Credit cards with lounge access provide many amenities to enhance the travel experience, such as quiet places to unwind and complimentary meals and drinks. Some cards provide complimentary access for cardholders and their guests while others may impose annual fees.
NerdWallet recommends premium credit cards that give cardholders access to lounge networks such as Priority Pass; such as The Platinum Card from American Express which not only grants membership in Priority Pass but also access to its own exclusive airport lounges as well as those within Priority Pass’ network.
1. American Express Platinum
As its name implies, this premium travel card boasts numerous luxurious perks. From complimentary elite status in several hotel and car rental programs to airline lounge memberships and travel credits galore – this card easily offers value that exceeds its $695 annual fee.
American Express Platinum Card has one of the most generous welcome offers in the industry. New cardholders can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 within six months, and these points could be worth between 0.5 cent and 2 cents depending on how you redeem and transfer them.
However, to maximize its benefits you must travel frequently; otherwise its luxurious amenities may be difficult to justify. Furthermore, being a charge card means it doesn’t offer the flexibility that credit cards do in terms of rolling over balances between billing cycles – this may make budget-minded cardholders wary of using The Platinum Card from American Express.
2. Delta SkyMiles Reserve
If you’re an avid Delta Air Lines passenger looking for airline lounge access, this card can deliver substantial advantages – including free first checked bag, priority boarding and an annual companion certificate (taxes and fees not included). Though its annual fee may be high, other premium travel cards could potentially offer more value.
SkyMiles Reserve stands out from other Delta credit cards by offering its primary cardholder access to Delta’s network of Sky Clubs and Amex Centurion Lounges when flying same-day on Delta flights, along with two guest passes annually, at no cost; additional visits may be purchased for $50 per visit. Plus, starting February 2024 this card provides an MQD headstart of $2,500 that may help reach or maintain elite status more easily.
Other benefits of Delta Reserve credit cards are a 20% rebate on inflight purchases charged to it (such as food and beverage services and headsets), plus statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership. Unfortunately, due to its heavy reliance on Delta loyalty and dynamic award pricing policies, it tends to be more costly than alternative premium travel cards which offer more rewarding programs or elite status perks.
3. Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve stands out among top travel cards due to its premium benefits, such as airport lounge access. The card provides free Priority Pass Select membership for you and two guests that provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide; plus 3 points per dollar spent on travel/dining purchases plus industry-leading protections that safeguard purchases; in addition, frequent travelers can take advantage of its $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge membership access and other perks to offset its $550 annual fee.
The card features a high minimum spend requirement and offers a generous welcome bonus, including 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 within three months of account opening. Additional perks of this card include $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred 1:1 between 14 airline and hotel loyalty programs for even greater flexibility when redeeming points for redemption opportunities.
4. United MileagePlus Club
If you travel frequently on United Airlines and enjoy lounge access, consider applying for the United Club Infinite Card. It offers premium lounge benefits as well as generous welcome bonuses and great earnings rates on everyday purchases.
This card is ideal for United and Star Alliance flyers who frequently book award flights through either airline. Though the annual fee may be high, its benefits include access to United Club lounges as well as travel and dining credits that may come in handy during travel.
If you want more value from your airline miles, other cards offer greater signup bonuses and earning rates – such as Chase Sapphire Reserve with its higher annual fee but superior signup bonuses and earning rates on travel and dining, an outstanding $300 travel credit, top-of-the-line travel protections and transferability of Ultimate Rewards points 1:1 to United MileagePlus membership – making this card ideal for United fans looking for flexible travel rewards.
