Best Credit Cards with Lounge Access
Cards offering Priority Pass, Centurion Lounge, and other airport lounge programs.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at this category. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
Top Pick
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
Citi
1.5x ThankYou Points
1.5x × 1.7¢/pt = 2.5¢ per dollar
- +Citigold® Private Client Relationship Credit: Requires a qualifying Citigold Private Client banking relationship; eligibility has not been established and this credit is not counted.
- +Priority Pass™ Select membership
- +American Airlines Admirals Club® Lounge Access Passes
MASTERCARD
2.5¢
per dollar
$595/yr(est. $465/yr in usable credits)
Welcome: 75,000 points
Runner-Up
The Platinum Card from American Express
American Express
1x Membership Rewards
1x × 1.5¢/pt = 1.5¢ per dollar
- +Centurion Lounge Access
- +Global Lounge Collection
- +Delta Sky Club Access
AMEX
1.5¢
per dollar
$895/yr(est. $1,367/yr in usable credits)
Also Great
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite
Bank of America
1.5x Bank of America Points
1.5x × 1.0¢/pt = 1.5¢ per dollar
- +Priority Pass Select Membership
- +75,000 points bonus (~$750 value)
- +Est. $315/yr in usable credits offset part of the $550 fee — actual value depends on use and eligibility
VISA
1.5¢
per dollar
$550/yr(est. $315/yr in usable credits)
Welcome: 75,000 points
Compare the Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Est. Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Strata Elite℠ CardCiti | 1.5x ThankYou Points | 2.5¢/$ | $595 | $465 | mastercard |
| The Platinum Card from American ExpressAmerican Express | 1x Membership Rewards | 1.5¢/$ | $895 | $1,367 | amex |
| Bank of America® Premium Rewards® EliteBank of America | 1.5x Bank of America Points | 1.5¢/$ | $550 | $315 | visa |
| JetBlue Premier CardBarclays | 1x TrueBlue | 1.0¢/$ | $499 | $556 | mastercard |
| Bilt Palladium CardCardless | 2x Bilt Rewards | 4.0¢/$ | $495 | $300 | mastercard |
| Chase Sapphire ReserveChase | 1x Ultimate Rewards | 1.8¢/$ | $795 | $1,063 | visa |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 2x Capital One Miles | 2.6¢/$ | $395 | $315 | visa |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 2x Capital One Miles | 2.6¢/$ | $95 | $15 | mastercard |
| PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature CardPenFed | 1.5x PenFed Honors Advantage | 1.3¢/$ | $95 | $50 | visa |
| Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Credit CardBank of America | 1x Atmos Rewards | 1.1¢/$ | $395 | $15 | visa |
More Options
#4JetBlue Premier Card$499/yr
1.0¢/$
#5Bilt Palladium Card$495/yr
4.0¢/$
#6Chase Sapphire Reserve$795/yr
1.8¢/$
#7Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card$395/yr
2.6¢/$
#8Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card$95/yr
2.6¢/$
#9PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card$95/yr
1.3¢/$
#10Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Credit Card$395/yr
1.1¢/$
Want to customize by spend amount, programs, or fee preference?
Open in full search with filters →Guides for this category
- TravelHow to choose a travel credit card around the trips you takeStart from the trips you will take in the next twelve months. How to value bags, lounges, protections, and fees in dollars before picking a travel card.
- Card StrategyIs a credit card annual fee worth it? A realistic break-even methodAn annual fee is worth it when extra rewards and benefits you will use beat the fee versus your real alternative. A break-even method with worked examples.
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