The Best Airport Lounge Cards

Credit Card

November 13, 2024•8 min read

Here are my top airport lounge credit cards that I recommend. Surprisingly there are huge hidden perks that makes them a card I always carry in my travel portfolio.

Why the AMEX Platinum Card is the Best Lounge Card

The Platinum Card ® from American Express offers a variety of valuable perks, but its standout feature is unparalleled airport lounge access.

In this post, we'll explore everything you need to know about accessing lounges with the US-issued version of the Amex Platinum.

There’s no other card that offers such comprehensive access to airport lounges, making it a traveler's dream come true.

The Offer

The Amex Platinum Card is like a golden ticket for travel lovers. When you get this card and spend $8,000 in the first six months of card membership, you can earn a whopping 80,000 Membership Rewards points! This is a significant bonus that can be redeemed for travel, shopping, dining, and more. However, be ready to pay for this luxury, as the card comes with a hefty $695 annual fee. Despite the cost, the benefits often outweigh the fee for frequent travelers.

See Rates and Fees

Centurion Lounge: The Gold Standard

Imagine walking into an airport lounge that feels like a VIP section at a concert. That’s the Centurion Lounge for you! These lounges are super fancy, with delicious gourmet food, top-shelf drinks, and even spa services at some locations. You can find them at major airports like JFK, LAX, and Hong Kong.

Plus, they even have a lounge at LA'sCrypto.comArena for Lakers, Clippers, and Kings games.

And guess what? You can bring two friends with you at no additional cost! The ambiance and amenities make it a perfect spot to relax before the game.

The Global Lounge Collection

The Amex Platinum Card gives you access to over 1,400 lounges in 140 countries! This means no matter where you travel, you’re covered. You can chill in Delta Sky Club lounges if you're flying Delta (up to 10 times a year starting February 1, 2025) and use the Priority Pass Select to access a vast network of lounges worldwide.

There are also Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, and Lufthansa lounges you can enjoy. This extensive network ensures that you have a comfortable place to relax no matter where your travels take you.

Is it Worth It?

The card has a $695 annual fee, but don’t worry, it comes with tons of credits that can help you save money:

• Up to$200 Airline Credit:This can cover things like bag fees, seat selection, and in-flight purchases.

• Up to$200 Hotel Credit:Use this credit for fancy hotel bookings through the AMEX Fine Hotels + Resorts Program.

• Up to$200 Uber Cash:You get monthly Uber Eats and rides credits, making it easier to get around or enjoy a meal.

• Up to$100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit:Split into two $50 credits you can use throughout the year for shopping sprees.

• Up to $155 Walmart+ Credit:Covers a Walmart+ membership for free shipping and more.

• Up to $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit:For faster security checks at airports, getting you through lines quicker.

Disclosure: Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. 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. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.

The Verdict: Unmatched Lounge Access

The AMEX Platinum Card offers the best lounge access you can find. It's perfect for travelers who love luxury and comfort. The extensive lounge network and additional travel credits make it a must-have for frequent flyers looking to enhance their travel experience.

Capital One Venture X vs. Venture X Business

Since its launch in 2021, theCapital One Venture XRewards Credit Card has become very popular thanks to its great perks and reasonable annual fee. In 2023, theCapital One Venture XBusinesscame out with many of the same benefits, and it costs the same $395 per year. Let’s compare these two cards to help you decide which one is better for you. These are two sister cards that have similar perks but are tailored to different needs.

Annual Fee

Both theCapital One Venture XRewards Credit Card andCapital One Venture XBusinesscards have a $395 annual fee, which is significantly lower than the Amex Platinum, making them more accessible for many users.

Welcome Bonus

With theCapital One Venture XRewards Credit Card, you can earn 75,000 bonus miles if you spend $4,000 in the first three months, worth about $1,388 based on TPG Valuation.

TheCapital One Venture XBusinessoffers a massive 150,000 bonus miles if you spend $30,000 in the first three months from account opening, worth about $2,775 based on TPG valuation.

The substantial welcome bonuses make both cards attractive options, depending on your spending capacity.

Earning Miles

Both cards let you earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. This makes it easy to accumulate miles quickly for your next adventure.

Benefits

Both cards offer $300 in annual credits for bookings made through Capital One Travel, 10,000 bonus miles every year on your account anniversary, complimentary lounge access for you and two guests at Capital One lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and Plaza Premium lounges, and up to $100 in statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years. You also get access to fancy hotels in Capital One's Premier and Lifestyle Collections.

Differences

TheCapital One Venture XRewards Credit Card gives extra perks like lounge access for authorized users, Hertz President's Circle status for better car rentals, and cellphone protection. The Venture X Business card doesn’t provide lounge access for authorized users but does include access to Priority Pass restaurants at airports.

Which Card Should You Choose?

If you can spend $30,000 quickly, theCapital One Venture XBusinesscard is a great choice for its larger welcome bonus. If you want your friends or family to enjoy the same travel perks as you, the Venture X card is better. Both cards offer fantastic benefits, but the right choice depends on your spending habits and who you travel with.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Your Ultimate Travel Buddy

If you want to travel like a pro and get the most bang for your buck, let me introduce you to a game-changer: theChase Sapphire Reserve®.

Whether you're planning an epic family vacation or just daydreaming about future getaways, this card is packed with awesome benefits that will make your journeys unforgettable.

Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is Awesome

Think of this card as your magical travel companion. You can earn points super fast with 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel ℠, and 5x points on air travel. Spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening, and you’ll get 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points, worth $900 when you book through Chase Travel.

Stuck in a noisy airport? No worries! With this card, you can relax in special Priority Pass lounges with free snacks, comfy seats, and a peaceful escape. Plus, Chase has its own Sapphire Lounges in Austin, Boston, and LaGuardia and recently in Phoenix (Terminal 4). There will be more coming soon San Diego (opening Dec 6) Philadelphia (Early 2025), Las Vegas (mid 2025) and LAX (TBD).

Benefits

Each year, you get an easy-to-use $300 travel credit to spend on travel, like flights, hotels, and even public transportation. This helps offset the card’s $550 annual fee. If you love ordering food, you get a year of free DashPass from DoorDash (membership must be activated by 12/31/2024), meaning no delivery fees and a $5 credit every month (through 12/31/2024). You also get 15% off car rides with Lyft and earn 10 points per dollar on Lyft rides(through 3/2025).

Is it Worth It?

The $550 annual fee might seem high, but with the $300 travel credit, the effective cost is reduced to $250. The lounge access and extra perks make traveling so much more enjoyable. If you don’t travel often, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great alternative with a lower annual fee but still offers awesome travel rewards.

TheChase Sapphire Reserve®is perfect for young adventurers who love to explore. With amazing point-earning potential, lounge access, and extra perks, it’s a fantastic card to have. The welcome offer of 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months is a great start to your travel dreams.

So, if you’re ready to see the world, theChase Sapphire Reserve®is your ultimate travel buddy! Pack your bags and get ready to explore with theChase Sapphire Reserve®!

Disclosure:The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

All information about Chase Sapphire Preferred® has been collected independently by BensBigDeal. Chase Sapphire Preferred® is no longer available through BensBigDeal.