Best Credit Cards With Lounge Access of March 2022 (Ranked!)

Traveling is a great way to experience new places and cultures. And if you’re lucky enough, you might even get free lounge access with your credit card. Read on to learn the most common credit cards that provide airport lounge access and how to use them.

An airport lounge is a necessary place where you can have a break from the hustle and bustle of the airport.

From complimentary food and beverages, relaxing sofas, or free internet access – there are many perks to be had in an airport lounge! But not all credit cards offer this kind of perk.

In this article, we’ll teach you about some of the best credit cards that provide airport lounge access as well as how to use them.

What are airport lounges?

Airport lounges are a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of an airport.

From complimentary food and beverages to relaxing sofas, or free internet access, there’s plenty to enjoy at an airport lounge! In order to get into the lounge though, you need a ticket. And that can be expensive.

Fortunately for you, some credit cards offer complimentary or discounted access to their airport lounges. This is a great benefit if you travel often and want a break from airports.

We’ll help you find out which credit cards will provide this perk and how to use them.

Why airport lounges are great?

Airport lounges are a great way to escape the chaos of the airport. They provide many amenities for travelers, such as complimentary food and beverages, comfortable seating, and free internet access. But not all credit cards include this benefit.

Airlines like United and American Airlines offer their own branded lounges at airports across the country where you can enjoy complimentary food and drinks along with premium services like flight changes and flight delays.

You can also find other brands like Priority Pass or Lounge Pass that offer memberships that allow you to use their network of over 1,000 lounges worldwide for $27 per person per year.

If you want to take advantage of this perk, be sure to get a card with lounge access so you don’t miss out on these luxuries when traveling!

Different Types of Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access

There are many different types of credit cards available for consumers to choose from. These different types of cards offer a variety of benefits that can be helpful or even lifesaving if you ever find yourself in an emergency.

When traveling, it is especially useful to have access to the services offered by one’s credit card company.

For instance, many credit cards provide access to airport lounges and private security lines, allowing you to kick back and relax before your flight.

Here are some of the types of credit cards that offer airport lounge access.

Credit cards for those who travel often

Those who find themselves flying frequently or even those who take a few business trips throughout the year can benefit from a card with airport lounge benefits. For instance, American Express Platinum and Centurion Lounge cards provide access to over 1,000 lounges around the world.

With these cards, you can gain access to airport lounges for free and also receive discounted rates on their food and drinks.

At some locations, you may even have the opportunity to shower or take a nap in order to feel refreshed just before your flight.

First Class International Flights

For those who are able to fly first class, you may also receive access to airport lounges as part of your ticket. For instance, Etihad Airways has partnered with American Express and other credit cards to provide lounge access to Emirates’ Diamond and Platinum customers.

With this type of card, you will also receive priority check-in and boarding at the airport.

Business credit cards

For those who travel for business, the benefits of having airport lounge access are even greater. For instance, when traveling on business, it is extremely important to arrive at the airport feeling refreshed and relaxed so that you can give your best performance when meeting with clients or negotiating deals.

With cards like The Business Platinum® Card from American Express OPEN, business owners can gain access to hundreds of lounges and enjoy benefits such as complimentary drinks and snacks.

Getting Airport Lounge Access with Your Credit Card

There are many types of credit cards on the market, but only some allow access to lounges at airports. What credit cards provide airport lounge access?

These can be very useful for people who often travel by plane or just want an easier time in the airport.

No Annual Fee Credit Cards with Lounge Access

The feature of airport lounge access is included in many no annual fee credit cards. These cards do not charge a yearly amount to customers but still provide other great benefits.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

This card comes with airport lounge access as well as other perks such as car rental discounts and hotel status. Also included are features like travel insurance, emergency assistance services, and travel credits.

The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express

This card offers many features at no cost to the user including airport lounge access. This is great for users who do not want to pay a yearly fee but still receive many other benefits.

For more information please visit here.

The Club CarlsonSM Premier Rewards Visa Signature® Card

This card offers airport lounge access and a free night at any Club Carlson hotel each year upon renewal of the account. It also offers other perks such as earning points on travel and dining expenses.

Other Great Benefits of No Annual Fee Credit Cards

No annual fee credit cards offer other great benefits such as price protection, extended warranties, and other great features. You can find out more about other great benefits of no annual fee credit cards at USAA’s website.

The Price Protection

This feature allows the user to receive a reimbursement for the price difference if they are charged a higher price on an item they recently purchased with their credit card. For example, you see an expensive purse at A Designer Outlet store and buy it with your credit card.

Two weeks later you see the same purse at a Designer Retail store for half of the price and want to return it to get your money back.

With this feature, you will receive an automatic refund for the difference between what you paid and what they currently sell the purse for without having to do anything.

The Extended Warranty

This feature offers an additional one-year warranty to the original owner of the product purchased with your credit card, extending it for up to an extra two years past its expiration date.

This means if you use your credit card to buy a digital camera and it breaks after only 6 months because of a malfunction, you can have it replaced with the 2 year warranty period applied.

