Best Credit Cards with Unlimited Airport Lounge Access

Waiting at an airport for your flight to depart can be monotonous at best and stressful at worst. One way to beat that dilemma is by taking advantage of airport lounges. Lounges offer an oasis where you can get work done, grab a drink or a bite to eat, or just hang out and relax in a comfortable setting.

Airport lounges can cost $50 or more for a single visit. If you have a credit card with unlimited airport lounge access, however, you can transform your airport visits for free. Here’s our list of the best credit cards offering unlimited airport lounge access.

Overview of Credit Cards with Unlimited Airport Lounge Access

The table below provides a list of credit cards with unlimited airport lounge access and the basic features of each card. The Miles & More World Elite Mastercard is the exception as it doesn’t offer unlimited airport lounge access. With a low annual fee, however, it may be valuable for select fliers. A deeper review of each card is in the next section.

Credit Card	Lounge Network	Number of Lounges	Annual Fee
The Platinum Card® from American Express	American Express Global Lounge Collection	1,400+	$695
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card	Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Lounges	1,400+	$395
Chase Sapphire Reserve®	Priority Pass	1,300+	$550
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card	Priority Pass Select	1,300+	$550
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card	Priority Pass Select	1,300+	$550
United Club℠ Infinite Card	United Club + Star Alliance	45 + 1,000+	$525
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®	Admirals Club + partners lounges	50 + 60	$595
	LoungeKey	1,000+
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card	Priority Pass Select	1,300+	$650
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card	Delta Sky Club + The Centurion Lounge	50 + 40	$650
	Lufthansa Business Lounge	10
Mastercard® Black Card™	Priority Pass Select	1,300+	$495
Mastercard® Gold Card™	Priority Pass Select	1,300+	$995
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express	American Express Global Lounge Collection	1,400+	$695
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card	Delta Sky Club + The Centurion Lounge Escape Lounge	50 + 40 + 12	$650

Best Credit Cards with Unlimited Airport Lounge Access

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Best All-around

The Platinum Card® from American Express justifies the high annual fee with the rewards and benefits it offers. It comes with a big welcome bonus, a $200 hotel credit, a $200 airline fee credit, and $200 in Uber Cash (Terms Apply). The card also offers $100 Global Entry credit or $85 TSA PreCheck credit, travel benefits, and the ability to transfer rewards points to airline and hotel partners.

Rewards:

1x points

On all other eligible purchases

1x points on other eligible purchases

5x points

Airfare

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 points

Hotels

5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
0% Intro APR: None
Annual Fee: $695, plus $175 for each authorized user
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Lounge Network: American Express Global Lounge Collection
Number of lounges accessed: 1,400+
The drawback: 5x points on airfare and hotel purchases must be booked through American Express.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	04/25/2024	649	Not Provided	---
Approved	03/20/2024	800	Not Provided	---
Approved	04/28/2023	812	Equifax	---
Approved	04/28/2023	820	TransUnion	---
Approved	04/28/2023	825	Experian	---
Approved	08/16/2023	698	Equifax	$25,000
Approved	08/16/2023	709	Experian	$25,000
Approved	08/16/2023	728	TransUnion	$25,000
Approved	12/11/2023	695	TransUnion	---
Approved	12/11/2023	713	Experian	---
Approved	12/11/2023	714	Equifax	---
Approved	01/04/2023	696	Not Provided	---
Approved	06/21/2023	700	Not Provided	---
Approved	01/23/2023	675	Not Provided	$6,000
Approved	11/01/2023	683	Experian	---
Approved	11/01/2023	703	TransUnion	---
Approved	11/01/2023	718	Equifax	---
Approved	08/17/2023	737	TransUnion	---
Approved	08/17/2023	742	Equifax	---
Approved	08/17/2023	758	Experian	---
Approved	05/29/2024	680	Experian	---

Read our Review

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Best for Annual and Referral Bonuses

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a solid all-around package of rewards and benefits. But the standout feature is the annual bonuses, good for 10,000 bonus miles each year, worth $100, and the referral bonus. The latter can get you 100,000 bonus miles when you refer a friend or family member and they’re approved for the card.

