Airport lounges can provide a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the airport terminal, offering amenities such as comfortable seating, food and drinks, and sometimes even showers and other luxury amenities. If you travel frequently, having access to airport lounges can be a valuable perk.
Canadian Airlines and major airports have partnered with renowned lounge networks worldwide. Whether you are a business traveler looking for a way to make your trips more comfortable, or a leisure traveler seeking a bit of extra luxury on your travel, credit cards with daily rewards and perks of lounge access will make your life easier.
In this review, we will look at the credit cards and banks that offer airport lounge access as a benefit to cardholders, and we will provide an overview of the features and benefits of each option.
Best Credit Cards & Banks with Airport Lounge Access (Canada)
1. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
Why We Like It
Scotiabank’s Passport Visa Infinite card is an ideal choice for casual travel with great reward rates. Anyone hunting for an easy-on-pocket credit card with complimentary airport lounge access must have a look at this one. Also, the annual fee is minimal with a first-year rebate and an attractive welcome bonus.
• Intro Offer: You can earn 40,000 points on spending $1,000 on everyday eligible purchases within your first 3 months.
• Annual Fee: One-year fee waived, afterward $150 per year.
• Lounge Access Details: complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program membership, with six complimentary lounge visits per year.
2. Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
Why We Like It
Platinum American Express Card is a well-balanced premium Credit Card. You are getting American Express with Plazma Premium Lounge access. The reward rate is also pretty nice with exclusive discount offers on everything from groceries to travel. With the elite Platinum status, you can enjoy endless benefits along with travel perks all for an average annual fee.
• Intro Offer: Earn 50,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
• Annual Fee: $399
• Lounge Access Details: Plaza Premium Lounge access with 10 complimentary visits per year
3. BMO Ascend™ World Elite® Mastercard®
Why We Like It
Looking for a Premium Credit card with an affordable annual fee? BMO’s Ascend World Elite MasterCard gets you covered with amazing travel perks and one of the highest reward rates. You are also getting an easy-to-avail welcome bonus and annual bonus. MasterCard Travel covered by DragonPass got you covered for lounge access and international airport discounts.
• Intro Offer: 40,000 points on spending $3,000 within the first 3 months
• Annual Fee: $150
• Lounge Access Details: Free membership in Mastercard Travel Pass by DragonPass with 4 free passes a year.
4. BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card
Why We Like It
BMO’s Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card is an excellent choice for everyone looking for a Visa credit card in Canada. The rewards here are also one of the highest with discounts and an amazing welcome bonus. Eclipse Visa Infinite comes with the privilege of VIsa Companion Membership giving you exclusive access to premium lounges in 140+ countries.
• Intro Offer: 50,000 points on spending a minimum of $6,000 within the first 3 months of signing up.
• Annual Fee:$499
• Lounge Access Details: Visa Airport Companion membership with 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year.
5. American Express® Aeroplan® Reserve Card
Why We Like It
Maple leaf lounges by Air Canada are one of the luxurious airport lounges. And maple leaf lounge exclusive Credit Cards with higher travel rewards, and additional priority pass is an amazing choice for frequent travelers from Canada. Aside from travel perks, you are also
getting a decent reward rate on daily life spending and an excellent welcome bonus.
• Intro Offer: 55,000 points on spending $6,000 in net purchases within the first six months.
• Annual Fee: $599
• Lounge Access Details: Maple leaf lounge access and Priority Pass
6. The Platinum Card®
Why We Like It
The Platinum Card is one of the best elite credit card choices in Canada. Having American Express Global Lounge Collection access, Elite Status, and good reward rates exclusively in Canada is all you need. Platinum status unlocks amazing discounts, priority access, and more than what you need in a credit Card. A highly recommended choice for everyone with eligible credit scores.
• Intro Offer: Earn 60,000 Bonus points on spending $6,000 in net purchases within the first 3 months of membership.
• Annual Fee: $699
• Lounge Access Details: American Express Global Lounge collection access.
7. CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa Card
Why We Like It
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce’s Gold Visa card is an affordable Premium Visa credit card for Canadians. Which gives you a decent reward rate with a dual welcome bonus, and local vendor discounts. Aventura® Gold Visa Card also features Visa Companionship for one of the widest lounge access networks worldwide for an unbelievable annual fee.
• Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 Aventura Points on spending $1,000 or more in the first 4-month period. Plus 15,000 Aventura Points when you make your first purchase giving you a total of 35,000 reward points.
• Annual Fee: $139
• Lounge Access Details: Visa Airport Companion Program with 4 complimentary visits.
8. TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
Why We Like It
TD Canada offers an amazing Travel oriented credit card with exclusive perks for Canadians. Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card comes with Maple leaf Lounge access for 210 luxury lounges worldwide, ideal for frequent Air Canada travelers. Also, the reward rate is pretty decent with excellent dual welcome bonuses, annual bonuses, discounts, and more.
• Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 reward points on the first purchase with the new card. Plus 30,000 Aeroplan points after spending $3,000 within 90 days.
• Annual Fee: $599
• Lounge Access Details: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges access.
Types of Lounge Programs in Canada
Priority Pass
Priority Pass is one of the largest airport lounge networks in the world with over 1,300 accessible lounges. You can access priority passes in Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, Québec, Toronto, and Vancouver.
With Priority pass access you will perks like complimentary refreshments, a Workspace with internet connectivity, Spa, retail, and dining. Cardholders can bring one guest to priority pass lounges at no additional cost.
Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges
Maple leaf lounges are exclusive airport lounges by Air Canada located in 16 airports across Canada, the United States, and Europe. These lounges feature premium facilities with a workspace, showers, complimentary refreshments, and entertainment. The following cards are eligible for maple leaf lounges:
• TD® Aeroplan® Visa Business Card
• CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card
• American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
• American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card
• American Express®* Aeroplan® Corporate Card
Additional guest entries cost around $20.00 to $35.00 CAD depending on the time slot and availability.
Mastercard Airport Experiences by LoungeKey
Mastercard Airport Lounge Key allows you access to more than 1000+ airport lounges all around the world. These lounges are none other than luxury lounges, you can shop, eat, and relax before catching your next flight. Mastercard Lounges offers 5-star restaurants, duty-free shops, a spa, a workspace, and complimentary refreshments.
You can access these lounges through eligible Mastercard including BMO Ascend™ World Elite® Mastercard®. For eligibility, details visit the credit card issuing website.
American Express Global Lounge Collection
American Express Global Lounge is a collection of more than 1200 world-class lounges. Which includes The Centurion Lounge, The International American Express Lounge, Priority Pass, Escape Lounges, Delta Sky Club®, Plaza Premium, and AirSpace.
All these lounges are Premium, providing Workspaces, Entertainment, Spas, Dining, and Shopping centers. American Express Platinum Card holders have unlimited access to the Global Lounge collection.
Visa Airport Companion
Visa Airport Companion features amazing perks of 1200+ lounges and airport restaurant discounts in more than 140+ countries. Visa Companion is available for Visa Platinum, Visa Infinite, and Visa Signature cards including CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa Card and Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card.
The Visa Airport Companion program is partially available in Canada and can be redeemed at major airports. You can enroll via the on-site desk or Mobile applications.
DragonPass
You can access Plaza Premium, Aspire, and other eligible lounges in Canada. DragonPass access is available for eligible Mastercard, Visa, and American Express cards. For complete details visit DragonPass’s official website.
The following Credits cards from our list can qualify for DragonPass lounges:
• BMO Ascend™ World Elite® Mastercard®
• BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card
• TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
DragonPass lounges give a comfortable pre-flight experience with Spa, quiet zone, sleeping pods (selected airports) WorkSpaces, Dining, and Shopping.
Canada Airport Lounge FAQ
Can I access US lounges with a Canadian credit card?
It is possible to access airport lounges in the United States with a Canadian credit card, but it will depend on the specific credit card and the lounge. Some credit cards, such as certain American Express cards, offer access to airport lounges as a benefit to cardholders. If you have one of these cards, you may be able to use it to access lounges in the United States.
However, it is important to note that access to airport lounges is subject to change and may vary by location, so it is always best to check with the specific lounge and your credit card issuer to confirm your eligibility for lounge access.
Which Canadian credit cards offer free airport lounge access? (ie. no annual fee)
Credit cards with elite status i.e Platinum or Business have unlimited Airport Lounge access. In contrast, other cards come with limited free airport lounge access per calendar which may have to be renewed at an additional cost.
Which Canadian banks offer airport lounge access?
Scotiabank, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, and Bank of Montreal are some renowned. Canadian Banks that offer airport lounge access. It is worth noting that these are just a few examples, and the availability and terms of airport lounge access may vary depending on the specific card and issuer.
Conclusion
We have summed up the best credit cards in Canada with airport lounge access and amazing benefits. While finalizing your choice, do not forget to look at your priorities. If you want more than a basic credit card with additional travel perks, credit cards with higher rewards rates will be a great choice. However, business personnel or frequent international travelers from Canada must opt for premium credit cards or elite status for the best possible experience.
You can also opt for two affordable credit cards with different lounge access programs to expand your travel benefits along with reward rates. We hope you have got the answers to all your queries.