The best credit cards with lounge access offer benefits that include clean bathrooms and quiet places to rest during layovers. Some cards even include annual travel credits, partner discounts for Lyft and Instacart services and membership in global entry programs as perks.
Some credit cards offer lounge access as part of their annual fees, like Amex Platinum card; other airline or credit-card offerings may provide such access, such as American’s AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard and United’s MileagePlus Club card.
1. Amex Green Card
The Amex Green Card provides three times more points on dining and travel worldwide, such as ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, taxis, buses, subways and parking. In addition, this card also gives credit towards CLEAR Plus membership and LoungeBuddy airport lounge access.
If you can’t justify the ultra-luxe Platinum card but still want Amex perks, this may be your solution. But keep an eye out for the 5/24 rule; opening more than five Amex cards per lifetime may lead to you being barred from opening more. Also note that its rewards rate might not match up as strongly with some of its rivals.
2. American Express Platinum
American Express’ Platinum Card is one of the premier luxury travel cards. Offering generous credits and benefits that cover more than the $695 annual fee – such as its $300 travel credit and airport lounge access, among others – this card provides travelers with everything they need for a luxurious travel experience.
Maximizing the benefits of your credit card requires careful thought and consideration, since their value depends on your lifestyle and circumstances – for instance, statement credits for purchases from certain merchants may only be worth 1 cent per point.
3. HSBC Elite Credit Card
HSBC Elite Credit Card is a premium travel card offering competitive rewards, benefits and perks, but requires a substantial banking relationship and has an annual fee.
Cardholders earn 3 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining and 1 point on other spending, redeemable for statement credits, airfare reservations or hotel bookings.
This card provides access to LoungeKey lounges free of charge for both cardholder and one guest, plus other benefits such as $100 dual credits for airfare and ridesharing as well as comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
4. Citi Prestige
Although Citi Prestige may no longer be offered in all markets, it remains an impressive travel card with numerous benefits. A generous sign-up bonus and its points can easily be redeemed for airfare, hotels and other travel expenses.
The card’s most coveted perk is its fourth night free benefit, which can save travelers hundreds of dollars over time. Other useful perks include generous travel credits and reimbursement of application fees such as global entry or TSA PreCheck.
5. Delta SkyMiles Reserve
Delta SkyMiles Reserve serves as a premium card for Delta passengers, offering them benefits such as free first checked bag, lounge access and upgrades to First Class for free. In addition, it helps them achieve Medallion status more quickly through spending and bonus miles accumulation.
Its annual fee of $550 is offset by an attractive welcome offer and value-add perks such as a companion certificate for economy flights that could save hundreds. Unfortunately, there is only limited airport lounge availability with this card compared to general purpose travel cards.
6. United MileagePlus Club Credit Card
The United MileagePlus Club Infinite Card is an ideal card for frequent travelers of United and Star Alliance airlines who can leverage its benefits with enough flights accumulated to maximize its $525 annual fee and earn its advantages – earning 4 miles per dollar spent on airfare, 2 per dollar spent dining or other travel related expenses (such as eligible delivery services or eligible delivery services) or other types of expenses ( such as eligible delivery services or eligible delivery services) per dollar spent.
But if you prefer flying other airlines or would like more flexibility in earning rewards, a general travel card might be better suited.
7. Chase Sapphire Preferred
NerdWallet’s preferred travel credit card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred, offers great rewards points and amenities like trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay protection and primary auto rental coverage. Plus it boasts an easily offset annual fee of $95!
Spend $4,000 within three months of opening this card and you’ll earn 60,000 bonus points, which you can put to good use through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards travel portal or by transferring them to 14 airline and hotel partners.
8. Capital One Venture X
Capital One Venture X could be your ideal premium travel card with access to top-tier lounges. It comes equipped with an attractive welcome offer and anniversary bonus, plus numerous travel-centric perks that could come in handy on your journeys.
Capital One Travel offers $300 annual statement credits when booking through Capital One Travel and 10,000 bonus miles every card anniversary. In addition, up to four authorized users may be added at no cost with lounge access for all.
