Best credit cards for airport lounge access in May 2024
If you want to enhance your next flight experience, consider our top picks for the best credit cards from our partners with airport lounge access. These clubs are great places to relax and recharge your devices before a flight and typically offer complimentary refreshments and private bathrooms — which can be a great perk when you find yourself on a long layover.
While you can pay for access to many lounges, it’s also a benefit on select credit cards.
In some cases, these cards will get you into airline-specific lounges — like Delta Air Lines’ Sky Clubs or American Airlines’ Admirals Clubs. Others include Plaza Premium access or a Priority Pass Select membership, granting you entry into curated collections of lounges worldwide. And issuers themselves have gotten into the game, with many American Express Centurion lounges, Capital One lounges and Chase Sapphire lounges opening their doors in recent years.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience than the hectic environment of an airport terminal, our team of experts has compiled the below list of the best credit cards with airport lounge access to elevate your experience ahead of your next flight.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for premium travel
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for airport lounge access
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Priority Pass lounges and restaurants
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best for Delta flyers
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for businesses
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Best for Delta business travelers
| 10 Miles | 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 5 Miles | 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2 Miles | 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day |
If you can maximize the $300 annual credit towards bookings through Capital One Travel, the Venture X’s annual fee effectively comes down to $95, the same annual fee pegged to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees). Add in a 10,000-mile bonus every account anniversary (worth $185, according to TPG valuations), and the card may become the strongest option out there for a lot of travelers. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
Pros
- 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
Cons
- $395 annual fee
- The $300 annual credit only applicable for bookings made through Capital One Travel portal
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. |
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. |
The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee. Read our full review of the Amex Platinum card.
Pros
- The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
- This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, and at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more (enrollment required).
- The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
Cons
- The $695 annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost
- Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning bonus rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories
- The annual airline fee credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
- $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
- $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
- $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
| 10x | Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠. |
| 5x | Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3x | Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. |
| 1x | Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. |
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, generous points on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Pros
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
- Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards hotel and airline travel partners
- 10x on hotels, car rentals and Chase Dining purchases through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 5x on flights booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 3x points on all other travel and dining, 1x on everything else
- 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Ultimate Reward
Cons
- Steep initial $550 annual fee
- May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is the premier choice for Delta loyalists who value an accelerated path to elite status, Delta SkyClubs lounge access, an annual companion certificate and strong earning rates on Delta purchases. Read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex Card.
Pros
- Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta (Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.)
Cons
- High annual fee of $650
- Lower fee Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Reserve your piece of history with the new limited edition Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card design.
- Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® and bring up to two guests or immediate family members at a rate of $50 per person per visit when flying Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
- Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly together on Delta. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
- Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
- Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- $240 Resy Credit: With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Enrollment Required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
| 5X | 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com |
| 1.5X | Earn 1.5X points on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. |
| 1X | 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. |
The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a great card for frequent travelers looking to add a touch of luxury to their business trips. While the card does come with a high annual fee, you’re also getting a ton of valuable benefits in return. They include generous annual travel credits, unparalleled lounge access that includes Amex Centurion Lounges and more. Read our full review of the Amex Business Platinum Card.
Pros
- Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every four to five years
- Up to $400 annual credit for eligible U.S. Dell purchases (enrollment required)
- Gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels (enrollment required)
- Access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Hotel Collection
- International Airline Program; and Cruise Privileges Program
Cons
- Steep $695 annual fee
- High spend needed for welcome offer.
- Limited high bonus categories outside of travel
- Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
- Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
- Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
- $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
| 3X | Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases. |
If you’re a high-budget business owner and fly Delta often, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card is an elite airline card with a sleuth of benefits. While the card does come with a high annual fee, the impressive benefits including exclusive Delta SkyClub and Amex Centurion lounge access, airport, free checked bags, priority boarding and a fast track to Delta’s elite Medallion flying status by spending a considerable amount on the card. Read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Amex Card. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
Pros
- A companion certificate that can be used for a domestic, Caribbean or South American first-class, Delta Comfort+ or domestic main cabin round-trip flight
- Exclusive lounge access
Cons
- Steep $650 annual fee
- Limited reward earning rates outside of Delta purchases
- Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 Bonus Miles after spending $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Reserve your piece of history with the new limited edition Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card design.
- Enter Delta Sky Club® at no cost. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
- Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
- Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 on purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
- Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- With the $240 Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
- Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
- Save 15% when booking Award Travel on Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Not a Medallion Member? Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
- As a benefit of Card Membership, you can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
- When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner.
- Receive Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $250 after using your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel overseas.
- Terms and limitations apply.
