Best Credit Cards For Airport Lounge Access in 2025

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Airport lounges offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling atmosphere of terminals, enhancing the travel experience for those who prioritize comfort. Many credit cards now provide lounge access as a sought-after benefit, catering to travelers who desire convenience and relaxation.

This guide explores the best credit cards for airport lounge access in 2025. It categorizes cards by their key features, helping travelers choose the ideal option based on their preferences and airline loyalty.

Best Credit Card for Airport Lounge Access

Airport lounges are a haven for frequent travelers, offering amenities such as complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and quiet spaces to unwind or work.

The right credit card can open doors to a wide range of lounges worldwide, from Priority Pass locations to airline-specific networks like Centurion Lounges or Delta Sky Clubs.

Sr. No.Card NameAnnual FeeRewards RateCredit Score RequiredIntroductory Offer

1	The Platinum Card® from American Express	$695	5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel	Excellent (720+)	80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in first 6 months
2	Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card	$95	5X on travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X on dining & streaming	Good-Excellent (670-850)	80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
3	Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®	$595	2X AAdvantage® miles on American Airlines purchases	Excellent (720+)	60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
4	Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card	$550	3X miles on Delta purchases	Excellent (720+)	50,000 AAdvantage® miles after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
5	United Club℠ Infinite Card	$525	4X miles on United purchases	Excellent (720+)	50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
6	United℠ Explorer Card	$0 intro for 1 year, then $95	2X miles on United, dining, and hotels	Good-Excellent (670-850)	50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in first 3 months

1. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Annual Fee: $695
Intro Offer: 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points
Rewards Rate: 1x-5x Points
Recommended Credit Score: 690-850 (Good to Excellent)

Key Features

The Platinum Card® from American Express is a top-tier option for travelers seeking luxury, rewards, and exclusive benefits. With its generous welcome bonus, high rewards rate for travel-related purchases, and a suite of premium perks, this card is designed to elevate every journey.

Rewards Breakdown

5x Points: Flights booked directly with airlines or via American Express Travel (up to $500,000 annually) and prepaid hotels through AmEx Travel.
1x Point: All other purchases.

This rewards system favors frequent flyers and hotel guests, ensuring that every travel expense maximizes the value of your Membership Rewards® Points.

Benefits and Perks

80,000 Membership Rewards® Points: Earn this welcome bonus by spending $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
Travel Credits:
- $200 annual hotel credit for Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection (two-night minimum).
- $200 annual airline fee credit for incidental charges with your selected airline.
- $200 annually, Uber Cash for rides or Uber Eats orders.
Global Lounge Access: Access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass lounges.
Digital Entertainment Credit: Up to $240 annually for subscriptions like Disney+, Hulu, and The New York Times.
CLEAR® Plus Membership Credit: Up to $199 back per year for faster airport security clearance.
TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Credit: Statement credit for application fees every 4 years.
Shop Saks with Platinum: Up to $100 annually in credits for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases.

These benefits provide substantial value, easily offsetting the annual fee for those who use them strategically.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Unparalleled lounge access, including the AmEx Centurion network.
High rewards rates for travel and premium hotel bookings.
Multiple annual credits for travel, dining, and entertainment.
Generous welcome bonus.

Cons:

The $695 annual fee is among the highest for mainstream cards.
Rewards are travel-centric, offering limited value for non-travel purchases.
Lacks airline-specific benefits like free checked bags or priority boarding.

Who Should Get This Card?

The Platinum Card® from American Express is perfect for high-spending travelers who prioritize comfort, convenience, and exclusive experiences.

With its extensive travel benefits, this card shines when paired with frequent trips and premium lifestyle purchases. However, casual spenders or those with limited travel needs might find the annual fee difficult to justify.

2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Annual Fee: $95
Intro Offer: 60,000 Bonus Points
Rewards Rate: 1x-5x Points
Recommended Credit Score: 690-850 (Good to Excellent)

Key Features

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a standout for its combination of affordability and robust travel rewards. With a competitive welcome bonus and flexible redemption options, it appeals to travelers looking for versatility and value without breaking the bank.

Rewards Breakdown

5x Points: Travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
3x Points: Dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart and Target), and select streaming services.
2x Points: Other travel purchases.
1x Point: All other purchases.
This rewards structure caters to travelers and everyday spenders alike, making it ideal for those who want a balance of earning potential across multiple categories.

Benefits and Perks

60,000 Bonus Points: Earn this welcome bonus by spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Travel Insurance: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and travel accident coverage.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Spend freely abroad without incurring additional charges.
Annual Hotel Credit: Enjoy a $50 statement credit on hotel stays booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Points Transfer: Transfer points 1:1 to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus® and World of Hyatt®.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Affordable $95 annual fee.
High earning potential in popular categories like dining and travel.
Flexible redemption options, including travel, cashback, and transfer partners.
Comprehensive travel protections.

Cons:

Lacks luxury perks like lounge access or premium credits.
Bonus categories are more limited than some higher-tier cards.

