Gaining access to airport lounges can significantly enhance your travel experience, offering a comfortable and relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of busy terminals. Credit cards with lounge access perks provide a convenient way to enjoy amenities like complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating, making travel more enjoyable and productive. This guide delves into the best credit cards in the USA that offer lounge access in 2024, helping you choose the card that best suits your travel needs and preferences.
Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access: A Comprehensive Comparison
| Credit Card | Lounge Access Program | Key Benefits (Beyond Lounge Access) |
|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | The Global Lounge Collection® (Priority Pass Select, Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs [when flying Delta], Plaza Premium Lounges) | 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel; 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com; access to Fine Hotels + Resorts; valuable travel insurance benefits; up to $200 airline fee credit; up to $200 hotel credit; up to $240 digital entertainment credit. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Priority Pass Select | 3x points on travel and dining worldwide; $300 annual travel credit; Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit; primary rental car insurance; excellent travel insurance benefits; access to Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection. |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass Select | 2x miles on all purchases; 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel; $300 annual travel credit; Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit. |
| United Club Infinite Card | United Club lounges (when flying United), Priority Pass Select | 4x miles on United purchases; 2x miles on dining and all other travel; free first checked bag; priority boarding; Premier Access travel services. |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Priority Pass Select | Access to Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta); 3x miles on Delta purchases; 1x mile on all other purchases; first checked bag free; priority boarding. |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | Admirals Club membership, Priority Pass Select | Access to Admirals Club lounges; first checked bag free; enhanced airport experience; 2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases. |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Priority Pass Select | Earn 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3x points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines; $300 statement credit at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels; automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status. |
| Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | Priority Pass Select | Earn 14x points at participating Hilton hotels; complimentary Hilton Diamond status; $250 Hilton resort credit; weekend night reward; $200 flight credit. |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card | Priority Pass Select | 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center; 3x points on eligible travel and mobile wallet purchases; $325 annual travel credit. |
Detailed Explanations
The Platinum Card® from American Express: This card is renowned for its premium travel benefits, including access to the Global Lounge Collection®. This collection encompasses a wide range of lounges, including American Express's own Centurion Lounges (known for their high quality and exclusivity), Priority Pass Select lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Plaza Premium Lounges. The card also offers substantial rewards for travel purchases and access to Fine Hotels + Resorts, making it a top choice for frequent travelers seeking luxury and convenience.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: The Sapphire Reserve offers a valuable Priority Pass Select membership, providing access to a large network of lounges worldwide. It also earns 3x points on travel and dining, offers a $300 annual travel credit, and provides excellent travel insurance benefits. The card's flexibility and comprehensive benefits make it a popular choice for travelers seeking premium rewards and travel perks.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: This card provides access to Capital One Lounges (currently a smaller network but growing) and a Priority Pass Select membership. The Venture X stands out with its simpler rewards structure (2x miles on all purchases) and generous travel credits, making it a compelling option for those who want premium travel perks without complex spending categories.
United Club Infinite Card: This card provides access to United Club lounges when flying United, as well as a Priority Pass Select membership. It's tailored for frequent United flyers, offering benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and bonus miles on United purchases.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: This card grants access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta and includes a Priority Pass Select membership. It's geared towards Delta loyalists, offering benefits such as bonus miles on Delta purchases, first checked bag free, and priority boarding.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: This card provides an Admirals Club membership, granting access to American Airlines Admirals Club lounges, and a Priority Pass Select membership. It's ideal for frequent American Airlines flyers, offering benefits like free checked bags and bonus miles on American Airlines purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: While not directly focused on airline lounges, the Priority Pass Select membership included with this card provides access to a wide range of airport lounges. The card also offers significant benefits for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists, including bonus points at Marriott hotels, automatic Platinum Elite status, and a statement credit at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Similar to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, the Hilton Honors Aspire card includes a Priority Pass Select membership. It also offers exceptional benefits for Hilton Honors members, including complimentary Diamond status, a resort credit, and bonus points at Hilton hotels.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card: This card offers a Priority Pass Select membership and earns bonus points on travel purchases and mobile wallet spending. The $325 annual travel credit helps offset the annual fee, making it a valuable option for frequent travelers.
