Hunting down the perfect travel credit card may look different for everyone. And it’s not uncommon to spot more than a few travel credit cards with airport lounge access. How can you tell which is the right one? From the lowest annual fee to the highest number of benefits, here are our top picks for the best credit cards with airport lounge access.
At a Glance
The Best Credit Cards With Airport Lounge Access
The list below contains a mix of travel credit cards, from the most affordable to the more luxurious memberships. Many cards offer airport lounge access via third-party services, such as Priority Pass, as well as proprietary spaces from the airline or card issuer themselves. Most importantly, the credit card benefits are not limited to lounge access, but also feature other benefits for more enjoyable travel experiences.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
- 20.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
If you regularly stay at Hilton properties, the accelerated ability to earn bonus points and a sizable introductory bonus offer help the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card really stand out. Card members also receive complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, which entitles them to guaranteed member discounts, digital check-in, complimentary breakfast, and a host of other perks, all for a competitive annual fee.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
- 6X Hilton Honors points per $1 spent on purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, U.S. groceries, U.S. online retail, and U.S. gas stations
- 3X Hilton Honors points on all eligible purchases
- Complimentary Gold status with your card
- Free Weekend Night Reward after spending $30,000 on your card in a calendar year
- No foreign transaction fees
- Earn 170,000 bonus points and a free night after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $150
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You regularly stay at Hilton properties and want to quickly earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points
- You will spend enough with the card in the first three months of opening an account to earn a very generous welcome offer
- You want the convenient benefits that come with complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, as well as Hilton Honors Diamond status if you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases through the end of the next calendar year
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is an affordable option for anyone looking to indulge in a little airport lounge action on their travels. Ranking as one of the lowest annual fee credit cards with lounge access, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is on the more affordable side of the airport lounge experience, with a $150 annual fee.
Through the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, cardholders get Priority Pass™ Select for access to 10 complimentary airport lounge visits. Once enrolled in the Priority Pass™ Select membership, you will get to enjoy a relaxed airport experience with access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries. This is a good deal if you plan to keep your travels to no more than five to 10 trips a year.
Considering a Priority Pass™ Standard Plus membership typically costs $299 and grants members 10 free visits, the $150 annual fee on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card credit card gives you a bang for your buck. However, it is important to note that the complimentary lounge access is coming to an end. Effective February 1, 2024, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card will no longer offer a complimentary membership to the Priority Pass™ Select program. Through January 31, 2024, you can still enroll in the program by calling the customer service number on the back of the card. If you enroll before the deadline, your lounge access membership will be good through October 31, 2024, and will be canceled as of November 1, 2024.
In addition, the card offers many other benefits which you can enjoy on your travels. Such features include no foreign transaction fees for carefree international spending and car rental insurance for peace of mind.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- 21.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 21.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card provides huge travel perks, impressive miles on every purchase, and more – for a $395 annual fee. New accounts also enjoy 75,000 miles after making $4,000 in purchases in the first three months.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 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 up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of 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 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 our Partner Lounge Network
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- 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
- Elevate your stay at luxury hotels and resorts from the Premier Collection with a $100 experience credit, daily breakfast for 2 and complimentary WiFi on every booking, plus other premium benefits like room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout when available
- Regular Purchase APR: 21.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 21.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that we may offer you. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR.
- Cash Advance APR: 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $3
- Annual Fee: $395
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You travel often, and want a card that provides lounge access, elite status, and more
- You plan on issuing cards to multiple authorized users
- You plan on spending at least $4,000 on the card in the first three months
- You don’t want to pay foreign transaction fees
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card may have a somewhat scary annual fee at first glance. However, it does an excellent job of balancing it out with its worth – starting with unlimited complimentary airport lounge access for you and two guests. The card is equipped with Priority Pass Select and entry to the Capital One Lounges, which currently include one location in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and two other locations coming soon (2023) in Denver, CO (DEN) and Washington, DC. (IAD).
