Best Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access in Canada

Airport lounges are a refuge from the tiresome tumult of air travel. Whether for business or pleasure, air travel can be hectic, and traffic jams, security queues and flight delays can only add to an already energy-sapping experience.

Fortunately, these coveted airport oases are not as exclusive as you think — you just need one of the best credit cards with airport lounge access.

Best Canada’s credit cards with airport lounge access

Our pick for: Those who prefer to fly Air Canada.

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card

• Annual Fee
  $599
• Interest Rates
  20.99% / 22.99%

  20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
• Rewards Rate
  1.25x-2x Points

  Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®). Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery, travel and dining purchases. Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card.
• Intro Offer
  Up to 100,000 Points

  Earn up to 100,000 Aeroplan points: Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card†. Earn an additional 50,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of Account opening†. Plus, earn an anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening†. Account must be approved by January 3, 2024.

Apply Now

Our Take

Why we like it

The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card comes with strong travel insurance and perks, plus healthy earn rates on everyday purchases.

Pros

• Complimentary Visa Airport Companion membership with six airport lounge visits included each year.
• Tons of airport perks, including priority check-ins, boarding, baggage handling, airport upgrades, and airport standby.

Cons

• Substantial annual fee.

Product Details

• Earn up to $3,200 in value† including up to 100,000 Aeroplan points and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by January 3, 2024.
• Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make. your first purchase with your new card†.
• Earn an additional 50,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of Account opening†.
• Plus, earn an anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening†.
• Enroll for NEXUS and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate†.
• Share first free checked bags with up to 8 travel companions† and get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges† including complementary access for one guest.
• Plus, primary cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program.†
• Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®).
• Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery, travel and dining purchases.
• Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card.
• Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 170+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore.
• Global Airport Lounge Access†: Receive a complimentary membership to the Visa Airport Companion† Program hosted by Dragonpass International Ltd. and take advantage of six lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide. Enroll through the Visa Airport Companion App or through visaairportcompanion.ca
• Travel Medical Insurance†: Up to $5 million of coverage for the first 31 days. If you or your spouse is aged 65 or older, you are covered for the first 4 days of your trip. Additional top-up coverage is available.
• Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance†: For Trip Cancellation coverage of up to $2,500 per insured person, with a maximum of $5,000 for all insured persons, and for Trip Interruption coverage of up to $5,000 per insured person, with a maximum of $25,000 for all insured persons on the same covered trip.
• Flight/Trip Delay Insurance†: Up to $1,000 in coverage per insured person if your flight/trip is delayed for over 4 hours.
• Delayed and Lost Baggage Insurance†: For delayed baggage over 4 hours, up to $1,000 of coverage per insured person for the purchase of essentials, such as clothing and toiletries. For lost baggage, up to $2,500 of coverage per insured person.
• Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance†: Up to $500,000 of coverage for covered losses while travelling on a common carrier (for example, a bus, ferry, plane, train or auto rental).
• To be eligible, $150,000 annual personal income or $200,000 household annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• †Terms and conditions apply.
• This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
• The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button.

Air Canada enthusiasts, this one’s for you. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card earns Aeroplan points which can be redeemed for free flights. When you fly Air Canada, you can relax before takeoff courtesy of complimentary access to any Maple Leaf Lounge.

Plus, this card also offers priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling on Air Canada flights.

Our pick for: Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Annual Fee
  $799
• Interest Rates
  Varies

  This card also has a Flexible Payment Option (FPO), which lets you carry a portion of your balance with interest on eligible purchases. Card members must pay all charges not included in their FPO balance in full.
• Rewards Rate
  1x-2x Points

  2x on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2x on eligible travel and 1x on all other purchases.
• Intro Offer
  Up to 100,000 Points

  New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.

Apply Now

Our Take

Why we like it

This precision-cut and engraved metal Platinum Card boasts a generous intro offer, strong earn rates on rewards, and an impressive array of premium benefits and perks.

Pros

• From special reservations to insider tips, you can enhance your travel experiences with complimentary, personalized service from Platinum Concierge — available 24/7.
• Benefit from a full suite of Platinum-level travel perks, such as worldwide airport lounge access, the Global Dining Collection, and more.

Cons

• Unless you plan to travel a lot, it may be difficult to offset the high $799 annual fee.
• No travel medical coverage for cardmembers over the age of 65.

Product Details

Combining flash and substance, the metallic American Express Platinum Card has a lot to offer, including annual travel credits, comprehensive travel insurance and access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which grants entry to over 1,300 lounges around the globe.

