When it comes to elevating your travel experience, few perks are as appealing as access to premium airport lounges. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax, enjoy complimentary refreshments, or access Wi-Fi, having the right credit card can open the door to these exclusive spaces. In this guide, I’ll take you through 15 of the best credit cards for airport lounge access, providing detailed insights into each one, including why you should consider it and how to apply.
1. The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the most renowned travel credit cards in the market, particularly for its extensive lounge access benefits. Cardholders enjoy access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide.
Why Choose It
- Access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta).
- Extensive travel and purchase protections.
- Strong rewards for travel-related purchases.
How to Apply for It
- Visit the American Express website.
- Fill out the online application with your personal and financial details.
- Await approval (typically instant for most applicants).
2. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
This card is ideal for frequent American Airlines travelers. It offers access to the Admirals Club® lounges, providing a calm space to relax before your flight.
Why Choose It
- Complimentary Admirals Club® membership.
- First checked bag-free and priority boarding on American Airlines.
- Earn AAdvantage miles with every purchase.
How to Apply for It
- Go to the Citi or American Airlines credit card portal.
- Submit your personal information and employment details.
- If approved, your card will arrive in 7-10 business days.
3. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Designed for Delta Airlines travelers, this card provides premium benefits, including access to Delta Sky Clubs and Amex’s Centurion Lounges when flying Delta.
Why Choose It
- Free access to Delta Sky Clubs and Centurion Lounges (when flying Delta).
- Complimentary upgrades and priority boarding.
- Strong Delta SkyMiles rewards earning potential.
How to Apply for It
- Navigate to the American Express website.
- Complete the online application process.
- Approval typically happens within minutes, and the card arrives shortly thereafter.
4. United Club℠ Infinite Card
This card offers complimentary access to United Club lounges for you and two guests, making it a great option for United Airlines loyalists.
Why Choose It
- Unlimited access to United Club lounges.
- Complimentary checked bags and priority boarding.
- Earns United MileagePlus miles with every purchase.
How to Apply for It
- Visit the United or Chase websites.
- Complete the form with your personal information.
- After approval, you’ll receive your card within a few business days.
5. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Known for its premium travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card offers Priority Pass Select membership, giving you access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
Why Choose It
- Priority Pass Select membership.
- 3x points on travel and dining.
- Comprehensive travel and purchase protections.
How to Apply for It
- Head to the Chase website.
- Fill out the application form with personal and financial details.
- Approval usually happens quickly, and your card will be mailed to you.
6. United℠ Explorer Card
The United℠ Explorer Card offers two free United Club passes per year, giving you access to a premium airport lounge experience without paying a high annual fee.
Why Choose It
- Two complimentary United Club passes annually.
- First checked bag-free and priority boarding on United flights.
- Earn United MileagePlus miles with every purchase.
How to Apply for It
- Go to the Chase website or United’s official portal.
- Fill in the required personal and financial information.
- Approval is often instant, and you’ll get your card within a few days.
7. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X provides access to the new Capital One Lounges and a Priority Pass membership, making it a strong contender for frequent flyers looking for value and versatility.
Why Choose It
- Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass.
- 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Strong travel protections and purchase benefits.
How to Apply for It
- Go to the Capital One website.
- Provide your personal and financial information.
- If approved, you’ll receive the card within a few days.
8. American Express® Green Card
Though not as premium as the Platinum Card, the American Express® Green Card still provides lounge access benefits via a complimentary Priority Pass membership.
Why Choose It
- Access to Priority Pass lounges.
- 3x points on travel and dining.
- Affordable annual fee compared to other premium cards.
How to Apply for It
- Visit the American Express website.
- Submit your personal information and financial details.
- Approval generally takes only a few minutes.
9. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Business owners who frequently fly with Delta can benefit from this card, which offers complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs and Centurion Lounges when flying Delta.
Why Choose It
- Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge access (when flying Delta).
- Earn miles on business-related purchases.
- Priority boarding and free checked bags on Delta flights.
How to Apply for It
- Apply through the American Express business card portal.
- Enter business and personal details.
- Approval is usually quick, and the card will be delivered within a few days.
10. The Platinum Card® from American Express (Business)
The business version of the Platinum Card offers similar benefits, including extensive lounge access, but is tailored to business owners with additional perks for business travel.
Why Choose It
- Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection.
- Earn 5x Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels.
- Comprehensive travel protections.
How to Apply for It
- Go to the American Express website.
- Provide your business and personal information.
- Approval is typically fast, and you’ll receive the card within a week.
11. Chase Ritz-Carlton Reserve®
The Chase Ritz-Carlton Reserve® card offers Priority Pass membership and access to luxury airport lounges, along with benefits at Ritz-Carlton properties.
Why Choose It
- Priority Pass membership.
- $300 annual travel credit.
- Benefits at Ritz-Carlton and Marriott hotels.
How to Apply for It
- Visit the Chase website.
- Submit your application with the required information.
- Approval is often instant, and your card will be delivered in a few days.
12. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
This card offers ten free visits to Priority Pass lounges each year, making it an affordable way to enjoy lounge access without a hefty annual fee.
Why Choose It
- 10 free Priority Pass lounge visits annually.
- Earn Hilton Honors points on every purchase.
- Complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors.
How to Apply for It
- Go to the American Express website.
- Fill in your personal and financial information.
- Approval generally happens quickly, and your card will arrive within a few days.
13. American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card is well-regarded for its rewards program, offering Priority Pass membership along with 4x points on dining and 3x on travel bookings.
Why Choose It
- Priority Pass membership.
- 4x points on dining and groceries.
- Excellent travel and purchase protections.
How to Apply for It
- Visit the American Express website.
- Fill in your personal details and financial information.
- Approval is usually instant, and your card will be sent out quickly.
14. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
This card offers 10 free Priority Pass lounge visits annually, along with premium benefits at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
Why Choose It
- 10 free Priority Pass lounge visits.
- Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy.
- Earn 6x points on Marriott Bonvoy purchases.
How to Apply for It
- Visit the American Express website.
- Submit the required information.
- Approval happens within minutes, and your card will be mailed out.
15. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
This top-tier Hilton card provides unlimited Priority Pass lounge access, making it an excellent option for frequent travelers looking to combine luxury hotel benefits with lounge access.
Why Choose It
- Unlimited Priority Pass lounge access.
- Complimentary Diamond status with Hilton Honors.
- Earns Hilton points on all purchases.
How to Apply for It
- Apply through the American Express website.
- Provide personal and financial information.
- Upon approval, your card will be sent out within a few business days.
Read Also: Dubai Business Visa: Quick & Easy Guide for Your Next Trip
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide has made it clear how beneficial credit cards with airport lounge access can be. Each of these cards offers different perks, and your choice will depend on the airline you frequently fly with, your spending habits, and your lifestyle preferences. Be sure to review each card’s full details and compare options before applying.
With the information provided, you can easily select and apply for a card that elevates your travel experience. Safe travels!
