Top Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access in 2025

I. Introduction: Your Plastic Key to Pre-Flight Paradise

For many travelers, the airport experience can be a stressful prelude to the journey itself. However, a strategically chosen piece of plastic – the right credit card – can transform this experience, unlocking the doors to serene airport lounges. These havens offer a respite from crowded terminals, providing complimentary food and beverages, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and often much more. Indeed, leveraging credit card benefits is frequently the most cost-effective route to regular lounge access, especially for those who travel with some frequency.² One analysis suggests that obtaining Priority Pass Prestige, which offers unlimited visits, is often cheaper via a credit card than purchasing it directly, even before considering the card’s other perks.⁴ This post will highlight the top credit cards for airport lounge access in 2025, examining their affiliated lounge networks, annual fees, guest policies, and the overall travel value they provide. It is important to remember that credit card benefits, terms, and annual fees are subject to change, so verifying current details with the issuer is always recommended before applying.

II. Understanding Credit Card Lounge Access: How It Works

Credit cards provide lounge access through several primary mechanisms:

Direct Memberships: Certain airline co-branded credit cards offer a full, complimentary membership to that airline’s specific lounge network. A prime example is the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, which includes an Admirals Club membership.² Similarly, The New United Club℠ Card typically provides a United Club membership.²
Network Access Perks: A large number of premium travel rewards cards provide complimentary membership to independent lounge networks, most commonly Priority Pass Select.³ The “Select” designation is important, as these memberships, while often offering unlimited visits for the cardholder, may have different terms than Priority Pass memberships purchased directly. For instance, Priority Pass Select memberships obtained through U.S.-issued American Express cards typically exclude access to non-lounge airport experiences like restaurant credits.¹¹ Guest policies and the number of included visits can also vary depending on the specific card.
Access to Proprietary Lounges: Leading credit card issuers have invested in creating their own exclusive lounge networks. American Express leads this trend with its highly regarded Centurion Lounges.¹⁶ Capital One is expanding its Capital One Lounges ⁷¹, and Chase offers Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club.¹⁹ Access to these proprietary lounges is generally restricted to holders of the issuer’s specific premium credit cards.

III. Top Tier All-Rounders: Premium Travel Cards with Broad Lounge Access

These cards typically come with higher annual fees but offer the most extensive lounge access options and a suite of valuable travel credits and perks that can help offset the cost.

A. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Lounge Access: This card is widely considered to offer the most comprehensive lounge access globally.² It grants entry to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®, which includes:

Centurion Lounges: Unlimited complimentary access for the cardmember. These are Amex’s flagship lounges known for premium amenities.²⁰
Priority Pass Select: Unlimited visits for the cardmember and up to two guests are complimentary at participating Priority Pass lounges worldwide. Enrollment is required. Notably, this version typically excludes Priority Pass restaurant credits.²⁰
Delta Sky Clubs: Cardmembers receive 15 visits per Medallion Year (Feb 1 – Jan 31) when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. Unlimited Sky Club access can be unlocked if the cardmember spends $75,000 or more in eligible purchases on the card in a calendar year.¹⁷
Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner: Access for the cardmember and up to two guests.¹⁷
Plaza Premium Lounges: Access for the cardmember and up to two guests.¹⁷
Select Lufthansa Lounges: Access when flying Lufthansa Group airlines.¹⁷
Select Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses.²⁰

Annual Fee (2025): $695.¹⁶
Guest Policy:

Centurion Lounges: U.S. Platinum Card® Members are charged $50 per adult guest and $30 per child aged 2 through 17 (children under 2 are free with proof of age). However, cardmembers can unlock complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit after spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their card in a calendar year. This complimentary guest access, once earned, is effective for the remainder of that calendar year, the entire following calendar year, and through January 31 of the calendar year after that.²⁰
Priority Pass Select Lounges: Up to two guests are typically complimentary with the cardmember.²⁰
Delta Sky Clubs: With the standard 15-visit access, guests cost $50 per person per visit. After unlocking unlimited access via $75,000 spend, guest policies may still involve fees or the use of separately provided guest passes.¹⁷

