5 credit cards with the best airport lounge access
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Jason Steele
Summary
- Premium business credit cards can offer free access to airport lounges that provide Wi-Fi, food, drinks, and quiet workspaces.
- Top picks include the Amex Business Platinum (Centurion + Priority Pass + Delta SkyClub), and United MileagePlus Club Business (United + Star Alliance lounges).
- These cards have high annual fees and require strong credit but come with major travel, rewards, and business perks.
- Compare guest policies between cards. Some cards allow only the primary cardholder, while others include guests or authorized users for a fee.
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There are few things as tedious as waiting at an airport. Not only is it a boring place with little to do, but business travelers are wasting valuable time when they could be productive. In addition, even basic necessities can be absurdly expensive — like $15 for a sandwich and $5 for a bottle of water.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Just down the hall from your gate is probably an airport business lounge. Inside, you’re likely to find free drinks, snacks, WiFi and a comfortable place to work or relax. Some of the more upscale lounges might include gourmet meals, showers and even spa treatments.
International business class passengers are usually given free access to airport lounges, but how do the rest of us get into one of these lounges? At about $50 for a day pass, or around $500 for an annual pass, admission can be unaffordable. But at the same time, there are several credit cards that offer complimentary airport lounge access as a cardholder benefit. These are premium rewards cards that offer numerous other perks, but cost less than most annual business lounge memberships.
Yet not all airport lounge access is equal. Some cards offer admission to a single airline’s lounge network, while others feature access to a network of lounges. With over 1,000 locations around the world, the largest airport lounge network is called Priority Pass. And a common stand-by in a business owner’s wallet, American Express has built its own network of Centurion lounges, including seven locations in the U.S.
The other thing that you should consider is the guest policy of a credit card’s lounge benefit. Some cards only grant the primary cardholder access, while others allow the primary cardholder and a limited number of guests. Some credit cards will even come with lounge access for additional authorized cardholders, but usually there is an additional fee for each cardholder.
Most of these credit cards have high credit thresholds, so be sure to know where you stand before you apply. Getting denied for a business credit card creates an inquiry on your personal credit report, which can lower your credit scores. (You can check your full business credit profile — personal and business credit scores — for free at Nav.)
Here are five credit cards with the best airport lounge access to keep you living large while traveling.
1. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
This card provides access to the Priority Pass Select program, Delta SkyClubs and their own Centurion lounges, which feature a full buffet. Other benefits include a $200 airline fee credit and elite status with Marriott and Hilton Hotels. Enrollment to the membership is required to access these benefits.
Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.Cardholders earn 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through the Amex travel site, and one point per dollar spent elsewhere. There’s a $895 annual fee for this card. (Editor’s Note: This offer was updated June 1.)
Earn elite status membership and premium perks for business travel.
Pros
- Access to multiple airport business lounges, $200 annual airline fee credits, elite status with hotel and rental car programs, and strong purchase protection policies
- This card also earns points in Amex’s excellent Membership Rewards program.
Cons
- This card has a steep annual fee.
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2. The United MileagePlus Club Business Card From Chase
The United MileagePlus Club Business card provides complimentary membership to the United Club and participating Star Alliance lounges. Membership includes guest access for two adults or one adult and dependent children. Other benefits include two free bags for the cardholder and one companion, as well as priority service at check-in, boarding and for baggage.
Cardholders earn 2x miles for each dollar spent on United purchases and 1.5x elsewhere.
The card also provides a $100 statement credit after one purchase, and it has a $450 annual fee.
*All information about the United MileagePlus Club Business Card From Chase credit card has been collected independently by Nav. This card is not currently available through Nav. To see what business credit cards are available, please visit the Nav Credit Card Marketplace.
3. Citi Prestige® Card
The Citi Prestige card provides users with membership to the Priority Pass network, along with two guests. It also offers 3x points for air travel and hotel purchases, 2x for dining and 1x elsewhere. Other benefits include a $250 annual air travel credit, and a fourth night free when you book three consecutive nights of hotel accommodations using Citi’s designated travel agency.
This card also currently offers new applicants 40,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within three months of account opening. There’s a $450 annual fee for this card.
*All information about the Citi Prestige® Card credit card has been collected independently by Nav. This card is not currently available through Nav. To see what business credit cards are available, please visit the Nav Credit Card Marketplace.
4. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card provides just the primary cardholder with complimentary access to all Delta Sky Clubs and discounted rates for up to two companions. Benefits include a free checked bag, priority service and upgrade priority over other travelers with the same Medallion elite status. Each year upon renewal, it also offers a free companion certificate for a roundtrip first-class or main cabin flight (taxes and fees not included). There’s a $650 annual fee for this card. You can also add up to three additional authorized users for $175 per year.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
This is the top-of-the-line Delta SkyMiles card for frequent business travelers who get the most benefits when flying on Delta. Boost your elite status, get access to airport lounges, and enjoy the luxury travel perks.
Pros
- Amazing limited time offer! Attractive benefits for the frequent Delta flyer
- Offers a Delta SkyClub membership, a companion airfare certificate, and upgrade priority.
Cons
- High annual fee and limited ongoing rewards.
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5. Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®
The Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® is unique in that it offers the primary cardholder and each additional authorized user access to Admirals Club membership. In addition, all cardholders can bring in two adult guests or their entire immediate family.
American Airlines flyers earn travel perks and build business credit.
Pros
- Provides great benefits with American Airlines and increased rewards on gas, telco and cable.
Cons
- Limited rewards on spending outside of specific categories.
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Jason Steele
As a freelance writer and an expert in credit cards and travel rewards, Jason has contributed to over 100 outlets since 2008. As an industry leader, Jason has spoken at dozens of conferences and is the founder and producer of CardCon, an annual conference for credit card media, and the Canadian Financial Affiliate Marketing Forum (FAMF).
Jason is also the author of the book Travel for Free: How to Use Points and Miles to See the World. Jason also consults with individuals and small business owners to create customized plans to help them earn and spend travel rewards. He can be reached via his website: JasonSteele.com