Who Should Get This Card?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a go-to for mid-level spenders and those new to travel rewards.

With its low annual fee, valuable points, and flexible redemption options, it’s a smart choice for travelers who want to maximize their spending without committing to a premium card.

3. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Annual Fee: $595
Intro Offer: 70,000 AAdvantage® Miles
Rewards Rate: 1x Miles
Recommended Credit Score: 690-850 (Good to Excellent)

Key Features

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is tailored for frequent American Airlines flyers seeking exclusive benefits and seamless travel experiences. With an Admirals Club® membership, loyalty rewards, and travel perks, this card enhances every journey with American Airlines.

Rewards Breakdown

1x Miles: Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
This card focuses on rewarding American Airlines loyalty while offering access to premium travel benefits.

Benefits and Perks

Introductory Bonus: 70,000 AAdvantage® Miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months.
Admirals Club® Membership: The cardholder receives free access and can bring two guests or immediate family members.
First Checked Bag Free: Applies to domestic American Airlines itineraries for the cardholder and up to 8 companions.
Priority Travel Benefits: Includes priority check-in, screening, and boarding.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® Credit: Statement credit for application fees.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.

These benefits make the card a strong choice for frequent American Airlines travelers, particularly those who value lounge access and loyalty rewards.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Authorized users and the cardholder receive Admirals Club® access.
Generous sign-up bonus.
Rewards contribute to AAdvantage® elite status.

Cons:

High annual fee of $595.
Limited rewards categories outside of American Airlines purchases.

Who Should Get This Card?

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is perfect for dedicated American Airlines flyers who prioritize comfort, loyalty benefits, and lounge access. However, Travelers who fly less often will struggle to offset the annual fee.

4. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Annual Fee: $650
Intro Offer: 70,000 SkyMiles
Rewards Rate: 1x-3x Miles
Recommended Credit Score: 690-850 (Good to Excellent)

Key Features

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is designed for premium Delta travelers. With complimentary lounge access, milestone bonuses, and loyalty boosts, this card ensures an exceptional Delta travel experience.

Rewards Breakdown

3x Miles: Delta purchases.
1x Miles: All other eligible purchases.
This structure favors Delta enthusiasts who frequently book flights and services.

Benefits and Perks

Welcome Bonus: Earn 70,000 SkyMiles after spending $5,000 in the first 6 months.
Delta Sky Club® Access: Complimentary visits with annual limits; unlimited access available for high spenders.
Companion Certificate: Annual round-trip domestic or select international flights after renewal.
Priority Boarding: Sky Priority boarding on Delta flights.
TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Credit: Application fee reimbursement.
Resy Dining Credit: Up to $240 annually for eligible dining.

The perks make this card ideal for travelers seeking premium Delta benefits and significant loyalty rewards.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Complimentary Delta Sky Club® and Centurion® Lounge access.
Annual Companion Certificate for eligible flights.
Significant travel and dining credits.

Cons:

High annual fee of $650.
Limited rewards outside Delta purchases.

Who Should Get This Card?

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is perfect for frequent Delta travelers who value lounge access, priority services, and loyalty rewards. Casual Delta flyers may prefer a lower-fee alternative.

5. United Club℠ Infinite Card

Annual Fee: $525
Intro Offer: 90,000 Miles
Rewards Rate: 1x-4x Miles
Recommended Credit Score: 720-850 (Excellent)

Key Features

United Airlines loyalists will benefit most from choosing the United Club℠ Infinite Card. With unlimited lounge access, high rewards rates, and comprehensive travel perks, this card ensures a seamless travel experience.

Rewards Breakdown

4x Miles: United purchases.
2x Miles: Travel and dining.
1x Miles: All other purchases.
This structure rewards frequent United Flyers with significant mileage earnings.

Benefits and Perks

Welcome Bonus: 90,000 miles after meeting spending requirements.
United Club℠ Membership: Unlimited access to United lounges.
First and Second Checked Bags Free: The cardholder and one companion receive their first two checked bags free.
Priority Travel Services: Includes Premier Access® privileges.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® Credit: Reimbursement for application fees.

The card delivers substantial value for those frequently traveling with United Airlines.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Unlimited United Club℠ access.
High rewards rates on United purchases.
Free checked bags for two passengers.

Cons:

High annual fee of $525.
Limited rewards on non-travel purchases.

Who Should Get This Card?

Frequent United Airlines flyers who want lounge access and premium travel benefits should choose the United Club℠ Infinite Card. Occasional United travelers may find it less beneficial.

6. United℠ Explorer Card

Annual Fee: $0, After First Year $95
Intro Offer: 60,000 Miles
Rewards Rate: 1x-2x Miles
Recommended Credit Score: 690-850 (Good to Excellent)

Key Features

The United℠ Explorer Card is a cost-effective option for occasional United travelers. With free checked bags, priority boarding, and a solid rewards structure, this card balances perks with affordability.

Rewards Breakdown

2x Miles: Dining, hotel stays, and United purchases.
1x Miles: All other purchases.
This structure provides versatile rewards for United enthusiasts.