6 Best Credit Cards With Lounge Access [April 2026]

Travel credit card benefits often go beyond the points and miles you can earn. Many credit cards offer additional perks that may be highly appealing to frequent travelers, especially complimentary airport lounge access.

Credit cards with lounge access are often premium travel cards and co-branded airline credit cards. They generally also offer perks such as TSA PreCheck, additional travel statement credits, free checked bags, complimentary elite status, and more. It's important to consider benefits beyond airport lounge access when deciding if these cards' often steep annual fees are worth it.

Compare credit cards for airport lounge access

Credit Card	Rewards Rate	Welcome Bonus	Intro APR	Regular APR	Annual Fee	Continue
2026 AWARD WINNER Best Travel Card Revamp Apply Now American Express Platinum Card® 4.9 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products. Apply Now on American Express's secure website See rates and fees	1X - 5X 5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases points	As high as 175,000 As high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $12,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 6 months (welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer; apply and find out your offer) Points	Balance Transfer: N/A, N/A Purchases: N/A, N/A	See Pay Over Time APR	$895	Apply Now on American Express's secure website See rates and fees Recommended Credit Good to Excellent
2026 AWARD WINNER Best Premium Travel Card Apply Now Chase Sapphire Reserve® 5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products. Apply Now on Chase's secure website Rates and fees	1X - 8X Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠ (including The Edit℠), 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct, 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases Points	125,000 bonus points Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening	Balance Transfer: N/A, N/A Purchases: N/A, N/A	19.49% - 27.99% Variable	$795	Apply Now on Chase's secure website Rates and fees Recommended Credit FinanceBuzz credit ranges are a variation of FICO®️ scores, one of many types of credit score lenders may use when considering your credit card application. Excellent (740 - 850)
Apply Now Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® 4.8 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products. Apply Now on Citi's secure website Rates and fees	1X - 10X 10X miles on hotels booked through aadvantagehotels.com and eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars, 4X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases (after spending $150,000 per calendar year this increases to 5X for the remainder of the calendar year), and 1X miles for every $1 spent on other purchases Miles	70,000 Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $7,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. Miles	Balance Transfer: N/A, N/A Purchases: N/A, N/A	19.49% to 29.49% (Variable)	$595	Apply Now on Citi's secure website Rates and fees Recommended Credit FinanceBuzz credit ranges are a variation of FICO®️ scores, one of many types of credit score lenders may use when considering your credit card application. Good to Excellent (670 - 850)

American Express Platinum Card^®

2026 AWARD WINNER Best Travel Card Revamp

American Express Platinum Card^®

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4.9

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Apply Now

on American Express's secure website

See rates and fees | Terms Apply

Welcome Bonus

As high as 175,000 As high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $12,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 6 months (welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer; apply and find out your offer)

Points

Rewards Rate

1X - 5X 5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases

points

Annual Fee

$895

Why We Like It

• Exclusive travel perks like access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection and elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors (enrollment required).

• Hundreds of dollars in annual credits (enrollment required for select benefits) that could help you offset the annual fee.

Apply Now

on American Express's secure website

Recommended Credit

Good to Excellent

Card Details

Card Details

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 01/2026.
• $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
• $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
• $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Apply Now

on American Express's secure website

See rates and fees | Terms Apply

With the American Express Platinum Card^®, you get airport lounge access with several brands included in the American Express Global Lounge Collection (for eligible Card Members), including the prestigious Amex Centurion Lounge.

Amex partner lounges include Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa lounges, Plaza Premium, and Escape Lounges. Cardholders can also enroll in Priority Pass Select to access more than 1,300 lounges worldwide.

The type of amenities cardmembers can enjoy depends on the lounge network. However, you get access at participating brands, and some lounges will let you bring in guests free of charge. You typically have to show a valid same-day boarding pass to enter the lounge — you must be flying Delta and Lufthansa to access those airlines' lounges, for example — and some programs may require enrollment.

In addition to airport lounge access, as a luxury travel rewards card, the American Express Platinum Card^® offers several other valuable perks. This includes competitive rates and benefits at certain hotels as well as upgraded status in hotel loyalty programs, such as Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. There are savings and upgrades with the Cruise Privileges Program and rental car rewards status with Hertz. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Apply now | Read more in our American Express Platinum Card^® review 

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

2026 AWARD WINNER Best Premium Travel Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Apply Now

on Chase's secure website

Rates and fees

Welcome Bonus

125,000 bonus points Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Rewards Rate

1X - 8X Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠ (including The Edit℠), 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct, 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases

Points

Annual Fee

$795

Why We Like It

• Premium perks like up to $300 in annual travel credits, complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, and comprehensive travel protections

• Impressive welcome offer valued at at least $1,250 when redeemed via Chase Travel℠

• Ability to transfer points to popular travel partners, including United, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue loyalty programs

Apply Now

on Chase's secure website

Recommended Credit FinanceBuzz credit ranges are a variation of FICO®️ scores, one of many types of credit score lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent (740 - 850)

Card Details

Card Details

• Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

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on Chase's secure website

Rates and fees

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you get access to Chase's luxe line of lounges. As of this writing, Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations include Boston, New York - JFK, New York - LGA, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, and Hong Kong, with additional locations slated for future openings in Dallas, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.

You also get unlimited access to Priority Pass Select lounges all over the world. Cardholders who opened their accounts June 23, 2025, and after do not need to activate Priority Pass Select membership to take advantage of this perk. Cardholders who opened their accounts prior to that date must request activation.