The card also provides a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel and a $100 credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Cardholders can also get access to exclusive reservations and top restaurants, as well as cell phone protection of up to $800.

Rewards:

2x miles

On all other eligible purchases

Earn unlimited 2x miles on all other purchases

5x miles

Select Categories

Earn 5x miles on vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel

5x miles

Airfare

Earn 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel

10x miles

Hotels

Earn unlimited 10x miles on hotels booked through Capital One Travel

10x miles

Rental Cars

Earn unlimited 10x miles on rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Signup Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
0% Intro APR: None
Annual Fee: $395, no fee for authorized users
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Lounge Network: Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium Lounges
Number of lounges accessed: 1,400+
The drawback: Rewards miles can only be redeemed for travel booked through Capital One Travel.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	04/28/2024	791	Experian	$30,000
Approved	04/08/2023	730	Not Provided	---
Approved	04/25/2024	634	Not Provided	$3,000
Approved	04/25/2024	650	Not Provided	$3,000
Approved	04/25/2024	666	Not Provided	$3,000
Approved	10/11/2023	820	Equifax	$20,000
Approved	10/11/2023	828	TransUnion	$20,000
Approved	10/11/2023	830	Experian	$20,000
Approved	10/03/2023	800	Not Provided	$20,000
Approved	04/11/2024	696	TransUnion	$15,000
Approved	04/11/2024	702	Equifax	$15,000
Approved	04/11/2024	728	Experian	$15,000
Approved	05/27/2024	820	Experian	$30,000
Approved	07/12/2023	677	Not Provided	$10,000
Approved	08/08/2023	735	Experian	$10,000
Approved	08/08/2023	739	TransUnion	$10,000
Approved	08/08/2023	741	Equifax	$10,000
Approved	11/04/2023	715	TransUnion	$20,000
Approved	11/04/2023	717	Experian	$20,000
Approved	09/18/2023	813	Not Provided	$20,000
Approved	03/06/2023	720	Experian	$20,000
Approved	03/06/2023	732	Equifax	$20,000
Approved	03/06/2023	735	TransUnion	$20,000
Approved	05/09/2024	758	Not Provided	$10,000
Approved	09/13/2023	719	Not Provided	$15,000
Approved	01/23/2024	822	TransUnion	$30,000
Approved	01/23/2024	827	Experian	$30,000
Approved	12/03/2023	734	Equifax	$20,000
Approved	12/03/2023	744	TransUnion	$20,000
Approved	12/03/2023	758	Experian	$20,000
Approved	09/27/2023	741	Not Provided	$10,000
Approved	12/14/2023	750	Experian	$10,000
Approved	10/19/2023	776	Not Provided	$20,000
Approved	04/10/2024	705	Experian	$30,000
Denied	04/23/2024	815	Not Provided	---
Denied	09/12/2023	761	Experian	---
Denied	09/12/2023	776	Equifax	---
Denied	09/12/2023	787	TransUnion	---
Denied	12/31/2023	741	TransUnion	---
Denied	12/31/2023	775	Equifax	---
Denied	12/05/2023	754	TransUnion	---
Denied	12/05/2023	769	Experian	---
Denied	12/05/2023	777	Equifax	---
Denied	04/03/2024	760	Not Provided	---

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Best for Rewards Points Redemption Options

Chase Sapphire Reserve® has the largest number of redemption options. Bonus points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or even cash. Bonus points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel(SM). The card also comes with a $300 annual travel credit, 24/7 customer service, $100 credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee, and room upgrade and daily breakfast at more than 1,000 properties booked with The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.

There’s also plenty of travel buyer protection provided, and if that’s not enough, there’s also a generous referral bonus program. You can earn 10,000 bonus points for each friend who applies and is approved for a card, up to 75,000 bonus points per year (Partial points may be awarded).

Rewards:

1x points

On all other eligible purchases

Earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

3x points

Dining

Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.

5x points

Travel

Earn 5x points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Travel(SM) immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.

