Introduction
Premium credit cards offer travel benefits, internet access, and exclusive access to airport lounges, making them an ideal choice for frequent travellers seeking airport lounge access.
Before purchasing a lounge membership or day pass, it is essential to review the selection of credit cards and their value for complimentary lounge access – this blog will do just that.
6 Top Personal Cards for Complimentary Lounge Access
Personal consumer credit cards provide lounge access benefits, but comparing them solely based on fees can be challenging. Higher annual fees may offer additional benefits beyond the fee, making it essential to investigate the card’s overall situation.
- Amex Platinum Card (Best for Worldwide Lounge Access, Premium Benefits & Perks) – Amex Platinum is the perfect choice for travellers seeking exceptional benefits in airport lounges, including access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide. The card offers exclusive privileges like Uber Cash, CLEAR Plus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Marriott Bonvoy Gold, and Hilton Honours Gold elite status, as well as purchasing safeguards like trip postponement insurance and travel insurance.
- Capital One Venture X Card (Best for Priority Pass & Capital One Lounges) – With Priority Pass and Capital One Lounge access, as well as up to 4 free authorised user cards, the Capital One Venture X card is a remarkable choice. It allows cardholders to swiftly accrue miles as it earns 10x points on hotels, 5x points on flights, and 2x miles on all purchases. Additionally, the card offers a $300 yearly travel credit, 10,000 bonus miles, credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and free Hertz Gold Plus President’s Circle status.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve Card (Best for Priority Pass Lounges & Restaurants) – The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers high-end travel rewards with Priority Pass and Club access to airport lounges. It offers 10x points on lodging, dining, and vehicle rentals, 5x points on airfare, and 3x points on dining and travel-related expenditures. The card includes a $300 yearly travel credit, perks from partnerships with Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart+, and flexible redemption choices.
- Hilton Surpass Card (Best for 10 Priority Pass Day Passes) – Hilton Gold Elite status offers 80% bonus points, room upgrades, daily food and drink credit, and a late checkout option. The card earns 12x points on Hilton stays, 6x points at U.S. supermarkets, petrol stations and eateries, and 3x points on all other purchases. Hilton Surpass provides free entry to Priority Pass lounges in the USA, giving airport lounge access sans a yearly charge.
- Hilton Aspire Card (Best for Priority Pass) – The Hilton Aspire card provides devoted Hilton loyalists with free elite Hilton Diamond status and full Priority Pass lounge access. It offers 14x points on expenditures made at Hilton, 7x points on specific travel and dining in the United States, and 3x points on all other transactions. It also includes a Hilton Resort statement credit, a yearly airline charge credit, and a complimentary weekend night award valid at any Hilton hotel globally.
- United Club Infinite Card (Best for United Club) – IHG recommends carrying a United Club Infinite card for frequent United travellers, offering benefits like free checked bags, United Club membership, and Premier Upgrades on award tickets. Additional perks include increased award availability, a 10% discount on Economy Saver awards, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit, free IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, and Premier Qualifying Points for United status advancement.
3 Top Business Cards for Complimentary Lounge Access
Despite the limited alternatives, business cards provide attractive options for admission to airport lounges. Top choices include:
- Amex Business Platinum Card (Best for Global Lounge Access, Premium Benefits & Perks) – Business owners may access 1,400+ airport lounges, and receive yearly credits for airline incidentals, CLEAR Plus, Dell, Indeed, Adobe, and cellular phone services with the Amex Business Platinum card. Along with free hotel elite status (at Marriott and Hilton), it also offers a 35% Pay With Points airline incentive.
- Delta Reserve Business Card (Best for Delta Sky Club, Centurion Lounge & Escape Lounge) – In order to access the Delta Sky Club, the Amex Centurion Lounge, receive 15% off Delta Award Tickets, receive a companion certificate, receive upgrades, and check luggage, one must have the Delta Reserve Business card.
- Hilton Business Amex Card (Best for 10 Priority Pass Day Passes) – Upon spending $15,000 in one calendar year, the Hilton Business Amex card gives complimentary Hilton Gold elite membership, 12x points on Hilton stays, and a Free Weekend Night Reward. Additionally, after registering, it offers 10 gratis Priority Pass trips annually.
Top 5 credit cards with lounge access for authorized users
Travel companions and authorised users may gain free lounge access as a great reward, offering travel advantages and an opportunity to develop lasting relationships. For a price, certain cards provide authorised users with lounge access. See Below –
Credit Cards With Discounted Lounge Access
Priority Pass and Lounge Club credit cards, for example, may provide gratis memberships for up to $100 in yearly statement credits. For instance, holders of the American Express Green Card are entitled to up to three lounge entries annually. Earning 3x points at restaurants, making eligible travel expenditures, and receiving $189 in statement credits annually towards a CLEAR Plus membership are additional bonuses.
Real Value of Airport Lounge Access
The airport lounge entrance doesn’t require a premium credit card; instead, a day pass or premium membership is needed. Some lounges like PS LAX do not accept cards. Appended membership fee breakdown shows roughly how much lounge access you can get with premium cards.
Choose a premium credit card for frequent traveller purchases to get extra perks including welcome bonus offers, rewards, and travel protections, as well as free lounge access.
Conclusion
Premium credit cards are a smart solution for frequent travellers because they provide worthwhile lounge access advantages. When acquiring a lounge access membership abroad, it is crucial to take the entire package of advantages, including lounge access, into account.