Nothing elevates a trip or helps you survive delays quite like airport lounge access – think plush seating, easy device charging, lightning-fast Wi-Fi, and unlimited snacks and drinks. Some lounges take it even further with luxurious perks like spa treatments, private nap pods, and stunning designs that make you forget you're even in an airport.
Once reserved for first-class flyers and elite travelers, lounges are now within reach for anyone … if you’ve got the right credit card. Many top-tier travel cards unlock lounge access worldwide, making long layovers and crowded terminals a thing of the past.
Sure, these cards come with annual fees – but when you factor in skipping overpriced airport meals, complimentary amenities, and stress-free travel, the value speaks for itself. The key is finding the right card for you.
While plenty of premium travel cards offer access to their own lounges, three cards stand out among the rest. Which ones? Let’s dive in.
American Express Platinum Card®
When it comes to getting into airport lounges, one card stands above the rest.
For years, the *amex platinum* has been regarded as the top dog of premium travel cards. While the bank itself admits the card is turning into more of a “lifestyle card” with travel benefits, one thing hasn't changed: No other card will get you into more airport lounges than the Amex Platinum … at least for now. The card's annual_fees annual fee (see rates & fees) is no doubt steep, but if you value quantity, this is the card for you.
It all starts with American Express Centurion® Lounges, the bank's signature collection of airport lounges scattered across the U.S. (and increasingly abroad). There are over 20 locations worldwide and counting. If you frequently travel through an airport with one of them, the Platinum Card can be a slam dunk for that reason alone.
Every Centurion Lounge offers food from local chefs, plus free beer, wine, and cocktails. There’s comfortable seating, power outlets, space to work, and more. But these lounges have grown popular to a fault: Long lines out the door and packed seats inside have become the norm.
While the *amex platinum* or *biz platinum* will get you unlimited visits, guests now cost $50 apiece (or $30 for minors) … unless you charge a whopping $75,000 on your card every calendar year. Guests two years and younger are complimentary.
The Platinum Card also gets you a Priority Pass™ Select membership, opening the door to a network of lounges across the globe. Just what you’ll get in each lounge can vary. Some are outstanding, while many are fairly simple … but even the worst Priority Pass™ lounge is generally better than sitting at the gate.
With your Priority Pass membership from the Platinum Card, you can bring in up to two guests per visit.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Priority Pass™ Lounges
If you fly Delta, the *amex platinum* will also get you 10 visits per year (between Feb. 1 and Jan. 31 of the next calendar year) to any Delta Sky Club®. Unfortunately, Delta's cheapest basic economy tickets are no longer eligible for Sky Club access, regardless of what card is in your wallet. You'll need to book a main cabin ticket or higher to get into the Delta lounge these days.
If 10 visits per year isn't enough for you, you can unlock unlimited complimentary access by spending $75,000 per calendar year on your card. Doing this would also get you two free guests when visiting Centurion Lounges. Consider selecting Delta as your preferred airline and using the Platinum Card's annual $200 airline fee credit to buy a few more visits.
Read more: 4 Ways to Get Into Delta Sky Club Lounges
The Platinum Card also opens the door to several other lounge networks:
- Escape Lounge – Centurion Studio Partner lounges, a collection of lounges in many smaller U.S. airports, as well as a handful in the U.K., Platinum cardholders still get two free guests at Escape Lounges
- Plaza Premium Lounges are some of the best that you'll find in Europe and Asia, and two U.S. locations and counting at Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Orlando (MCO). Platinum cardholders also get two free guests
Benefits of the Platinum Card® from American Express
- Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
- 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent directly with airlines or at amextravel.com, on up to $500,000 spent each calendar year
- Up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Up to a $209 annual CLEAR+ credit
- Up to $200 annual airline credit
- Up to a $600 annual hotel Credit for Fine Hotels + Resorts® and Hotel Collection Bookings (with a minimum two-night stay for Hotel Collection bookings)
- Up to $400 annual Resy dining credit (up to $100 per quarter) for purchases at participating U.S. Resy restaurants
- Up to $300 annual Lululemon credit (up to $75 per quarter)
- Up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, Paramount+, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. This can be an annual savings of up to $300.
- $200 in Annual Uber Cash to use on rides or Uber Eats in the U.S. – up to $15 each month (and up to $35 in December). You'll also get a credit of up to $120 each year to cover an Uber One membership.
- Up to $100 each year to be used at Saks Fifth Avenue (enrollment required).
- Automatic Hilton Honors™ Gold & Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite Status (enrollment required).