Comparing the best credit cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Capital One's secure site | premium travel | Earn 75,000 miles Open Intro bonus Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel | 2 - 10X miles | $395 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | airport lounge access | Earn 80,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 5X points | $695 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | Priority Pass lounges and restaurants | 75,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. | 1 - 10X points | $550 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | Delta flyers | Earn 60,000 miles Open Intro bonus Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 1 - 3X points | $650 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | businesses | Earn 150,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. | 1 - 5X points | $695 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | Delta business travelers | Earn 75,000 Bonus Miles Open Intro bonus Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 Bonus Miles after spending $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 3X points | $650 |
More details on the best credit cards
The Venture X packs a punch as a premium travel card, including extensive lounge access. There are now three Capital One Lounges open, featuring excellent amenities for U.S. travelers. In addition, the $300 annual credit through Capital One Travel — which effectively lowers the $395 annual fee to just $95 a year (see rates and fees).
Anyone who wants to earn more than 1 mile per dollar on every purchase and travelers who value access to more than 1,300 airport lounges, travel credits and valuable transfer partners. The dedicated Capital One lounges accessible with this card may be all you need to know to decide.
“The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the card that rewards me for every purchase I make with 2 miles per dollar spent that I can then use toward my travel goals. I also love how easy it is to earn and redeem my miles either through transferring to partners or erasing travel purchases, big or small” — Ashley Onadele, sponsored content writer
The Platinum Card® from American Express has more extensive airport lounge access and a longer list of benefits and perks that can easily offset the card's hefty $695 annual fee (see rates and fees).
The Platinum Card is packed with a long list of benefits for anyone who loves traveling and shopping that justifies the annual fee every year. From access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide to multiple elite hotel status, this card makes travel more comfortable, efficient and rewarding.
If you can take full advantage of up to $1,500 in annual statement credits, the Amex Platinum is one of the most compelling rewards cards. This is especially true if you travel enough to make the numerous hotel statuses and extensive worldwide airport lounge benefits useful.
“Whilst this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights — whether bought with cash or points — on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent and travel protections. I fully utilize the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear Plus credits (enrollment required for select benefits). And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor
If you want a slightly lower annual fee, try the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which has a $550 annual fee but offers a $300 travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access and some of the best travel protections available.
From earning an impressive 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards to the wide range of airline and hotel transfer partners, including World of Hyatt, the $300 annual travel credit and worldwide airport lounge access, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has long been one of our favorite premium credit cards.
Anyone with regular travel and dining expenses who wants unmatched flexibility to redeem points through travel partners or generous cash discounts through Chase Travel. This card also offers free entry to airport lounges and sizable discounts at restaurants in airports. The Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned from this card are hugely valuable because they are so easy to use.
“I've had the Sapphire Reserve for years, and it's going to stay in my wallet for the near future. I get $300 off travel every year, great earning rates on travel and dining (3 points per dollar), and varied travel protections that can reimburse me when things go wrong. And by leveraging other cards in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, I can maximize the earnings across all of my purchases.” — Nick Ewen, director of content
If you want a mid-tier card with a lower annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a good choice for earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points and has an annual fee of $95. You'll get numerous travel protections and access to all the same hotel and airline partners and lounge access benefits as you would with the Sapphire Reserve.
This card rewards anyone who flies Delta. As well as helping earn valuable elite Medallion status in the SkyMiles program, the card offers a generous three SkyMiles per dollar spent with Delta, an annual domestic, Caribbean or South American roundtrip companion certificate and SkyClub and Centurion airport lounge access.
Effective Feb. 1, 2025, Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on Feb. 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.
While plenty of travel credit cards provide airport lounge access, if you mainly fly with Delta, you'll want to get into its well-regarded Delta Sky Club lounges. Luckily, one of the primary benefits of this card is complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta. If your home airport offers a Sky Club, this card could be a no-brainer to add to your wallet.
Effective Feb. 1, 2025, Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on Feb. 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.
Delta Medallions spend a lot of time on Delta jets. The Delta Reserve card will help maintain status by offering a boost of 2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars at the start of the year, plus the card's annual companion ticket is valid on first-class itineraries and can help offset the card's annual fee for multiple years.
If you're eligible for a business card, you might prefer the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. It has a lot of similarities to the consumer version, including lounge access, but with the option to put your business expenses on the card and potentially rack up more SkyMiles.
Effective Feb. 1, 2025, Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on Feb. 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.
You can mix business with pleasure thanks to the Business Platinum’s long list of travel benefits and statement credits with can more than cover the annual fee. The numerous credits from Dell, Indeed, Adobe and more save money on regular business expenses, while the worldwide lounge access, CLEAR, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry credits save time at the airport, improve productivity and reduce the stress of each trip. Enrollment required for select benefits.
