Best lounge access credit cards: 4 picks for frequent flyers
Nearly a decade ago, when I applied for my first premium travel card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), what captivated me most was finally having lounge access. I didn't have enough money or points for premium cabin tickets, so I needed to get crafty to enjoy premium travel experiences.
Now, as a frequent traveler and a die-hard points and miles enthusiast, lounge access is the one perk I consistently use. Whether I need the space to grab a meal, get some work done or simply unwind, having lounge access elevates my travel experience and offers a sense of calm in a chaotic environment.
Not everyone can afford to spend thousands of dollars on a business-class ticket that includes lounge access; instead, consider a premium credit card. Not all cards are created equal, and just because a credit card charges a high annual fee doesn't mean you're guaranteed lounge access.
To help you choose a card that'll get you into a lounge when you travel, I compiled this list of my picks for the best lounge access credit cards to make your travels a more luxe experience.
Related: 5 ways to ensure you have lounge access before your next flight
Comparing my top picks for the best credit cards
Here's how my top recommendations for the best lounge access credit cards compare to each other.
| Card | Welcome offer | Lounge access | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Platinum Card® | Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer. |
*Eligible Platinum Card members will receive 10 visits per eligible Platinum Card, per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go locations when traveling on a same-day Delta Air Lines-operated flight, unless they spend $75,000 or more on their card to unlock unlimited visits. | $895 (see rates and fees) |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. |
| $795 |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) | Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $7,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. |
| $595 |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. |
| $395 |
American Express Platinum Card
Standout benefit: The Platinum Card offers access to the highest number of lounges worldwide — more than 1,500 airport lounges across 140 countries.
The Platinum Card is the king of premium cards when it comes to lounge access, and it's not surprising, considering American Express kicked off the trend of issuer airport lounges with its flagship Centurion Lounge in Las Vegas back in 2013.
Centurion Lounges provide a top-notch experience with their elevated food offerings, plenty of space to work and location-specific amenities, such as family rooms and outdoor terraces.
The guest allowance is where lounge access falls short with this card. I frequent the Centurion Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with my family and often spend time in the designated family room with my son to expend his energy before we hop on a long-haul flight.
While I'm a big fan of Centurion Lounges, I don't love having to pay $50 for my wife and $30 for my son to join me as guests.
To qualify for complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit, I need to spend $75,000 on eligible purchases with the card within a calendar year, and last year, I couldn't meet this requirement.
Still, Centurion Lounges are impressive due, in part, to their massive global footprint. In fact, more are on the way, including locations at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in 2025, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in 2026, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in 2027, plus a new dining concept dubbed "Sidecar by the Centurion Lounge" at Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in 2026.
Don't live near a Centurion Lounge? The next best domestic option for Platinum Card members is access to Delta Sky Club locations. (Eligible Platinum Card members will receive 10 visits per eligible Platinum Card, per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go locations when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight, unless they spend $75,000 or more on their card to unlock unlimited visits.)
Whether I am traveling to popular destinations like London or far-flung locales like Cairns, Australia, I can rely on my Platinum Card to provide me with lounge access through its Global Lounge Collection most of the time, something other issuers can't match.
These lounge perks are also available to cardmembers of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express — read our full review to learn more.
Related: Amex introduces Centurion Lounge wait times as part of all-new travel app
And for more about the Platinum Card, read our full review.
Apply here: American Express Platinum Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Standout benefits: The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with exclusive access — that includes guest privileges — to Chase's growing network of Sapphire Lounges, as well as access to Priority Pass experiences.
Chase Sapphire Lounges come in second place, right after Centurion Lounges, simply because much fewer currently exist (eight in total) when compared to the 20-plus Centurion Lounges available all over the world.
These eight Sapphire Lounges are located at airports, including Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and LAX. Unlike American Express, Chase's guest restrictions for Sapphire Lounges are more generous; Sapphire Reserve cardholders can bring up to two guests for no additional cost (a $27 fee for each additional guest beyond your first two will apply).
Another big plus? Sapphire Reserve authorized users also get Sapphire Lounge access and guest privileges. The authorized user annual fee is pricey, at $195 per person, but the lounge access perks might well be worth it.
The authorized user benefit is particularly useful for my family. My wife is an authorized user on my account, so she can bring in two guests, which helps us extend lounge access to other friends and family members traveling with us.
I love that Chase is committed to doing right by its customers, especially during a period when lounge access is becoming more restrictive.
I'm waiting for the opening of the Sapphire Lounge at LAX so I can enter with up to two guests without worrying about a minimum spending requirement for access.
We're seeing more lounge alliances with international airlines, and the Sapphire Reserve provides access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges, with the ability to bring one guest when flying Air Canada or another Star Alliance airline. Although I don't travel to Canada much, this opens the doors to enjoying lounge access when flying United Airlines domestically or on airlines like Lufthansa when flying within Europe. Chase also extends this perk to Sapphire Reserve authorized users.
Not all Priority Pass memberships are equal, and the Sapphire Reserve membership provides access to nonlounge experiences. These include Minute Suites, gaming centers, massage sessions and spa treatments. Unfortunately, Priority Pass restaurant access is no longer included.
