10 Best Credit Cards for Airline and Lounge Access in 2023

Some travel credit cards’ airport lounge access advantages are their most eye-catching benefits. Many card alternatives are available for individuals who would rather spend their pre-flight time unwinding in a quiet lounge with complimentary food and beverages.

No foreign transaction fees, statement credits for application fees to Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR, as well as travel and purchase protection such as trip cancellation insurance, are additional frequent travel perks that come with cards that provide lounge access, though specific perks vary by card.

Using credit cards to score airport lounge access

Airport lounges aren’t just for passengers flying in first or business class. Many credit cards with travel perks give cardholders free admission to airport lounges.

Travelers can profit from lounges in a variety of ways. Still, they are especially valuable to those who want to avoid the crowded airport terminal while waiting to catch their aircraft. Visit one of the many lounges that also provide complimentary food and beverages to save money instead of paying for expensive airport food. Some even include unique features like showers, cycling rooms, and free massages.

Best credit cards that provide airport lounge access

1. The Platinum Card® from American Express

The American Express Platinum Card® has more lounge access than any other credit card we know. After signing up for Priority Pass and the Global Lounge Collection, cardholders have access to lounges in 140 countries and American Express Centurion lounges. When traveling to the specific airline on the same day, cardholders can also visit the Lufthansa and Delta SkyClub lounges.

Although guest regulations will change in 2023, Platinum cardholders can still bring two guests into participating lounges.

1. Chase Sapphire Reserve

One of the Analyst’s top recommendations for the best travel credit cards is the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. It has great features that enhance your trip experience, and its superior travel insurance is a good enough reason to keep it in your wallet.

Membership in two lounge networks is available with this card:

• Priority Pass Select – Includes two complimentary guests and unlimited entry to all Priority Pass lounges. You can add approved users, who will each obtain a full Priority Pass Select membership for $75.
• Chase Sapphire Lounges — In Hong Kong (HKG), Chase inaugurated its first Sapphire Lounge. Additional locations, including those in San Diego (SAN) and New York-LaGuardia (LGA), will open their doors in 2023.

1. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from AMEX, which works similarly to the Platinum Card, grants users access to 1,400 lounges in 140 countries through the Global Lounge Collection, which also includes the Priority Pass network, Centurion lounges from American Express, Delta SkyClub, and Lufthansa lounges when traveling on participating airlines.

For business owners with significant expenses, American Express offers the Business Platinum Card®. The personal Platinum Card’s $695 yearly cost is comparable. Additionally, cardholders get a sizable welcome bonus.

1. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Ten free trips to lounges in the Priority Pass network are provided by the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card* per year.

Earning 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, as well as 3 points per dollar for all other eligible purchases, are additional benefits. In addition, earning 12 Hilton Honors bonus points for every dollar on purchases made at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio also qualifies. 

1. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Another excellent credit card choice for travelers seeking to leave the airport terminal is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. When you have the card, you’ll have access to the enormous network of Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounges worldwide and the Capital One Lounges—one is now open in Dallas (DFW). Two more are anticipated to open in Denver (DEN) and Washington, D.C. (IAD) next year. 

1. Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express

Compared to other Hilton credit cards, the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express* offers unlimited access to more than 1,300 lounges globally through the Priority Pass network. Additionally, cardholders are permitted a maximum of two guests per visit at no extra charge.

With a $450 annual cost, the Aspire Card has a higher annual fee than the Surpass. However, by obtaining up to $250 in annual credits that cover incidental costs like checked luggage for one eligible airline of your choosing, which you must select each year, flights can justify that cost.

1. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

After enrolling, holders of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card are granted a Priority Pass Select membership, which entitles them to unrestricted entry and up to two guests per visit throughout the Priority Pass network. A welcome bonus of 150,000 is one of the additional bonuses.

1. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

For regular Delta flyers, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the best option. When traveling to Delta on the same day, entrance to the Centurion Lounge and Delta Sky Club is gratis. Each year, there are two one-time guest passes for the Delta Sky Club. For a charge per visit, visitors may purchase guest cards for the Centurion Lounge.

1. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card features are similar to those of the Reserve card for consumers. When using their Reserve card to book a Delta flight, cardholders are granted complimentary entry to the Delta Sky Club, Centurion Lounge, or Escape Lounge. They also receive two annual guest passes for the Delta Sky Club.

1. United Club℠ Infinite Card

As a benefit of owning the United ClubSM Infinite Card, United Airlines customers will receive a complimentary United Club membership, which has a value of $650 a year. When flying with the airline, one of its partners, or a partner airline, you are granted admission to United Club and related Star Alliance lounges worldwide for you and up to two guests.

FAQs

Should I have multiple cards with lounge access?

Frequent travelers might want to have multiple cards that grant entry to lounges.

Is it worth paying for lounge access?

The ideal escape from the airport’s bustle can be found in a lounge. It’s significantly quieter, and most lounges have lots of roomy, comfy seats.

Can two people use the same card for lounge access?

No, you cannot enter the same airport lounge twice with the same credit card. However, at the same airport, you can swipe for two different lounges.