Enjoy access to airport lounges around the world for free with your credit card.
Here, you can compare and apply for credit cards that offer complimentary airport lounge entry. You can also look at the common requirements you need to meet to get airport lounge access with your card, discover popular lounges and consider the pros and cons so you can find the right card for your needs.
Compare credit cards with free airport lounge access
Top 5* credit cards with free airport lounge access
Compare your options and see which exclusive airline lounges you could visit with your credit card.
- ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Credit Card – Receive two complimentary Qantas Club Lounge invitations every year and unlimited access to Véloce airport lounges worldwide. $425 p.a..
- American Express Qantas Ultimate Card – This card offers two Qantas Club Lounge invitations annually (after your first eligible spend) and two entries to the American Express Lounge at Sydney and Melbourne airports each year. $450 annual fee.
- Citi Qantas Signature Credit Card – Enjoy a Priority Pass membership with two complimentary lounge visits per year to over 950 lounges worldwide. Annual fee of $199 in the first year ($395 p.a. thereafter).
- American Express Explorer Credit Card – Take advantage of two complimentary passes to the American Express Lounge in Sydney or Melbourne each year. $395 p.a. annual fee.
- Westpac Altitude Black – Receive two complimentary Priority Pass lounge passes each year. $250 p.a. annual fee.
How do credit cards with free airport lounge passes work?
A credit card with an airport lounge pass gives you complimentary access to exclusive waiting areas at the airport. This means you can relax in style and comfort before your eligible flights, with popular airport lounge features including Wi-Fi, food and beverages, premium seating and even beds and showers in some locations.
Most cards that offer complimentary airport lounge access provide a limited number of passes for each year you have the card, and a few provide lounge passes as an introductory benefit. Depending on the card and the type of lounge pass available, you may be able to invite a guest or provide access to a supplementary cardholder. Usually you will have to meet specific requirements to access this feature, such as spending a certain amount, keeping your account in good standing or requesting the passes directly through your card provider.
Common requirements to get airport lounge access with a credit card
While the requirements you need to meet to get lounge access with a credit card vary based on the provider and the airport lounge, some of the most common conditions include:
- Spending requirement. You may need to make an eligible purchase or spend a specific amount of money on your credit card each year to be eligible for complimentary airport lounge passes. For example, the ANZ Rewards Travel Adventures card offers two complimentary Virgin Australia domestic airport lounge passes when you use it to spend $500 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months.
- Program enrolment. Credit cards that offer airport lounge access through a member-based service such as Priority Pass may require you to enrol in that program to receive your complimentary passes or access.
- Valid ticket. Most airport lounges require all guests to have a valid ticket for a flight departing that day.
- Dress code. Lounges often have dress code requirements, such as smart casual dress and no shorts.
How to compare credit cards with free airport lounge passes
To get the most value from your credit card with free airport lounge access, you will need to compare the features of each option 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, frequent flyer program and complimentary insurance can help justify this cost. You may get lucky and find one that waives the fee for the first year, which could make it more enticing to sign up.
- Rates. Depending on the way you plan to use the credit card, interest rates will make a big difference in the card's value. The purchase rate, cash advance rate and balance transfer rate may all differ in one card, so you will need a good idea of how you plan to use it before you start making comparisons. For example, if you are using it to earn points towards flights but don’t plan on carrying a balance, look for low purchase rates with extended interest-free days.
- The number of lounges you can access. This feature is dependent on the airline and network that the card is working with. A Qantas cardholder for example will have access to close to 20 VIP lounges in Australia, while Rex Lounge and Virgin Lounge have three and six respectively. A priority pass membership allows access to approximately 600 airport lounges, and could be the best choice for travellers who always go with the airline that has the lowest price.
- The rewards program or airline provider. Many of the credit cards with airport lounge access are a part of a rewards program that could be tied with a specific airline. If you favour one airline over another, this is definitely worth considering. Another thing to look for is whether or not your exclusive lounge access is contingent on the number of points you have earned.
- Lounge perks. Airport lounges use various perks to please their first class passengers and frequent flyers. This could be as elaborate as massage tables in a garden-like setting like in the Qantas First Lounge in Sydney, or Wi-Fi access, showers and free wine available in Virgin Airline Lounges. The credit card you choose will determine the perks you are entitled to when waiting on flights.
- Other benefits. See what else the card is offering outside of the complimentary access to airport lounges. You could find some that have money-saving balance transfer offers if you are carrying a lot of debt, or bonus rewards points if you are trying for free tickets on your next holiday.
