The Most Popular Credit Cards with the Best Airport Lounge Access Benefits

 For frequent travelers, airport lounge access is one of the most coveted perks provided by premium credit cards. Lounges offer a quiet, comfortable environment away from the hustle and bustle of crowded terminals, providing amenities such as free Wi-Fi, refreshments, comfortable seating, and often even showers and sleeping pods. Many credit card companies recognize the importance of these benefits and have partnered with major lounge networks, offering their cardholders access to a global selection of lounges.

If you’re a frequent flyer and want to enjoy the luxury and comfort of airport lounges, here’s a guide to the most popular credit cards that offer the best airport lounge access benefits.

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1. The Platinum Card® from American Express

One of the most renowned credit cards for frequent travelers, The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium card that offers extensive airport lounge access. Known for its impressive travel benefits, this card is ideal for those who value comfort while traveling.

Lounge Access Benefits:

• Centurion Lounges: Exclusive to American Express cardholders, Centurion Lounges are high-end lounges located in major airports across the U.S. and select international destinations.

• Priority Pass™: Automatic membership, providing access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide.

• Delta Sky Clubs: Access when flying with Delta Airlines.

• Access to Airspace and Plaza Premium Lounges: Enjoy access to these lounges with the Platinum Card.

Other Key Benefits:

• $200 in airline fee credits annually.

• 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel.

• Exclusive offers for luxury travel experiences, such as hotel upgrades and elite status with various hotel loyalty programs.

Annual Fee: $695

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2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best travel credit cards for frequent flyers and offers impressive airport lounge access. In addition to providing significant travel rewards, it also opens the door to a range of luxury lounges.

Lounge Access Benefits:

• Priority Pass™: Complimentary membership with access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including those in domestic and international airports.

• Lounge Access through Priority Pass: You can also access restaurants in select airports through the Priority Pass program.

Other Key Benefits:

• 3x points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit, 3x points on dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

• $300 annual travel credit.

• Travel and purchase protection benefits, including trip cancellation insurance and primary car rental insurance.

Annual Fee: $550

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3. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® is designed for business owners who travel frequently and provides exclusive benefits related to business travel, including exceptional airport lounge access.

Lounge Access Benefits:

• Centurion Lounges: Complimentary access for both you and up to two guests at Centurion Lounges worldwide.

• Priority Pass™: Complimentary membership to Priority Pass, granting access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide.

• Delta Sky Clubs: Access when flying with Delta Airlines.

• Lounge Access via Airspace: Access to Airspace and Plaza Premium Lounges, with the option to bring a guest.

Other Key Benefits:

• 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel.

• 1.5x points on purchases over $5,000 (on eligible purchases).

• $200 in annual airline fee credits.

Annual Fee: $695

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4. Citi Prestige® Card

The Citi Prestige® Card is a fantastic card for frequent travelers, offering both high rewards on travel-related expenses and premium airport lounge access.

Lounge Access Benefits:

• Priority Pass™: Access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide with the included Priority Pass membership.

• Access to exclusive lounges: Gain access to airport lounges regardless of your airline or class of travel.

Other Key Benefits:

• 5x points on air travel and dining at restaurants.

• 3x points on hotels and cruise lines.

• $250 annual travel credit.

• Comprehensive travel protection benefits including trip cancellation and interruption protection, as well as coverage for lost baggage.

Annual Fee: $495

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5. Capital One® Venture Rewards Credit Card

While the Capital One® Venture Rewards Credit Card is known for its simple rewards structure, it also offers a solid airport lounge access benefit, making it a great option for travelers looking for straightforward perks.

Lounge Access Benefits:

• Priority Pass™: Complimentary membership, giving you access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. You can also bring two guests at no additional charge.

Other Key Benefits:

• 2x miles on every purchase.

• 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit.

Annual Fee: $95

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6. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a more affordable option than the Reserve card but still provides excellent rewards and airport lounge access through its partner network.

Lounge Access Benefits:

• Priority Pass™: Complimentary membership, which grants you access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide.

Other Key Benefits:

• 2x points on travel and dining.

• 1x point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

• 25% more value when you redeem points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Annual Fee: $95

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7. United Club℠ Infinite Card

For travelers who are loyal to United Airlines, the United Club℠ Infinite Card offers one of the best lounge access benefits. This card is specifically designed for United Airlines flyers but also provides benefits for those who travel frequently with other carriers.

Lounge Access Benefits:

• United Club®: Complimentary access to United Club lounges worldwide. The cardholder receives full access to United’s airport lounges, including those in international airports.

• Priority Pass™: Access to more than 1,000 lounges globally, in addition to United’s Club lounges.

Other Key Benefits:

• 4x miles on United purchases.

• 2x miles on dining and all other travel.

• Access to Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits.

Annual Fee: $525

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8. Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express

Although the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express is primarily focused on hotel rewards, it also provides exceptional airport lounge access benefits, especially for luxury travelers.

Lounge Access Benefits:

• Priority Pass™: Complimentary membership with access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. You can bring up to two guests per visit.

• Access to Hilton's premium lounges at certain airports.

Other Key Benefits:

• 14x points on Hilton purchases.

• 7x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

• $250 Hilton resort credit and free weekend night award after account renewal.

Annual Fee: $450

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9. The Platinum Card® from American Express for Schwab

If you are a Schwab investor, the Platinum Card® from American Express for Schwab offers similar benefits to the regular Platinum Card but with added perks for those who have a Schwab account.

Lounge Access Benefits:

• Priority Pass™: Access to over 1,300 airport lounges globally, including access to some exclusive locations.

Other Key Benefits:

• 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels.

• $200 airline fee credit and exclusive travel concierge services.

• Access to Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs.

Annual Fee: $695

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Conclusion

Airport lounge access is one of the most desirable benefits for frequent travelers, and many premium credit cards offer it as part of their travel perks. The cards mentioned in this list provide some of the best airport lounge access benefits available today, each offering access to a wide range of lounges worldwide, including those in prestigious networks like Priority Pass and Centurion Lounges.

While the annual fees for these cards can be high, the benefits — especially the lounge access — make them an excellent option for travelers who value comfort and convenience during their journeys. Depending on your travel needs, loyalty to specific airlines, and the value you place on lounge access, you can select the best card that suits your travel lifestyle and maximizes your airport lounge experiences.