10x points

Travel

10x on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel(SM) immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.

Signup Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
0% Intro APR: None
Annual Fee: $550, $75 per authorized user
Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
Lounge Network: Priority Pass
Number of lounges accessed: 1,300+
The drawback: The rewards point calculation is a bit complicated since they’re only earned after spending $300 on travel annually.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	04/08/2023	720	Not Provided	$10,000
Approved	05/08/2023	830	Experian	$27,000
Approved	02/06/2023	677	Experian	$10,700
Approved	04/19/2023	806	Experian	$18,600
Approved	04/19/2023	810	Equifax	$18,600
Approved	04/19/2023	823	TransUnion	$18,600
Approved	08/03/2023	700	TransUnion	$15,000
Approved	09/30/2023	698	Experian	$25,500
Approved	09/30/2023	730	TransUnion	$25,500
Approved	09/30/2023	733	Equifax	$25,500
Approved	09/30/2023	766	Equifax	$25,500
Approved	12/14/2023	750	Experian	$10,000
Approved	03/22/2023	719	Equifax	$21,700
Approved	03/22/2023	752	TransUnion	$21,700
Approved	03/22/2023	789	Experian	$21,700
Approved	01/07/2023	821	Experian	$25,000
Approved	01/07/2023	828	TransUnion	$25,000
Approved	01/07/2023	838	Equifax	$25,000
Approved	10/23/2023	751	Experian	$10,000
Approved	10/23/2023	785	TransUnion	$10,000
Denied	10/19/2023	749	TransUnion	---
Denied	10/19/2023	765	Experian	---

Read our Review

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card

Best For Preferred Bank of America members

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card offers an excellent signup bonus and some decent ongoing rewards. However, if you’re a preferred member (meaning you have at least $20,000 parked at either Bank of America or Merrill), you get a boost in rewards. There are also a number of travel credits that can easily offset the annual fee.

Rewards:

1.5x points

On all other eligible purchases

Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases

2x points

Travel

Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel purchases

2x points

Dining

Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on dining purchases

Signup Bonus: Earn 75,000 online bonus points — a $750 value — after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
0% Intro APR: None
Annual Fee: $550
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Lounge Network: Priority Pass Select
Number of lounges accessed: 1,300+
The drawback: Unlike many cards on this list, Bank of America doesn’t offer the ability to transfer your points to travel partners. You have to book travel through the Bank of America travel center.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	08/08/2023	813	Experian	$22,000
Approved	08/08/2023	847	TransUnion	$22,000
Approved	08/08/2023	850	Equifax	$22,000
Approved	11/18/2023	787	Experian	$30,000
Approved	12/26/2023	715	Experian	$15,000
Approved	10/27/2023	761	TransUnion	$24,000
Approved	10/27/2023	768	Experian	$24,000
Approved	10/27/2023	777	Equifax	$24,000

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Best for Frequent Hilton Hotel Visitors

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers an annual free night at a Hilton property after spending at least $60,000 in purchases during the calendar year. Comes with a $250 airline fee credit, $100 property credit (at Waldorf-Astoria and Conrad properties), car rental loss and damage insurance, 24/7 Global Assist Hotline, and baggage insurance (terms apply).

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Premium Global Assist® Hotline:Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Baggage Insurance Plan: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Rewards:

3x points

On all other eligible purchases

Earn 3x points for each dollar spent on other eligible purchases.

7x points

Rental Cars

Earn 7x points on car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies.

7x points

Travel

Earn 7x points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com.

7x points

Dining

Earn 7x points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery.

14x points

Hotels

Earn 14x points for eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio.

Welcome Bonus: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
0% Intro APR: None
Annual Fee: $550
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Lounge Network: Priority Pass Select
Number of lounges accessed: 1,300+
The drawback: Aspire points are worth only about 0.6 cents, and hotel points are awarded only on stays at Hilton family hotels, otherwise, 7x or 3x points will apply.