Key Travel Perks: Includes up to $200 annual hotel credit (for Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with Amex Travel), up to $240 annual digital entertainment credit, up to $200 annual airline fee credit for incidentals, up to $200 in Uber Cash annually, a CLEAR® Plus credit, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit, and complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required for many benefits).¹⁶
Best For: Travelers who prioritize having the widest possible array of lounge options across different networks globally and who can maximize the card’s extensive statement credits and luxury travel benefits.

B. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Lounge Access:

Priority Pass Select: Complimentary membership providing unlimited visits for the cardmember and authorized users. Each cardmember/authorized user can bring up to two guests for free into participating Priority Pass lounges.²
Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club: Unlimited complimentary access for the cardmember and up to two guests to Chase’s own growing network of premium lounges.⁸⁰

Annual Fee (2025): $550 for the primary cardmember; $75 for each authorized user.¹⁶
Guest Policy: For both Priority Pass lounges and Chase Sapphire Lounges, cardmembers and their authorized users can each bring up to two guests free of charge.¹⁵
Key Travel Perks: A flexible $300 annual travel credit, 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when booked through Chase Travel (after the first $300 is spent on travel annually), 3x points on other travel and dining worldwide, points worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel, 1:1 point transfers to airline and hotel partners, Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS application fee credit, and comprehensive travel and purchase protections.⁴
Best For: Travelers who value a strong Priority Pass membership with generous guesting, access to the emerging Chase Sapphire Lounge network, and a straightforward annual travel credit coupled with robust travel rewards.

C. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Lounge Access:

Priority Pass Select: Unlimited complimentary visits for the primary cardholder and their authorized users. Unusually, this Priority Pass membership allows unlimited complimentary guests, a standout feature.²
Capital One Lounges: Unlimited complimentary access for the primary cardholder and their authorized users, plus complimentary entry for two guests per visit. Additional guests are $45 each.⁷¹
Capital One Landings: Unlimited complimentary access for the primary cardholder and their authorized users, plus complimentary entry for one guest per visit. Additional guests $45.⁷⁵
Plaza Premium Lounges: Access to select Plaza Premium lounges for the cardholder and up to two guests.²²

Annual Fee (2025): $395.⁴
Guest Policy: As noted above, unlimited guests for Priority Pass is a key differentiator. Capital One Lounges allow two free guests per eligible cardholder (primary or authorized user), and Capital One Landings allow one free guest.¹⁷
Key Travel Perks: $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary (worth $100 toward travel), Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit, complimentary Hertz President’s Circle® status (enrollment required), and the ability to add up to four authorized users for no additional annual fee, all of whom also receive their own Priority Pass Select membership and Capital One Lounge access.⁴
Best For: Families or travelers who frequently travel with multiple guests, due to its generous guest policies and no-fee authorized user benefits. The travel credits effectively reduce the annual fee, making it a high-value proposition. The ability for up to four authorized users to gain their own comprehensive lounge access for no extra cost is a significant advantage over other premium cards that often charge substantial fees for additional cardholders with lounge privileges.⁴

IV. Airline Co-Branded Cards: For the Loyalists

These cards are ideal for travelers who are loyal to a specific airline and want dedicated access to that airline’s lounge network.

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

Lounge Access: Provides a full Admirals Club® membership for the primary cardmember. This grants access to nearly 50 Admirals Club locations and over 60 partner lounges worldwide when flying on American Airlines or a Oneworld® partner airline.² Authorized users added to the account also receive Admirals Club access privileges.⁴³
Annual Fee (2025): $595.²
Guest Policy: The primary cardmember with Admirals Club membership can bring their immediate family (spouse or domestic partner and children under 18) OR up to two guests into the lounge. Authorized users also generally receive the same guest privileges.³⁹
Key Travel Perks: First checked bag free on domestic AA itineraries for the cardmember and up to eight companions on the same reservation, enhanced airport experience (priority check-in, screening, and boarding), Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit, earn AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points towards elite status. The card also offers statement credits for Lyft, Grubhub, and Avis® or Budget® car rentals.³⁵
Best For: Frequent flyers of American Airlines who highly value Admirals Club access for themselves and want to extend this benefit to authorized users at a reasonable cost.

B. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Lounge Access:

Delta Sky Clubs: Cardmembers receive 15 Visits per Medallion Year to Delta Sky Clubs when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. Unlimited Delta Sky Club access can be earned after spending $75,000 or more in eligible purchases on the card in a calendar year. This unlimited access, once earned, applies for the remainder of the current Medallion Year and the following Medallion Year.²
Centurion Lounges: Complimentary access when booking a Delta flight with the Reserve Card.²
Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner: Access when flying Delta.¹⁷

Annual Fee (2025): $650.¹⁶
Guest Policy:

Delta Sky Clubs: Cardmembers receive four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes annually. Once these are used, or for visits beyond the 15 complimentary entries (if unlimited access hasn’t been earned), guests can be brought in for $50 per person, per visit. This fee is $25 per person for Grab and Go locations.¹⁷
Centurion Lounges: Guest access typically costs $50 per adult, $30 per child (unless the $75k spend threshold for complimentary Centurion Lounge guest access on a Platinum card is met, which may or may not cross-apply here – T&Cs should be checked).¹⁰⁰

Key Travel Perks: Annual Companion Certificate (domestic first class, Comfort+, or main cabin round-trip, taxes/fees apply), first checked bag free on Delta flights, Zone 5 Priority Boarding, MQD Headstart ($2,500 MQDs per year) and MQD Boost (earn $1 MQD per $10 spent) to help achieve Medallion status, statement credits for Resy, rideshares, and Delta Stays (enrollment required for some).¹⁷
Best For: Loyal Delta flyers who aim for Medallion status and want regular Sky Club access, along with Centurion Lounge access when flying Delta. The recent shift to a limited number of Sky Club visits (effective Feb 1, 2025) unless a high spending threshold is met makes the $75,000 spend for unlimited access a critical factor for very frequent lounge users.¹⁷ This change was a direct response to lounge overcrowding and significantly alters the card’s value proposition for those who previously enjoyed unlimited access without the spend requirement.⁴⁵

C. The New United Club℠ Card

Lounge Access: Includes a full United Club℠ membership for the primary cardmember, granting access to all United Club locations worldwide (45+) and participating Star Alliance™ affiliated lounges when flying United or a Star Alliance partner.²
Annual Fee (2025): $695.¹⁶
Guest Policy: Primary cardmembers can typically bring one adult guest and their dependent children under 18 into United Clubs.² Cardmembers can achieve “United Club All Access Membership” by reaching Premier Gold status or spending $50,000 on the card in a calendar year; this enhanced membership allows two adult guests (or one adult and dependent children) and access to Star Alliance partner lounges.⁵⁶
Key Travel Perks: Free first and second checked bags for the cardmember and one companion on United flights, Premier Access® travel services (priority check-in, security, boarding, baggage handling), Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS fee credit, earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) towards MileagePlus® status, and various annual statement credits (e.g., for rideshares, Instacart, JSX, United Hotels, Avis/Budget).¹⁷
Best For: Frequent United Airlines travelers who want comprehensive United Club access worldwide, along with a suite of premium travel benefits and perks that enhance the United flying experience.

V. “Lounge Lite” Options: Getting a Taste Without the Hefty Fee

For travelers who desire occasional lounge access without committing to a high annual fee, these cards offer a limited number of visits or access to specific networks.