Using the Lounge Access Feature on your Credit Card

Airport Lounge Access comes from a variety of Credit Card companies. Some cards have the opportunity to get you into lounges around the world, while others offer a few select choices that vary depending on your location.

If you’re looking for a way to pass the time during a long layover, check with your credit card company to see if they have a lounge access feature – along with the purchase of a day pass or annual fee, you could get free food and drinks to make your wait time more comfortable.

See Related: Private Label vs Co Branded Credit Cards: What Is The Difference?

Purchasing Day Passes for Airport Lounges

A great way to save money if you need a place to relax in an airport is by purchasing a day pass. Depending on the lounge, you may have to pay an entrance fee or an annual fee.

Day Passes typically run around $50 – $70 USD depending on whether it’s a member of the Lounge Club. A great feature of day passes is that they’re good for multiple people at your party.

Which credit cards provide airport lounge access and how to use them

Credit cards that provide airport lounge access are a great way to have a break from the airport. But not all credit cards offer this kind of perk, so it’s important to check with your card’s issuer to see if you qualify.

Some common credit cards that do offer airport lounge access include American Express Platinum Card, Citi Executive AAdvantage World Elite MasterCard, and Visa Signature Black Card.

But before you start using your credit card for airport lounge access, you should call the number on the back of your card and verify that it does in fact provide this benefit. You also need to make sure that the airport where you’re going offers a lounge-access program!

The specific details about how to use your particular credit card will vary depending on whether or not it provides airport lounge access. But in general, when you arrive at a participating airport, visit a designated counter and inform them that you want to use your credit card for lounge access.

They’ll then swipe your card through an automated kiosk and print out a voucher for one day of complimentary entrance into the airport’s VIP terminal.

Once inside, simply present your voucher at any available entrance and enjoy!

Amex Platinum

The Amex Platinum card is a popular choice when it comes to airport lounge access. It benefits from being partnered with Priority Pass, which is a global network of over 1,200 lounges across the world in more than 100 countries. So you can enjoy a relaxing break from your travels in many different airports!

The important thing to remember about the Amex Platinum card is that it offers two types of lounge access.

You’ll get complimentary access to waitlists at their Centurion Lounges and International American Express Lounges as well as one guest. Alternatively, you can pay for a membership at certain lounges through Priority Pass.

This is great if you want to access an exclusive lounge without waiting on the waitlist or you simply want to have unlimited access!

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the most popular credit cards that provide airport lounge access. If you’re a frequent traveler, Chase’s airport lounge access can be worth it for you.

With Chase Sapphire Preferred, cardholders are eligible to visit Priority Pass™ Select lounge locations based on where they travel.

This means that if you fly internationally or if you have domestic flights in your ticket itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to use Priority Pass Select lounges. It doesn’t matter whether your flight departs from an international terminal or not – as long as it’s in your itinerary, then you’re eligible to take advantage of Priority Pass Select lounges.

See Related: Do You Need a Good Credit Score for the Chase Sapphire Reserve?

Citi Prestige

The Citi Prestige card is one of the most popular airport lounge access credit cards around. This card offers complimentary access to over 1,000 VIP airport lounges in nearly 200 countries and territories. You can use this card for you and up to two traveling companions.

Additionally, the Citi Prestige Card is also a reward credit card so if you’re a frequent traveler it might be a good idea to get this one!

American Express Business Gold Card

The American Express Business Gold Card is one of the best cards and best credit cards with lounge access in airports. With this card, you’ll have access to over 1,000 lounges in over 700 cities around the world.

But how do you use your Amex Business Gold Card?

If you are a cardholder with Amex Business Gold Cards, then first head to amex.com/lounge where you’ll be able to find all of the information you need to get into lounges.

You can check out locations, hours, and review the different amenities offered at each location before booking your lounge space online or through the mobile app. And if you don’t see your preferred lounge on the list – don’t worry!

Just call 1-800-223-2670 and let them know which lounge you would like to visit.

See Related: How to Earn Miles Without a Credit Card

General Tips for Airport Lounge

An airport lounge closes at the same time as the airport terminal. Opening hours are only extended to accommodate flights that might be delayed or arrivals that might be early. So check both the opening hours of the airport and the lounge, don’t make your reservation too tight!

Airlines often let you enter lounges for free if you are flying with them. Be sure to check the airline’s website for more details.

Not all lounges are located in airports, some of them can be found within hotels and sometimes even onboard a ship. Do your research! But keep in mind that you might pay additional fees for entering these areas and there might not be any free shuttle going to the airport.

Need a Ride?

In some cases, the lounge will have a shuttle going back and forth between it and the airport. The price of this ride is not included in your lounge access fee.

In other cases there might be free shuttles as well as paid ones, so make sure you find out about this important detail before committing to a specific lounge.

Another option is to book a ride back home before you even leave the airport. Just make sure you read all the fine prints of any deal, some providers might charge extra for airport pickups (with others it’s included), so do your research.

See Related: Free Travel and Credit Card Spreadsheet Template

Final Words

If you’re a frequent traveler, you know how much time and money can be saved by getting access to airport lounges. Airport lounges are a great place to relax before your long flight or take a break from the hustle and bustle of the terminal.

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