The best lounge access credit cards to add to your wallet

In this guide, I’ve rounded up my top picks for the six best credit cards with airport lounge access — cards that can seriously elevate your travel experience the next time you fly.

Personally, I love spending time in airport lounges. They’re perfect for relaxing, recharging your devices (and yourself) and enjoying complimentary food and drinks. Most have private bathrooms, and some even offer showers — my favorite perk when I’m stuck on a long layover.

While you can pay for access to some lounges, it’s often included as a complimentary benefit with select premium credit cards.

There are a few types of lounge access you can get for free through credit cards. Some offer entry into airline-branded lounges, like Delta Sky Clubs or American Airlines Admirals Clubs. Others provide access to broader lounge networks like Priority Pass or Plaza Premium, which open the door to hundreds of lounges around the world.

Even the issuers have joined the game, with lounges from American Express, Capital One and Chase popping up in more airports.

If you’re after a calm, comfortable alternative to the chaos and noise of the airport terminal, I’ve put together this list of the best credit cards for lounge access. I personally carry half of these cards and know the rest inside out, thanks to over a decade of experience in the travel rewards space.

So, let’s dive in and find the right card to get you into an airport lounge before your next flight.

The best lounge access credit cards

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Comparing the best lounge access credit cards

Here are TPG’s top recommendations for the best lounge access credit cards.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $395.

Standout benefits: This is my top recommendation for those wanting broad lounge access for a modest annual fee — the lowest out of any card on this list.

You’ll receive a complimentary Priority Pass membership, as well as unlimited access to Capital One’s excellent lounge network, including at:

• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C.
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas

You’ll also be able to access the issuer’s unique Capital One Landing dining concept at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) near D.C.

This card more than pays for itself, with an annual travel credit and bonus anniversary miles. I have had this card since it launched almost four years ago and plan to keep it in my wallet for the long term.

To learn more, read our full review of the Venture X.

Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $550.

Standout benefits: This card is a fantastic choice for those who want to combine excellent lounge access, the ability to earn a lot of points and premium travel protections.

It offers a complimentary Priority Pass membership, as well as unlimited access to Chase’s rapidly growing lounge network, including its location at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), which was named the Best New U.S. Lounge at the 2024 TPG Awards.

This is my go-to card for travel and dining purchases both within the U.S. and when traveling abroad, as it earns 3 points per dollar spent in these categories. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are the most valuable issuer rewards currency (tied with Bilt Rewards).

My favorite Chase transfer partner is World of Hyatt, which offers high-value redemptions for everything from budget hotels to luxury properties.

To learn more, read our review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Apply: Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Platinum Card from American Express

Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Annual fee: $695.

Standout benefits: This card is, without a doubt, the best personal card for lounge access. For eligible card members, the American Express Global Lounge Collection offers access to:

• American Express’ own Centurion Lounges (a larger network than Capital One’s and Chase’s)
• Delta Sky Clubs*
• Airspace lounges
• Escape lounges
• Plaza Premium lounges
• Priority Pass lounges

*Eligible Platinum Card members receive 10 visits per eligible Platinum Card, per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more in a calendar year.

Given this card has a high $695 annual fee, you’ll want to make sure you get value out of the plethora of statement credits to make this card worth holding year after year. I have had this card for nearly a decade now and am happy to keep it, but it does require a lot of effort to ensure I’m getting maximum value out of it.

Apply: The Platinum Card from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Welcome offer: Earn 150,000 points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after spending $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with the airlines or through American Express Travel in the first three months. You can earn one or both of these offers, which end June 30.

Annual fee: $695.

Standout benefits: This card offers the same lounge access as the personal version above.

The annual fee is high but well worth it, in my opinion. Like the personal card, you’ll get a Clear Plus credit (up to $199 annually, subject to auto-renewal), $120 toward a Global Entry membership every four years and Gold elite status with both Hilton and Marriott. (Enrollment is required for select benefits.)

You’ll also earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel and 1.5 points per dollar spent on large purchases of $5,000 or more, plus those made in select business categories (up to $2 million per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).