*Terms Apply

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	04/25/2021	744	TransUnion	$7,400
Approved	04/25/2021	745	Experian	$7,400
Approved	04/25/2021	749	Equifax	$7,400
Approved	10/12/2020	732	Experian	$5,000

Read our Review

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Best for Frequent United Airlines Flyers

United Club℠ Infinite Card allows your first and second checked bags for free when you use the card. You’ll also get $100 credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS, plus room upgrades and daily breakfast at more than 1,000 properties booked within The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection. The card also comes with travel and purchase protection.

Miles can be redeemed for travel, purchases with select merchants, and gift cards. The referral bonus earns 10,000 bonus miles for each friend who applies and is approved for a card, up to 50,000 bonus miles per year.

Rewards:

1x miles

On all other eligible purchases

Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

2x miles

Travel

Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel.

2x miles

Dining

Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other dining.

4x miles

United Purchases

Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases.

Signup Bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
0% Intro APR: None
Annual Fee: $525
Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
Lounge Network: United Club + Star Alliance
Number of lounges accessed: 45 + 1,000+
The drawback: Rewards miles are relatively low in relation to the $525 annual fee.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	05/01/2022	771	Experian	$31,900
Approved	02/24/2022	812	Experian	$15,800
Approved	05/12/2022	779	Experian	$23,100
Approved	12/15/2022	746	Equifax	$29,018
Approved	12/15/2022	747	Experian	$28,971
Approved	12/15/2022	756	TransUnion	$29,000

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Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Best for Frequent American Airlines Flyers

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has a sign-up bonus worth: Up to $1,050, which will more than cover the annual fee for the first year. Your first bag (and those of up to eight travel companions on the same reservation) will be checked free on domestic flights. You’ll also receive priority boarding, savings of up to 25% on in-flight food and beverage purchases, and up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

Rewards:

1x miles

All eligible purchases

Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage(R) mile earned from purchases.

4x miles

American Airline Purchases

Earn 4 miles for every dollar spend on American Airlines purchases

10x miles

Hotels

Earn 10x AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on eligible hotels booked aa.com/hotels

10x miles

Rental Cars

Earn 10x AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on car rentals booked through aa.com/cars

Signup Bonus: Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
0% Intro APR: None
Annual Fee: $595
Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
Lounge Network: Admirals Club + partner lounges
Number of lounges accessed: 50 + 60
The drawback: American Airlines mileage rewards drop to 2x in 2023. The relatively low level of rewards doesn’t seem to justify the high annual fee after the first year. The number of network lounges is small.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	02/06/2023	785	TransUnion	$21,900
Approved	12/28/2023	850	Not Provided	$37,000
Approved	12/28/2023	872	Experian	$37,000
Approved	12/28/2023	893	Equifax	$37,000

Read our Review

Best for Identity Fraud Expense Reimbursement

offers travel points on airlines, hotels, and car rentals. The card also offers $400 in travel credits per year on travel booked through HSBC Travel. Also, enjoy exclusive offers from fine restaurants and designer brands when traveling abroad. Points can be transferred to 11 airlines and two hotels. The card also offers cellular wireless phone protection reimbursement of up to $800. Note that you need to have a Premier Checking account with HSBC to qualify for the card.

Rewards:

1x points

On all other eligible purchases

1X on all other purchases

2x points

Dining

2X on all new dining purchases

3x points

Travel

3X points on travel including airline, hotel and car rentals

Signup Bonus:
0% Intro APR: None
Annual Fee:
Foreign Transaction Fee:
Lounge Network: LoungeKey
Number of lounges accessed: 1,000+
The drawback: Rewards Bonus Points must be redeemed through HSBC Travel.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Best for Frequent Marriott Bonvoy Visitors

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers generous rewards points on Marriott Bonvoy hotel stays and a generous welcome bonus. This offer is made even better by a $100 Marriott Bonvoy property credit, free nights, and even more points for Platinum Elite Status. Comes with a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck, car rental loss, and damage insurance, a 24/7 global assistance hotline, and plenty of travel insurance options (terms apply). Also provides a $300 dining statement credit, up to $25 a month. Rewards points can be transferred to more than 40 airline partners.

