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
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card	Priority Pass Select	1,300+	$95
Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card	Priority Pass Select	1,200+	$450
United Club(SM) Infinite Card	United Club + Star Alliance	45 + 1,000+	$525
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®	Admirals Club + partners lounges	50 + 60	$450
HSBC Elite Credit Card	LoungeKey	1,000+	$395
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card	Priority Pass Select	1,200+	$650
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card	Delta Sky Club + The Centurion Lounge	50 + 40	$550
Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®	Lufthansa Business Lounge	10	$89
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	$550

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, $200 hotel credit, $200 airline fee credit, and $200 in Uber Cash. The card also offers $100 Global Entry credit or $85 TSA PreCheck credit, car rental loss and damage insurance, cell phone protection, 24/7 Global Assist Hotline, travel protection, and the ability to transfer rewards points to airline and hotel partners.

Rewards:

• Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months.
• 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.

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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: 

• Signup Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• 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.

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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 up to $1,200 (1.5 cents each) when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. 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 50,000 bonus points per year.

Rewards: 

• Signup Bonus: Get 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• 0% Intro APR: None
• Annual Fee: $550, $75 per authorized user
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None
• Lounge Network: Priority Pass
• Number of lounges accessed: 1,300+
• The drawback: The rewards points calculation is a bit complicated since they’re only earned after spending $300 on travel annually.

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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Best for Occasional Hilton Hotel Visitors

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card offers a free night reward at a Hilton hotel after you spent $15,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year. The $95 annual fee is among the lowest of all the cards on this list. The card comes with car rental loss and damage insurance and a 24/7 Global Assist Hotline.

Rewards:

• Welcome Bonus: Earn 130,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months.
• 0% Intro APR: None
• Annual Fee: $95
• Foreign Transaction Fee: none
• Lounge Network: Priority Pass Select
• Number of lounges accessed: 1,200+
• The drawback: Rewards points are worth only about 0.6 cents, and hotel points are awarded only on stays at Hilton family hotels, otherwise 3x points will apply.

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Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card

Best for Frequent Hilton Hotel Visitors

Hilton Honors Aspire Credit 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.

Rewards:  

• Welcome Bonus: Get 150,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• 0% Intro APR: None
• Annual Fee: $450
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None
• Lounge Network: Priority Pass Select
• Number of lounges accessed: 1,200+
• The drawback: Similar to its Surpass cousin, 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.

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United Club(SM) Infinite Card

Best for Frequent United Airlines Flyers

United Club(SM) 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:  

• Signup Bonus: Get 80,000 bonus miles when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months.
• 0% Intro APR: None
• Annual Fee: $525
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None
• 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.

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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 about $800 and 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:

• Signup Bonus: Get 50,000 bonus miles when you spend $5,000 in the first  3 months.
• 0% Intro APR: None
• Annual Fee: $450
• Foreign Transaction Fee: none
• 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.

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HSBC Elite Credit Card

Best for Identity Fraud Expense Reimbursement

HSBC Elite Credit Card 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:

• Signup Bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• 0% Intro APR: None
• Annual Fee: $395
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None
• Lounge Network: LoungeKey
• Number of lounges accessed: 1,000+
• The drawback: Rewards Bonus Points must be redeemed through HSBC Travel.

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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. Also provides a $300 dining statement credit, up to $25 a month. Rewards points can be transferred to more than 40 airline partners.

Rewards:

• Welcome Bonus: Earn 95,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months.
• 0% Intro APR: None
• Annual Fee: $650
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None
• Lounge Network: Priority Pass Select
• Number of lounges accessed: 1,200+
• The drawback: The 6x points on hotels are limited to participating Marriott Bonvoy properties. High annual fee.

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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. Earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Points toward Medallion status after spending $30,000 in purchases per calendar year, up to four times. 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. Redeem rewards for travel with Delta, as well as more than 20 partner airlines.

Rewards:

• Welcome Bonus: Get 90,000 bonus points when you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months.
• 0% Intro APR: None
• Annual Fee: $550
• 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.

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Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®

Best for Frequent Lufthansa Flyers

Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® 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 a very low $89.

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:  

• Signup Bonus: Get 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days.
• 0% Intro APR: Get 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 15 months.
• Annual Fee: $89
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None
• 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.

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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:

• Signup Bonus: None
• 0% Intro APR: Get 0% on balance transfers for the first 15 months.
• Annual Fee: $495
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None
• 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.

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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:  

• Signup Bonus: None
• 0% Intro APR: Get 0% on balance transfers for the first 15 months.
• Annual Fee: $995
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None
• 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 rewards points in a hurry, and they have a high redemption value. Points are worth up to 2 cents each, which means the 120,000-point sign-up bonus could be worth as much as $2,400!

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, trip insurance, a $120 wireless phone credit, car rental loss and damage insurance, and 24/7 Premium Global Assist Hotline.

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, year-end summary, and cell phone and purchase protection.

Rewards:

• Welcome Bonus: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points when you spend $15,000 in the first 3 months.
• 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 spend to earn the bonus is on the high side.

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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. You can also earn an additional 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles after you spend $30,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year, up to four times per year.

The card also comes with main cabin 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, collision rental loss and damage insurance, as well as various trip insurance and purchase protection benefits.

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

Rewards:  

• Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer ends 3/29/23.
• 0% Intro APR: None
• Annual Fee: $550
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None
• Lounge Network: Delta Sky Club + The Centurion Lounge Escape Lounge
• Number of lounges accessed: 50 + 40 + 12
• The drawback: Very limited number of lounges. You must spend $150,000 before being eligible for 1.5x points on general purchases.

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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 Business Platinum Card from Amex. 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 15 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.