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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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.
Finder's best credit cards with lounge access for 2024
These credit cards were the top performing frequent flyer credit cards with lounge access at the 2024 Finder Credit Card Awards.
ANZ Frequent Flyer Black. Winner of the Best Qantas Points card in 2024, this card also offers 2 complimentary Qantas Club Lounge invitations per year.
Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer. Winner of the Best Velocity Card, this one comes with 2 complimentary Virgin Australia domestic lounge passes per year.
Qantas Premier Platinum. This card also offers 2 single-entry lounge invitations each year, which can be used at domestic Qantas Club lounges or Qantas-operated International Business Lounges.
Westpac Altitude Velocity Black. You can get two complimentary single-entry Virgin Australia domestic airport lounge invitations when you make a direct spend with Virgin Australia each year.
"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. "
Madeleine G
Finder crew member
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions about airport lounge access
This depends on the credit card, as usually the lounge access is offered through an airline partnership or lounge network. For example, if your card offered Qantas Club lounge passes, you could use them at over 30 lounges around Australia, while Priority Pass membership would give you access to over 1,500 airport lounges and experiences around the world.
Airport lounge passes typically offer you 2 single visits to a lounge, which you can use separately or when travelling with someone. Airport lounge access typically refers to ongoing lounge access through a membership with Priority Pass, LoungeKey or another program.
It's worth noting that the term "lounge access" could also technically refer to any type of lounge visit.
Some credit cards include complimentary airport lounge access for at least one additional cardholder, such as the American Express Platinum Card. But not all credit cards do. You can check your card's terms and conditions, or call the provider to confirm whether or not an additional cardholder can access airport lounges when they travel.
If you're not travelling with a family member, they won't typically be able to use your credit card to visit a lounge. But you can sometimes transfer complimentary lounge passes to them.
If you are travelling with a family member, you could get lounge access for both of you with a credit card that offers 2 single-use lounge passes or unlimited lounge visits. It depends on the lounge access and the actual lounge you want to visit, and fees may apply.
No, the boarding pass will have to show that you are flying with Qantas or Jetstar on the same day that you want to visit the Qantas Club lounge.
One of the easiest ways to check if your credit card offers airport lounge access is to look at the card details on the bank's website or a review page. Usually, lounge access will be listed as one of the key benefits. You could also check the card's terms and conditions or contact the bank or provider to find out if airport lounge access is offered.
Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full bio
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Currently a Velocity Red card member can I upgrade to higher grade to get access to Virgin Lounge when travelling through Melbourne Airport and what is the cost for both my wife and self with our Velocity membership Rad.
Finder
MaySeptember 22, 2016Finder
Hi Geoffrey,
Thank you for your inquiry. Just to confirm, you’ve come through to finder.com.au, not actually Velocity.
Velocity actually assesses memberships on a daily basis, to determine whether you are eligible for an upgrade to the next level of membership to be able to enjoy a range of membership benefits like access to the airport lounges. Virgin lounge access is actually available for Velocity Platinum or Gold members.
So as soon as your Velocity status credit and eligible sector balances reach the required number to upgrade, you will automatically be upgraded to the next level at no cost. Eligible Sectors are the minimum amount of Virgin Australia-marketed flights that you need to take in order to upgrade. So the upgrade requirements are:
Status Credits Required to Upgrade: Silver = 250; Gold = 500; Platinum = 1,000 Eligible Sectors Required to Upgrade: Silver = 2; Gold = 4; Platinum = 8
Cheers,
May
CarolAugust 11, 2016
Hi, I have an ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum Credit Card with my husband as an additional cardholder. Can you please advise if we are eligible for complementary lounge passes. Thank you
I have a Commonwealth MasterCard credit card and want to know if I have free access to priority pass lounges in Rome and Dubai?
Finder
MayApril 27, 2016Finder
Hi Rosa,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Unfortunately, Commonwealth MasterCard credit card does not come with complimentary access to the airport lounges. The credit cards that give free access to airport lounges are featured above.
Cheers,
May
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Currently a Velocity Red card member can I upgrade to higher grade to get access to Virgin Lounge when travelling through Melbourne Airport and what is the cost for both my wife and self with our Velocity membership Rad.
Hi Geoffrey,
Thank you for your inquiry. Just to confirm, you’ve come through to finder.com.au, not actually Velocity.
Velocity actually assesses memberships on a daily basis, to determine whether you are eligible for an upgrade to the next level of membership to be able to enjoy a range of membership benefits like access to the airport lounges. Virgin lounge access is actually available for Velocity Platinum or Gold members.
So as soon as your Velocity status credit and eligible sector balances reach the required number to upgrade, you will automatically be upgraded to the next level at no cost. Eligible Sectors are the minimum amount of Virgin Australia-marketed flights that you need to take in order to upgrade. So the upgrade requirements are:
Status Credits Required to Upgrade: Silver = 250; Gold = 500; Platinum = 1,000
Eligible Sectors Required to Upgrade: Silver = 2; Gold = 4; Platinum = 8
Cheers,
May
Hi, I have an ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum Credit Card with my husband as an additional cardholder. Can you please advise if we are eligible for complementary lounge passes. Thank you
Hi Carol,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Unfortunately, the free access to airport lounges is not among the benefits of the ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum Credit Card. This benefit, however, is available with the ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Card, ANZ Rewards Black Card and ANZ Rewards Travel Adventures Card.
Cheers,
May
I have a Commonwealth MasterCard credit card and want to know if I have free access to priority pass lounges in Rome and Dubai?
Hi Rosa,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Unfortunately, Commonwealth MasterCard credit card does not come with complimentary access to the airport lounges. The credit cards that give free access to airport lounges are featured above.
Cheers,
May