized users can only access lounges as a guest of the primary cardholder.
- Guest policy: Up to two free guests per visit
- When can you access lounges?: Lounge access if for same-day travel on United and Star Alliance flights.
United fans will love the {name} 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 or TSA PreCheck fee credit. The annual fee on this card is {fee.annual.text}, whereas paying for United Club membership costs a minimum of $650.
Drawbacks? You're limited to United Club and Polaris lounges. The annual fee may not be worth it if you don't frequently visit airports with these lounges.
Best credit card for lounge access and a low annual fee
[affiliate-lightrail id="1302" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Low-annual-fee" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="1302"]- Annual fee: {fee.annual.text}
- Lounge network(s): 10 complimentary Priority Pass™ Select passes
- Number of lounges: 1,300+ lounges
- Authorized user access: Authorized users don't receive this benefit but may use complimentary passes for lounge access.
- Guest policy: Complimentary passes may be used for guests.
- When can you access lounges?: Access is for same-day travel only.
- Terms apply
The {name} is great for infrequent travelers since it comes with 10 free passes to Priority Pass airport lounges with an annual fee of just {fee.annual.text} per year. Earning rates for this card are also generous, and it comes with valuable hotel perks, like Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required).
Drawbacks? You're limited to 10 lounge visits per year.
Compare the best credit cards for lounge access in November 2024
Welcome offer | Other benefits | Annual fee | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Best overall and international
[data-lightrail id="54"]{name}[/data-lightrail] [affiliate-lightrail id="54" view="image" width="120"/] | [data-lightrail id="54"]{signUpBonus}[/data-lightrail] |
| [data-lightrail id="54"]{fee.annual.text}[/data-lightrail]
[data-lightrail id="54"]]See rates and fees[[/data-lightrail]
| [affiliate-lightrail id="54" view="button" /] |
Recap of the best credit cards with complimentary lounge access in November 2024
- Best credit card for international lounge access and best overall: [data-lightrail id="54"]{name}[/data-lightrail]
- Best credit card for international lounge access (runner-up): [data-lightrail id="2240"]{name}[/data-lightrail]
- Best credit card with Priority Pass: [data-lightrail id="1129"]{name}[/data-lightrail]
- Best business credit card with lounge access: [data-lightrail id="614"]{name}[/data-lightrail]
- Best credit card for Admirals Club access: [data-lightrail id="866"]{name}[/data-lightrail]
- Best credit card for Delta Sky Club: [data-lightrail id="56"]{name}[/data-lightrail]
- Best credit card for United Club access: [data-lightrail id="1229"]{name}[/data-lightrail]
- Best low-annual-fee credit card for lounge access: [data-lightrail id="1302"]{name}[/data-lightrail]
Methodology
To make choosing the right card easier, we've looked at credit cards reviewed on ValuePenguin as well as cards on major issuer sites to compile a list of cards that offer the best airport lounge access. Our recommendations are based on the strength of the cards' lounge networks, as well as the additional value you can earn with the cards — including the rewards value, cost of ownership and value of benefits such as travel and purchase protections and airline companion passes. Our choices are not influenced by our advertisers. Learn more on how we calculate rewards.
These responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
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How We Calculate Rewards: ValuePenguin calculates the value of rewards by estimating the dollar value of any points, miles or bonuses earned using the card less any associated annual fees. These estimates here are ValuePenguin's alone, not those of the card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer.
Example of how we calculate the rewards rates: When redeemed for travel through Ultimate Rewards, Chase Sapphire Preferred points are worth $0.0125 each. The card awards 2 points on travel and dining and 1 point on everything else. Therefore, we say the card has a 2.5% rewards rate on dining and travel (2 x $0.0125) and a 1.25% rewards rate on everything else (1 x $0.0125).