What do complimentary credit card airport lounges look like?
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 specific credit cards:
Virgin Australia Lounges (domestic)
Virgin Australia has 10 domestic airport lounges in locations including Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Each lounge offers unique design elements 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 Platinum, the American Express Velocity Platinum, the ANZ Rewards Travel Adventures and the Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer. You can also enjoy complimentary access as a Velocity Gold or Platinum member, a business class guest or for a fee of $65 when you have a valid Virgin Australia fare. Note specific lounge terms and conditions apply.
Compare Virgin Australia Velocity credit card features and benefits
Priority Pass Lounges
EuroAirport Skyview Lounge (Basel-Mulhouse Airport) – available with Priority Pass.
Priority Pass is a subscription-based service that provides members with access to over 800 lounges 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 provide Priority Pass access and/or membership include the Citi Prestige, the Citi Rewards Signature Credit 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$399 per year.
Qantas Club Lounge at Sydney Airport
This premium Qantas Lounge at Sydney Airport has a reputation as one of the top lounges in the world. It includes sweeping views of Sydney Airport, a premium restaurant, spa treatments and complimentary business and leisure services. Several credit cards provide complimentary access to the Qantas Lounge when you're booked on an eligible flight, including the ANZ Frequent Flyer Black, the Qantas American Express Premium and the Westpac Altitude Black (when you choose Altitude Qantas Rewards). You can also enjoy complimentary Qantas Lounge access when you have an eligible first class or business class fare with Qantas, Jetstar (Business Max only), if you're a Qantas Frequent Flyer Gold, Platinum or Platinum One member, a Qantas Club member, or have matching status with a partner airline program including Emirates Skywards and oneworld alliance.
American Express Lounges (domestic)
Many high-tier American Express credit cards come with complimentary passes to the American Express lounges. There are currently two Amex lounges, located at the Terminal 1 departures at Sydney International Airport and T2 international terminal at Melbourne Airport. When you visit an American Express lounge, you can treat yourself to complimentary dining and snacks which often includes buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also order soft drink, cocktails, wine, beer and barista-made coffee from the bar. Both of the lounges are well equipped with individual seats, lounges and bench-style tables. However, adequate seating may be harder to find if you're travelling with family or several colleagues. Whether you need to do some work or just want to scroll through your feed, you can look forward to complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and device charging points in both lounges.
Want to know what it's really like to visit an American Express lounge? Check out our review of the Sydney lounge and the Melbourne lounge for more.
Check out the best airport lounges in the world
Back to topWhat are the pros and cons of a credit card with airport lounge access?
Pros
- A relaxed environment. An exclusive airport lounge takes you out of the chaos that is typically found in an airport waiting area.
- Freebies. Enjoy free drinks and snacks while waiting to be called for your flight, in some cases even a glass of wine.
- Convenience. With cozy chairs, tables and work stations, you can spend your time wisely by taking advantage of free Wi-Fi to catch up on work, or your social media status.
- Other benefits. Since the majority of these cards are part of a rewards program, using them will earn you points that can later be redeemed for airfare, merchandise and more.
Cons
- Restrictions. In some cases, you might be restricted to which amenities are available to you inside the airport lounge.
- Fees. As a result of the benefits and perks that come with these cards, you will find that the annual fees are higher than with regular credit cards.
- Accessibility. With some of these cards, you will find that the lounge you have free access to is not available at certain airports.
- Limitations. Complimentary passes are usually offered in pairs. If you are travelling with a large group, you might find that not everyone will be able to wait with you inside the lounge.
Airport lounge access is just one small part of an entire credit card package. As you are taking into consideration the type and amount of access each card is offering, don’t forget about comparing that information against the other features and benefits that the credit card is offering.
Pictures: Shutterstock
What is the best credit card in 2018 to maximize your Singapore Airlines points, now that the banks don’t offer Amex Csrds any more?
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder!
You may check this page for the list of Credit Cards that lets you earn points for the Krisflyer Rewards Program. 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.
Let us know if there is anything else that we may assist you with.
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,
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
You may refer to this page for options that may suit your needs. 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.
NAB Qantas Plus Credit Card offers complimentary Qantas Frequent Flyer membership; however, it does not offer any complimentary passes to the Qantas Lounge. You may be interested in our complete guide to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Rench
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 to ANZ Frequent Flyer Black, ANZ Rewards Black and ANZ Rewards Travel Adventures cards.
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