Airport lounges worldwide have been a priority of travelers due to the promise of a relaxing environment with food and super-fast wi-fi. While waiting for a flight or in case of a short layover, airport lounges will be the best place to rest.
UK airport lounges are one of the most easily accessible lounges and are no longer reserved for the business traveler. Hence having a credit card with lounge access will be the cherry on top for UK residents or anyone frequently traveling to the UK. Having said that, we have picked the best credit cards and banks with airport lounge access. Let’s have a look!
Best Credit Cards & Banks with Airport Lounge Access (UK)
1. American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
Why We Like It
On the hunt for a Premium card with an attractive membership program and amazing travel perks? American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card might be your ticket to joy. With above-average reward rates, exclusive UK discounts, and a super affordable annual fee with a first-year rebate is a deal to seal.
• Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 Rewards points after spending £3,000 in your first three months
• Annual Fee: £160 first-year fee waived
• Lounge Access Details: Priority Pass airport lounge access with 4 complimentary visits.
2. American Express Platinum Business Card
Why We Like It
American Express Platinum Business Card is an Elite Status Credit Card with full potential for frequent travelers and high reward rates. Here you are getting World’s largest lounge access program membership with additional business credits from renowned vendors worldwide. And combining all these perks with a welcome bonus makes things worth it around the annual fee.
• Intro Offer: Earn 100,000 reward points after spending $15,000 within the first three months.
• Annual Fee: $695
• Lounge Access Details: American Express Global Lounge Collection Access.
3. The Platinum Card
Why We Like It
The Platinum Card is worth it if you are on eligible scores and looking for a dedicated travel credit card in the UK. This one also gives one of the highest reward rates and a lucrative signup bonus for the same annual fee as a business card. However, you may get better discount rates from local vendors and international brands here, so there is no compromise on elite status.
• Intro Offer: Earn 80,000 rewards points after spending $6,000 on your new Card within the first 6 months
• Annual Fee:$695
• Lounge Access Details: American Express Global Lounge Collection access.
4. HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard
Why We Like It:
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard is a great choice for frequent international travelers in the UK. The reward rates are amazing, especially on travel purchases. Hence a reward strategist will truly enjoy the card. With MasterCard lounge access, open worldwide access to 5-star lounges. All these benefits and rewards on an average annual fee make it a perfect choice.
• Intro Offer: 40,000 reward points after spending £2,000 on your card within the first 90 days
• Annual Fee: £395
• Lounge Access Details: Master Lounge Key Access
5. Coutts & Co Silk Credit Card Visa
Why We Like It
Coutts & Co Silk Visa Credit Card is a one of its kind credit card in the UK. You will get benefits like LoungeKey access, Rewards points, plus Thank You Coutts Crown rewards. And above these all, no annual fee! Isn’t it great? An all-in-one exclusive package for UK residents, Whether you are a frequent traveler or not, you can get this card without any doubt to maximize the benefits.
• Intro Offer: No signup member
• Annual Fee: $0
• Lounge Access Details: LoungeKey™ VIP access
6. Santander World Elite Mastercard
Why We Like It
If you are a Santander Bank customer or planning to get a new credit card, you must check out their Santander World Elite Mastercard. A basic yet potential choice for frequent travelers. You are getting a MasterCard Lounge key to access worldwide airport lounges and a plain cashback rate on all purchases with a monthly fee instead of an annual one.
• Intro Offer: No specific Welcome bonus
• Annual Fee: £15 a month.
• Lounge Access Details: MasterCard LoungeKey™ access
7. Allied Irish Bank (GB) Visa Gold Card
Why We Like It
Allied Irish Bank (GB) Visa Gold Card is a charge credit card, a potential offer for consumers willing to clear their balance in full every month. And clearing the balance will ultimately boost your spending power at no interest. It can also be a great addition to a travel credit card, with priority pass access.
• Intro Offer: No welcome bonus
• Annual Fee: £75
• Lounge Access Details: Priority Pass
8. Barclaycard Avios Plus
Why We Like It
Barclaycard Avios Plus MasterCard is an exclusive choice for British Airways Executive Club members and British Airways frequent travelers. The reward points are higher than average, and you get Avios (British Airways Rewards) points for travel purchases. And with lounge membership and discounted passes, you can access UK lounges. Also, availing of the welcome bonus will be incredibly worth the monthly £20 fee.
• Intro Offer: Earn 25,000 reward points if you spend £3,000 within the first three months.
• Annual Fee: £20 per month
• Lounge Access Details: Lounge access membership with exclusively discounted lounge passes.
Types of Lounge Programs in the UK
Priority Pass
Priority Pass will let you access more than 1300 airport lounges worldwide, which assures a hassle-free pre-flight experience. You can avail of the priority pass via enrollment on same-day boarding on eligible credit cards, including American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card and Allied Irish Bank (GB) Visa Gold Card.
DragonPass
DragonPass enables credit cards to access a vast number of lounges worldwide. Mention a few Plaza Premium, Aspire, Causeway, Bringhimingam, Aerospace, the Middleton lounge, and Escape lounge can be accessed with a Dragon pass in the UK. For a complete list of UK lounges with DragonPass access, visit Dragonpass’s official website.
Executive Lounges by Swissport
Executive Lounges by Swissport operates the most significant number of airport lounges in the UK, including Aspire lounges. You can access executive lounges via Priority pass, Dragon Pass, and Loungkey-enabled credit cards. These lounges are well known for their state-of-the-art amenities.
LoungeKey
LoungeKey is a worldwide airport lounge access program sponsored by Mastercard. Regardless of your airline and ticket class, you can enjoy lounge facilities. Anyone having a premium credit card with Mastercard, i.e., Santander World Elite Mastercard is eligible for the Lounge key. You may get a complimentary lounge pass for the Lounge key. Apart from that, US$32 will be charged to the cardholder.
UK Airport Lounge FAQ
Can I access European lounges with a UK credit card?
Yes, you can access European Lounges with UK credit cards. As long as your credit card supports relevant lounges, you can access them anywhere, including in Europe.
For instance, American Express Platinum, Coutts & Co Silk Credit Card Visa will allow you to access international lounges anywhere in the world.
Which UK credit cards offer free airport lounge access? (ie. No annual fee)
The Platinum card by American Express, Allied Irish Bank (GB) Visa Gold Card, and Santander World Elite Mastercard offers free airport lounge access with Worldwide lounges network eligibility.
Which UK banks offer airport lounge access?
Coutts & Co, HSBC UK, and Barclaycard offer airport lounge access exclusively for UK residents. Apart from international banking, American Express offers free airport lounge access in the UK with exclusive discounts.
Conclusion
We have summed up our expert-picked Credit Cards and Banks in the UK with Lounge access. Hopefully, after reading the guide, you can finalize your decision for a new credit card. Here is a quick tip to prioritize your travel frequency. Elite-status credit cards will be your best choice if you travel within the UK or internationally and have higher credit scores. For casual spending or an affordable lounge access credit card, you can check out the UK exclusive credit cards like Coutts & Co Silk Credit Visa Card.