If you travel often, you must be hunting for a credit card with the perks of airport lounge access and much more. As airports are necessarily not comfortable waiting for long periods. And when you can have a relaxing time in those premium lounges with rewards, why not?
We have picked credit cards from banks in the US with amazing travel perks and airport lounge access. Keep on reading to find the perfect credit card for yourself and answers to all your queries regarding lounge access.
Best Credit Cards & Banks with Airport Lounge Access (US)
1. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Why We Like It
A platinum card from American Express is a great international travel companion offering 1,200 airport lounges access in over 120 countries. It has additional access to Escape, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass (enrollment required), AirSpace Lounges, and American Express lounges. All fits perfectly within its current annual fee.
• Intro Offer: American Express gives 80,000 membership points on spending $6000 in the first 6 months of signing up.
• Annual Fee: $695
• Lounge Access Details: American Express Global Lounge, including Centurion Lounges. And Delta SkyClubs when flying same-day of booking ( Terms and conditions apply).
2. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Why We Like It
It offers the same wide lounge access network of American Express with business credits from eligible purchases and vendors. For instance, you can get up to $400 from Dell and up to $360 credits with Indeed. All these perks with single enrollment and the same annual fee.
• Intro Offer: Business Platinum Card® intro offer provides 150,000 bonus points on spending $15,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership.
• Annual Fee: $695
• Lounge Access Details: American Express Global Lounge Collection access includes 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries. You get Priority Pass lounges, Centurion Lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs ( Terms and conditions apply).
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Why We Like It
Capital One Venture includes unlimited access to Capital one lounges and more than Plaza Premium Lounges, select Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses with 1,300+ Priority Pass lounges worldwide. All this for a much lower annual fee makes it a steal for everyone. Also, the rewards program includes an additional bonus and an attractive intro offer.
• Intro Offer: Capital one intro offer gives 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from signup.
• Annual Fee: $395
• Lounge Access Details: You will have access to Plaza Premium Lounges, full access to the new Capital One Lounges, and Priority Pass lounges of more than 1,300 international terminals ( Terms and conditions apply).
4. Chase Sapphire Reserve
Why We Like It
Chase Sapphire Reserve is another top pick for frequent international travelers with lounge access worldwide for just $250 per year. The annual $300 travel credit compensates the annual fee that makeChase Sapphire Reverse a more accessible choice for anyone looking for lounge access to credit cards.
• Intro Offer: 60,000 bonus points on spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
• Annual Fee: $550
• Lounge Access Details: Chase Sapphire will allow you access to priority pass 1,300+ VIP lounges in over 500 cities worldwide( Terms and conditions apply).
5. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard
Why We Like It
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard is an ideal choice for frequent American Airlines travelers. It is the only card that features an Admirals Club membership that cost around $650. An all-around package for U.S. nationals looking for a hybrid of travel and casual credit card.
• Intro Offer: Bonus miles on spending a total of $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of sign-up.
• Annual Fee: $450
• Lounge Access Details: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard comes with complimentary access to Admirals Club and network lounges worldwide. For further details on how Citi AA lounge access works, visit American Airlines official.
6. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Why We Like It
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a luxury credit card for Delta Club fans. It offers a great lounge access network and is the only co-branded credit card from Delta. The Delta Club membership sets you back at $695. The cardholders also get other travel perks, and round-trip companion passes yearly.
• Intro Offer: Earn 50,000 miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) by spending a total of $5,000 within the first 6 months.
• Annual Fee: $550
• Lounge Access Details: Access to Delta Sky Club and American Express’s Centurion Lounge with Priority boarding ( Terms and conditions apply).
7. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Why We Like It
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card is a solid choice for upgrading your Credit Card to Delta club. You can enjoy wide lounge access worldwide and additional travel perks when flying with delta. You get to enjoy more rewards and credits that you might not get with Express Card.
• Intro Offer: Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) on spending a net $4,000 in purchases with your new Card within the first 3 months.
• Annual Fee: $550
• Lounge Access Details: Delta Sky Club®Access with complimentary access to Centurion® Lounge and Escape Lounge with Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding. (Terms and conditions apply).
