Credit cards with free airport lounge access

At a glance: Our top 10 lounge-access credit cards

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.

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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.”

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 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 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 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 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

• I want to order an additional card for my partner. Will they also have access to airport lounges?

  With most of these cards, at least one of the additional cardholders will be given the same lounge passes as the primary card holder. However you’ll want to confirm this with the issuer before applying for the card, or if you already hold the card, before you arrive at the airport.

• How do I use the passes for airport lounge access?

  In order to enter, you will need to show your lounge pass along with a boarding pass for the same date.

• Can I give my airport lounge pass to a relative or friend to use?

  Generally, no. The name on the pass and on the boarding pass usually must be the same.

• Which banks offer free access to airport lounges?

  Banks that offer free access to airport lounges can be viewed here. It is good to note that credit cards that offer free or discounted access to airport lounges tend to be premium products and have a minimum spend requirement or high annual fees.

• Which UK debit cards offer access to airport lounges?

  Currently, there are no UK debit cards that offer access to airport lounges. However, if you are a frequent flyer and think that you will benefit from the luxuries of airport lounges, there are several credit card options available, like the . Compare cards with free lounge access here.

• What can you expect from an airport lounge?

  Airport lounges are a great way to relax whilst you wait for your flight. All airport lounges offer different benefits but you can usually expect complimentary drinks, snacks and WIFI, whilst taking advantage of their cosy chairs, tables and work stations.

• How do I get upgraded to first class?

  Here are 11 of the best ways to score a flight upgrade:

  1. Join the frequent flyer programme. Many luxury airlines like Qantas let you trade in your hard earned frequent flyer points for upgrades. This option might not be free, but this way you are guaranteed to get that upgrade on your flight. Also, it doesn’t hurt to be part of the frequent flyer programme to show that you have loyalty to the airline itself.
  2. Bid in a flight upgrade auction. Again, this option might not be a freebie, but it does increase your chances of getting an upgrade for cheap. Many major airlines including Qantas, Virgin, Singapore Airlines and Etihad let you “bid” for a seat in a more premium class. You nominate how much you’re willing to pay and if you’re the highest bidder before a designated period, you could win that premium seat. You might also like to look into bidding upgrade sites like Optiontown, which let you bid on certain benefits such as extra baggage allowance, lounge access and flatbeds on airlines including AirAsia X, SAS and Vietnam Airlines.
  3. Download upgrade apps. Get notified as soon as possible so you can nab the limited number of discounted upgrades available. Due to launch later this year, Seatfrog is designed to notify those who have registered their flight with the app when the airline is offering discounted upgrades prior to departure. Those looking to step up a class can name their price through the app.
  4. Don’t go for the special meal. It might seem like an odd tip, but if you can deal with the options on the onboard menu, opt out of having a special meal. These meals are linked to your seat number, so airlines generally don’t upgrade anyone who has nominated one.
  5. Fly during quieter periods. During peak times you’ll find that business flyers will fill up the business and first class seats leaving nothing for eager upgraders. Fly during quieter periods and you’ve automatically increased your chances of snatching up one of the spare seats on board.
  6. Timing is everything. Be early or be late, they both have their benefits. If you’re early then you could be the first one to be offered an upgraded seat. If you’re late and you haven’t been assigned a seat yet, then there’s a chance that the flight has been overbooked for your class and you could be bumped up. Of course, being late has its negatives too, including missing your flight, having the upgrades taken by those who arrived early or being bumped to the next flight because your flight is full. That’s the risk you’d have to take.
  7. Make an impression. There’s a lot of advice going out about complaining about something, playing to the emotional side of the person at the counter or just generally being nice and complimenting them. We’re leaving it on this list because some say it has worked for them. Feel free to try one or the other, but there’s no guarantee it’ll work.
  8. Bump yourself off the plane. If the plane has been overbooked and you can sacrifice the waiting time, nominate yourself to be bumped off the plane on the provision that you be upgraded on the next flight. If the airline can accommodate for this request, it might very well honour it.
  9. Dress to impress. Some people swear by this one and it can’t hurt to look like you belong in first class when at the airline counter.
  10. Don’t let a delay get the better of you. Flight delays can play a role in upgrades. You might be automatically given an upgraded ticket at the counter, or called to the counter at the gate to exchange your ticket for one with a better seat.
  11. Use your status. People with titles like Dr or Judge can sometimes be upgraded purely because of their status in society. The same goes for those with diplomatic passports.

• Are there any credit cards with lounge access and no annual fee?

  Sadly, you’ll either have to pay an annual/monthly fee, or have several thousand held with the bank to avoid it.

  Currently there are two credit cards offering lounge access with no annual fee: the Coutts & Co. Silk Card and the HSBC Premier Credit Card. However, both are quite exclusive products (strict eligibility criteria like holding at least £100,000 with the bank) and importantly you still have to pay a flat fee per lounge visit, so you’re still only getting lounge access by paying some sort of fee.

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.

Written by

Chris Lilly

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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