Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards

by | Lounges

If you’re like most travelers, the thought of airport lounge access is about as appealing as a trip to the dentist. But what if I told you that with the right credit card, you could get into those lounges for free? In this article, we’ll take a look at the best credit cards for airport lounge access in 2022 and how to make the most of them.

What is an airport lounge credit card?

An airport lounge credit card is a type of rewards credit card that offers cardholders complimentary or discounted access to airport lounges. Many also come with other perks, such as priority boarding and free checked bags.

Issuers of airport lounge credit cards include American Express, Chase, Citi, and United. They earn from the annual fees charged to cardholders and from the interest paid on balances carried from month to month.

They cost anywhere from $250 to over $550 per year, making them some of the most expensive rewards credit cards on the market. But for frequent flyers who value the perks they offer, they can be well worth the price tag.

If you’re not sure whether an airport lounge credit card is right for you, consider these pros and cons.

Pros:

  • Complimentary or discounted access to airport lounges worldwide
  • Other perks, such as priority boarding and free checked bags
  • Can help you save money on travel expenses

Cons:

  • High annual fees
  • May require good to excellent credit for approval

Reviews of the Best Airport Lounge Credit Cards

Now that you know what to look for in an airport lounge credit card, let’s take a look at some of the best options currently available.

Best Airport Lounge access credit card for Premium Travelers:

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If you’re looking for a premium travel credit card with airport lounge access, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a great option. It comes with a $250 annual fee and a welcome bonus of 75,000 miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months.

You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and 10x miles on hotels booked through the Capital One travel portal. There’s no foreign transaction fee, and you’ll get a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 4 years.

In terms of airport lounge access, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card comes with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. This gives you access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.

Capital One also has a partnership with Escape Lounges, which gives you access to 9 US Domestic airports. You’ll get up to 2 complimentary visits per year and 50% off any additional visits.

Other perks include a $100 credit for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee and up to $100 in statement credits per year for travel-related purchases, such as baggage fees and in-flight food and entertainment.

Best Card for Business Travellers

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur in need of an airport lounge credit card, the Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a great option. It comes with a $695 annual fee and a welcome bonus of up to 120,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

The Best Airport Card for Lounges

The Platinum Card from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express is a great option for consumers who want airport lounge access. It comes with a $695 annual fee and a welcome bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

You’ll earn 5x points on airfare booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, and you’ll get up to $200 in statement credits per year for air travel-related incidental fees.

In terms of airport lounge access, the Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a complimentary membership to the American Express Global Lounge Collection. This gives you access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including The Centurion® Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs®, and Priority Pass™ Select.

Other perks include up to $200 in annual Uber credits, a credit for theGlobal Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, and no foreign transaction fees.

BEST Credit Card to Access 1300+ Priority Pass Lounges

Chase Sapphire Reserve

If you’re looking for an airport lounge credit card with access to the Priority Pass network of lounges and restaurants, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is a great option. It comes with a $550 annual fee and a welcome bonus of 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

You’ll earn 3x points on travel and dining purchases and 1x points on all other purchases. There’s no foreign transaction fee, and you’ll get up to $300 in statement credits per year for travel-related purchases.

Up to 1300+ Airport Lounges Worldwide

Access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide with the Priority Pass Select membership that comes with this card. That means you can relax in style no matter what airport you’re in, whether it’s London Heathrow, New York JFK, or Los Angeles LAX.

$300 Annual Travel Credit:

You’ll also get up to $300 in statement credits per year for travel-related purchases, such as airfare, hotels, and rental cars. This can help offset the cost of the annual fee.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

This card has no foreign transaction fees, so you can use it abroad without worrying about paying extra.

That can be a valuable perk if you travel internationally for business or pleasure.

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