Credit cards with lounge access

What credit cards offer free lounge access?

Many premium frequent flyer and rewards credit cards offer you access to airport lounges, even if you're not flying in business class. This gives you a way to avoid crowds in the main terminal areas and relax with complimentary drinks, food, work spaces and other perks.

Depending on the credit card and the lounge, you could even bring a guest or family members travelling with you.

VIDEO: How your credit card can give you access to airport lounges

How do credit cards with free airport lounge access work?

Most of these credit cards cards offer complimentary, single-use lounge passes that you can use each year.

There are also a few credit cards that offer ongoing lounge access through programs such as LoungeKey or Priority Pass. Sometimes these cards will offer a set number of free entries, then give you the option of paying for individual lounge visits.

How to get free airport lounge access with a credit card

Usually, you need to meet a few requirements to get airport lounge access through your credit card. These vary depending on the provider and the airport lounge, but some of the most common conditions include:

• Spending requirement. For example, Qantas Club lounge invitations may be offered after you make a Qantas purchase with an eligible credit card.
• Invitation requests. With some credit cards, you need to request the lounge invitations through your account or by contacting the credit card company.
• Program enrolment. If you get a credit card with airport lounge access through Priority Pass or another lounge service, you'll typically need to enrol in that program to use the lounge benefit.
• Valid ticket. You typically need to show your ticket for a flight departing on the same day and from the same airport terminal as the lounge you want to visit.
• Dress code. Lounges have their own dress codes. Common requirements include smart casual dress and no slip-on shoes.

Credit cards with lounge access for a fee

Some credit cards that offer complimentary airport lounge passes also give you membership to a travel or airport lounge program. This includes Priority Pass, LoungeKey or Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass.

Membership to these programs gives you a way to visit participating lounges, or get other airport benefits, for a fee. So if you had used complimentary lounge passes, for example, and wanted lounge access for another trip, your membership would give you a range of options to choose from. Just keep in mind that the fees are set by the individual lounges or airport venues.

Steps to visit a lounge when you're at the airport

1. Go to the participating lounge
2. Present your credit card or single-use lounge passes
3. Show your boarding pass to confirm your travel
4. Pay any required fees (e.g. if entry is not complimentary or you have additional guests)

Pros and cons

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How to compare credit cards with free airport lounge passes

As well as looking at the type of lounge access you'll get, make sure you compare the card's other features and costs, including:

• Annual fee. Credit cards with complimentary lounge passes are usually platinum or frequent flyer cards with high annual fees. Depending on the card, these can cost hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars per year. Make sure the extra features, including the lounge passes, can justify this cost.
• Interest rates. These credit cards typically have higher interest rates, making them more expensive if you don't pay off the total balance each month.
• Rewards and frequent flyer programs. Many of the credit cards with airport lounge access also offer reward or frequent flyer points per $1 on eligible spending. Check how many points you can earn, what you can redeem them for and any sign-up bonus offers. Sometimes you could get enough points to fly overseas.
• Other features. Look for other features that are important to you. For example, complimentary travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees or an introductory offer. These features can add value, but only if you use them.

When looking for a credit card, make sure you look at everything the card offers and not just lounge access. If this is a benefit you'll use, that's great. But you should make sure the card has perks and features you really need and that the benefits outweigh the fees.

What types of airport lounges can I access with a credit card?

The design and features of airport lounges vary depending on the company or airlines that operate 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 an eligible credit card.

Centurion Lounges

A range of American Express cards offer access to The Centurion Lounges at Sydney and Melbourne international airports, including the American Express Explorer, Qantas American Express Ultimate and American Express Velocity Platinum.

These lounges have a mix of seating – including lounge chairs and bar seats – as well as food, drinks, Wi-Fi and charging points.

LoungeKey Lounges

LoungeKey is an airport lounge program offered by credit card providers. If you have an eligible credit card, you'll get access to over 1,300 lounges at airports around the world, regardless of which airline you're flying with or the fare class. As the lounges are independently operated, features do vary but typically include food and drink, seating areas and bathroom facilities.

Credit cards that offer LoungeKey membership in Australia include the HSBC Platinum and Bankwest More World Mastercard. It has also partnered with Mastercard to offer Mastercard Airport Experiences on eligible credit cards.

LoungeKey credit cards and airport lounge program

Priority Pass Lounges

Priority Pass is a membership-based service that gives you access to more than 1,300 lounges and airport experiences around the world. Depending on the level of membership, you can get unlimited access at no extra cost, a fixed number of free passes per year, or entry for a reduced fee.

Credit cards that offer Priority Pass access and/or membership include the Citi Prestige Card, the St.George Amplify Signature and the Westpac Altitude Black. You can also pay for a membership, with fees ranging from US$99 per year to US$469 per year.

Qantas Club Lounges

Qantas Club lounges are designed for domestic travellers and offer perks including barista coffee in the morning, bar service in the afternoon and evening, other refreshments and meals, Wi-Fi, family areas and more, although some features vary depending on which lounge you visit.

Several credit cards provide complimentary access to the Qantas Club or Qantas Lounge invitations when you're booked on an eligible flight, including the ANZ Frequent Flyer Black, the Qantas American Express Premium and the Westpac Altitude Qantas Black card.

Virgin Australia Lounges (domestic)

Virgin Australia has domestic airport lounges in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Each lounge offers different seating areas and services, with popular features including complimentary Wi-Fi, meeting rooms and complimentary food and beverages.

Credit cards that offer complimentary access include the American Express Velocity Platinum and the Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer.

Compare Virgin Australia Velocity credit card features and benefits

Pictures: Shutterstock

Frequently asked questions about airport lounge access

• What lounges can I visit with my credit card?

  This depends on the credit card, as usually the lounge access is offered through an airline partnership or lounge network. For example, if your card offered Qantas Club lounge passes, you could use them at over 30 lounges around Australia, while Priority Pass membership would give you access to over 1,300 airport lounges and experiences around the world.

• What's the difference between airport lounge passes and airport lounge access with a credit card?

  Airport lounge passes typically offer you 2 single visits to a lounge, which you can use separately or when travelling with someone. Airport lounge access typically refers to ongoing lounge access through a membership with Priority Pass, LoungeKey or another program.

  It's worth noting that the term "lounge access" could also technically refer to any type of lounge visit.

• Can additional cardholders get airport lounge access through their card?

  Some credit cards include complimentary airport lounge access for at least one additional cardholder, such as the American Express Platinum Card. But not all credit cards do. You can check your card's terms and conditions, or call the provider to confirm whether or not an additional cardholder can access airport lounges when they travel.

• Can my family member use my credit card to get lounge access?

  If you're not travelling with a family member, they won't typically be able to use your credit card to visit a lounge. But you can sometimes transfer complimentary lounge passes to them.

  If you are travelling with a family member, you could get lounge access for both of you with a credit card that offers 2 single-use lounge passes or unlimited lounge visits. It depends on the lounge access and the actual lounge you want to visit, and fees may apply.

• If I have a Qantas Club Lounge pass but am flying with a different airline, can I still visit the Qantas Club before my flight?

  No, the boarding pass will have to show that you are flying with Qantas or Jetstar on the same day that you want to visit the Qantas Club lounge.

• How do I know if my credit card has access to lounges?

  One of the easiest ways to check if your credit card offers airport lounge access is to look at the card details on the bank's website or a review page. Usually, lounge access will be listed as one of the key benefits. You could also check the card's terms and conditions or contact the bank or provider to find out if airport lounge access is offered.