To compare value, the Priority Pass™ Prestige membership costs a total of $429, and this gets you all free member visits and a cost of $32 for the guest visit fee. With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, your Priority Pass™ membership is unlimited and includes two complimentary guests at no cost. The value you’re getting with the Venture X more than exceeds its worth when it comes to lounge access. It’s an excellent choice if you typically travel with a companion, as they also get free entry to enjoy all the amenities.
Additionally, through the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you would also receive a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel. It’s a convenient benefit to have if you typically go on at least one trip a year because the $300 credit can help fund your flight. Cardholders also get an anniversary bonus of 10,000 miles every year, and up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
Additional Benefits:
- Miles redemption
- No foreign transaction fees
- Miles don’t expire & there are no blackout dates
- Cell phone protection
- Free additional cardholders
- Referral bonus
- Hertz President Circle status
Mastercard® Black Card™
Mastercard® Black Card™
Mastercard® Black Card™
- 20.49% to 28.49% Regular Purchase APR
- 20.49% to 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness. There is a fee for balance transfers. Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
An exclusive and complete credit card, the Mastercard® Black Card™ is a statement piece that offers a wide range of unique benefits not found anywhere else. Beyond a 2% redemption rate for airfare and 1.5% for cash back, the Black Card provides a full lifestyle experience that goes beyond just amassing points – and that more than makes up for its annual costs. Once approved, customers can expect 24/7 personalized concierge service, VIP discounts, and attractive memberships.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Ideal for those seeking a top-of-wallet premium card with straightforward rewards and exceptional service. Cardholders can avoid juggling various cards and monthly statements while benefiting from travel perks and enhanced protection that exceeds standard credit cards.
- Offers a flat-rate redemption value of 1.5% for cash back or 2% value for airfare redemption with no airline or seat restrictions and no blackout dates. Cardholders earn one point for every dollar spent. Point redemption is simple, without requiring a complex reward strategy. The card features no foreign transaction fees, no earning caps, no rotating categories, and eliminates the need to pursue transfer partners to maximize point values.
- Annual Airline Credit—up to $100 in statement credits toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more. Cardholders simply pay for airline purchases with their Mastercard Black Card and the credit is automatically applied to their account. There’s no need to activate or designate an airline. The full credit amount is available at the start of the calendar year.
- Up to a $120 application fee credit for the cost of TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry. Also, enjoy automatic enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select with access to 1,500+ airport lounges worldwide with no guest or lounge limits. Includes credits at select airport restaurants for cardholder and one guest.
- 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge®—Make requests the way you want by phone, email, SMS and chat in the app. Connect directly with a real agent and receive 24/7 assistance for tasks big and small. Requests do not require a purchase, incur no charge for making them, and do not involve department transfers.
- Exclusive Luxury Card Travel® benefits—average value of $500 per stay (e.g., resort credits, room upgrades, free wifi, breakfast for two and more) at over 3,000 properties. Receive protection benefits like trip cancellation and interruption, auto rental car collision waiver, travel accident and baggage delay. Cell phone protection for eligible claims of up to $1,000 each year. Plus additional World Elite Mastercard® benefits.
- Black PVD-Coated Metal Card: Weighing in at an industry-leading 22g. Designed for frequent shoppers, big ticket purchases and everything in between.
- Annual Fee: $495 ($195 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply.
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.49% to 28.49%
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.49% to 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness. There is a fee for balance transfers.