- Annual Fee: annual_fees (see rates & fees)
Learn more about the *amex platinum*.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The *chase sapphire reserve* has been a mainstay in many travelers' wallets since it launched nearly a decade ago. Among other premium benefits, the card offers access to the growing list of Chase Sapphire Lounges and if you ask us, these are the best bank-branded lounges, bar none.
There are currently eight lounges open in Boston (BOS), New York City-LaGuardia (LGA), New York City (JFK), Phoenix (PHX), San Diego (SAN), Philadelphia (PHL), and Las Vegas (LAS). At least two more Sapphire Lounges are on the way, and they're all a huge step up from your typical Priority Pass™ space.
While it's not a full-fledged Sapphire Lounge, Chase also operates the renovated Etihad Airways Lounge at Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD), and it features a similar design and amenities.
While both American Express and Capital One beat Chase to the punch, Chase has redefined what a bank-branded lounge can be, setting a new gold standard. Having unlimited complimentary access to Sapphire Lounges could be reason enough to carry the Sapphire Reserve.
Sapphire Reserve cardholders get unlimited complimentary access to the Sapphire Lounges … and, at least for now, they can bring up to two guests with them on each visit, free of charge. Authorized users on the Reserve (which costs an extra $195 a year per card) get their own access and guests, too.
One small hitch: It's not the Reserve that gets you in, but the Priority Pass™ membership that comes with the card. Just be sure to activate that account before your visit.
Reserve cardholders also get complimentary access (with two guests) to Priority Pass™ lounges worldwide. Sadly, Chase recently axed the airport restaurant dining credits from that perk.
Full Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through the Chase Travel℠ portal
- Earn 4x points booking flights and hotels direct
- Earn 3x points on all dining purchases
- Complimentary access to Chase Sapphire Lounges, Priority Pass™ Lounges, and select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges for the cardholder and two guests
- Annual $300 travel credit for all travel purchases remains unchanged
- Up to $120 credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS every four years stays in place
- $500 in annual hotel credits for 1,100-plus properties in Chase Travel's “The Edit” portfolio with additional benefits like a $100 onsite credit, complimentary breakfast for two, space-available upgrades, and more
- Split into two, $250 credits per year (two-night minimum stay required)
- $300 annual dining credit at select “Sapphire Reserve Dining” restaurants bookable through OpenTable
- Split into two, $150 credits available from January through June and again from July through December
- Complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Apple Music
- $300 annual StubHub credit for concert and event tickets
- Split into two, $150 credits available from January 1 through June 30, and again from July 1 through December 31 for purchases on StubHub.com and viagogo.com. Activation required
- $120 in Lyft credits annually, split into $10 monthly allotments
- Up to $300 for DoorDash annually including two $10 monthly discounts toward non-restaurant orders, $5 a month off restaurant orders, and a complimentary DashPass membership
- Excellent travel insurance policies for trip delay, trip interruption, rental cars, and more
- Annual fee: $795
Learn more about the *chase sapphire reserve*
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
After officially launching in the fall of 2021, The *venture x* is easily the most exciting credit card to hit the market in years, and part of that comes down to getting into Capital One Lounges.
Capital One Venture X cardholders get complimentary access to the new Capital One Lounge and Landing locations, the first of which officially opened its doors in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) back in 2021. It took a few years, but you can now visit Capital One lounges in Denver (DEN), Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD), Las Vegas (LAS), and New York City (JFK), too.
Plus, Capital One also offers cardholders access to its hybrid airport lounge-restaurant concept called Capital One Landings. So far, there are only two of these spaces – one in Washington, D.C.-Reagan (DCA) and another at New York City-LaGuardia (LGA). We haven't visited either location for ourselves (yet), but from the looks of things, they're truly spectacular – more of a fine dining experience, than an airport lounge.
Whether it's a Capital One Lounge or Landing, there all a bit different … with a few common threads: great design, fun amenities, and absolutely outstanding food and drinks – easily among the best airport lounges in the U.S., period. Capital One puts a big emphasis on offering excellent food and drinks, with a local flair – and once you're in the door, it's all free.
Venture X cardholders get unlimited complimentary access for themselves … and only themselves. As of Feb. 1, 2026, free guest access is no longer automatic. To bring two complimentary guests per visit (one guest at Capital One Landings), cardholders must spend $75,000 on their card in a calendar year.
If you don't spend enough, guests now cost:
- $45 per adult
- $25 for kids 17 and under
- Free for children 2 and under
Finally, the Capital One Venture X will also come with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, giving you access to even more participating airport lounges across the world. Again, the quality and offerings in Priority Pass lounges can vary quite a bit. But even the worst Priority Pass lounge is still better than sitting at the gate in the terminal.
Unfortunately, Venture X cardholders don't get any free guests at Priority Pass lounges … no matter how much you spend per year. Instead, guests costs $35 apiece, per visit.