Frequent business travelers who value access to both Priority Pass and American Express Centurion lounges, as well as numerous credits and discounts to reduce their business expenses. Both business travel and personal travel can become more comfortable, convenient and affordable thanks to this card.
The annual perks and credits vastly outweigh the large annual fee. By accessing Priority Pass and Amex Centurion lounges, and maximizing the credits for airline incidentals and Clear Plus, you can get more value out of the card than it costs to keep it. Plus, it earns one of our favorite points currencies — American Express Membership Rewards points — at a rate of 5 points per dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com.
If you want a lower annual fee but higher earning rates, the American Express® Business Gold Card offers similar redemption options as the Business Platinum with an annual fee of $375 (see rates and fees). The Amex Business Gold Card also earns 4 points per dollar on the two categories you spend the most on each month on the first $150,000 in combined purchase each year (then 1x).
The most premium Delta credit card offered to business owners, this card helps earn elite Medallion status in the SkyMiles program and offers Sky Club and Centurion airport lounge access. For regular Delta travelers, the additional perks of a free checked bag, Zone 1 priority boarding and 20% savings on inflight purchases are all valuable benefits offered by a single credit card.
Effective Feb. 1, 2025, Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on Feb. 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.
Business owners who fly Delta regularly and would value Sky Club and Centurion lounge access. Also, those looking to reach elite Medallion status sooner with the help of a credit card that can provide perks like complimentary upgrades, priority airport services and additional baggage allowances.
Effective Feb. 1, 2025, Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on Feb. 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.
“The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Amex helped me attain airline status without actually having status. As a newbie Delta flyer, I wanted to have a credit card that would make my overall travel experience better. Access to the Delta Sky Club and Centurion lounges when flying Delta are massive perks. The ability to earn triple miles when making Delta purchases, an annual companion pass and a 15% discount when using my SkyMiles to book award travel make the high annual fee on this card worth it.” — Hannah Streck, senior SEO manager
Effective Feb. 1, 2025, Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on Feb. 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.
If you want a Delta card with a lower annual fee (see rates and fees), the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card offers Delta perks like an annual companion certificate and a faster path to elite status that could be a better fit for regular Delta travelers.
Credit pointers with Brian Kelly
How to maximize credit cards with lounge access
Understand lounge access eligibility
To maximize your airport lounge experience and avoid disappointment, it's worth doing a little homework before setting off on your travels.
Most airport lounges, regardless of whether they are run by the airline or are independent, will require a same-day boarding pass. Some may allow access on arrival at your destination, while most will only permit access if your boarding pass is for onward travel. Airline-run lounges may limit access to those with a boarding pass for a flight operated by or marketed by that airline or a partner airline, such as an airline in the same alliance.
Opening hours of lounges vary, with most opening early in the morning and closing late at night, though some are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can check the opening hours of the lounge you plan to visit on the lounge’s or airline’s website. Access is usually limited to within two or three hours of departure, so don’t arrive first thing in the morning if your flight does not depart until the evening if you are looking for lounge access.
Guest allowances vary from program to program and airline to airline. Many airlines allow you to bring a guest provided they have a boarding pass for the same flight, and children under a certain age may also be permitted when they are on the same flight. It’s worth checking the guest allowances before you reach the airport so there are no nasty surprises at the desk and you’re not stuck waiting in the terminal because one group member can’t access the lounge.
Ensure the airports you visit have eligible lounges
Some airports may not be large enough to have any lounges, so no card issuer or airline could offer lounge access at these airports even if they wanted to. Where only one lounge is available, check it is in the same terminal you are departing from, and that the opening hours align with the time of your visit.
In large airports, you might have access to multiple lounges. Generally, the lounges run by credit card issuers, like American Express, Capital One and Chase, and ones run by airlines will usually be of superior quality to those run by independent lounge operators like Aspire and No1 Lounges.
Don’t forget the card's other perks
While airport lounge access is a hugely valuable benefit for regular travelers, some of the best cards for lounge access also come with many other travel benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. These can include hotel elite status, offering you early check-in, late checkout, space-available room upgrades, welcome amenities, additional points and even free breakfast.
Other card perks could include travel credits; cash back with popular retailers; purchase protections; reimbursement for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear Plus; and 24-hour concierge services.
How we rate cards
What is an airport lounge?
An airport lounge is a dedicated space within an airport that offers amenities and services to enhance the travel experience for eligible passengers. These lounges are typically operated by airlines, independent companies or credit card companies and provide a more comfortable and exclusive environment than the busy terminal.