8. United Club Infinite Card
Why We Like It
This card gives you access to all United lounges. The intro offer gives great compensation and bonuses for traveling. Alongside the airport lounge access, the reward rate is also pretty good. In a nutshell, It will be an ideal choice only if you frequently visit the airport with United lounges.
• Intro Offer: Earn 100,000 bonus miles on spending $5,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Annual Fee: $525
• Lounge Access Details: With an infinite United card, you will have Annual membership to all United Club locations and select Star Alliance lounges with two free checked bags.
9. United℠ Explorer Card
Why We Like It
United Explorer will deliver excellent value with united lounge access to everyone at an amazing annual fee. And if you frequently plan your eternity with United, choose Explorer to leverage travel perks and amazing rewards. Some worthy perks include Global Entry or TSA Precheck statement credit every four years and 25% back on in-flight purchases.
• Intro Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles on net $3,000 purchases within the first 3 months of your account opening.
• Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, and $95 onwards.
• Lounge Access Details: 2 United Club one-time passes each year with a free checked bag and one companion on the reservation. For more information, visit United℠ Explorer Card.
10. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Why We Like It
A basic travel credit card with a relatively low annual lounge access fee. It is an excellent choice for infrequent travelers willing to have a credit card with travel perks. Though not a premium travel card, you still get a good reward rate, low annual fee, priority pass, and Hilton Honors Gold status on one-time enrollment.
• Intro Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points on spending $2,000 during your first 3 months of Card Membership.
• Annual Fee: $95
• Lounge Access Details: 10 complimentary airport lounge visits each Priority Pass Membership enrolled once a year, which offers access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries. For more information, visit Hilton Honors.
11. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Why We Like It
The Hilton Honors Express Aspire card is value-packed with travel and reward points. You will get Priority Pass Select and unlimited lounge access. Hilton Honors American Express card comes with diamond status, which unlocks another level of rewards and features with one of the great intro offers.
• Intro Offer: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points on spending $4,000 in purchases on the Card during the first 3 months of Card Membership. You will also get complimentary diamond card status with the express card.
• Annual Fee: $450
• Lounge Access Details: You can access unlimited lounge visits for you and up to two guests at no additional charge per visit once enrolled in a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership. For further details, visit Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card
Airline-Operated Lounges (US)
American Admirals Clubs
American Admirals Club lounge is operated by American Airlines and exclusively available for club members and Admiral club Credit card holders. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard holders can access these premium lounges in the U.S. Apart from a dedicated credit card, if you hold AAdvantage Platinum Credit Cards ( Executive, Platinum Pro, Platinum Elite), you can access Admirals Clubs free of charge when traveling on select international routes.
Delta Sky Clubs
Delta Sky clubs are exclusive airport lounges operated by Delta airlines. You can access these lounges If you have the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. However, complimentary lounge access is valid for same-day boarding. Like other premium US lounges, Delta Sky is none other, you will have a premium pre-flight experience in these lounges.
United Clubs
United Clubs airport lounges are operated under United airlines available for club members. And a perfect way to relax before your flight. You can access these lounges exclusively with United Club Credit cards ( United℠ Explorer Card, United Club℠ Infinite Card, and United Club℠ Business Card). Or fly business class with the United star alliance to qualify for the United club lounge.
Alaska Lounges
Alaska Lounges are operated by Alaska airlines and you can qualify for these lounges if you have an Alaska club membership. So, if you often fly with Alaska airlines, getting a membership is a great way to have a comfortable lounge experience.
Credit Card Operated Lounges (US)
The types of lounges you can access vary significantly from card to card. Following are the best credit cards with complimentary lounge access worldwide.
American Express Centurion Lounges
American Express Centurion Lounges are exclusively reserved for cardholders of The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, or the Centurion® Card from American Express. There are 13 Centurion Lounges in the United States and 11 in international locations.
To access American Express Centurion Lounge, Authorized credit card members have to present the following:
• American Express Platinum Credit card ( Authorized and Not expired)
• Same-Day Boarding Pass
• Government ID.