Premium Global Assist® Hotline: Global Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Rewards:

2x points

On all other eligible purchases

Earn 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.

3x points

Airfare

Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points on flights booked directly with airlines.

3x points

Dining

Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide

6x points

Hotels

Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.

Welcome Bonus: Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
0% Intro APR: None
Annual Fee: $650
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Lounge Network: Priority Pass Select
Number of lounges accessed: 1,300+
The drawback: The 6x points on hotels are limited to participating Marriott Bonvoy properties. High annual fee.

*Terms Apply

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	07/26/2023	819	Experian	$25,000
Approved	07/26/2023	831	Equifax	$25,000
Approved	07/26/2023	831	TransUnion	$25,000
Approved	10/24/2023	740	Not Provided	$35,000

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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Best for Frequent Delta Flyers

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Rewards points are worth a very generous 1.2 cents per mile, but Delta purchases will need to figure heavily in your card activity. Comes with the first bag checked free, $100 Global Entry credit or $85 TSA Precheck credit, car rental loss and damage insurance, 24/7 Global Assist Hotline, as well as various travel insurance and purchase protection plans (terms apply). Redeem rewards for travel with Delta, as well as more than 20 partner airlines.

Beginning February 1, 2025, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card. To earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on February 1, 2023, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.

Premium Global Assist® Hotline: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Rewards:

1x miles

All eligible purchases

Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.

3x miles

Delta Purchases

Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.

Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
0% Intro APR: None
Annual Fee: $650
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Lounge Network: Delta Sky Club + The Centurion Lounge
Number of lounges accessed: 50 + 40
The drawback: The rewards on this card may be too low to justify the high annual fee, especially for infrequent travelers. The lounge network is on the small side.

*Terms Apply

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	10/06/2022	765	Experian	$15,000
Approved	10/06/2022	774	TransUnion	$15,000
Approved	10/06/2022	779	Equifax	$15,000

Read our Review

Best for Frequent Lufthansa Flyers

is designed for Lufthansa Air Lines and is issued by Barclays Bank. The rewards on this card are admittedly low, and the lounge network is incredibly small. But the card is still a solid value since the annual fee is very low at .

Cardholders will receive an annual companion ticket after each account anniversary. Miles can be redeemed through companion airlines, including Swiss Air, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.

Rewards:

x miles

On all other eligible purchases

1X miles per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases

2x miles

Airfare

2X miles per $1 spent on ticket purchases from Miles & More airline partners

Signup Bonus:
0% Intro APR: Get 0% APR on balance transfers for the first months.
Annual Fee:
Foreign Transaction Fee:
Lounge Network: Lufthansa Business Lounge (two complementary vouchers per year)
Number of lounges accessed: 10
The drawback: Has the smallest lounge network on this list, at just 10 locations. Plus, you’ll get only two complementary vouchers per year.

Mastercard® Black Card™

Best for Low APR

Mastercard® Black Card™ allows you to redeem your points for airfare at 2% with no blackout dates or seat restrictions, or receive 1.5% cash back directly in your bank account or as a statement credit. Comes with a $100 annual air travel credit, cell phone protection, Global Entry and TSA application credit, and travel protection options.

Rewards:

1.5% cash back

On all other eligible purchases

Earn one point for every one dollar ($1) you spend. 1.5% value for cash back redemptions.

2% cash back

Airfare

Earn one point for every one dollar ($1) you spend. 2% value for airfare redemptions.

Signup Bonus: None
0% Intro APR: Get 0% on balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles months.
Annual Fee: $495
Foreign Transaction Fee: 0% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Lounge Network: Priority Pass Select
Number of lounges accessed: 1,300+
The drawback: No sign-up bonus and relatively low rewards for such a high annual fee.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	12/30/2019	783	Experian	$10,000

Read our Review

Mastercard® Gold Card™

Best for Low APR

Mastercard® Gold Card™ is almost identical to the Luxury Card Mastercard Black Card, the major difference is 2% redemption on all points accumulated, redeemable for airfare purchases or cash back/statement credit (the Black Card offers 1.5% with the cash back/statement credit option). Comes with a $200 annual air travel credit, cell phone protection, $100 Global Entry and TSA application credit, and travel protection benefits.

