Best credit cards for airport lounge access in November 2024
Our top picks for the best credit cards from our partners with airport lounge access can elevate your experience the next time you fly. Airport lounges are great places to relax and recharge your devices before a flight and typically offer complimentary refreshments and private bathrooms — which can be a great perk when you find yourself on a long layover.
While you can pay for access to many lounges, it’s also a benefit on select credit cards.
There are multiple types of airline lounge access you can get with a credit card. Some cards will get you into airline-specific lounges — like Delta Air Lines’ Sky Clubs or American Airlines’ Admirals Clubs. Other cards include Plaza Premium access or a Priority Pass Select membership, which grant entry into curated collections of lounges worldwide. Issuers themselves have also gotten into the game, with American Express Centurion lounges, Capital One lounges and Chase Sapphire lounges opening their doors in recent years.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience than the hectic environment of an airport terminal, our team of experts has compiled the list below of the best credit cards with airport lounge access to enhance your flight experience ahead of your next flight.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for premium travel
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for airport lounge access
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Priority Pass lounges and restaurants
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best for Delta flyers
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Best for Delta business travelers
- American Express® Green Card: Best for Best mid-tier card for lounge access
Best for premium travel
| 10 Miles | 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 5 Miles | 5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2 Miles | 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day |
If you can maximize the $300 annual credit towards bookings through Capital One Travel, the Venture X’s annual fee effectively comes down to $95, the same annual fee pegged to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees). Add in a 10,000-mile bonus every account anniversary (worth $185, according to TPG valuations), and the card may become the strongest option out there for a lot of travelers. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
Pros
- 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
Cons
- $395 annual fee
- The $300 annual credit only applicable for bookings made through Capital One Travel portal
- 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
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Best for airport lounge access
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. |
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. |
The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee. Read our full review of the Amex Platinum card.
Pros
- The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
- This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, an assortment of annual statement credits and so much more (enrollment required).
- The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
Cons
- The $695 annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost
- Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning bonus rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories
- The annual airline fee credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.¤
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for Priority Pass lounges and restaurants
| 10x | Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠. |
| 5x | Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3x | Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. |
| 1x | Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. |
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, generous points on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Pros
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
- Access to Chase Travel hotel and airline travel partners
- 10x on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel, 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining purchases through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 5x on flights booked through Chase Travel, 3x points on all other travel and dining, 1x on everything else
- 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Travel
Cons
- Steep initial $550 annual fee
- May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
Best for Delta flyers
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is the premier choice for Delta loyalists who value an accelerated path to elite status, Delta SkyClubs lounge access, an annual companion certificate and strong earning rates on Delta purchases. Read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex Card.
Pros
- Statement credit for Global Entry ($100 every 4 years, increasing to $120 Oct. 1, 2024)/TSA PreCheck (up to $85 every 4.5 years).
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta (Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.)
Cons
- High annual fee of $650
- Lower fee Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® when you fly Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
- Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
- Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
- Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for Delta business travelers
| 3X | Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases. |
If you’re a high-budget business owner and fly Delta often, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card is an elite airline card with a sleuth of benefits. While the card does come with a high annual fee, the impressive benefits including exclusive Delta SkyClub and Amex Centurion lounge access, airport, free checked bags, priority boarding and a fast track to Delta’s elite Medallion flying status by spending a considerable amount on the card. Read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Amex Card. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
Pros
- A companion certificate that can be used for a US, Mexico, Caribbean or South American first-class, Delta Comfort+ or domestic main cabin round-trip flight
- Exclusive lounge access
Cons
- Steep $650 annual fee
- Limited reward earning rates outside of Delta purchases
- Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Enter Delta Sky Club® at no cost. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
- Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
- Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 on purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
- Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- With the $240 Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
- Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
- Save 15% when booking Award Travel on Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Not a Medallion Member? Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
- As a benefit of Card Membership, you can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
- When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $250 after using your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Enjoy travel without foreign transaction fees from American Express with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
- Terms and limitations apply.
Best for Best mid-tier card for lounge access
American Express® Green Card
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases. |
Pros
- Decent earning rates across popular spend categories
- Annual Clear Plus credit
- Annual LoungeBuddy credit
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- $150 annual fee
- May not offer much value if you’re not a frequent traveler
The American Express® Green Card is packed with value for the frequent jet setter who will maximize the travel credits and related perks that come with it. In addition to earning valuable Amex Membership Rewards points on purchases such as transit, flights, hotels and vacation rentals, this card offers a nice starter stash of points in the form of an attainable welcome bonus.