Travelling through Toronto Pearson International Airport? Take advantage of priority security lanes and complimentary valet service. This card’s $799 annual fee may whip up some sticker shock, but the cost could be worthwhile for frequent fliers.

Read our review. 

Our pick for: Priority Pass airport lounge access.

Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card

• Annual Fee
  $399
• Interest Rates
  9.99%

  9.99% on purchases and cash advances.
• Rewards Rate
  2x Points

  Earn 2X Scene+™ points for every $1 you spend on all your eligible purchases.
• Intro Offer
  Up to 60,000 Points

  To qualify for the 60,000 bonus Scene+ points: 1. Earn 50,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. 2. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 10,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $10,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 14 months. Offer ends October 31, 2023.

Apply Now

Our Take

Why we like it

With low rates and a generous rewards program, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express card is a unicorn for frequent travellers seeking luxury perks, premier travel benefits and exceptional interest rates on purchases and cash advances.

Pros

• Low interest rates, no foreign transaction fees, and an impressive insurance package that includes comprehensive travel insurance coverage and newly-added mobile device insurance.
• Luxury travel privileges include 10 free VIP airport lounge visits per year with a complimentary Priority Pass membership.

Cons

• The $399 annual fee is quite a bit higher than other rewards cards, but frequent travellers seeking a low rate on purchases and cash advances can easily make the yearly cost worthwhile.

Product Details

• Earn up to $2,100* in value in your first 14 months, including up to 60,000* bonus Scene+ points. Offer ends October 31, 2023.
• You will not pay 2.5% foreign transaction fees on any foreign currency purchases, including online shopping and when travelling abroad. Only the exchange rate applies.
• Earn 2X Scene+™ points for every $1 CAD you spend on all your eligible purchases.
• Scene+ points can be redeemed for travel purchase, merchandise and other non-travel rewards such as gift cards and prepaid cards.
• You must redeem a minimum of 5,000 points per travel-related rewards redemption, equivalent to $50 in travel savings. Points must be redeemed within 12 months of the purchase date.
• $399 annual fee.
• Redeem points for any flight, any time through Scene+ Travel, a full-service travel agency. Plus, take advantage of a best price guarantee on airfare.
• Get a Hertz #1 Club Gold membership for special privileges and rental car benefits at over 8,500 locations in 147 countries.
• Enjoy culinary events and experiences, entertainment, luxury fashion, tours, and more through American Express benefits, including American Express Invites, Platinum VIP offers and access to 24/7 premium concierge services for restaurant reservations, show tickets, and gift purchases.
• Lounge access at over 600 VIP airport lounges around the world with a complimentary Priority Pass membership, which includes 10 free visits per year.
• 12 types of insurance provided, including 31-day travel medical benefits — up to $2 million in coverage — for you, your spouse and any dependent children under the age of 65. 10-day coverage available for those over the age of 65.
• Preferred rates: 9.99% for purchases, 9.99% for cash advances.
• To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card earns Scene+ points with accelerated rates on purchases made through the Scene+ travel portal. It boasts no foreign transaction fees and no fewer than ten complimentary airport lounge passes annually.

It’s missing a few travel perks offered by its competitors, like priority boarding and free checked bags. However, it’s a low-rate card, which is a solid point in its favour, especially if you typically carry a balance on your credit card.

Read our review.

Our pick for: Airport lounge access through the Visa Airport Companion Program.

Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card

• Annual Fee
  $150

  Offer Ends October 31, 2023.

  Waived first year
• Interest Rates
  20.99% / 22.99%

  20.99% on purchases. 22.99% on cash advances.
• Rewards Rate
  1x-3x Points

  Earn 3X Scene+ points for each dollar charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés TradItIon, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op. Earn 2 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more). Earn 1 Scene+ point on every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
• Intro Offer
  Up to 35,000 Points

  To qualify for the 35,000 bonus Scene+ points: 1. Earn 25,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. 2. Plus, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite cardholder, you are eligible to earn an annual 10,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $40,000 in everyday net eligible purchases annually. Offer Ends October 31, 2023.

Apply Now

Our Take

Why we like it

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card offers competitive earn rates and easy-to-understand redemption on travel — 1 point equals 1 cent in travel savings.

Pros

• Complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program membership, with six free airport lounge visits included every year, which is more than typically included with a credit card.
• No foreign transaction fees.

Cons

• The accelerated rate on travel purchases only lasts three months — but you can earn up to 42,500 points, worth $425 in travel savings.
• The annual $1,000 bonus requires you to spend $40,000 per year on everyday spending on the card.

