Imagine walking into the airport, breezing past the crowded gates, and stepping into a private oasis where comfort and luxury await you. Airport lounges offer an exclusive escape from the hustle and bustle of terminals, providing a space where you can relax, enjoy gourmet food, and sip on premium drinks before your flight. But access to these lounges does not have to be reserved for frequent flyers or first-class travelers. With the right credit card in your wallet, you can unlock these VIP experiences on every trip, making your travel journey as enjoyable as the destination itself. Discover how the best credit cards can transform your airport experience, offering you a taste of luxury that starts long before you board the plane.

Before You Apply: Know Your Credit Score

If you are new to travel rewards and credit in general, it is a good idea to check your credit score before applying for a credit or charge card. That way, you will be able to apply for travel rewards cards which align with both your credit score and your travel goals.

Credit. Time. Credit Score Chart.

Credit Scores are shown numerically and range from 300 (Poor) to 850 (Excellent / Perfect). While there are a number of credit agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and credit scores (FICO and VantageScore), generally, scores above 750 are considered excellent*. While some agencies charge for a credit report, there are a number of “free” options as well:

• Personal Bank
• Credit Karma
• Annual Credit Report

Related: Credit Scores 101: Everything You Need to Know

The Best Credit Cards For Airport Lounge Access

Here is a quick overview of the best travel credit cards for airport lounge access, which includes a summary of card details, reward rates, benefits, and more.

Even though the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of the newest premium travel rewards cards, it quickly became one of the most popular. The popularity stems from the easy earning structure of 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, an easy to use $300 annual credit (when booking through Capital One Travel), and numerous other benefits (including access to the extremely popular Capital One Lounges). In addition, cardholders have the option to get reimbursed for travel purchases with Capital One Miles or utilize one of the many transfer partner options.

Credit. The Points Guy. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Annual Fee: $395
• APR: 19.99% – 29.99% Variable
• Recommended Credit: 740-850 (Excellent)*

Reward Rates

• 10x Miles on Hotels and Rental Cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5x Miles on Flights and Vacation Rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x Miles on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

• $300 back in credit annually (only applicable for bookings made through Capital One Travel portal)
• 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the most popular and valuable premium travel rewards cards. Despite the high annual fee of $695, the Platinum Card® from American Express offers incredible overall value through various benefits (i.e. hotel status and lounge access), extensive credits up to $1,500 (i.e. hotel, airline, and others), and a high earning opportunity on flight purchases. In addition, cardholders, can redeem American Express Membership Rewards points through the American Express Travel portal or transfer the points to one of the many American Express transfer partners.

Credit. The Points Guy. The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Annual Fee: $695
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
• See Rates And Fees

Reward Rates

• 5x on Flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on purchases per calendar year)
• 5x on Prepaid Hotels booked with American Express Travel
• 1x on All Other Purchases

Other Benefits

• Up to $200 Hotel credit (prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel) – requires a minimum two night stay
• Up to $240 Digital Entertainment credit ($20 per month on Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM (ending May 8th, 2024), and The Wall Street Journal)
• Up to $155 Walmart+ credit ($12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership) – Plus up benefits are not eligible
• Up to $200 Airline Fee credit (select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees)
• Up to $200 Uber Cash
  • You must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Platinum Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account. The Amex benefit may only be used in United States.
• Up to $300 Equinox credit (on an Equinox membership or an Equinox club membership)
• Up to $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit
• Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit
• Up to $100 Saks Firth Avenue credit
• Complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott
• Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges, Plaza Premium lounges and Delta Sky Clubs

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best premium travel rewards cards on the market. The value of the card comes from the ability to earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, a generous travel credit, and a host of other impressive benefits (i.e. lounge access and travel protection). In addition, cardholders can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 1.50 cents when booking travel through the Chase Travel portal or transfer the points to one of the many airline and hotel transfer partners. 

 

Credit. The Points Guy. Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Annual Fee: $550
• APR: 22.49% – 29.49% Variable
• Recommended Credit: 740-850 (Excellent)*

Reward Rates

• 10x on Hotels and Car Rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠
• 5x on Flights when you purchase through Chase Travel℠
• 3x on Other Travel and Dining
• 1x on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

• Get 50% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance, and lost luggage insurance

American Express® Green Card

The American Express® Green Card is one of the most underrated mid-tier travel rewards cards on the market. The card offers incredible value through the CLEAR® Plus and LoungeBuddy credits, which more than offset the modest annual fee. The American Express® Green Card offers even more value though high earning opportunities on key travel-related categories (including restaurants worldwide). In addition, cardholders, can redeem American Express Membership Rewards points through the American Express Travel portal or transfer the points to one of the many American Express transfer partners.

Credit. The Points Guy. American Express® Green Card.

Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Annual Fee: $150
• APR: 21.24% – 29.24% Variable
• Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
• See Rates And Fees

Reward Rates

• 3x at Restaurants (including take out and delivery in the United States)
• 3x on Flights
• 3x on Hotels
• 3x on Car Rentals
• 3x on Other Travel (i.e. cruises, tours, campgrounds, vacation rentals, etc)
• 3x on Transit (i.e. trains, taxis, ride shares, ferries, tolls, parking, etc)
• 1x on All Other Purchases

Other Benefits

• Up to $189 CLEAR® Plus credit
• Up to $100 LoungeBuddy credit
• Provides extended warranty and purchase protection when you purchase eligible items with your card