Credit cards with free airport lounge access

Enjoy access to airport lounges around the world for free with these credit cards. Find out how to get access and compare your card options. We've also included cards that give access for a low entry fee.

Table: sorted by representative APR, promoted deals first
Product Finder Score Purchases Annual/monthly fees Rewards earn rate Lounge programme Incentive Representative example
Finder score
35.28%
£299
1 point per £1 spent
Priority Pass
2 complimentary guest passes each year. Additional guests can join for £20 each.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 35.28% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 111.39% APR (variable).
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Finder score
30%
£195 per year
3 points per £1 spent with selected partners, 1 per £1 elsewhere
Priority Pass
4 complimentary airport lounge visits each year. These may be used by the primary Cardmember and one guest.
Representative example: Representative 87.3% APR variable. Based on £195 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 30% p.a. (variable).
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The Platinum Card® by American Express image
Finder score
Finder score
30%
£650 per year
1 point per £1 spent
Priority Pass
Unlimited complimentary airport lounge visits. Take 1 guest at no extra cost.
Representative example: Representative 694.9% APR variable. Based on £650 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 30% p.a. (variable).
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Coutts & Co Silk Credit Card Mastercard image
Finder score
Coutts & Co Silk Credit Card Mastercard
High Net Worth Private Banking
Finder score
19.99%
£0
N/A
LoungeKey
Access to airport lounges at a flat rate of £24 per visit. Additional guests can join for £24 each.
Representative example: Representative 19.99% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 19.99% p.a. (variable).
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HSBC Premier Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
0% for 9 months
£0
1 point per £1 spent with selected partners, 1 per £0.5 elsewhere
Priority Pass
Access to airport lounges at a flat rate of £24 per visit.
Representative example: Representative 26.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 26.9% p.a. (variable).
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Santander World Elite Mastercard image
Finder score
Santander World Elite Mastercard
Existing Customers Only
Finder score
0% for 18 months
£15 per month
N/A
LoungeKey
Unlimited complimentary lounge visits. Additional guests can join for £24 each.
Representative example: Representative 49.8% APR variable. Based on £15 monthly fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 18.9% p.a. (variable).
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Lloyds Bank World Elite Mastercard image
Finder score
Finder score
22.94%
£15 per month
N/A
Priority Pass
Unlimited complimentary airport lounge visits. A fee is payable for extra guests.
Representative example: Representative 55% APR variable. Based on £15 monthly fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 22.94% p.a. (variable).
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Halifax World Elite Mastercard image
Finder score
Finder score
22.94%
£15 per month
N/A
Priority Pass
Unlimited complimentary airport lounge visits. A fee is payable for extra guests.
Representative example: Representative 55% APR variable. Based on £15 monthly fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 22.94% p.a. (variable).
More info
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Barclaycard Avios Plus Card image
Finder score
Finder score
29.9%
£20 per month
1.5 points per £1 spent
Assurant, DragonPass
Access to airport lounges at a discounted rate of £20.50. Pre-book for £6 per person, per visit. Additional guests can join for £20.50 each.
Representative example: Representative 80.1% APR variable. Based on £20 monthly fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.9% p.a. (variable).
More info
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HSBC Premier World Elite Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
29.9%
£290 per year
3 points per £1 spent with selected partners, 4 per £1 elsewhere
Priority Pass
Ongoing complimentary airport lounge visits.
Representative example: Representative 100.2% APR variable. Based on £290 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.9% p.a. (variable).
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Finder Score for credit cards

To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Costs, perks and suitability across 120+ cards are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the card – simple.

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How do credit cards with free airport lounge passes work?

A credit card with an airport lounge pass allows you to access exclusive waiting rooms at the airport, where you can relax in comfort before your flights. These lounges typically offer amenities such as Wi-Fi, food and beverages, premium seating, and even beds and showers at select locations.

Most cards that offer complimentary airport lounge access come with a limited number of passes per year, and some may provide lounge passes as an introductory benefit. Depending on the type of pass and the card you have, you may be able to bring a guest or grant access to a supplementary cardholder. However, you must usually meet specific requirements, such as spending a certain amount, making all your card repayments on time, or requesting the passes directly from your card provider.

Common requirements to get airport lounge access with a credit card

While the requirements you need to meet to get lounge access with a credit card vary based on the provider and the airport lounge, some of the most common conditions include:

  • Spending requirement. You may need to make an eligible purchase or spend a specific amount of money on your credit card each year to be eligible for complimentary airport lounge passes.
  • Programme enrolment. Credit cards that offer airport lounge access through a member-based service such as Priority Pass may require you to enrol in that programme to receive your complimentary passes or access.
  • Valid ticket. Most airport lounges require all guests to have a valid ticket for a flight departing that day.
  • Dress code. Lounges often have dress code requirements, such as smart or smart casual attire and no shorts.

How can I compare cards with free lounge access?