You can bring up to two guests for no additional charge; additional guests cost $27 per person.

The Sapphire Reserve also comes with other perks, including an application fee statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, special car rental privileges, and a $300 annual travel credit. Plus, you get up to 2x more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠.

Cardholders also get up to $25 in monthly credits to the delivery service DoorDash through December 31, 2027 ($5 monthly promo on restaurant orders and two $10 monthly promos on non-restaurant orders) and at least a year of complimentary membership to the app's DashPass program when you activate by December 31, 2027. This complimentary DashPass subscription waives delivery fees on eligible orders of $12 or more

Apply now | Read more in our Chase Sapphire Reserve review

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Like the American Express Platinum Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Capital One Venture X offers access to participating Priority Pass™ lounges. You can also visit Capital One lounges, though there are only a handful. This brings the total to over 1,300. Airport lounge access is unlimited for you, and you can bring up to two guests per visit for most.

The Venture X competes with the Sapphire Reserve. But it has a much lower annual fee of $395 and offers fewer travel statement credits, along with a very different set of transfer partners. Check out how Capital One, Chase, and American Express transfer partners compare.

Capital One Venture X lounge access is generous, and you might pick it over other luxury travel cards if you prefer Capital One's travel partners and portal.

Read more in our Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^®

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^®

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4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Apply Now

on Citi's secure website

Rates and fees

Welcome Bonus

70,000 Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $7,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

Miles

Rewards Rate

1X - 10X 10X miles on hotels booked through aadvantagehotels.com and eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars, 4X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases (after spending $150,000 per calendar year this increases to 5X for the remainder of the calendar year), and 1X miles for every $1 spent on other purchases

Miles

Annual Fee

$595

Why We Like It

• The Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^® is great for travelers who prefer to fly with American Airlines.

• Cardholders will enjoy their first checked bag free, up to $120 reimbursement for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck application fees, and access to Admirals Clubs.

• Earn 10X miles on hotels booked through aadvantagehotels.com and eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars, 4X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases (after spending $150,000 per calendar year this increases to 5X for the remainder of the calendar year), and 1X miles for every $1 spent on other purchases.

Apply Now

on Citi's secure website

Recommended Credit FinanceBuzz credit ranges are a variation of FICO®️ scores, one of many types of credit score lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent (670 - 850)

Card Details

Card Details

• Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $7,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
• Admirals Club® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
• Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation

Apply Now

on Citi's secure website

Rates and fees

With the Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^®(Rates and fees), you get Admirals Club membership, which comes with airport lounge access at more than 50 locations worldwide. Your authorized users get access as well. You can get amenities like snacks and, in certain locations, access to drinks and made-to-order specialties. Some lounges even have shower suites.

Immediate family members can be guests at no additional charge, as long as you're with them. Depending on the airport, you might be able to access partner lounges, such as Alaska Lounge, with your membership.

In addition to the Admirals Club membership, the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard also comes with your first bag checked free, credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, priority boarding privileges, and 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights.

Read more in our Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard review

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

With the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, you'll receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.

Plus, you'll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year. After that, you can bring up to two guests at a time, but they'll need to pay a fee.

While relaxing in the lounge, you can also enjoy food choices and complimentary drinks in some locations. Free Wi-Fi is available, and you can get help with your flight information at the club. There are more than 50 Delta Sky Club locations, and you can also access partner lounges in airports all over the world.

In addition to airport lounge access, this credit card comes with additional perks. You get your first checked bag free and priority boarding, along with an inflight discount. You can also earn miles faster by spending on Delta purchases.

Read more in our Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card review

United Club℠ Card

Cardholders get standard United Club membership, which includes access to 45 plus United Club locations around the globe.

If you reach Gold status in United's loyalty program or spend $50,000 on the card in the course of a calendar year, your United Club membership will be upgraded to the All Access tier, which gets you additional access to participating Star Alliance partner lounges.

With the United Club℠ Card, you can earn 11x total miles on eligible United flights and 5x miles on other eligible United® purchases.

This co-branded airline credit card also offers unique United travel benefits, including complimentary first and second checked bags. For any individual who purchases United airfares often or is interested in making an airline switch, this card can provide you with a lot of value.

Explore more benefits at our United Club℠ Card review

FAQs

Bottom line

Many of these cards come with high annual fees. However, access to airport lounges can be a very valuable benefit, especially if you travel a lot and like the idea of a place to relax between flights.

Carefully consider the types of travel perks you value and the experiences you want to have. Many of the best travel credit cards offer perks on top of airport lounge access, and when you add them all up, they can be valuable enough that paying an annual fee is worth it.

Luxury Travel Benefits

American Express Platinum Card^®

4.9

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

American Express Platinum Card^®

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See rates and fees | Terms Apply

Current Offer

As high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $12,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 6 months (welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer; apply and find out your offer)

Annual Fee

$895

Rewards Rate

5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Enjoy hundreds of dollars in annual credits on select purchases (enrollment required for select benefits)
• Gain access to exclusive airport lounges worldwide (enrollment required)
• Elevate your hotel stays with elite status perks (enrollment required)
• Earn valuable Membership Rewards points on flights and hotels

Drawbacks

• Comes with a hefty $895 annual fee
• Some credits are challenging to use

Card Details

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 01/2026.
• $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
• $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
• $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.