12 Best Credit Cards Offering Priority Pass Airport Lounge Access

Earning Structure:

• 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X miles on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $395
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 19.99% – 29.24% (Variable)
• Includes access to Capital One Lounges and 1,300+ Priority Pass lounges worldwide
• Complimentary travel insurance, purchase protections, and digital lounge passes

Key Benefits:

• Unlimited lounge access for the cardholder
• Travel credits each year that help offset fees
• Digital lounge pass available in the mobile app
• Access subject to space availability at lounges

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, statement credits, or transferred to travel partners.

Credit Requirements:

This card requires excellent credit for approval.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Authorized users no longer get free lounge access, and guest access at lounges is limited.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers solid rewards and lounge access without the higher cost of ultra-premium cards, making it a good starting point for travelers new to premium credit cards.

Earning Structure:

• 2X miles per dollar on every purchase
• 5X miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• 10X miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 150,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 in the first three months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $395
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Not applicable
• Includes Priority Pass and Capital One Lounge access
• Two complimentary guest entries per visit for Capital One Lounges
• Travel and purchase protections included

Key Benefits:

• Access to Priority Pass lounges globally
• Travel and purchase protection
• 10X miles on select travel bookings
• Ability to bring guests into lounges

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or cash back through Capital One’s flexible rewards program.

Credit Requirements:

Recommended for applicants with excellent credit, typically a score between 740 and 850.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

No complimentary guest access for authorized users exists, limiting lounge access per cardholder.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers straightforward rewards and lounge access that make travel easier without complicated spending tiers.

Earning Structure:

• 8X points on all purchases through Chase Travel, including The Edit℠
• 4X points on flights booked directly with airlines
• 4X points on hotels booked directly
• 3X points on dining worldwide
• 1X point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $795
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Priority Pass Select membership with access for cardholder plus 2 guests
• $300 annual travel credit
• Authorized user access for $75 per year
• Includes travel insurance, purchase protection, and trip delay reimbursement

Key Benefits:

• Priority Pass airport lounge access with up to two guests
• $300 annual travel credit that offsets travel expenses
• 3X points on travel and dining expenses
• Comprehensive travel insurance and purchase protections

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards at 1.5 cents per point or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

Credit Requirements:

Typically requires good to excellent credit, usually a FICO score of 700 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high annual fee may not suit occasional travelers, and authorized user access costs extra.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its straightforward rewards on travel and dining, plus included lounge access, make it useful for those new to travel cards.

Earning Structure:

• 8X points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠
• 5X total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27
• 4X points on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3X points on social media and search engine advertising
• 1X point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Receive 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases within the first six months from account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $795
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Includes Priority Pass Select membership with access to 1,300+ lounges
• Access to Chase Sapphire Lounges
• $300 annual travel credit
• Trip protections and cell phone insurance

Key Benefits:

• Extensive airport lounge access with Priority Pass and Chase Sapphire Lounges
• Travel and business credits to offset fees
• Bonus points categories tailored for business expenses
• Mobile app for easy account and expense management

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or transferred to Chase’s travel partners.

Credit Requirements:

Typically requires excellent credit, generally a FICO score of 740 or above.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The annual fee is high, so it works best for users who can maximize travel and business credits.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It simplifies travel and business spending with valuable perks and easy-to-manage benefits.

Earning Structure:

• 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel
• 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
• 1X point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn up to 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of Card Membership. Welcome offers may vary, and eligibility is not guaranteed.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $695
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 20.24%–29.24% (Variable) for Pay Over Time eligible charges
• Includes Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required)
• Access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and other partner lounges
• Up to $200 airline fee credit per calendar year

Key Benefits:

• Priority Pass Select membership with unlimited visits
• Airport lounge access beyond Priority Pass locations
• Up to $200 in airline fee credits yearly
• Uber, hotel, and other travel credits
• Premium concierge service

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or transferred to airline and hotel partners for better value.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need excellent credit, typically with a score of 720 or above.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high annual fee may not suit those who travel less often or do not fully use the travel credits.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It gives newcomers a simple way to access premium lounges and earn points quickly with clear, travel-focused rewards.

Earning Structure:

• Earn 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
• Earn 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more
• Earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $695
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 18.49% – 29.24% (Variable) for Pay Over Time eligible charges
• Access to 1,400+ lounges worldwide via the Amex Global Lounge Collection
• Includes Priority Pass Select (enrollment required), Centurion Lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs
• Up to $400 in annual Dell statement credits

Key Benefits:

• Up to $2,000 in annual travel credits
• Hotel and car rental elite status with select partners
• High level of travel insurance coverage
• Points transferable to multiple airline and hotel partners

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel through Amex Travel, transferred to frequent flyer programs, or used for gift cards and statement credits.

Credit Requirements:

Requires excellent credit, typically a FICO score of 740 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high annual fee and limited rewards on everyday spending can be drawbacks for casual cardholders.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It suits new business owners who plan to travel a lot and want premium lounge access and travel perks.