Comparing the best credit cards for airport lounge access
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Capital One's secure site | premium travel | Earn 75,000 miles Open Intro bonus 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 | 2 - 10X miles | $395 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | airport lounge access | Earn 80,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 5X points | $695 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | Priority Pass lounges and restaurants | 60,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1 - 10X points | $550 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | Delta flyers | Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles Open Intro bonus Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 1 - 3X points | $650 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | Delta business travelers | Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles Open Intro bonus Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 3X points | $650 |
American Express® Green Card * *The information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Information updated as of 09/20/2024 | Best mid-tier card for lounge access | Earn 40,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points
after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express Green Card® within the first 6 months of Card Membership. | 1 - 3X points | $150 |
More details on the best credit cards for airport lounge access
The Venture X packs a punch as a premium travel card, including extensive lounge access. There are now three Capital One Lounges open, featuring excellent amenities for U.S. travelers. In addition, the $300 annual credit through Capital One Travel — which effectively lowers the $395 annual fee to just $95 a year (see rates and fees).
Anyone who wants to earn more than 1 mile per dollar on every purchase and travelers who value access to more than 1,300 airport lounges, travel credits and valuable transfer partners. The dedicated Capital One lounges accessible with this card may be all you need to know to decide.
“The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the card that rewards me for every purchase I make with 2 miles per dollar spent that I can then use toward my travel goals. I also love how easy it is to earn and redeem my miles either through transferring to partners or erasing travel purchases, big or small” — Ashley Onadele, sponsored content writer
The Platinum Card® from American Express has more extensive airport lounge access and a longer list of benefits and perks that can easily offset the card's hefty $695 annual fee (see rates and fees).
The Platinum Card is packed with a long list of benefits for anyone who loves traveling and shopping that justifies the annual fee every year. From access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide to multiple elite hotel status, this card makes travel more comfortable, efficient and rewarding.
If you can take full advantage of the annual statement credits, the Amex Platinum is one of the most compelling rewards cards. This is especially true if you travel enough to make the numerous hotel statuses and extensive worldwide airport lounge benefits useful.
“Whilst this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights — whether bought with cash or points — on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent and travel protections. I fully utilize the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear Plus credits (enrollment required for select benefits). And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor
If you want a slightly lower annual fee, try the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which has a $550 annual fee but offers a $300 travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access and some of the best travel protections available.
From earning an impressive 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards to the wide range of airline and hotel transfer partners, including World of Hyatt, the $300 annual travel credit and worldwide airport lounge access, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has long been one of our favorite premium credit cards.
Anyone with regular travel and dining expenses who wants unmatched flexibility to redeem points through travel partners or generous cash discounts through Chase Travel. This card also offers free entry to airport lounges and sizable discounts at restaurants in airports. The Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned from this card are hugely valuable because they are so easy to use.
“I've had the Sapphire Reserve for years, and it's going to stay in my wallet for the near future. I get $300 off travel every year, great earning rates on travel and dining (3 points per dollar), and varied travel protections that can reimburse me when things go wrong. And by leveraging other cards in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, I can maximize the earnings across all of my purchases.” — Nick Ewen, director of content
If you want a mid-tier card with a lower annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a good choice for earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points and has an annual fee of $95. You'll get numerous travel protections and access to all the same hotel and airline partners and lounge access benefits as you would with the Sapphire Reserve.
This card rewards anyone who flies Delta. As well as helping earn valuable elite Medallion status in the SkyMiles program, the card offers a generous three SkyMiles per dollar spent with Delta, an annual domestic, Caribbean or South American roundtrip companion certificate and SkyClub and Centurion airport lounge access.
Effective Feb. 1, 2025, Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on Feb. 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.
While plenty of travel credit cards provide airport lounge access, if you mainly fly with Delta, you'll want to get into its well-regarded Delta Sky Club lounges. Luckily, one of the primary benefits of this card is complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta. If your home airport offers a Sky Club, this card could be a no-brainer to add to your wallet.
Effective Feb. 1, 2025, Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on Feb. 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.
