1.The Platinum Card from American Express
American Express
- 5%Membership Rewards points on flights/prepaid hotels via Amex Travel
- 2%Membership Rewards points on dining
- 1.25%Membership Rewards points on all other purchases
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $10,000 in the first 3 months.
Earn 5x Membership Rewards points on flights/prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, 2x on dining, and 1.25x on all other purchases.
21.99%
The Platinum Card from American Express stands out as the top choice because it offers unparalleled travel rewards and benefits, including extensive airport lounge access and high earning rates on travel-related purchases, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
Pros:
- Extensive travel perks
- High rewards on travel-related spending
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant spending to maximize benefits
2.TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
TD Canada Trust
- 2%Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases
- 1.5%Aeroplan points on gas, groceries, travel, and dining
- 1.25%Aeroplan points on all other spending
Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points upon making your first purchase, plus 35,000 points after spending $12,000 in the first 180 days.
Earn 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases, 1.5x on gas, groceries, travel, and dining, and 1.25x on all other spending.
21.99%
22.99%
What sets the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card apart is its tiered rewards structure that maximizes Aeroplan points for frequent Air Canada flyers, combined with premium travel benefits like lounge access and a companion pass.
Pros:
- High Aeroplan point earning potential
- Includes travel perks like lounge access
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant spending to maximize bonuses
3.American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
American Express
- 3%Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases
- 2%Aeroplan points on dining
- 1.25%Aeroplan points on all other purchases
Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in the first three months, plus an additional 25,000 points after spending $2,500 in the 13th month.
Earn 3x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases, 2x on dining, and 1.25x on everything else.
21.99%
21.99%
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card shines for its high earning potential on Air Canada purchases and dining, making it a top choice for frequent flyers who value luxury travel benefits.
Pros:
- Significant Aeroplan point earning
- Includes premium travel perks
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires high spending to earn bonuses
4.RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card
RBC Royal Bank
- 1.25%Avion points on all purchases
Earn 35,000 Avion points on approval, 20,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 6 months, and 15,000 points after 12 months.
Earn 1.25 Avion points per dollar on all purchases.
20.99%
22.99%
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card is ideal for affluent travelers who frequently fly and want to earn Avion points on all purchases while enjoying premium travel perks.
Pros:
- Flexible redemption options
- Includes premium travel benefits
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Requires high income for approval
5.National Bank World Elite Mastercard
National Bank
- 5%Points on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn up to 40,000 points with spending on eligible purchases.
Earn 5 points for every dollar on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases.
20.99%
22.49%
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard offers a strong rewards structure for everyday spending, particularly in groceries and dining, making it a great choice for those who want to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- High earning potential on groceries and dining
- Includes travel insurance
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Limited to eligible purchases for higher rewards
6.Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
Scotiabank
- 3%Scene+ points on travel
- 2%Scene+ points on dining/entertainment
- 1%Scene+ points on all other purchases
Earn 40,000 points for $2,000 spent in 3 months, plus 10,000 points for $10,000 spent in 6 months.
Earn 3x Scene+ points on travel, 2x on dining/entertainment, and 1x on everything else.
20.99%
22.99%
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is ideal for frequent travelers who want to earn rewards on everyday spending while enjoying the benefit of no foreign transaction fees.
Pros:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible rewards redemption
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Requires higher income for approval
- 5%BMO Rewards points on travel
- 3%BMO Rewards points on dining
- 1%BMO Rewards points on all other purchases
Earn 45,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 110 days, plus more for higher spending tiers.
Earn 5 points per dollar spent on travel, 3 points on dining, and 1 point on everything else.
21.99%
23.99%
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is a premium rewards card that excels in earning points on travel and dining, making it a top choice for frequent travelers looking for high rewards.
Pros:
- High earning potential on travel and dining
- Includes premium travel benefits
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Requires significant spending to maximize bonuses
Final Words
As you explore the best credit cards with airport lounge access this January, remember that selecting the right card can significantly enhance your travel experience. Take the time to compare different options, assess their benefits, and make an informed decision that aligns with your travel habits and financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Platinum Card from American Express offers a welcome bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $10,000 in the first 3 months. You can earn 5x Membership Rewards points on flights/prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, 2x on dining, and 1.25x on all other purchases.
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card has a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points upon making your first purchase, plus 35,000 points after spending $12,000 in the first 180 days. It offers 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases, 1.5x on gas, groceries, travel, and dining, and 1.25x on all other spending.
With the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, you can earn a welcome bonus of 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in the first three months, plus an additional 25,000 points after spending $2,500 in the 13th month. The card offers 3x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases, 2x on dining, and 1.25x on everything else.
When selecting a credit card for airport lounge access, consider the annual fee, the number of lounges available, and the ease of access to these lounges. Also, review the card's rewards structure to ensure it aligns with your spending habits and travel patterns.
Yes, many credit cards that offer lounge access come with annual fees, which can vary significantly. It's essential to evaluate whether the benefits, including lounge access, outweigh the fees based on your travel frequency.
To maximize rewards with a credit card that offers lounge access, use the card for all travel-related expenses, including flights, hotels, and dining. Additionally, take advantage of any sign-up bonuses and promotional offers that align with your spending.
The application process typically involves filling out an online form with your personal and financial information, followed by a credit check. Approval can be immediate or take a few days, depending on the issuer's requirements.