Product Details

• Earn up to $1,100+ in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived on your first supplementary card. NEW OFFER May 1, 2023 – October 31, 2023.
• The only major bank credit card offering you no foreign transaction fees, including for shopping online or abroad.
• Your Award Winning Card For Travel.
• Earn 2 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more).
• Earn 1 Scene+ point on every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
• You’ll earn 3X Scene+ points for each dollar charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés TradItIon, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
• Airport lounge access through complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program membership, plus six complimentary lounge visits per year from the date of enrollment, providing you with access to 1,200+ airport lounges globally, including participating Plaza Premium Lounges.
• Visa Infinite* benefits including Visa Infinite Concierge, Visa Infinite* Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite* Dining Series, and Entertainment & Lifestyle Offers.
• Access to Scotia SelectPay™.
• To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required, or a minimum assets under management of $250,000. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card earns Scene+ points, which — given the program’s myriad of redemption options — makes this card a solid pick for everyday spenders. But this card is also a practical pick for travellers, thanks to its robust travel insurance coverage. The cherry on top? No foreign transaction fees.

As far as lounge access is concerned, the Visa Airport Companion Program gets cardholders into over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, including Plaza Premium lounges, with six lounge passes annually.   

Our pick for: Airport lounge access through Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass.

The BMO Ascend World Elite Card was made with travel bugs in mind, offering travel and medical insurance coverage alongside five times the BMO Rewards points on travel spending.

Membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass is complementary with benefits that include exclusive airport restaurant discounts and four lounge passes annually. 

Our pick for: Travellers who frequently fly to the United States.

CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

• Annual Fee
  $499
• Interest Rates
  20.99% / 22.99%

  20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances (if you reside in Quebec 21.99%).
• Rewards Rate
  1.25x-3x Points

  3x on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre, 2x on eligible dining, entertainment, transportation, gas, electric vehicle charging, and groceries, and 1.25x on everything else.
• Intro Offer
  Up to 80,000 Points

  Earn 25,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods. Earn 25,000 Aventura Points when you spend $6,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods. Earn 30,000 Aventura Points as an additional anniversary bonus.

Our Take

Why we like it

A metal credit card equipped with all the bells and whistles of a high-end travel card: accelerated points on travel spending, air fare redemption options, airport lounge access and more.

Pros

• Six complimentary airport lounge visits, two NEXUS application fee rebates every four years, and a $200 annual travel credit.
• Comprehensive travel insurance includes $5 million of out-of-province emergency travel medical coverage — 31-days for ages 65 and younger, and up to 10-days for ages 65 or older. You don’t even have to charge your trip to the card.
• Flexible redemption options with points that never expire.

Cons

• Steep $499 annual fee.
• High annual income requirement of $150,000 per individual or $200,000 per household.

Product Details

• Earn 25,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods. Earn 25,000 Aventura Points when you spend $6,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods. Earn 30,000 Aventura Points as an additional anniversary bonus.
• Effective July 1, 2022: Receive 6 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program: over $250 value. Get a $200 annual Travel Credit. Plus, get a NEXUS™ Application Fee rebate: a $100 value.
• Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
• Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible dining, entertainment, transportation, gas, electric vehicle charging, and groceries.
• Earn 1.25 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Earn 1.25 Aventura Points for every $4.00 spent on a CIBC Global Money Transfer™. There are no transaction fees and no interest charged as long as the balance is paid by the payment due date.
• Redeem points for airline tickets, merchandise, gift cards and more.
• Apply points toward a CIBC Aventura credit card balance or select CIBC financial products.
• $499 annual fee.
• Unwind at the airport in a relaxing lounge with 6 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program. Speed up border crossings with 2 NEXUS application fee rebates every 4 years.
• Access business class bookings exclusive to this card for a future getaway.
• Enjoy dedicated taxi and limo services, exclusive dining and wine experiences, VIP benefits at luxury hotels and more with Visa Infinite Privilege.
• Get up to 25% off auto rentals at participating Avis® and Budget® locations worldwide when you pay with your Aventura card.
• Link a Journie Rewards card to save on every fill-up at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.
• Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances (21.99% for cash advances if you live in Quebec).
• To be eligible, $150,000 (individual) or $200,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.

The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card is one of few metal credit cards in Canada but has much to offer beyond its sleek exterior. Cardholders get six lounge passes annually via the Visa Airport Companion Program, which opens the doors to over 1,200 lounges worldwide.  