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $495 ($195 for each Authorized User added to the account)
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- You’re a frequent traveler who aims to earn rewards that can be redeemed for airfare at an unmatched rate
- You’re looking to minimize your wallet via an everyday credit card that rewards on every redemption
- You aim to stand out from the crowd with an expertly-crafted metal credit card weighing 22 grams
- You’re seeking a dedicated 24/7 Concierge service offering personalized assistance to meet a variety of requests
- You stay at high-end hotels and exclusive resorts that offer Cardmembers amenities, breakfast vouchers and resort credits
- You’re interested in premium travel benefits and protections found in few competing credit cards
Traveling with the Mastercard® Black Card™ is stress-free thanks to comprehensive travel services catering to your tastes. The Luxury Card Travel program offers a comprehensive suite of travel services reserved exclusively for Cardmembers. Featuring over 3,000 properties from high-end hotel brands worldwide, you’ll find the perfect place to rest your head wherever your journey takes you.
Additionally, the Black Card opens the door to more than 1,500 airport lounges in 500 cities across the globe via a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership. Enjoy pre-flight food and drinks and connect to Wi-Fi in a private, quiet space while you wait for your connecting flight. There are no lounge visit limits, and all guests are allowed with Luxury Card’s Priority Pass™ membership – not just immediate family.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- 21.74% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 21.74% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
With the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, luxury and travel rewards come together with this upper-tier card, which offers an attractive points system and includes a lengthy list of perks for any jet setter.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travelâ„ .
- $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 Travelâ„ 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 Travelâ„ . 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
- Regular Purchase APR: 21.74% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 21.74% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $550, each authorized user: $75 per year
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You travel often and want a card that provides worldwide value
- You eat at restaurants frequently
- You plan to use rewards for travel, which provides the best value for redemption
- You want a card with no foreign transaction fees
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is another credit card that features a Priority Pass™ Select membership for airport lounge access. The card has a $550 annual fee that cancels itself out with all the card benefits included – not just the Priority Pass membership. Primary card members and Authorized Users are granted complimentary access to the Priority Pass lounges and are allowed a maximum of two accompanying guests each. In addition, Chase has recently opened their first branded lounge (Chase Sapphire Lounge) in Hong Kong, with plans to open more locations in 2023. Naturally, cardholders will also have access to these facilities.
The card’s benefits feature a few other statement credits, such as a $300 annual travel credit each anniversary year and up to $100 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS membership expenses. With any of these memberships, you’ll enjoy a more efficient and easy way to go through security lines on your day of travel.
Other card features:
- Room upgrades and daily breakfast through The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection
- Reserve by Sapphire – a lineup of exclusive experiences
- No foreign transaction fees
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Trip delay reimbursement
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
- See Pay Over Time APR Regular Purchase APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
Luxury is always within reach when you use The Platinum Card® from American Express. This exclusive rewards card offers premium travel rewards and a host of additional perks for the savvy voyager. Uber Cash and complimentary lounge access are just a few of the more practical perks that lend ongoing value to Platinum Card members beyond the impressive signup bonus.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 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
- 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline
- Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®
- VIP status and $200 Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the U.S. annually
- Complimentary Gold status in Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors programs
- Complimentary membership in premium car rental programs
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $179 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership
- $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax
- Terms Apply
- Regular Purchase APR: See Pay Over Time APR
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: See Rates & Fees
- Annual Fee: $695
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You travel often and can take advantage of a myriad of benefits including access to airport lounges and Uber credits
- you intend to sign up for Global Entry or TSA Pre?®
- You prefer airline flexibility when redeeming points for travel
- You’re likely spend $6,000 within the first six months as a cardholder to receive the card’s welcome offer
- You’ll take advantage of exclusive events and experiences available only to Platinum cardholders
Finally, our last pick of the best credit cards with airport lounge access is The Platinum Card® from American Express. At a $695 annual fee, it has the highest annual fee on the roster, but it offers the most statement credits, too. Of course, you’re here for the airport lounge access and The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a more exclusive experience via The American Express Global Lounge Collection®. The card also features no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and much more.
Airport lounge access is just one of the many perks offered to Platinum Card holders including various statement credits. Here are a few statement credits included with the card:
- $200 hotel credit
- $200 airline fee credit
- $200 Uber Cash
- $189 CLEAR® credit
- Up to $100 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
Related Article: The Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards
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