1.The Platinum Card® from American Express
American Express
- 5%Points on flights/prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.
Earn 5x points on flights/prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel and 1x elsewhere.
The Platinum Card® from American Express stands out as the top choice because of its extensive travel benefits, including access to airport lounges and significant statement credits that can easily justify its high annual fee for frequent travelers.
Pros:
- Extensive travel and lifestyle perks
- High rewards on travel bookings
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires good-to-excellent credit
2.Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 10%Miles on hotels/rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- 5%Miles on flights
- 2%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Earn 10x miles on hotels/rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 5x on flights, and 2x on everything else.
19.49%-28.49% variable APR
What sets the Capital One Venture X apart is its impressive earning potential on travel-related purchases, making it a strong contender for those who frequently book through Capital One Travel.
Pros:
- High rewards on travel bookings
- Annual travel credit offsets the fee
Cons:
- Annual fee may be high for infrequent travelers
- Limited bonus categories
3.Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase
- 8%Points on Chase Travel
- 4%Points on flights/hotels booked directly
- 3%Points on dining
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months.
Earn 8x points on Chase Travel, 4x on flights/hotels booked direct, 3x on dining, and 1x on others.
19.74%-28.24% variable APR
The standout feature of the Chase Sapphire Reserve is its extensive travel rewards structure, which provides exceptional value for frequent travelers who can maximize its benefits.
Pros:
- High earning potential on travel and dining
- Comprehensive travel protections
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires excellent credit
4.Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
American Express
- 3%Miles on Delta purchases
- 1%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first 6 months.
Earn 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x on others.
19.49%-28.49% variable APR
This card shines for its focus on Delta travelers, offering valuable perks like lounge access and companion certificates that enhance the travel experience for dedicated Delta flyers.
Pros:
- Great for frequent Delta flyers
- Includes Delta Sky Club access
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Limited to Delta purchases for maximum rewards
5.The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
American Express
- 5%Points on flights & prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel
- 2%Points on key business purchases
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 in the first 3 months.
Earn 5x points on flights & prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel, 2x on key business purchases, and 1x on everything else.
17.74%-28.49% variable APR
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a powerful tool for businesses that travel frequently, offering exceptional rewards and benefits that can significantly offset its high annual fee.
Pros:
- High rewards on travel and business expenses
- Extensive travel perks
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant spending to maximize benefits
6.Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
American Express
- 3%Miles on Delta purchases
- 1.5%Miles on transit, shipping, and office supplies
- 1%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in the first 6 months.
Earn 3x miles on Delta purchases, 1.5x on transit, shipping, and office supplies, and 1x on others.
19.49%-28.49% variable APR
A key differentiator for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card is its focus on providing extensive benefits for Delta business travelers, making it a valuable asset for those who frequently fly with the airline.
Pros:
- Ideal for Delta business travelers
- Includes valuable travel perks
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Limited to Delta for maximum rewards
7.Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card
Bank of America
- 2%Points on travel and dining
- 1.5%Points on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 90 days.
Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining, and 1.5 points on all other purchases.
19.49%-27.49% variable APR
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card is an excellent choice for affluent travelers who can leverage its substantial travel credits and rewards structure to offset its annual fee.
Pros:
- Strong rewards on travel and dining
- Significant travel credits
Cons:
- Annual fee may be high for some
- Limited transfer partners
- No rewards breakdown available
The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card is a coveted upgrade for Marriott loyalists, offering premium benefits that enhance the luxury travel experience, though it is not available for new applicants.
Pros:
- Exclusive luxury benefits
- Annual free night award
Cons:
- Only available via product change
- Requires existing Marriott card
Final Words
As you explore the best credit cards with airport lounge access this January, remember that the right choice hinges on your travel habits and how well you can leverage the card's benefits. Take time to compare your options and make informed decisions that align with your lifestyle and financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Platinum Card® from American Express offers extensive travel perks including airport lounge access through the Global Lounge Collection, hotel elite status, and significant annual credits for dining, Uber, and digital entertainment. It has a high annual fee of $895, but can provide substantial value for frequent travelers who maximize its benefits.
The welcome bonus for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. This bonus can significantly enhance your rewards balance for travel expenses.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a reward system where you can Earn 8x points on Chase Travel, 4x on flights/hotels booked directly, 3x on dining, and 1x on all other purchases. This diverse breakdown rewards various spending categories, making it ideal for frequent travelers and diners.
The annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is $795. This fee is accompanied by premium travel rewards and benefits, making it a valuable option for serious travelers.
When choosing a credit card for airport lounge access, consider factors like the annual fee, the number of lounges available, and the card's overall travel benefits. Look for cards with substantial welcome bonuses and strong rewards on travel-related purchases to maximize your value.
Credit cards offering airport lounge access typically come with higher annual fees, ranging from around $395 to $895. It's important to evaluate the benefits against the fees to ensure that the rewards and perks justify the cost.
Travel credit cards often offer points or miles for every dollar spent, with higher rewards rates for travel-related purchases. For example, some cards provide 5x points on flights or hotels booked directly, while others might offer 2x or 3x points on dining and other categories.