Airport lounges often offer comfortable seating, quiet areas, Wi-Fi access, charging stations, workstations, complimentary food and beverages (including some alcoholic drinks), newspapers, magazines, and sometimes even spa facilities, showers and sleep pods.
Types of airport lounges
Many full-service airlines operate their own lounges at hub locations as well as important outstations.
These lounges may be reserved for premium-class passengers and those with elite status; however, some offer access to those with the right credit card or lounge membership. For example, United Infinite Club holders have United Club access regardless of their ticket type.
Related: The best lounges at London Heathrow — and how to get inside
Amex's Centurion lounges are among the most exclusive in the issuer’s Global Lounge Collection.
Centurion lounges outshine most other airport lounges in several ways. For example, American Express Centurion lounges typically offer seasonally inspired food curated by renowned local chefs, signature and sometimes location-specific cocktails, premium spirits, and curated wine lists. Some Centurion lounges even offer spa services, wine tastings and family rooms.
They tend to be significantly better than your average Priority Pass lounge.
More than a dozen U.S. airports have an American Express Centurion lounge.
Capital One’s impressive airport lounges have begun opening in multiple locations across the United States.
In addition to the traditional airport lounge features, Capital One lounges offer a premium dining experience with seasonal menus and regionally sourced ingredients.
Ready-to-eat food stations feature grab-and-go snacks, including salads, fresh fruits, juice shots and rotating warm selections like breakfast sandwiches in the mornings or fresh-from-the-oven cookies in the afternoons.
For those who have the opportunity to take a seat and relax before their flight, other catering highlights include craft cocktails on tap, local beers and regional wines, dining stations (with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options) and a full-service coffee and espresso bar from La Colombe.
All Capital One lounge visitors must present a boarding pass for a departing flight. Access is available up to three hours before departing or connecting same-day flights. Guests can't enter with boarding passes for arriving flights that don't have an onward connection.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders get access to Chase Sapphire lounges, which have broad dining options, including locally inspired dishes by award-winning chefs like James Beard Award finalist Douglass Williams. Beverage options include local draft beers, craft cocktails, curated wine lists, and local coffee with a selection of teas.
Complimentary Wi-Fi, nursing rooms, private bathrooms and space for working or relaxing are also features.
Related: Complete guide to Chase Sapphire airport lounges — and how to get access
Priority Pass is a network of airport lounges, minisuites and even airport restaurants. It boasts 1,400 eligible locations in over 600 cities in almost 150 countries. Although those numbers are impressive, many lounges are located outside the U.S.
So, while the network is large, there's no guarantee you'll have access to a lounge on every trip. However, Priority Pass can help you on many of your trips.
Priority Pass also has a partnership with some airport restaurants, Minute Suites and similar facilities, allowing members to enjoy perks at locations that don't have a traditional lounge or the chance to eat at a restaurant rather than an airport lounge for a change.
Only select cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer credits at non-lounge locations.
The amount of the Priority Pass restaurant credit varies, but it averages $28 per person. Some restaurants also cap the number of guests. If you have one member and one included guest on your membership, then you can enjoy $56 worth of food and drinks for your table by swiping your Priority Pass card from an eligible credit card.
At bars and restaurants, gratuity is not included, so add a tip for your server where it is customary. Many locations do not allow you to take items to go, so it might not be the best option if you are in a rush.
Priority Pass also has some less conventional airport options. For example, the PGA MSP Lounge at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) offers free access to a putting green, along with golf lessons and a golf simulator available for a fee. This lounge also offers a $15 credit that can be applied toward food and drinks or to a golf experience.
Related: Everything you need to know about the Priority Pass airport lounge program
What are the benefits of airport lounges?
Complimentary food and beverages
Airport lounges usually have a wide range of unlimited complimentary food available, which changes throughout the day. The cuisine options will vary from lounge to lounge, though guests may enjoy both light snacks such as fruit, cold cuts, cheese, nuts and crisps, and heartier dishes like salads, hot meals, pasta, curries and desserts.
Water, coffee, tea, juices and soft drinks are usually complimentary. Some lounges provide a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including beers, wine and spirits, at no cost. At the same time, some will charge for alcoholic drinks but may provide a limited selection of basic options at no extra cost.
Quiet spaces to work or relax
Unlimited Wi-Fi will usually be provided at no extra cost, so look around at the lounge’s entrance to see if a password is displayed; otherwise, you may be able to access the network (or the general airport's network) without a password.
