1.American Express Platinum Card
American Express
- 2%Points on eligible travel bookings
- 1%Points on all other spending
Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards points + £250 Amex Travel credit for spending £6,000 in 3 months.
Earn 1 point per £1 spent, 2 points on eligible travel bookings.
688.5% Variable APR
The American Express Platinum Card earns the #1 spot due to its unparalleled travel benefits, including extensive lounge access and premium hotel perks. With a substantial welcome bonus and the ability to earn points on travel, it is the best option for frequent travelers seeking luxury and flexibility.
Pros:
- Extensive lounge access
- Premium hotel perks
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Very high APR
2.American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
American Express
- 3%Points via Amex Travel
- 2%Points on airlines/overseas
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £5,000 in your first six months.
Earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every £1 spent, 2x points on airlines/overseas, and 3x via Amex Travel.
86.3% APR variable
The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card stands out as the top choice because it offers a generous welcome bonus and high rewards on travel-related spending, making it ideal for frequent travelers who can maximize point transfers.
Pros:
- Generous welcome bonus
- High rewards on travel-related spending
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Spending requirement for bonus
- 4%Points on foreign currency spend
- 2%Points on UK spend
Receive 40,000 reward points when you spend £2,000 in the first 90 days.
Earn 4 points for every £1 spent abroad and 2 points for every £1 spent in the UK.
100.2% APR (variable)
What sets the HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard apart is its generous rewards structure, offering 4 points per £1 spent abroad, making it a strong choice for international travelers.
Pros:
- High rewards on foreign spending
- Strong welcome bonus
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Spending requirement for bonus
4.HSBC Premier Credit Card
HSBC
- 2%Points on foreign currency spend
- 1%Points on UK spend
Receive 40,000 reward points when you spend £2,000 in the first 90 days.
Earn 2 points for every £1 spent in foreign currency and 1 point for every £1 spent in the UK.
26.9% APR (variable)
A key differentiator is its lack of an annual fee, making the HSBC Premier Credit Card an excellent choice for those who want to earn rewards without the burden of high costs.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Good rewards on foreign spending
Cons:
- Limited rewards on UK spending
- Spending requirement for bonus
5.Barclaycard Avios Plus Card
Barclaycard
- 1.5%Avios on eligible purchases
Collect 25,000 Avios if you spend £3,000 in the first three months.
Earn 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent.
80.1% APR (variable)
Unlike other options, this card offers a robust Avios earning structure, making it ideal for frequent British Airways travelers looking to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- Robust Avios earning structure
- Good for British Airways travelers
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Limited rewards outside Avios
Final Words
As you consider your options for credit cards with airport lounge access, remember that the best choice hinges on your travel habits, spending patterns, and desired benefits. Take time to compare the various cards available to find one that aligns with your needs and enhances your travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The American Express Platinum Card offers a welcome bonus of 75,000 Membership Rewards points + £250 Amex Travel credit for spending £6,000 in 3 months. It also allows you to earn 1 point per £1 spent and 2 points on eligible travel bookings, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
With the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card, you can earn a welcome bonus of 40,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £5,000 in your first six months. The card offers 1 Membership Rewards point for every £1 spent, 2 points on airlines/overseas, and 3 points via Amex Travel.
The HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard provides a welcome bonus of 40,000 reward points when you spend £2,000 in the first 90 days. This card is great for those who travel abroad, allowing you to earn 4 points for every £1 spent abroad and 2 points for every £1 spent in the UK.
When selecting a credit card with airport lounge access, consider the annual fee, the quality of lounges included, and the welcome bonuses. Additionally, examine the rewards structure to see if it aligns with your spending habits, especially for travel-related expenses.
Yes, many premium credit cards that provide airport lounge access charge annual fees, which can range significantly. It's important to weigh these fees against the benefits and rewards you expect to receive, especially if you frequently travel.
To apply for a credit card with lounge access, visit the provider's website, fill out the application form, and provide necessary documentation such as income details. Be sure to review the terms and conditions, including the welcome bonus offers.
Credit cards with travel benefits often feature rewards rates that vary depending on the type of spending. For example, some cards offer higher points on travel-related purchases while providing standard rates on everyday expenses, so it's essential to choose one that matches your spending habits.
