Credit cards with lounge access — relax before you fly
If you want complimentary lounge passes with your credit card, then you're looking at one of the more premium frequent flyer cards. We've got you covered.
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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.
Most cards with lounge passes offer complimentary 2 lounge invitations a year. But some offer as many as 4.
"What’s better than a beer at the airport before you head off on holiday? A free beer at the airport! With the Amex Velocity Platinum credit card, you get 4 lounge pass entries to use throughout the year. You can decide who offers the best snacks from Virgin Australia or Centurion, because you’ll have 2 passes for each. This is one of my favourite perks of the credit card. "
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.
- 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 access lounges.
- Valid ticket. You may 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. Some lounges have their own dress codes (Qantas lounges require smart casual dress, for example).
VIDEO: How your credit card can give you access to airport lounges
Some credit cards offer 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.
How use your lounge pass when you're at the airport
- Go to the participating lounge.
- Present your credit card or single-use lounge passes.
- Show your boarding pass to confirm your travel.
- Pay any required fees (if entry is not complimentary or you have additional guests).
What if I'm travelling with family or friends?
If your credit card gives you single-use lounge passes, you could give them one pass and use the other for yourself. Or, if you have access through a program like LoungeKey, let the lounge staff know you're travelling with someone.
Depending on your access and the lounge, they could give your guest entry for free or for a fee. It does depend on the type of lounge access you have, so check the fine print for your card or contact the provider for exact details.
Should I get a credit card with lounge access?
Pros
- Calm and convenient space. An airport lounge gives you a way to avoid crowds in the main waiting areas. Most lounges also include comfortable chairs, dining areas and work stations. And some even offer showers.
- Refreshments and meals. You can get free drinks and food while you're waiting for your flight, as well as entertainment such as Wi-Fi, TV or magazines.
- Other benefits. Most credit cards with lounge access also offer rewards programs and other benefits such as complimentary insurance.
Cons
- Restrictions. Depending on the card, you may be limited to visiting specific lounges. For example, domestic lounges or only international lounges that are part of a particular network.
- Card fees. Credit cards that offer lounge access typically have higher annual fees than more basic cards.
- Lounge requirements. Lounges have their own dress codes and policies for guests, including additional guests or children. They also have guest capacity limits, which could mean you're not able to visit a lounge if it's already full.
The bottom line: If you fly often, want to earn points on your spending and can afford a fancier frequent flyer credit card then lounge access is a great perk. But this kind of card is not for everyone.
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.
Amex lounge access at international airports
American Express has a network of international lounges, as well as partnerships with other lounge networks around the world – including Priority Pass and Plaza Premium. You can get access to this network of over 1,500 airport lounges if you have an American Express Platinum Card, Amex Platinum Business Card or an invitation-only American Express Centurion.
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 1,500 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 1,500 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
Frequently asked questions about airport lounge access
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What is the best credit card in 2018 to maximize your Singapore Airlines points, now that the banks don’t offer Amex Cards any more?
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder!
You may check our list of KrisFlyer credit cards. In most of the cards, you will need to convert the rewards points to Velocity Frequent Flyer then transfer to Krisflyer. Before applying to a certain card, you may need to ensure that you have met their eligibility requirements then click on the green “Go to site” button to be redirected to the provider’s site and submit your application.
It also has a guideline on how you can earn KrisFlyer miles and bonus points for it.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Ash
Can I take a friend into the Sydney lounge with my AMEX platinum velocity card next month. I have only had it since Jan 2018
Hi Julie!
Thanks for your message and for visiting finder.
Generally, they do not allow access to the Sydney lounge other than the name on the pass and on the boarding pass. It must usually be the same person.
As for the AMEX Platinum Velocity card, this card offers two single entry passes to Virgin Australia lounges each year that can be used at selected domestic airports. You’ll also receive two complimentary entries to the American Express Lounge at Sydney International Airport or Melbourne International Airport per year. For as long as you, the cardholder is present, you can avail of the two entry passes to the lounge. You may want to call Sydney airport lounge to confirm this.
Please note that we’re a product comparison website. We provide general information on products to assist you in your buying decision process hence we cannot recommend product / service that is rightfully fit for you.
Hope this helps!
Thanks and Best regards,
Nikki
Can I transfer my points from an CBA MasterCard or American Express card to a new Qantas MasterCard if I change to it?
Hi Rudi,
Thank you for your inquiry. Are you referring to CommBank Awards points?
If yes, CommBank Awards points need to be converted to Qantas points first as these points cannot be transferred to non-CommBank Awards Account. Take note that you must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member to earn and redeem Qantas Frequent Flyer points.
These points usually get to your Qantas Frequent Flyer Account after three days of being redeemed. As soon as it gets there, you may claim those points through Flight Centre to avoid losing them should you cancel the old card.
You may refer to Terms and Conditions of the Commonwealth Awards Program and/or Qantas Frequent Flyer Programme for more information.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
I need a frequent flyer membership as follows
min. 1 point per $ spent
Min or no annual fee
free access to qantas or virgin lounge
interest rates not a problem
Hi James,
We do have a list of no-annual fee frequent flyer credit cards. Please check out this list and find the right option for you.
You may review and compare the offers available on the table. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by clicking the green “Go to Site” button.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle
I have a NAB Qantas c/c do they offer free lounge access and what is there point per $ spend?
Hi Lee,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder.com.au.
I’m not too sure which NAB Qantas credit card that you have, but usually their cards comes with two single-entry complimentary lounge invitations each year on your card anniversary. These passes can be used at domestic Qantas Club lounges or Qantas-operated International Business Lounges (excluding Los Angeles Tom Bradley Terminal International Business Lounge).
Moreover, NAB Qantas credit cards earn you 1 reward point for every dollar you spend.
You may be interested in our complete guide to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to learn more about your card. Of course, please feel free to read the terms and conditions of your card or get in touch with your card issuer to learn more.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Rench