Earning Structure:

• Earn 5X points on air travel and restaurants
• Earn 3X points on hotels and cruise lines
• Earn 1X point on other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Previously offered a substantial bonus for new cardholders after meeting a minimum spend, though no longer available to new applicants.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $495
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Unlimited Priority Pass access for the cardholder and guests
• Annual $250 travel credit
• Includes trip cancellation, delay, and purchase protection benefits

Key Benefits:

• Unlimited Priority Pass lounge access worldwide
• Access extended to immediate family or up to two guests
• Travel and purchase protections
• Credits on qualifying travel expenses

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits through Citi’s rewards portal.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need excellent credit to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high annual fee may discourage occasional travelers from getting this card. The card is no longer available to new users, limiting future accessibility.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It is best suited for those who travel often and can make use of multiple travel perks to offset costs.

Earning Structure:

• 6X Marriott Bonvoy points at participating Marriott hotels
• 3X points on worldwide restaurant spending
• 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines
• 2X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first six months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $650
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 20.24%–29.24% (Variable)
• Includes Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required)
• Up to $300 in dining statement credits per year
• Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status

Key Benefits:

• Unlimited Priority Pass lounge access worldwide
• Annual $300 dining credit
• Complimentary Marriott Gold Elite status
• Travel insurance and purchase protections included

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for free hotel stays, flights, and upgrades within the Marriott Bonvoy program or transferred to airline partners.

Credit Requirements:

This card requires good to excellent credit for approval.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high annual fee means it works best for frequent travelers who will use the benefits often.

Why it Works for Beginners:

The card provides valuable benefits right away and offers a simple way to earn and redeem points in a large hotel network.

Earning Structure:

• 3X points on travel and mobile wallet spending
• 1X points on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

This card is no longer accepting new applications, so no welcome bonus is currently offered.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $400
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Includes Priority Pass Select membership with four complimentary visits per year
• Up to $325 in annual travel or dining credits
• Up to $100 in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee reimbursement

Key Benefits:

• Priority Pass lounge access (limited visits)
• Travel credits that offset the annual fee
• Mobile wallet rewards boost
• Protection benefits common to premium cards

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel at a rate of about 1.5 cents per point or transferred to partner programs.

Credit Requirements:

This card requires good to excellent credit for approval.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Priority Pass access is limited by the number of visits per year, unlike some cards offering unlimited access.

Why it Works for Beginners:

The card provides strong travel rewards and valuable credits that help offset costs, making it easier for new users to get value from premium travel perks.

Earning Structure:

• 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center
• 4X points on travel, gas stations, and EV charging stations
• 2X points on dining, streaming services, and grocery stores
• 1X point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: None
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 18.24%–28.24% (Variable)
• Includes Priority Pass Select membership (4 visits per year)
• Up to $100 statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
• Built-in trip delay reimbursement and cell phone protection

Key Benefits:

• Complimentary Priority Pass Select lounge access
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry statement credit
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Cell phone protection
• No foreign transaction fees

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits through U.S. Bank’s rewards portal.

Credit Requirements:

The card typically requires good to excellent credit approval.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card lacks some premium travel card perks like multiple airline transfer partners.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its easy rewards structure and no annual fee make it a straightforward choice for those new to travel rewards cards.

Earning Structure:

• 2.5 points per $1 spent on travel and dining
• 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $550
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Includes Priority Pass Select membership with unlimited visits
• Up to $550 in annual combined statement credits for airline incidental fees, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry, and lifestyle services
• Access to Visa Infinite benefits and protections

Key Benefits:

• Unlimited lounge access with Priority Pass Select
• Travel credits that help cover the annual fee
• 20% more value when redeeming points for airfare
• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, statement credits, or gift cards. Travel redemptions get a 20% bonus value.

Credit Requirements:

It requires good to excellent credit for approval.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The annual fee is relatively high, and the card has fewer transfer partners compared to some competitors.

Why it Works for Beginners:

The card’s travel credits and lounge access deliver strong value, making it a useful option for those new to premium travel credit cards.

Earning Structure:

• 6X points on JetBlue purchases
• 2X points at restaurants and grocery stores
• 1X point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 60,000 TrueBlue points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 90 days and paying the annual fee.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $499
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Includes Priority Pass Select membership with unlimited access
• $300 statement credit annually for Paisly purchases
• Up to $100 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

Key Benefits:

• Unlimited Priority Pass airport lounge access
• Access to Priority Pass restaurants
• Free checked bags on JetBlue flights
• Priority boarding on JetBlue flights

Redemption Options:

TrueBlue points can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and Mosaic status perks with JetBlue.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants need good to excellent credit to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high annual fee may not suit occasional travelers.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers strong travel benefits and lounge access, making airport time more comfortable even for newer travelers.