If you’ve ever had a long layover or a delayed flight, you know how tiring airports can be. Crowded gates, limited seating, and constant noise make it hard to relax, especially when you’re traveling far to visit loved ones or returning home.
That’s where airport lounges come in. They offer quiet, relaxing spaces to rest, recharge, and enjoy amenities like snacks, Wi-Fi, and clean restrooms before your next flight. Many US credit cards include lounge access, but networks, fees, and rules can vary. Understanding your options can help you select the card that works best for your travel needs.
In this Remitly guide, you’ll find a list of credit cards with airport lounge access in 2025. We’ll walk you through how lounge access works and what to expect inside, helping you choose a card that makes travel a little more comfortable.
What is airport lounge access, and why do you need it?
Airport lounges are exclusive spaces designed to make travel more enjoyable. After clearing TSA security, lounges provide a peaceful space to recharge before your flight, with complimentary snacks, Wi-Fi, and a calm environment.
Typical lounge benefits include:
- Complimentary snacks, light meals, and drinks (often including coffee or wine)
- Free, reliable Wi-Fi for catching up on work or calls
- Comfortable seating with charging ports
- Clean, private restrooms, and in some locations, showers
How access works in different types of airport lounges
Airline memberships, premium tickets, or premium credit cards usually grant you access to airport lounges. There are a few main types of lounge networks in the US:
- Airline-specific lounges: Operated by an individual airline, such as American Airlines’ Admirals Club, United Club, or Delta Sky Club, these lounges are often reserved for loyal travelers or those with a co-branded credit card.
- Airline Alliance lounges: These are affiliated with an airline alliance, like Star Alliance lounges, and accessible to travelers flying with member airlines.
- Independent lounge networks: These networks partner with many different airlines and lounges, such as Priority Pass.
- Credit card lounges: Operated by credit card issuers, like Centurion Lounges by American Express and Capital One Lounges, these are usually accessible to premium cardholders and sometimes their guests.
Many premium credit cards include access to one or more of these networks, making it easier for you to enjoy a comfortable and quiet space whenever you travel. These cards come with hefty annual fees, but they may save you money in the long run. If you fly several times a year, lounge access can save you from buying day passes, which often cost $60 to $80 per person.
Best premium travel cards for lounge access in 2025
Premium travel cards often include extensive lounge access, along with other perks like travel credits, points programs, and hotel benefits. Here are some of the best credit cards for lounge access for 2025.
1. The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express offers access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection. You can enjoy over 1,550 lounges across more than 140 countries, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required).
You’ll need to show your Platinum Card, a same-day boarding pass, and ID for entry. Some lounges allow guests to join you free of charge, while others may charge a small fee.
With the annual fee of $895, the card offers travel credits, hotel and airline perks, in addition to lounge access.
Key travel benefits:
- Annual airline fee credits for baggage or seat upgrades
- Hotel perks, including Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold status
- Statement credits for streaming, Uber, and CLEAR® Plus
Best for: The Platinum Card is a great choice if you want luxurious lounge access, premium perks, and extra comfort on international flights. It helps you unwind, enjoy premium benefits, and make the most of your time at the airport.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
If you prefer flexibility when you travel, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides Priority Pass Select membership, giving you access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. You can also visit Chase Sapphire Lounges, a growing network across major airports in the US and beyond.
Inside these lounges, you can expect freshly prepared meals, comfortable seating, and a calm space to rest before boarding. To enter, just present your Priority Pass card or digital membership along with a same-day boarding pass.
With the $795 annual fee, you also get a $300 annual travel credit and strong redemption options through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Key travel benefits:
- $300 annual travel credit that applies automatically to travel purchases
- Triple points on travel and dining, plus flexible redemption through Chase Travel
- Strong transfer partners (including major airlines and hotels)
- Comprehensive travel protection and insurance
Best for: Overall, the Chase Sapphire Reserve may be a good fit if you want premium perks and flexible travel rewards without committing to one airline. It gives you freedom, comfort, and value all in one card.
3. Capital One Venture X® Rewards Credit Card
If you want premium lounge access at a low annual fee, the Capital One Venture X® Rewards Credit Card strikes a great balance. For a $395 annual fee, you’ll have unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges worldwide.
Capital One Lounges are known for being modern and traveler-friendly, offering fresh food, quiet work areas, and even showers in select locations. Once you’re enrolled, you can bring up to two guests at no extra charge, which is great if you travel with family or friends.