Delta Medallions spend a lot of time on Delta jets. The Delta Reserve card will help maintain status by offering a boost of 2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars at the start of the year, plus the card's annual companion ticket is valid on first-class itineraries and can help offset the card's annual fee for multiple years.
If you're eligible for a business card, you might prefer the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. It has a lot of similarities to the consumer version, including lounge access, but with the option to put your business expenses on the card and potentially rack up more SkyMiles.
Effective Feb. 1, 2025, Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on Feb. 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.
The most premium Delta credit card offered to business owners, this card helps earn elite Medallion status in the SkyMiles program and offers Sky Club and Centurion airport lounge access. For regular Delta travelers, the additional perks of a free checked bag, Zone 1 priority boarding and 20% savings on inflight purchases are all valuable benefits offered by a single credit card.
Effective Feb. 1, 2025, Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on Feb. 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.
Business owners who fly Delta regularly and would value Sky Club and Centurion lounge access. Also, those looking to reach elite Medallion status sooner with the help of a credit card that can provide perks like complimentary upgrades, priority airport services and additional baggage allowances.
Effective Feb. 1, 2025, Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on Feb. 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.
“The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Amex helped me attain airline status without actually having status. As a newbie Delta flyer, I wanted to have a credit card that would make my overall travel experience better. Access to the Delta Sky Club and Centurion lounges when flying Delta are massive perks. The ability to earn triple miles when making Delta purchases, an annual companion pass and a 15% discount when using my SkyMiles to book award travel make the high annual fee on this card worth it.” — Hannah Streck, senior SEO manager
Effective Feb. 1, 2025, Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on Feb. 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.
If you want a Delta card with a lower annual fee (see rates and fees), the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card offers Delta perks like an annual companion certificate and a faster path to elite status that could be a better fit for regular Delta travelers.
The Amex Green card is a mid-tier credit card with an annual fee of $150. It features a solid welcome offer, an annual LoungeBuddy credit and other travel-related benefits. LoungeBuddy is a lounge network of more than 200 lounges around the world. Cardholders can use their Amex Green Card to pay for LoungeBuddy visits since they receive up to $100 in statement credits every calendar year. Additionally, cardholders are able to earn American Express Membership Rewards points and transfer them to any of Amex’s 17 airline and three hotel partners.
The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Amex Green is best suited for those who frequent LoungeBuddy lounges but don’t frequent other airport lounges enough to justify a higher annual fee card with more extensive lounge access.
Consider the Amex Green Card if you travel frequently, want LoungeBuddy lounge access and are looking to build — or add to — a stash of Membership Rewards points.
If you are looking for the ultimate lounge access card, consider The Platinum Card® from American Express, which features exclusive Centurion lounge access, Priority Pass lounge access and additional complimentary access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide. Enrollment is required.
Credit pointers with Brian Kelly
How we rate cards
Is lounge access worth it?
Lounge access is an essential perk for frequent travelers. According to a TPG newsletter survey, a whopping 80% of our readers rank lounge access as one of the top three most valuable card benefits. From a quiet place to work to a peaceful space to unwind during your layover, lounge access can make for an easy — and, dare we say — relaxing travel experience.
Ask our experts
What is the best airport lounge access credit card — and why?
What TPG readers have to say about their top pick for best lounge access cards
We asked our readers which cards they love for airport lounge access — whether it's to grab a quick bite or to decompress before a flight — these are the cards TPG readers love the most.
Note: Reader-submitted responses have not been edited, reviewed or approved by the issuers nor reflect TPG’s opinions of these cards.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
“Capital One Venture X. The lounge access … and other tiered travel benefits are unmatched for the (still high) but relatively low annual fee when compared to other premium cards.” — Jonathan Vu via a TPG newsletter survey
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
“Delta American Express Reserve card — for lounge access*, travel perks, free checked bags, free upgrades, companion ticket, etc. It's worth the annual fee, and the perks often offset or exceed the annual fee. Worth every penny!” — Cheryl Heitzinger via a TPG newsletter survey
*Effective February 1, 2025: Eligible Reserve cardholders will receive 15 annual Sky Club visits, with unlimited annual visits after spending $75,000 in the previous calendar year.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
“My Amex Business Platinum because there are enough benefits to offset the annual fee. I especially like lounge access and the instant status with hotels and rental car agencies.”* — Lori McCarthy via a TPG newsletter survey
*Enrollment required for select benefits.