Rewards:

1x points

All eligible purchases

You earn 1 point for every $1 spent on Net Purchases using your Account. Get 2% value for airfare and cash back redemptions.

Signup Bonus: None
0% Intro APR: Get 0% on balance transfers for the first 15 months months.
Annual Fee: $995
Foreign Transaction Fee: 0% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Lounge Network: Priority Pass Select
Number of lounges accessed: 1,300+
The drawback: Very high annual fee, much higher than the Black Card but with only marginally better benefits. No sign-up bonus, and very low rewards.

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Business Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Best for High Rewards Points Redemption Value

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express allows you to accumulate a lot of reward points in a hurry, and they have a high redemption value. Points are worth up to 2 cents each.

But the Business Platinum Card is packed with more benefits than we can list here. Examples include a $200 airline fee credit, $100 Global Entry credit or $85 TSA Precheck credit, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status, Hilton Honors Gold Status, and several travel benefits (terms apply).

And perfect for business users, there is no preset spending limit, and you’ll have the option to pay your balance over time. The card comes with employee cards, the ability to connect to QuickBooks, an account manager, a year-end summary, and benefits like cell phone protection.

Cell phone protection: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Rewards:

1x points

On all other eligible purchases

Earn 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.

1.5x points

Select Categories

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, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.

5x points

Airfare

5X Membership Rewards® points on flights on AmexTravel.com.

5x points

Hotels

5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels on amextravel.com.

Welcome 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. Terms Apply.
0% Intro APR: None
Annual Fee: $695
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Lounge Network: American Express Global Lounge Collection
Number of lounges accessed: 1,400+
The drawback: The spending to earn the bonus is on the high side.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	02/11/2023	720	Not Provided	---
Approved	08/29/2023	767	Experian	---
Approved	08/03/2023	690	Not Provided	$50,000
Approved	03/24/2023	788	Not Provided	$2,000
Denied	12/11/2023	753	Experian	---

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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Frequent Delta Business Travelers

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is an excellent card for frequent Delta business travelers. It offers a generous welcome bonus and rewards for airfare purchased with Delta. The redemption value of those points is a very generous 1.4 cents.

Beginning February 1, 2025, 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 February 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits (including Grab and Go) at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.

The card also comes with Zone 5 priority boarding, your first bag checked free, cell phone protection, $100 Global Entry credit every five years, or $85 TSA Precheck credit every 4.5 years, and various travel benefits (terms apply).

As a business card, you can also add employee cards, connect to QuickBooks, an account manager, and a year-end summary of card activity.

Rewards:

1x miles

On all other eligible purchases

Earn 1X miles on other purchases made using the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card

1.5x miles

Office Supplies

Earn 1.5X miles on U.S. office supply store purchases

1.5x miles

All eligible purchases

Earn 1.5X miles on all eligible purchases after you spend $150,000 in purchases on your Card in a year. If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply.

1.5x miles

Select Categories

Earn 1.5X miles on eligible U.S. shipping purchases

1.5x miles

Transit

Earn 1.5X miles on eligible transit purchases

3x miles

Delta Purchases

Earn 3x miles on eligible Delta purchases

Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 Bonus Miles after spending $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
0% Intro APR: None
Annual Fee: $650
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Lounge Network: Delta Sky Club + The Centurion Lounge Escape Lounge
Number of lounges accessed: 50 + 40 + 12
The drawback: A very limited number of lounges. You must spend $150,000 before being eligible for 1.5x points on general purchases.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	09/08/2021	750	Experian	$60,000
Approved	09/08/2021	750	TransUnion	$60,000
Approved	09/08/2021	765	Equifax	$60,000

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Are Airport Lounges Worth the Cost?

The answer depends on a) how frequently you travel and need airport lounges, and b) what other rewards and benefits you can earn from a credit card that provides unlimited airport lounge access.

