Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access

Being stuck in an airport is often not very fun. The seats aren’t comfortable, everything is noisy, and the food is expensive. The waiting experience in an airport VIP lounge is much more pleasant. These rooms often offer a quiet setting, food and drinks, and internet access. Some lounges even offer showers so you can freshen up after a long flight. After an hour in the VIP lounge, you’ll be ready for the next leg of your trip.

However, this perk doesn’t come cheap. Entry fee for an airport lounge usually range from $30 to $45 per person. If you travel frequently, these fees add up. One way to beat these costs is to get the right travel rewards card. Several travel cards offer complimentary lounge access on top of their regular travel rewards program.

We have made a list of the best cards for lounge access. The right card for you depends on how often you travel and which airline you use. By finding the right lounge access credit card, you’ll make sure you travel in style without breaking the bank on access fees.

The World Traveler

If you pay in full and don't need a credit card, you can consider a charge card. A charge card like the American Express Platinum Card offers access to over 600 lounges worldwide with Priority Plus Select. The annual fee is $450.

The Platinum Card® from American Express Earn 25K Membership Rewards® points after you spend $2,000 during your first three months of Card membership Premium travel benefits: access over 600 lounges worldwide when you enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, no foreign transaction fees Receive up to $200 annually in a statement credit with the airline of your choice to use towards baggage fees, flight-change fees, in-flight food and beverage purchases and more 24/7 Platinum Card® Concierge service for assistance with reservations, travel, gifts, and more Entertainment benefits: get Advance Tickets before the public and access once in a lifetime events with By Invitation Only® Terms and restrictions apply Card Type Annual Fee Personal Charge Card $450

The Occasional Splurge

To be sure, the old saying is true - nothing in life is free. When a card gives a complimentary unlimited lounge pass, it typically charges a higher annual fee or expects you to spend a lot. If you don’t travel that often and don’t expect to use airport lounges more than once or twice a year, you can consider getting a credit card from the airlines.

For example, the US Airways Premier World card ($89 annual fee) gives you one complimentary US Airways Club day pass every year.

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