There’s nothing like having the option of going to an airport business lounge. While other travelers spend hours crammed into loud, uncomfortable gate areas, or dine at overpriced, poor quality airport restaurants, those with airport business lounge access enjoy complimentary food and beverage, comfortable seating, and other amenities like wifi and showers.
There are several ways to get airport business lounge access including purchasing an international business class ticket or buying a pricey lounge membership or day pass. But the most affordable way to access these lounges is to have the right credit card.
Top Travel Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access
The Platinum Card® from American Express
First, there’s the Delta SkyClub membership, which offers only the cardholder access, and only when flying on Delta. It also offers a Priority Pass Select membership, which offers the primary cardholder and two guests access to over 1,300 lounges around the world, although restaurant credits are excluded. Then, you and two guests receive access to American Express’s network of Centurion Lounges, which are much nicer than most airline lounges. This card has a $550 annual fee but comes with up to $200 in annual air travel fee credit and up to $100 annual credits towards Saks Fifth Avenue purchases (registration required). Business owners looking for a similar option might want to consider The Business Platinum® Card from American Express. (See rates and fees)
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The Mastercard® Black Card™ and The Mastercard® Gold Card™
The Mastercard® Black Card™ and The Mastercard® Gold Card™ both offer complimentary membership to the Priority Pass Select lounge program. This is the program that offers access to over 1,300 lounges around the world. The Black card has an annual fee of $495 while the Gold Card has an annual fee of $995.
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
This card offers you access to the Delta Sky Club lounges as well as American Express Centurion Lounges when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. The eligible flight must be booked on a U.S. issued American Express Credit Card. It also offers you up to 100,000 bonus miles and 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs). You earn 80,000 bonus miles and 20,000 MQMs after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card within the first three months of your account. Plus, earn an additional 20,000 bonus miles after the first anniversary of your account opening. Other benefits include Status Boost™, which allows you to earn 15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your new card in a calendar year, up to four times per year. This allows you to earn the next level of Medallion Status. There’s a $550 annual fee for this card. (See rates and fees). Business owners looking for a similar option might want to consider The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
New! United Club℠ Infinite Card from Chase
This card offers you a United Club membership that allows access to the club for both yourself and your traveling companions. You can also earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on new purchases within three months of account opening. Other benefits include 4x miles on United purchases, 2x miles on dining and on all other travel purchases, and one mile per dollar spent elsewhere. There’s a $525 annual fee for this card.
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Chase Sapphire Reserve®
This card offers lounge access through Priority Pass Select program. This means that you and up to two other guests receive access to over 1,300 lounges around the world. Plus, you can also use your Priority Pass Membership for credit at eligible airport restaurants. This card now has a $550 annual fee, but it includes up to $300 in annual travel statement credits and up to $120 in DoorDash credits.
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