Lounge Access Program Details:
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The Global Lounge Collection® (American Express): This is arguably the most comprehensive lounge access program. It includes:
- Centurion Lounges: American Express's own lounges are known for their high quality, complimentary food and drinks, and comfortable amenities. Access is exclusive to Platinum Card and Centurion members.
- Priority Pass Select: A network of over 1,300 lounges worldwide. Membership is typically obtained through a credit card.
- Delta Sky Clubs: Access is granted when flying Delta Air Lines on the same-day ticket.
- Plaza Premium Lounges: Another network of lounges offering a variety of amenities.
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Priority Pass Select: A membership program that provides access to a vast network of airport lounges globally. While the lounges vary in quality, they generally offer a more comfortable and relaxing environment than the main terminal. Note that some Priority Pass Select memberships obtained through credit cards may exclude access to restaurants.
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Capital One Lounges: A newer lounge network, Capital One Lounges are designed to offer a premium experience with high-quality food and drinks, comfortable seating, and workspaces. The network is still relatively small but expanding.
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United Club Lounges: Lounges operated by United Airlines, offering amenities like complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. Access is typically granted to United Club members, Star Alliance Gold members, and passengers traveling in premium cabins.
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Delta Sky Clubs: Lounges operated by Delta Air Lines, offering similar amenities to United Clubs. Access is typically granted to Delta Sky Club members, SkyTeam Elite Plus members, and passengers traveling in premium cabins.
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Admirals Club Lounges: Lounges operated by American Airlines, offering amenities like complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. Access is typically granted to Admirals Club members, oneworld Alliance Emerald and Sapphire members, and passengers traveling in premium cabins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card has the best overall lounge access?
The Platinum Card® from American Express generally offers the best overall lounge access due to its access to the Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Plaza Premium Lounges.
Does the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer lounge access?
Yes, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides a Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide.
How do I activate my Priority Pass Select membership?
Typically, you'll need to register your Priority Pass Select membership online using the card information provided by your credit card issuer. Instructions are usually included with your credit card welcome kit.
Can I bring guests into airport lounges with my credit card?
Guest policies vary by card and lounge program. Some cards offer complimentary guest access, while others charge a per-guest fee. Check the specific terms and conditions of your credit card and lounge program.
Are airport lounges worth the annual fee of a credit card?
This depends on your travel frequency and spending habits. If you travel often and value the comfort and amenities of airport lounges, a credit card with lounge access can be well worth the annual fee, especially when considering the other travel benefits offered.
What is the difference between Priority Pass and Priority Pass Select?
Priority Pass is a direct membership program, while Priority Pass Select is a membership provided as a benefit through a credit card or other program. The benefits are generally the same, but some Priority Pass Select memberships may have limitations, such as excluding access to restaurants.
Do all Priority Pass lounges offer complimentary food and drinks?
Most Priority Pass lounges offer complimentary food and drinks, but the quality and selection can vary. Some lounges may offer premium food and drinks for an additional fee.
Can I use my lounge access even if I'm not flying?
Generally, you need to be traveling on a same-day flight to access airport lounges. Some lounges may require a boarding pass to enter.
Which credit card has the lowest annual fee with lounge access?
The Capital One Venture X often has a lower annual fee compared to the Platinum Card and Sapphire Reserve while still offering lounge access, making it a good value option. However, the specific "lowest" fee can change, so it's important to check current offers.
Are there any restrictions on lounge access with these credit cards?
Yes, restrictions apply. For example, Delta Sky Club access with the Amex Platinum and Delta Reserve cards is only available when flying Delta. Priority Pass Select memberships may exclude certain lounges or have guest limitations. Always review the terms and conditions.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for lounge access depends on your individual travel habits, airline preferences, and spending patterns. The Platinum Card® from American Express offers the most comprehensive lounge access, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card provide excellent value and flexibility. Consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting the card that will elevate your travel experience.