A. The New United℠ Explorer Card

Lounge Access: Provides two one-time United Club℠ passes each year after account anniversary.² As of May 1, 2025, these passes have a 3-hour access limit before scheduled departure (unless connecting), cannot be used at United Club Fly locations, and must be redeemed by the primary cardholder, an authorized user, or guests accompanied by them.¹⁰⁷
Annual Fee (2025): $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.²
Guest Policy (for passes): Each pass is for one person. A guest would require their own pass or would need to pay the standard entry fee if the lounge permits.¹⁰⁷
Key Travel Perks: First checked bag free on United flights for the cardmember and one companion on the same reservation, priority boarding, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit, 25% back on United inflight purchases. The card has also been enhanced with new benefits like up to $60 in rideshare credits annually, a 10,000-mile award flight discount, and $100 in United Travel Credits.¹⁶
Best For: Occasional United Airlines flyers who would appreciate a couple of lounge visits per year and other valuable United travel benefits without a high ongoing annual fee.

B. U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

Lounge Access: Comes with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership that provides four free visits per membership year to the Priority Pass network of over 1,600 lounges and experiences worldwide.² (Note: The personal version of this card has a $0 annual fee.⁹¹ The business version has a $0 intro annual fee, then $95, but also offers 4 Priority Pass visits ⁹²).
Annual Fee (2025 – Personal Card): $0.⁶
Guest Policy: The terms mention access “with their accompanying guests” ¹⁰⁸, but it’s crucial to check the card’s Guide to Benefits to determine if guests count towards the four free visits or if they incur a separate fee.
Key Travel Perks: Up to $100 statement credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry application fee (this may not cover the full cost of Global Entry, which is typically $120).⁹¹
Best For: Travelers looking for a credit card with no annual fee that still offers a handful of airport lounge visits per year through Priority Pass.

C. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Lounge Access: Includes a Priority Pass™ Select membership, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges for the cardmember and up to two guests at no additional charge (enrollment required).⁹³
Annual Fee (2025): $650.⁹⁶
Guest Policy: Up to two guests are complimentary with the cardmember at participating Priority Pass Select lounges.⁹⁵
Key Travel Perks: Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, an annual Free Night Award (worth up to 85,000 points) after card renewal month, up to $300 in statement credits for eligible dining purchases at restaurants worldwide (up to $25 per month), an Earned Choice Award benefit upon reaching $60,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year, up to $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis when booking direct using a special rate for a 2+ night stay, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit.⁹³
Best For: Marriott loyalists who desire robust hotel benefits like elite status and free nights, and also want comprehensive Priority Pass lounge access with a generous guest policy.

VI. Table: Top Credit Cards for Lounge Access in 2025

The following table summarizes key features of the discussed credit cards, allowing for easier comparison:

Card Name	Annual Fee	Lounge Network(s) Accessed	Primary Cardholder Access	Guest Policy (Typical)	Key Travel Credit/Perk
The Platinum Card® from American Express	$695	Amex Global Lounge Collection (Centurion, Priority Pass Select, Delta Sky Club, Escape, Plaza Premium, Lufthansa, etc.) ¹⁸	Unlimited (Delta Sky Club 15 visits/yr unless $75k spend)	Centurion: $50/guest (2 free if $75k spend); PP: 2 free; Delta: $50/guest (or use 4 annual guest passes) ²⁰	$200 Hotel, $240 Digital Entertainment, $200 Airline Fee, $200 Uber Cash, CLEAR Plus credits ¹⁶
Chase Sapphire Reserve®	$550	Priority Pass Select, Chase Sapphire Lounges ¹⁹	Unlimited	2 free guests per cardmember/AU for PP & Sapphire Lounges ¹⁹	$300 Annual Travel Credit, 50% more value on travel redemption via Chase ⁸⁶
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card	$395	Priority Pass Select, Capital One Lounges & Landings, Plaza Premium ⁷⁴	Unlimited	PP: Unlimited guests; Cap One Lounges: 2 free guests; Landings: 1 free guest ⁷⁴	$300 Annual Travel Credit, 10,000 Anniversary Bonus Miles, No-fee AUs with lounge access ⁷⁵
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MC®	$595	Admirals Club, select partner lounges ⁸⁷	Full Admirals Club Membership	Immediate family or 2 guests; AUs also get access & guest privileges ⁸⁷	First checked bag free, Priority benefits on AA, Loyalty Point bonuses, various statement credits ⁸⁷
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex Card	$650	Delta Sky Club, Centurion Lounges (flying Delta), Escape Lounges (flying Delta) ¹⁷	Delta Sky Club: 15 visits/yr (unlimited if $75k spend)	Delta Sky Club: 4 guest passes/yr, then $50/guest; Centurion: $50/guest ⁴⁹	Annual Companion Certificate, MQD Headstart & Boost, Resy/Rideshare/Delta Stays credits ¹⁰⁰
The New United Club℠ Card	$695	United Club, participating Star Alliance lounges ⁵⁶	Full United Club Membership	1 adult guest + dependent children (2 adult guests if All Access achieved) ⁵⁶	Free 1st & 2nd checked bags, Premier Access, PQP earning, various partner credits ¹⁰³
The New United℠ Explorer Card	$0 intro, then $150	United Club (via passes) ⁵⁷	2 one-time passes/year	Passes are per person ¹⁰⁷	Free first checked bag, Priority boarding, rideshare/travel credits ⁵⁷
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature®	$0	Priority Pass Select ⁹¹	4 free visits/year	Check Guide to Benefits (guests may count towards free visits or incur fees) ¹⁰⁸	Up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit ⁹¹
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Amex Card	$650	Priority Pass Select ⁹³	Unlimited visits	2 free guests ⁹⁵	Platinum Elite status, Annual Free Night Award (85K), $300 Dining credit ⁹³

VII. Choosing the Right Card for You: Key Considerations

Selecting the ideal credit card for airport lounge access is a personal decision that hinges on several factors:

Home Airport and Typical Destinations: The most crucial factor is whether a card’s affiliated lounge network has a strong presence at your home airport and the airports you frequently travel to or through. A card offering access to Centurion Lounges, for example, is highly valuable if you often fly through airports with these facilities, but less so if your routes don’t align with their locations.
Travel Frequency: The higher the annual fee of a card, the more frequently you generally need to travel (and use the lounge access and other benefits) to justify the cost. Occasional travelers might find better value in a lower-fee card with a few lounge passes or a no-fee card offering some visits.
Guest Needs: Consider how often you travel with companions. Cards like the Capital One Venture X, with its generous guest policy for Priority Pass and no-fee authorized users who also get full lounge benefits, are excellent for families or those who often travel with colleagues or friends.¹⁷ Other cards may charge for guests or offer limited guest passes.
Value of Other Perks: Airport lounge access is just one benefit. Evaluate the card’s entire suite of perks, including annual travel credits, bonus points on spending, airline fee credits, hotel elite status, and travel insurance. Often, these additional benefits can substantially offset the annual fee, making the lounge access feel like an even better deal.⁴ For instance, the $300 travel credit on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Capital One Venture X effectively lowers their net annual cost.⁴
Annual Fee Tolerance: Determine what you are comfortable paying for a credit card annually. While premium cards offer extensive benefits, their fees can be substantial. Ensure the perceived value aligns with the cost.

VIII. Conclusion: Fly Smarter, Not Harder

Credit cards have democratized airport lounge access, transforming it from an exclusive perk for a select few into an attainable benefit for many savvy travelers. By carefully assessing your travel habits, preferred airlines and destinations, and the overall value proposition of each card, you can select a credit card that not only opens the door to pre-flight comfort but also enhances your entire travel experience with valuable rewards and protections. Remember to always review the most current terms, benefits, and fees directly with the card issuer before making an application, as these details can evolve. With the right card in your wallet, you can indeed fly smarter,not harder, enjoying an oasis of calm amidst the airport bustle.