How to choose a credit card for airport lounge access
When people find out my job is to write about travel credit cards, they usually ask for expert advice. They want to know which of our favorite credit cards I recommend, which cards will complement their existing portfolio and whether their current everyday card is a good one.
They also often want to know which credit card they should get if they want airport lounge access.
Until recently, this question was fairly easy to answer since many cards offered similar lounge benefits. But lately, it’s gotten more complicated. The issuer lounge space has more options than ever, while some cards have lost perks like guest privileges and restaurant access.
It can feel overwhelming, but we’ve got you. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider when choosing a credit card for airport lounge access.
Access with top cards
| Credit card | Annual fee | Lounge access | Guest allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | $695 (see Amex Platinum rates and fees and Amex Business Platinum rates and fees) |
|
|
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card | $650 (see Reserve rates and fees and Reserve Business rates and fees) |
|
|
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | $650 (see rates and fees) | ||
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) | $595 |
|
|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $550 | ||
| United Club℠ Infinite Card | $525 | ||
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business | $395 |
|
|
If you have a lounge in your home airport
Presumably, your home airport is where you spend the most time. If you live in an airline hub or have a perfectly placed lounge that you want access to, let that drive your decision.
For instance, if Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is your home airport, you probably pass an airline lounge regardless of your preferred airline since it is a hub for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
Similarly, if you have an issuer lounge in your home airport, you may want to choose the premium card from that issuer that includes lounge access. Someone whose home base is Dulles International Airport (IAD), for example, will likely want access to the Capital One Lounge that’s conveniently located just past the airport’s security lines.
On the flip side, not all of us have a wide range of lounge options at home. Until recently, I was based in Nashville, and as much as I love Nashville International Airport (BNA), it has limited lounge options. As such, I based my lounge access decision on the airports I frequently traveled through rather than my home base.
If you’re loyal to a specific airline
If you’re loyal to American, Delta or United, you’ll likely benefit from airline-specific lounge access since you’ll most frequently fly through hubs with a lounge.
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
American Airlines
Frequent American flyers will want to go with the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard since it’s the only credit card with an Admirals Club membership.
Delta Air Lines
If you’re a regular Delta passenger, note that the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card includes unlimited complimentary Sky Club access through January 2025. After that, cardmembers will receive 15 complimentary visits per year and can receive unlimited visits by spending $75,000 on the card each calendar year.
United Airlines
United fans will benefit most from the United Club Infinite Card, the only card with a United Club membership as one of its perks.
Of course, if you’re loyal to an airline that doesn’t have its own airport lounges, you can cross these off the list. As a Southwest Airlines loyalist, I knew I didn’t want to limit my lounge access to a specific airline, so I was able to turn my attention elsewhere.
If you want issuer-specific lounge access
For quite a while, American Express had the issuer lounge market cornered. But as Capital One and Chase continue to grow their own lounge networks, you may decide you want to choose your credit card based on the issuer’s lounge access it gets you.
American Express
American Express currently operates 30 Centurion Lounges, making them the most prominent issuer lounge. If you want access, you’ll most likely want either the Amex Platinum or the Amex Business Platinum.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business cardmembers can also access Centurion Lounges when flying Delta, as long as the flight was booked on their card (excluding basic economy tickets).
Related: I’m an Amex Platinum newbie — here’s why lounge access is surprisingly my favorite perk
Capital One
While not as well established as Centurion Lounges, Capital One Lounges have grown rapidly. Currently, they are located in three airports: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Denver International Airport (DEN) and Dulles International Airport (IAD). A new concept called Capital One Landing is also open at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Locations in Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) have been announced but are not yet open.
To access these lounges, you’ll want either the Venture X or the Venture X Business.
Chase
Like Capital One, Chase has been asserting its presence in the lounge space with Chase Sapphire Lounges. With their impressive designs and amenities like complimentary facials, they may be gunning for the No. 1 spot.
Currently, you can find Sapphire Lounges open in six locations in the U.S.: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD). A lounge at San Diego International Airport (SAN) is opening on Dec. 6. There is also a Chase Sapphire “Terrace” open at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) but that’s closing in March 2025.
To get unlimited access to these lounge concepts, you’ll need the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card. You can also get one complimentary visit to a Sapphire Lounge per calendar year if you have a Priority Pass Select membership from another credit card.
The information for the Ritz-Carlton Rewards 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.
If you want more diverse lounge options
If you want a wider range of airport lounge access options, opt for a card with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. Priority Pass is a network of more than 1,600 lounges, Minute Suites, Be Relax spas and various restaurants located in 600-plus airports in more than 150 countries.
The best way to get Priority Pass access is with one of the following cards: Amex Platinum (enrollment required; terms apply), Amex Business Platinum (enrollment required; terms apply), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X and Capital One Venture X Business.
Additionally, you can get Priority Pass access with some other cards:
The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Is a Priority Pass lounge membership actually worth it?
If you want access to Priority Pass restaurants
If you frequently pass through airports with a Priority Pass-affiliated restaurant, getting a card with access can save you big bucks. This perk will comp a certain amount of the restaurant bill for you and up to one registered guest.
The amount varies by restaurant and is typically $28 to $30 per person; you can look up the exact values for each restaurant on the Priority Pass website.
Many cards with Priority Pass Select access have eliminated restaurant access in recent years, but you can still get it as a part of the Priority Pass Select membership on select cards. For example, this perk is offered on the UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card.
The information for the UBS Visa Infinite Credit 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.
If you want to bring guests for no additional cost
If you frequently travel with a partner or family, you’ll want to choose a card that includes guest access. While some cards like the Amex Platinum and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve allow you to bring guests for an additional fee, the following cards include complimentary access for the primary cardholder and up to two guests:
Related: A guide to guest policies for airport lounges
If you’re unsure
If you’re new to the airport lounge world, committing to a credit card with a hefty annual fee can feel daunting. If you aren’t ready to make the jump, consider one of these options to dip your toes in first.
Go as someone’s guest
As outlined above, several credit cards come with lounge access, allowing cardholders to bring guests into a lounge. If you have a friend with this access, try to find a time to visit a lounge as their guest to see how you like it.
Become a Venture X-authorized user
One of the most valuable perks of the Capital One Venture X is the ability to add up to four authorized users, each with their own airport lounge access benefit, for no additional cost. If you have a friend who has the Venture X, ask them to add you as an authorized user.
Doing so will give you access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass Select lounges for no additional cost.
Get a card with a set number of visits
You can get a limited number of lounge visits without paying a premium annual fee. Consider one of these options if you’re aiming to keep your annual fee costs down:
- U.S. Bank Altitude Connect: With this card, you’ll get four complimentary visits to Priority Pass Select lounges annually for no annual fee, making it a great way to try out some lounges without committing to a high annual fee.
- United℠ Explorer Card and United℠ Business Card: With either card, you’ll get two one-time United Club passes per year for a $0 introductory annual fee, then $95 each year after with the United Explorer and $99 each year after with the United Business.
Related: Credit cards that offer Priority Pass airport lounge access
Pay for a one-time pass
You don’t necessarily have to have a membership or access through a credit card to get into a lounge. Most lounges give you the option to pay out of pocket per visit. If there’s a lounge you pass often and are considering getting a credit card to access, paying for a visit to see if it’s worth it to you can be a great option.
Bottom line
You have some great options when choosing a credit card for airport lounge access. The different types of access can feel overwhelming, but deciding which type of access matters most to you is key to landing on a card that’s the perfect fit.
No matter which you choose, you’ll be well on your way to lounging in style on your next layover.
Related: The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, click here
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business, click here
For rates and fees of the Bonvoy Brilliant, click here