How to choose the best airport lounge access credit card
- Look for a credit card that provides access to a wide network of airport lounges that align with your travel habits and destinations.1Lounge network coverage
- Understand the eligibility criteria for accessing the lounges with the credit card, which may include flying on a specific airline or alliance, having status in an airline loyalty program, or meeting a minimum spending requirement.2Eligibility requirements
- Having guest access can be beneficial if you frequently travel with a companion. If the card does not allow guest access, your travel companion may consider getting their own card with lounge access.3Guest access
Pros + cons of lounge access credit cards
Pros
- Unlocking lounge access with a credit card can make your travel experience much less stressful
- Most lounge access credit cards earn rewards on every purchase that can be used for future vacations
- Many credit cards with lounge access include many additional perks — like travel benefits and statement credits for select purchases
- Carrying a card with lounge access can be less expensive than frequently purchasing lounge access outright
Cons
- If you spend beyond your means on a lounge access credit card, you’ll incur large interest charges and can damage your credit
- Most credit cards with lounge access incur high annual fees, so they may not be worthwhile for infrequent travelers
- Many card issuers have restricted lounge access in recent years, making it harder to bring in guests or family members for free
- Your home airport may not have a lounge for you to access with a credit card
Frequently asked questions
Airport lounges typically offer a more relaxed and comfortable environment to prepare for your flight than the crowded terminal. They provide comfortable seating, quiet areas, Wi-Fi access, charging points, complimentary food and beverages, and sometimes even showers and spa facilities.
If you have to work or need a quiet space to relax before your flight, airport lounges can provide a more conducive environment than a busy terminal. For those travelers who frequently experience flight delays or have long layovers, access to an airport lounge can make your wait more comfortable and enjoyable. However, check access times to see how early you can access a lounge before your next flight.
To start your journey as comfortably as possible, away from the chaos of a busy airport terminal, these are the best credit cards with airport lounge access to elevate your experience ahead of your next flight:
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best premium travel credit card
- The Platinum Card from American Express: Best consumer card for airport lounges
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Priority Pass lounges and restaurants
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: Best for Delta flyers
- The Business Platinum Card from American Express: Best business card
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card: Best for Delta flyers traveling for business
Depending on how frequently you travel, the airports you visit and the airlines you fly, having multiple cards that offer access to different lounge networks may make sense. Since you can only access Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines lounges when flying those specific carriers, having the correct credit card for lounge access is essential.
You can cover your bases by holding a card that offers airline-specific lounge access for your favorite airline and another card that offers independent lounge access when flying other airlines that do not partner with your preferred airline.
Related: 4 reasons why the Amex Platinum might be the ideal credit card for Delta flyers
The easiest way to get free airport lounge access is to sign up for a credit card that offers lounge access as a complimentary perk. However, you can snag airport lounge access with some types of airline elite status.
Priority Pass is an airport lounge membership program that provides members with access to more than 1,300 airport lounges — and sometimes non-lounge experiences such as restaurants — around the world. With a Priority Pass membership, you can visit some of the best Priority Pass lounges regardless of the airline you’re flying or your ticket class. You can even access Priority Pass lounges when you’re flying in economy class on a low-cost airline.
If you have Priority Pass access benefits through a credit card, you’ll usually need to enroll in Priority Pass Select. However, the access policies vary across cards, so be sure to determine what benefits your card offers before heading to the airport. For example, Priority Pass Select memberships for American Express cards don’t cover visits to restaurant lounges. And cards with lower annual fees, such as the Hilton Business cards, only offer 10 complimentary lounge visits per year.
Related: The best credit cards for Priority Pass lounge access
Enrollment required for select benefits.
Centurion Lounges are high-end lounges accessible to select American Express cardmembers. These lounges are often known for offering locally curated, high-quality dining and drinks. Some Centurion Lounges even provide other perks, including spa services and wine tasting.
Airport lounges typically provide access to seating, power, Wi-Fi, nonalcoholic drinks and snacks for no additional charge. However, some airport lounges offer other amenities such as meals, spa services, shower rooms, meeting rooms and alcoholic drinks. And in some cases, these additional amenities are also complimentary for anyone who has access to the lounge.