This lounge is one of the premia, and you will experience best-in-class services, including food, WIFI, Entertainment, Semi-Private WorkSpaces, Spa, and Premium Bar.
Capital One Lounge
Capital One Lounge is a close competitor to American Express Centurion Lounge. You will see the majority of credit cards offering access to both of these. Capital one lounge is exclusively for all Capital Credit Card holders. Only Capital One Venture X card members have unlimited access to these lounges. All other cards have limited free access. These lounges are also luxurious and provide great services.
Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club
Chase Sapphire lounges can be accessed primarily by Priority Pass lounges. This means Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card and other Priority Pass memberships Credit Cards will get you access to these lounges. Unfortunately, Chase Sapphire Preferred card holders are not eligible for Priority Pass. Hence can’t access the lounge. These Lounges are limited yet good enough to provide a comfortable experience.
Misc Lounges (US)
Priority Pass
These lounges are the widest airport lounge network operational in 1300+ terminals all over the world. All credit cards with Priority passes are eligible for these lounges. If your credit card doesn’t qualify for the priority pass, their membership is an excellent way to have unrestricted access worldwide.
Escape Lounges
Escape lounges offer complimentary access to a variety of credit cards including American Express Platinum Card Members and Centurion® Card Members, American Express Delta SkyMiles@ Reserve Card, TAV Passport Card Members, and Dreamfolks Card Holders. Access plans depend on the credit card issuing banks.
Plaza Premium
One can access Plaza Premium by DragonPass, HSBC EveryMile Card, and Plaza Membership card. Apart from their official partners The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, and Centurion® Card from American Express. Cardholders of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card can qualify for complimentary lounge access to over 100+ locations.
Air Space
Air Space is one of the most reasonable independent airport lounge networks. Anyone can access the lounge with costs ranging from $20 to $35. And Platinum and Centurion Charge Card members are eligible for free lounge access.
LoungeBuddy
It is another independent and wide network of airport lounges all around the world. You can easily book your access through their mobile application for as low as $25 per person. There is no additional membership fee and the lounge experience is excellent value for money. American Express cardholders can get reward credits up to $100 by booking the access via credit card.
Airport Lounge FAQ (US)
How does airport lounge access work?
Loung services can be referred to as premium waiting areas with plenty of services, including entertainment and food, and even some terminals have rest areas. Lounge services depend on airlines and can be as good as a 5-star hotel.
If you need to wait for a long time at the airport, you can have a better experience at the lounges with dedicated employees at your service. Lounge access can be redeemed through certain boarding passes and credit cards. To know more about lounge access of an airline, visit the airline’s official website.
Which credit cards offer free airport lounge access? (ie. no annual fee)
Most credit cards offer only 2 free airport lounge access per calendar, and you may have to pay an additional amount for the next eternity. American Express Platinum Card is one of the amazing credit cards which offers complimentary lounge access with priority passes for their eligible lounges.
Which banks offer airport lounge access?
Bank of America, American Express, Chase, Capital One, Citi, and U.S. Bank are the most popular banks issuing credit cards with airport lounge access. Though all credit cards mentioned in the articles are eligible for lounge access.
How to access airport lounges with a credit card?
You can access the airport lounges with an eligible credit card by showing your boarding pass and swiping the credit card at the lounge reception. If you are confused about claiming lounge access, contact your respective bank before your flight for further guidance.
Can you bring guests to the airport lounge?
It depends on your airline or lounge access limitations. Most lounges do allow a number of guests and eligible credit card holders. However, always check the respective airline website before boarding.
Conclusion
We have shared the best credit cards and banks with Airport Lounge access for the U.S. and everything else you need to know before signing up for a travel credit card. Still, confused between all these options? Here’s a quick tip, prioritize your travel frequency over the benefits. If you travel frequently and have a budget to go for elite status ( Platinum or Business) credit cards it will be an ideal choice.
However, for an infrequent traveler or a casual person, credit cards with higher rewards and credit ratios are best. As they will give you the most out of your casual spending aside from airport lounges.
We hope our guide cleared all the chaos in your mind and helped you to make the right choice. Share this with your friend who you think this guide might be useful for.