I recently visited the XpresSpa at Miami International Airport (MIA) for a 25-minute zero gravity massage chair experience, while my friend with a Platinum Card-issued Priority Pass did not have this benefit with his membership.
These lounge access benefits are also available to the primary cardholder of the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees), though access to Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges and cafes is not included with the business product. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business to learn more.
And to learn more about the Sapphire Reserve, read our full review.
Related: A guide to guest policies for airport lounges
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Standout benefits: Primary Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard holders receive a complimentary Admirals Club membership, and authorized users receive Admirals Club access (with a same-day boarding pass for an eligible flight) for themselves and up to two companions traveling with them.
Though I only occasionally fly domestically, American Airlines is my preferred stateside carrier, as I hold AAdvantage Platinum elite status with the carrier.
When it comes to American Airlines lounge access, the biggest drawback is the lack of Admirals Club access with any level of American Airlines AAdvantage status. An annual membership would set me back between $700 and $850, depending on my elite status and whether it's a new membership or a renewal. The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite card features a hefty $595 annual fee that's worth it if you prioritize flying with American and want access to these lounges.
Rather than paying for a membership, the smarter move is to apply for this card and get access to almost 50 Admirals Clubs and over 60 partner lounges worldwide when flying American or one of its Oneworld partners.
Some notable lounges include select Alaska Airlines lounges within the U.S., as well as Qantas Club lounges.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive cardholders can bring immediate family members (a spouse or domestic partner and children under 18 years of age) or up to two guests into Admirals Clubs with them.
This is good news for families since it lets you bring your loved ones with you without having to worry about unlocking guest privileges via credit card spending.
You can add up to three authorized users for $175 total (about $58 each), and each additional authorized user is $175 after that. By applying for this card, you can easily extend lounge access to family or friends who live in American Airlines hub cities like Dallas and Miami, making it a worthwhile investment.
Note that authorized users only receive Admirals Club access (with a same-day boarding pass for an eligible flight) for themselves and up to two traveling companions, not a full Admirals Club membership.
To learn more, read our full review of the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.
Related: 3 reasons why this is the best card for Admirals Club lounge access
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Standout benefits: Capital One's Landing dining concept challenges the long-standing tradition of lounge buffets. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card holders who are health and wellness buffs will also appreciate Capital One's emphasis on wellness with unique amenities like Peloton bikes and a yoga room at DFW and relaxation rooms with nap pods at Denver International Airport (DEN) and LAS.
Capital One Lounges have the smallest U.S. presence, with only five lounges and one Capital One Landing in Washington, D.C., to date. Cardholders won't find any Capital One Lounges outside of the U.S., a huge drawback compared to American Express and Chase.
Although I'm not a Venture X cardholder, I admire the speed at which new lounges are opening up, with the most recent at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and a new Landing location coming to the city's LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
Capital One once led the lounge access guest allowance race with its extremely generous policy, which granted guest privileges to the primary cardholder and complimentary lounge access and guest privileges for authorized users at no additional cost.
Unfortunately, that changes starting Feb. 1, 2026, when lounge access for authorized users will cost $125 for a Priority Pass membership. Primary cardholders can either pay per guest for access to Capital One and Priority Pass lounges or spend $75,000 in a calendar year to unlock guest privileges.
I've contemplated applying for the Venture X but have held off. I want to maximize access to Capital One Lounges, but I rarely fly domestically, and my home airport doesn't have a lounge.
That said, if you're a frequent domestic traveler with a Capital One Lounge or Landing at your home airport, I highly recommend applying for the card. If I were living in Dallas, New York or D.C., this card would definitely have a place in my wallet.
Additionally, if you're a Capital One Venture X Business cardholder, you also receive the same lounge access privileges. Read our full review of the Venture X Business to learn more.
And for more about the Venture X, read our full review.
Related: Who should (and shouldn't) get the Capital One Venture X card?
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
How I chose my top rewards cards
I chose the cards on this list based on the type of lounge access they provide and the extent to which each card's lounges are widespread — including issuer-specific lounges as well as nonissuer spaces like Priority Pass lounges.
I also considered the perks I could access within each lounge, like the type of food served and whether family- and kid-friendly spaces are available.
To learn more about how I picked each card featured here and how TPG assigns ratings, check out our methodology.
Bottom line
I am all about maximizing credit card benefits, especially lounge access. I'm also a huge fan of cards that help facilitate more comfortable travel experiences and provide elitelike perks, so I'm always looking for products that fit the bill. If you're looking to get into lounges, consider any of the cards featured here.
Solo travelers will benefit from a product like the Amex Platinum for stellar lounge amenities like delicious eats and comfortable spaces to relax, play and work. If you're more like me and often travel with family and friends, a card like the Sapphire Reserve gets you into a growing network of beautiful lounges with generous guest privileges.
Whatever card you choose, be sure to maximize all the lounge access and perks you can, and don't limit yourself to one card, especially if you're a frequent jet-setter.
Apply here: American Express Platinum Card
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.