Airport lounges feature various places to work or relax, including a business center with desks, phone booths to take a private call and sofas to watch television or entertainment on your own devices. Just remember to use headphones so you don’t disturb other lounge guests.
Charging stations and outlets
If your devices run low before a long-haul flight, do a full lap of the airport lounge when you enter. There will usually be charging points available next to seating areas, as well as in dining or relaxation areas. If you need help finding a place to charge your devices, ask the staff if they can locate any available points.
How to choose the best airport lounge access credit card
- Look for a credit card that provides access to a wide network of airport lounges that align with your travel habits and destinations.1Lounge network coverage
- Understand the eligibility criteria for accessing the lounges with the credit card, which may include flying on a specific airline or alliance, having status in an airline loyalty program, or meeting a minimum spending requirement.2Eligibility requirements
- Having guest access can be beneficial if you frequently travel with a companion. If the card does not allow guest access, your travel companion may consider getting their own card with lounge access.3Guest access
Ask our experts
What is the best airport lounge access credit card — and why?
Pros + cons of lounge access credit cards
Pros
- Unlocking lounge access with a credit card can make your travel experience much less stressful.
- Using cards with lounge access responsibly can help build your credit score.
- Most lounge access credit cards earn rewards on every purchase that can be used for future vacations.
- Many credit cards with lounge access include many additional perks — like travel benefits and statement credits for select purchases.
Cons
- If you spend beyond your means on a lounge access credit card, you’ll incur large interest charges and can damage your credit.
- Most credit cards with lounge access incur high annual fees, so they may not be worthwhile for infrequent travelers.
- Many card issuers have restricted lounge access in recent years, making it harder to bring in guests or family members for free.
- Your home airport may not have a lounge for you to access with a credit card.
Frequently asked questions
Airport lounges typically offer a more relaxed and comfortable environment to prepare for your flight than the crowded terminal. They provide comfortable seating, quiet areas, Wi-Fi access, charging points, complimentary food and beverages, and sometimes even showers and spa facilities.
If you have to work or need a quiet space to relax before your flight, airport lounges can provide a more conducive environment than a busy terminal. For those travelers who frequently experience flight delays or have long layovers, access to an airport lounge can make your wait more comfortable and enjoyable. However, check access times to see how early you can access a lounge before your next flight.
To start your journey as comfortably as possible, away from the chaos of a busy airport terminal, these are the best credit cards with airport lounge access to elevate your experience ahead of your next flight:
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best premium travel credit card
- The Platinum Card from American Express: Best consumer card for airport lounges
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Priority Pass lounges and restaurants
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: Best for Delta flyers
- The Business Platinum Card from American Express: Best business card
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card: Best for Delta flyers traveling for business
Depending on how frequently you travel, the airports you visit and the airlines you fly, having multiple cards that offer access to different lounge networks may make sense. Since you can only access Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines lounges when flying those specific carriers, having the correct credit card for lounge access is essential.
You can cover your bases by holding a card that offers airline-specific lounge access for your favorite airline and another card that offers independent lounge access when flying other airlines that do not partner with your preferred airline.
Related: 4 reasons why the Amex Platinum might be the ideal credit card for Delta flyers
The easiest way to get free airport lounge access is to sign up for a credit card that offers lounge access as a complimentary perk. However, you can snag airport lounge access with some types of airline elite status.
Priority Pass is an airport lounge membership program that provides members with access to more than 1,300 airport lounges — and sometimes non-lounge experiences such as restaurants — around the world. With a Priority Pass membership, you can visit some of the best Priority Pass lounges regardless of the airline you’re flying or your ticket class. You can even access Priority Pass lounges when you’re flying in economy class on a low-cost airline.
If you have Priority Pass access benefits through a credit card, you’ll usually need to enroll in Priority Pass Select. However, the access policies vary across cards, so be sure to determine what benefits your card offers before heading to the airport. For example, Priority Pass Select memberships for American Express cards don’t cover visits to restaurant lounges. And cards with lower annual fees, such as the Hilton Business cards, only offer 10 complimentary lounge visits per year.
Related: The best credit cards for Priority Pass lounge access
Enrollment required for select benefits.
Centurion Lounges are high-end lounges accessible to select American Express cardmembers. These lounges are often known for offering locally curated, high-quality dining and drinks. Some Centurion Lounges even provide other perks, including spa services and wine tasting.
Airport lounges typically provide access to seating, power, Wi-Fi, nonalcoholic drinks and snacks for no additional charge. However, some airport lounges offer other amenities such as meals, spa services, shower rooms, meeting rooms and alcoholic drinks. And in some cases, these additional amenities are also complimentary for anyone who has access to the lounge.