Here’s why: airport lounge access is generally available only from premium credit cards. As you see in our list above, those cards come with an annual fee. The fee can range from less than $100 to as much as $1,000. Before you commit, you’ll want to be sure you can take advantage of all the benefits of having the card.

If you’re a frequent flier, airport lounge access can be a major part of that benefit. For example, if you fly 20 times per year and want to frequent an airport lounge each time – at $50 a pop – it’ll cost you $1,000 annually. But if you can get a credit card with a $595 annual fee and free lounge access, that benefit alone can more than cover the fee. Rewards points and other benefits will only tip the scale further in your direction.

Be sure to read the fine print in your card agreement regarding airport lounge access. For example, when you access an airport lounge that’s part of your credit card network, be sure to book your flight using the credit card. Some even require booking a flight with a specific airline. Fail in either direction, and the cost of the lounge may not be covered by your card.

How to Choose the Best Credit Card with Airport Lounge Access

Choosing the best credit card with airport lounge access can be like navigating a matrix.

To make the best choice for you, consider the following strategies:

Choose a card that can either be used with any airline or one with the airline you use most frequently. That’s where you’ll get the most bang for your buck.
The frequency with which you travel should more than offset the annual fee of the card.
Carefully evaluate the rewards the card provides, even if the lounge access benefit is sufficient to justify the annual fee. For example, consider any upfront bonus offered, ongoing rewards points or miles, and how and where those rewards can be redeemed.
Consider the transferability of rewards points or miles to airlines or hotels that you frequent.
Consider other card features that offer a real financial benefit, like collision car rental loss and damage insurance, Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credits, free baggage checks, and various travel credits.

Finally, make sure you qualify for the card you want. Since these are premium credit cards, you’ll need excellent credit as well as an income deemed sufficient for the spending levels typically associated with this kind of card.

FAQs

Which credit card offers access to the most lounges?

Based on our research, the three cards that offer access to the most lounges are The Platinum Card® from American Express, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Each will give you access to more than 1,400 lounges in over 100 countries around the world. That’s largely because all three cards provide access to multiple airport lounge networks.

Can you bring guests to an airport lounge?

It depends on the rules of your credit card and the lounge network. Some cards will only cover the cost of the cardholder at a lounge. Others will permit the cardholder and a guest, while still others will permit guests at a reduced fee.

The most generous arrangements will accommodate the cardholder and his or her immediate family members or a limited number of unrelated guests.

Is a credit card the best way to access airport lounges?

In most cases, yes. If the credit card offers airport lounge access as part of its overall benefits package, there’s no additional cost to you.

The alternative is to purchase access each time you want to use a lounge, which can cost $50 or more per visit. The other choice is to purchase a membership in a lounge network. But why do that if access can come with your credit card?

What are the best airport lounge networks?

The best network depends on your personal preferences. But the largest are Priority Pass and American Express Global Lounge Collection, and both rate highly on the quality scale.

Priority Pass offers complimentary drinks and refreshments, free Wi-Fi in most lounges, conference rooms for business meetings, and even spa treatments at certain locations.

American Express Global Lounge Collection includes several lounge networks, including Priority Pass. Exactly what you’ll enjoy will depend on the specific network.

Be sure to read the fine print on all airport lounge networks in your credit card agreement. The credit card may limit access to features commonly offered by that network.

How do I know if my credit card offers airport lounge access?

A credit card lists airport lounge access as a card benefit on its website or in its marketing materials. Or you can get one of the 16 credit cards we’ve reviewed above. All provide airport lounge access, with most extending to more than 1,000 locations in both the U.S. and abroad.

Final Thoughts

Credit cards with unlimited airport lounge access are designed for frequent travelers and often more specifically for travelers who prefer a particular airline or hotel chain. If you’re not a frequent traveler, this list of credit cards won’t be of much value due to the usually high annual fee. Instead, check out our list of best cash back credit cards to find one that rewards you for your everyday spending.

Otherwise, study the list of credit cards with unlimited airport lounge access above and find the one that best fits your travel patterns and preferences.