Key travel benefits:
- $300 annual travel credit when booking through Capital One Travel
- 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
- Double miles on all purchases, with easy redemption options
- Access for authorized users at no extra charge
Best for: The Venture X card is perfect if you want simple, straightforward lounge access and rewards at a lower annual fee. It gives you convenience, comfort, and flexibility without the higher cost of other premium cards.
Best airline co-branded cards for lounge access in 2025
If you often fly with the same airline, a co-branded card may be the most convenient option. Along with lounge access, these cards often include perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and bonus miles for your purchases.
1: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
If you frequently fly with Delta, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card gives you complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs whenever you’re flying Delta, and entry to Centurion Lounges when your trip is on a Delta-operated or Delta-marketed flight.
Delta Sky Clubs offer spacious seating, fresh food, and modern amenities, including dedicated workspaces and bar service. To enter, just show your Reserve Card and a same-day Delta boarding pass.
With a $650 annual fee, the card also includes perks such as priority boarding, your first checked bag free, and opportunities to earn Medallion Status faster through spending.
Key travel benefits:
- Complimentary Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta
- Centurion Lounge access on eligible flights
- Priority boarding and first checked bag free
- Opportunity to earn Medallion Status faster through spending
Best for: If you fly Delta often, this card can help you relax, enjoy the lounge experience, and get a few extra upgrades along the way.
2: The New United Club℠ Card
If you prefer United Airlines, the new United Club℠ Card with Chase gives you a full United Club membership, providing access to more than 45 United Club locations and hundreds of Star Alliance partner lounges globally.
Inside, you’ll find complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi, and quiet seating to rest or get work done. Show your card, a same-day United or Star Alliance boarding pass, and your ID for entry.
The card has a $695 annual fee, which includes perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and increased mileage earned on United purchases.
Key travel benefits:
- Full United Club membership and access to Star Alliance partner lounges
- Free checked bags and priority boarding
- Increased miles earned on United purchases
- Travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption coverage
Best for: The United Club Infinite Card is best if you mostly fly United or other Star Alliance partners. It gives you a quiet space to recharge and helpful travel benefits for smoother flights.
3: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
If you often fly with American Airlines, the Citi AAdvantage® Executive Mastercard® provides full Admirals Club membership with access to over 50 American Airlines lounges worldwide. You’ll find quiet seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, Wi-Fi, and a calm environment to recharge before your flight.
To enter, just present your card, a same-day American Airlines boarding pass, and a valid ID. You can also bring up to two companions, which is ideal if you travel with family or friends.
With a $595 annual fee, you also get priority boarding, your first checked bag free, and bonus miles on American Airlines purchases.
Key travel benefits:
- Full Admirals Club membership, including guest access for up to two companions
- Priority boarding and first checked bag free
- Bonus AAdvantage miles on American Airlines purchases
- Travel protections, including trip delay and baggage coverage
Best for: If you fly American Airlines regularly, this card may help you enjoy consistent lounge access and perks that make your trips smoother.
Choosing the right card for you
Choosing a travel credit card is personal and depends on your travel patterns, your preferred airlines, and how much value you’ll actually get from airport lounge access. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before making a decision.
- Where do you usually fly from, and what lounge networks are available there?
- Do you stick to one airline or fly different ones?
- How often do you travel and where to?
- Will you want to bring other guests with you when you visit airport lounges?
- Will you use the card’s other perks?
- What’s your comfort level with annual fees?
The right credit card for you depends on your preferences and travel patterns—but it can help you rest, recharge, and arrive ready for what’s next. Whichever card you pick, having airport lounge access will make those long travel days much less stressful and more comfortable.
FAQs
Can I access a lounge without a premium credit card?
Yes, many lounges sell day passes for around $60 to $80 per person. For frequent travelers, a credit card that includes lounge access can be more affordable over time.
Does my credit card’s lounge access get me into any lounge?
No, each card is connected to specific airport lounge networks. For example, a card with Priority Pass access won’t automatically let you into a Delta Sky Club. Before traveling, check your card’s benefits guide or the lounge network’s app to confirm which locations you can enter.
Can I bring a guest into a Priority Pass lounge with me?
Usually, yes. Guest policies vary by card. Some cards allow one or two complimentary guests, while others charge a small fee. If you often travel with family or friends, it’s worth checking this detail before you apply.
Which credit card offers the most airport lounge access worldwide?
The American Express Platinum card offers the most worldwide airport lounge access, including Priority Pass, Delta Sky Club, and exclusive access to Centurion Lounges.