To get the most value from your credit card with free airport lounge access, you will need to compare the features of each option including:

  • Annual fee. Credit cards with complimentary lounge passes are usually platinum or frequent flyer cards with a hefty annual fee. While most rewards cards have an annual fee below £100, for a high-end card the fee can potentially cost you hundreds of pounds each year. As well as the lounge passes, make sure the additional features such as a frequent flyer programme and complimentary insurance, can justify this cost. You may get lucky and find one that waives the fee for the first year, making it more enticing.
  • Rates. Depending on the way you plan to use the credit card, interest rates can make a big difference to the card’s value. The purchase rate, cash advance rate and balance transfer rate may all differ in one card, so you will need a good idea of how you plan to use it before you start making comparisons. For example, if you are using it to earn points towards flights but don’t plan on carrying a balance, look for low purchase rates with extended interest-free days.
  • The number of lounges you can access. This feature is dependent on the airline and network that the card is working with. An American Express customer with a platinum card, for example, could have access to around 1,200 airport lounges worldwide across 130 countries, and more than 20 in London alone.
  • The rewards programme or airline provider. Many of the credit cards with airport lounge access are a part of a rewards programme that could be tied to a specific airline. If you favour one airline over another, this is definitely worth considering. Another thing to look for is whether or not your exclusive lounge access is contingent on the number of points you have earned.
  • Lounge perks. Airport lounges use various perks to please their first-class passengers and frequent flyers. This could be as elaborate as massage tables in a garden-like setting – like those in some Qantas First Lounges – or the Wi-Fi access, showers and free wine that is available in Virgin lounges. The credit card you choose will determine the perks you are entitled to when waiting on flights.
  • Other benefits. See what else the card is offering outside of the complimentary access to airport lounges. You could find some that have money-saving balance transfer offers if you are carrying a lot of debt, or bonus rewards like loyalty points or air miles.

Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the free lounge access before applying for a particular credit card. Check what facilities you can use, how many times a year you will have access, whether you need to book in advance and whether you can invite guests.”

Rachel Wait, financial journalist

What are the alternative options?

You don’t necessarily need a credit card to get into a comfy lounge. Many lounges offer access for a flat fee. It’s not a cheap way to do it, but on the other hand it’s easy to rack up expenses over a two- to three-hour wait in departures.

Priority Pass is a scheme that’s open to anybody, and doesn’t depend on your credit card or who you’re flying with. Members simply pay an annual fee to be part of the scheme. If you’re a regular or semi-regular traveller, it’s not a bad idea.

As a member, you can access lounges run by independent operators like Club Aspire Lounge and No1 Lounge, as well as some individual airline lounges. Overall it offers access to more than 1,500 lounges spread across 600 cities in 148 countries. Within the UK, there are 46 lounges in 28 airports across 23 cities – 8 at Heathrow and 3 at Gatwick.

The design and features of airport lounges vary depending on the company or airline that operates them. But if you’ve never set foot in a lounge and want to know what they offer, here are some of the locations you could gain access to with specific credit cards.

British Airways airport lounge
British Airways lounge – London Heathrow

Decorated with crystal chandeliers and classic black and white photographs, the Concorde Room is sadly only available to first-class passengers. The lounge boasts private booths with full waiter service, secluded cabanas equipped with day beds, and an exclusive business suite.

Virgin airport lounge
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse – New York JFK

This luxurious lounge provides guests with a variety of exclusive services including a salon and spa offering complimentary haircuts and mini spa treatments, complimentary made-to-order food and pool tables to pass time with friends or fellow guests.

American Express airport lounge
American Express lounge – Sydney International

When you visit an American Express lounge, you can treat yourself to complimentary dining and snacks which often includes buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also order soft drinks, cocktails, wine, beer and barista-made coffee from the bar.

Priority Pass airport lounge
Priority Pass lounge – Basel-Mulhouse

This award-winning and massive lounge includes a vast glass dome bringing natural light in, and palm trees around an indoor pond. Priority Pass is a subscription-based service that provides members with access to over 800 lounges around the world.

Pros and cons of credit cards with lounge access

Pros

  • A relaxed environment. As well as making you feel like a rockstar, an exclusive airport lounge takes you out of the chaos that’s typically found in an airport waiting area. Just don’t get so relaxed you miss your flight!
  • Freebies. Enjoy free drinks and tasty snacks while waiting to be called for your flight, and in some cases even a massage!
  • Convenience. With cosy chairs, tables and work stations, you can spend your time wisely by taking advantage of free Wi-Fi to catch up on work. Or not.
  • Other benefits. Since the majority of these cards are part of a rewards programme, your day-to-day spending can earn you points that can later be redeemed against airfares, merchandise and more.

Cons

  • Costs. Realistically, credit cards with airport lounge access tend to be premium products – expect high annual fees and minimum spend requirements.
  • Restrictions. The world of airport lounges is full of partnerships between operators. In some cases, you might be restricted to which amenities are available to you inside the lounge.
  • Accessibility. The brand of lounge that you have free access to won’t have a lounge at every every airport, sadly.
  • Limitations. Complimentary passes are usually offered in pairs. If you’re travelling with your family or a group of friends/colleagues, some of your party could be left out in the cold.

Bottom line

Airport lounge access is just one small part of an entire credit card package. As well as taking into consideration the level of lounge access each card is offering, make sure you also consider the other features and benefits that the credit card comes with. This includes interest rates, 0% promotional offers, reward points and annual fees.

Frequently asked questions about airport lounge access

We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables is provided by Defaqto. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been reviewed by Rachel Wait, a member of Finder's Editorial Review Board.
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Head of publishing

Chris Lilly is Head of publishing at finder.com. He's a specialist in personal finance, from day-to-day banking to investing to borrowing, and is passionate about helping UK consumers make informed decisions about their money. In his spare time Chris likes forcing his kids to exercise more. See full bio

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