This is the next card I’m planning to add to my wallet — I just need to time it right to meet the minimum spending requirement and earn that huge welcome bonus.

This guide will help you decide whether to get the personal or business version of the card.

Apply: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership.

Annual fee: $650.

Standout benefits: This is the best personal card to get if you are loyal to Delta and want Delta Sky Club access, as well as a boost toward elite status.

You’ll receive access to:

• Delta Sky Clubs** (including four one-time guest passes)
• Centurion Lounges (when you book a Delta flight with your card)

**Reserve cardmembers receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more in a calendar year.

Cardmembers also receive other valuable Delta-related perks, including:

• An annual companion certificate
• A strong earning rate on Delta purchases
• The ability to spend your way to elite status
• A discount on award tickets for Delta flights

To learn more, read our review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express.

Apply: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

Annual fee: $650.

Standout benefits: This card offers all the same benefits listed above for the personal version of the card — and then some.

If you are eligible for a business card, I recommend getting the business version rather than the personal one. That’s because it offers higher statement credits and the ability to earn more points for the same annual fee.

To learn more, read our review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express.

Apply: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

What to consider when choosing the best lounge access card

Choosing the right credit card for airport lounge access isn’t just about getting fancy perks — it’s about picking one that best fits with the way you travel.

Match the lounge access to your travel patterns

The key is choosing a card that fits how you actually fly.

Not all lounge access is created equal. Some cards only get you into specific airline lounges, while others offer a broader network through third-party programs.

If you’re loyal to one airline, a cobranded airline card (like a Delta American Express one) could make sense. But if you’re like me and fly with whichever carrier offers the best redemption or price, a card with access to a wide network (like those that include a Priority Pass membership) provides much more flexibility.

Evaluate guest policies and restrictions

If you often travel with companions, guest policies can significantly impact your lounge experience. Some cards allow complimentary guest access, while others charge fees.

If the card does not allow guest access, your travel companion may consider getting their own card with lounge access.

Related: A guide to guest policies for airport lounges

Consider the annual fee in context

Lounge access cards range from around $400 to $700 per year. A higher fee often comes with premium perks, but only pay it if you’ll actually use the benefits.

Occasional travelers may find better value with lower-fee cards that offer limited but still useful travel perks.

How we chose the best lounge access credit cards

We evaluated these cards based on the features that matter most to frequent travelers:

• Size and quality of the lounge network
• Additional card benefits
• Value of the welcome offer
• Earning rates, especially in popular categories
• Redemption options, including transfer partners

We also considered overall value, flexibility and how easily you can maximize each card based on popular travel benefits.

Check out our methodology to learn how TPG evaluates and chooses cards for our roundups.

Redemption options for the best lounge access credit cards

One of the best parts of using a lounge access credit card is that the benefits don’t stop at the airport doors. Many of these cards also earn flexible rewards points or airline miles. When redeemed strategically, they can unlock serious value.

Whether you’re looking to splurge on a business-class flight, cover the cost of a luxury hotel or treat a loved one to a dream trip, points and miles can stretch a lot further than you might think.

Personally, I’ve used rewards from some of the cards on this list to fly home to Sydney in first class to visit family (a flight I’d never pay full price for) and book a weeklong solo recharge at a resort in Hawaii entirely on points.

Lounge access is a nice perk, but the real value starts to add up when it’s paired with strong earning potential and valuable redemption options.

Bottom line

Lounge access has genuinely transformed how I travel. Whether I’m flying for work or heading off on vacation, having a quiet space to recharge or grab a fresh meal makes a huge difference. But not every card gets you into the lounges you’ll actually use — and that’s why choosing the right one matters.

The best lounge access cards don’t just unlock premium spaces at the airport — they also earn points or miles you can use for first-class flights, luxury hotels and spontaneous getaways. When the earning potential and redemptions line up, your rewards go further.

Ultimately, the best credit card is the one that consistently delivers across the board, offering lounge access, strong earning rates and flexible redemptions. Pick the right one, and you’ll upgrade not just your airport experience but every journey that follows.

Related: 9 valuable travel perks that you can get with a credit card

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.