Read more: A Complete Guide to Capital One Lounges & Landings
Full Benefits of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Welcome Offer Bonus: bonus_miles_full
- $300 Annual Travel Credit: Each year, cardholders will get a $300 Capital One Travel credit to use through the bank's travel booking portal.
- Capital One Lounge & Priority Pass™ Select Lounge Access
- Up to a $120 Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- 10,000 Mile Anniversary Bonus: Every year on your account anniversary, you’ll receive 10,000 bonus miles after paying your card’s annual fee. These miles are worth a minimum of $100 towards travel.
- Earn 2x Miles on every purchase & more: Cardholders will earn 2x miles on every dollar spent. Cardholders will also earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One travel portal and 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through the portal..
- Complimentary Hertz President’s Circle Status
- $395 Annual Fee: Add up to four authorized users at no additional cost
Learn more about the *venture x*.
Other Cards with Lounge Access
These are the ones to beat, but there are plenty of other credit cards on the market that will get you into airport lounges at home and abroad, including some far cheaper alternatives that can get you into lounges a few times a year.
Here are a few more of our favorites:
| Card Name | Lounge Access | Guest Policy | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Card | 8 Alaska Lounge passes every year (2 of each per calendar quarter) | Passes can be used for a guest | $395 |
| Bilt Palladium | Priority Pass™ Lounges | Two free guests | $495 (see rates & fees) |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | American Admirals Clubs | Immediate family members or two guests traveling with primary cardholder | $595 |
| Citi Strata Elite℠ Card | Priority Pass™ Lounges, 4 American Airlines Admirals Club passes each calendar year | Two free guests at Priority Pass Lounges | $595 |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | Delta Sky Clubs® (limited to 15 visits per yera), Amex Centurion Lounges (when flying Delta & booked with your Reserve Card) | Two for $50 apiece | annual_fees (see rates & fees) |
| JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard® | JetBlue BlueHouse™ lounges, Priority Pass™ Lounges (+ Restaurant Access) | 1 free guest | $499 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Priority Pass™ Select (enrollment required) | Two free guests | annual_fees (see rates & fees) |
| card_name | United Clubs | Two free guests | annual_fees |
Bottom Line
If you’re a frequent flyer, having the right credit card can turn your airport experience from stressful to seamless. Why battle for a seat at the gate – or drop $50 (or more) on a forgettable meal – when you could be kicking back in an airport lounge with free drinks, snacks, and Wi-Fi instead?
I read the CC benefits for the cards you listed. There is a huge section of airline employees that were cut off from Club benefit. Delta and AMX must have gotten together to figure out what group to get rid of without a whimper. Certainly, we don’t rank as Diamond or Medallion travelers.
I dumped my Platinum AMX after 30 years because I have Delta benefits and fly standby. Thousands of airline employees now are left outside looking in.
You need to write an article how we are excluded even when we pay for the membership fee.
Thank you
Thanks, Nick. Any thoughts on which of these lounges are least crowded? I’ve been frustrated with access to Capital One lounges at DFW and DEN, Amex at SFO, Premier Pass at SEA, and more. Hard to justify the fees for the cards if lounge access is a priority.
Not in your list is the US Bank Altitude Connect card. It provides 4 Priority Lounge passes per year for no annual fee. Looks like a good option for occasional travelers.
PenFed’s Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature can be easily had with no annual fee, and has complimentary Priority Pass membership (you pay a fee for each visit). It also comes with a $100 annual airline fee reimbursement, and a credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every 4 years. It earns 4x on all travel; points are worth from 85/100’s of a cent to 1 cent each, depending on how you redeem them.
Does the Hilton Amex business card include PP for $95? Ten visits? Food?
Hi Julie. Yes, the Hilton business card does include 10 Priority Passes each year.
Had an interesting experience flying Air France recently. We were allowed access to the Air France longe @ JFK but denied access to the Air France lounge in Paris . They said they don’t honor the PriorityPass.
Of note to everyone should be that the Priority Pass is quite underwhelming. I have frequently been turned away from lounges, even when I have this card on me. The answer is generally that the Priority Pass is the “last” on their priority list of cards, so if they are busy, expect to be turned away!
That can certainly happen. With over 1,300 Priority Pass affiliated lounges, experiences can be very different from one to the next.
I have Delta platinum and will be doing a positioning flight to Chicago. My next flight is on Qatar and I have a long layover. Will I still get complimentary access to Delta sky club?
Hi Debbie! You could get into the Delta Sky Club at Chicago using your Delta Platinum Card by paying $39 – but you have to be flying Delta into Chicago. If that’s the case, it could be well worth the $39 entry fee depending on how long your layover is.