The card also offers a host of enticing perks, like rental car discounts, 10 cents off per litre at the pumps and exclusive dining and wine experiences. And those that frequently travel south of the border can take advantage of two NEXUS application fee rebates every four years. 

Our pick for: Business travellers seeking lounge access.

Business Platinum Card® from American Express

• Annual Fee
  $799
• Interest Rates
  Varies

  This card also has a Flexible Payment Option (FPO), which lets you carry a portion of your balance with interest on eligible purchases. Card members must pay all charges not included in their FPO balance in full.
• Rewards Rate
  1.25x Points

  Earn 1.25 Membership Rewards points for virtually every $1 in purchases and get the most out of your business expenses.
• Intro Offer
  Up to 120,000 Points

  Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you charge $15,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. Plus, earn 40,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.

Apply Now

Our Take

Why we like it

Some smaller businesses might balk at the high annual fee, but you get what you pay for with the Business Platinum Card from American Express: a large welcome bonus, flexibility in how you cash in rewards and a bevy of exclusive travel perks.

Pros

• Make the most of your cash flow with no pre-set spending limit, flexible payment options, up to 55 interest-free days, and plenty of account management tools.
• A full suite of insurance and premium travel perks, including airport lounge access, premium airport transfer services.
• A referral program that could score cardmembers up to 225,000 bonus Membership Rewards points a year.

Cons

• A high annual fee for both the primary card and any additional cards.
• No introductory earn rate to help maximize rewards.
• American Express may not be accepted by the suppliers and service providers your business works with.

Product Details

• Redefine what you’ll experience and discover with Platinum.
• Earn up to 120,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points.
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you charge $15,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
• Plus, earn 40,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.
• That’s up to $1,200 in statement credit that can be reinvested in your business.
• Earn points that you can redeem in a variety of ways.
• Earn 1.25 Membership Rewards points for virtually every $1 in purchases and get the most out of your business expenses.
• Enjoy an exceptional line-up of rewards redemption options for you and your business, including travel, dining, entertainment, gift cards, merchandise, and more with Membership Rewards program.
• Transfer points to frequent flyer and hotel programs, including one-to-one to Aeroplan®* and Avios.
• Bolster your business with up to $820 in annual business and travel statement credits.
• Enroll your eligible Card and earn up to $500 in business statement credits on qualifying purchases with Dell and Indeed.
• Enroll and earn up to $120 in eligible Wireless Credits each year.
• Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit each year of your Cardmembership.
• Unlock spending power and payment flexibility with a full suite of business management tools that give you more control over your business – anytime and anywhere.
• Enjoy financial flexibility with no pre-set spending limit on purchases. With this Card, your purchasing power adjusts dynamically with your Card usage, and can grow over time, as long as you make your payments on time and maintain a good credit history.
• Maximize your cash flow with up to 55 interest free days so you can keep more cash on hand when you need it most.
• Pay for business expenses over time with Flexible Payment Option.
• This charge Card has both Due in Full and Flexible Payment Option balances. All Due in Full balances must be paid each month. Interest rate of 30% applies to each delinquent Due in Full Charge. This rate is effective from the day the account is opened. The Preferred rate of 20.99% applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance. If you have 2 separate Missed Payments in a 12 month period, the Flexible Payment Option rate for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate Missed Payments in a 12 month period, the Flexible Payment Option rate will be 28.99%. These rates are effective from the day the Flexible Payment Option is first available on your account.
• Extend payment solutions with Supplementary Cards for your employees.
• Enjoy special benefits for you and your business.
• Take full advantage of the American Express Global Lounge Collection which unlocks access to over 1300 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience.
• Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport, including access to the Pearson Priority Security Lane and discount on parking.
• Get access to discounted base fares for you and your travel companions when you book through the International Airline Program.
• Enjoy access to specialty services and events, preferential treatment, and a dedicated Concierge team.
• Enjoy Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits at over 1,300 properties worldwide like guaranteed late check-out, complimentary breakfast for two, and more with Business Platinum.
• Access a $100 CAD credit for NEXUS every 4 years with your Cardmembership.
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a business charge card rife with travel perks. It earns American Express Membership Rewards points and offers entry to Plaza Premium lounges, the Delta Sky Club and the prestigious Centurion Lounge, to name a few.

This business card also comes with complimentary airport transfers, discounts and upgrades on rental vehicles and free valet service at Pearson Airport. All told, the Amex Business Platinum is a feature-rich card and a solid option for businesses that travel for work. 

SUMMARY: THE BEST CREDIT CARDS WITH LOUNGE ACCESS

What to know about credit cards with airport lounge access

Lounge passes are only the tip of the iceberg for a credit card with luxurious travel perks. Comprehensive insurance coverage, priority boarding, and free checked bags are offered by a number of these well-equipped credit cards. That said, cards loaded with bells and whistles typically have steep annual fees.

Airport lounge access programs at a glance

What are the benefits of airport lounge membership?

Airport lounges come in all shapes and sizes but tend to offer a similar array of amenities. Here are some of the luxurious perks you might expect to enjoy when visiting an airport lounge: 

• Complementary alcoholic beverages.
• Complimentary buffet-style or tableside service food and drink.
• Electronic device charging stations.
• Free Wi-Fi.
• Conference rooms and business centres.
• Spa treatments.
• Cell-phone-free quiet zones.
• Shower facilities.

3 ways to get access to an airport lounge

There’s no need to sneak in — there’s more than one way to get into an airport lounge.

1. Credit card lounge program

Some credit cards partner with airport lounge programs to offer lounge access. This access can range from unlimited entry for you and a travel companion to a set number of lounge passes annually. Be sure to read the fine print to know what type of airport lounge access the card offers.

Some cards only offer entry to a specific chain of airport lounges, like Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge. Other programs, like Priority Pass, let you access numerous lounge chains worldwide.    

2. Purchase an annual membership

Without a credit card that comes with airport lounge access, you have the option to buy an annual membership. For example, Priority Pass charges $469 USD annually for unlimited access to its 1,300 lounges worldwide. 

Annual lounge passes can be pricey, but the cost may be worth the comfort and convenience if you’re a frequent flier. 

3. Buy a day pass

If you don’t fly often, the cost of an annual lounge pass may not be practical. If so, you might want to consider single-use lounge passes. As the name suggests, these passes offer one-time airport lounge entry and are a cost-effective alternative to annual passes.

Day passes are also an option for those who’ve used up their annual lounge passes through their credit card. 

Is it worth it to buy airport lounge access?

It could be — it depends on your travel itinerary and financial situation. Airport lounges don’t just offer solace from the bustling airport, though that’s an undeniable perk. They also offer free amenities, like food and drink, which you’d likely pay a pretty penny to acquire in the airport at large. 

If you’ve got a tight layover or don’t have long to wait before your flight, you may be unable to squeeze much value from a lounge visit. But if you’re facing a long layover or a delayed flight with hours to kill before boarding, a lounge visit may have a sizable impact on the quality of your travel.

How to compare credit cards with lounge access

Credit cards that’ll get you into an airport lounge typically have a lot to offer beyond lounge passes, which means there’s a lot to consider before you sign up:

• Welcome bonus. Introductory rewards points or cash-back bonuses for new cardholders are common, so compare welcome offers before applying.
• Rewards program. Credit cards with airport lounge access typically earn rewards. Consider your spending habits before signing up to maximize any rewards program you enter. 
• Insurance coverage. A card with insurance coverage — especially travel insurance — may provide frequent fliers with peace of mind. But not all cards offer this type of protection. 
• Annual fee. Lounge access doesn’t come cheap. Fees for the best credit cards with lounge access range from $150 to $699. Ritzier perks may accompany a card with a higher annual fee, but you must decide if the added cost is worthwhile.
• Interest rate. All credit cards charge interest, but rates vary. Your credit card’s interest rate will impact what you owe on outstanding balances, so review your options carefully.
• Additional perks. Credit cards with lounge access are often flush with additional benefits for cardholders, like priority boarding, free checked bags, NEXUS application fee rebates, rental car discounts, and concierge services, to name a few.

3 common questions about airport lounges

No two airport lounges are the same, so rules and regulations vary.

How long can you spend in an airport lounge?

Check your credit card or lounge program for terms and conditions. Some passes only permit you to stay in the lounge for a couple of hours. Other passes may offer longer stays.  

Can you bring your own food into an airport lounge?

Some lounges may allow you to bring your food into an airport lounge. If you’re unsure, check with your lounge access program or ask the lounge staff when you arrive. 

Do you tip at airport lounges? 

Tipping at airport lounges is at the visitor’s discretion. The type of service offered within the lounge may be a factor. Lounge location, company policy and local culture may also be worth considering.

About the Author

Shannon Terrell

Shannon Terrell is a lead writer and spokesperson for NerdWallet, where she writes about credit cards and personal finance. Previously, she was a writer, editor and video host for financial…

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