Credit cards with lounge access

What credit cards offer airport lounge access?

Many premium frequent flyer and rewards credit cards offer you access to airport lounges. This gives you a chance to avoid crowds in the main terminal areas and enjoy drinks, food, a space to work and other perks while you wait for your flight.

Depending on the card and the lounge, you could even bring a guest or family members travelling with you into the lounge. So, let's take a look at how it all works.

Comparison: 4 credit cards with free airport lounge access

Compare the airline lounge options and annual fees offered on these four, premium credit cards.

• ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Credit Card – Offers you two complimentary Qantas Club Lounge invitations every year, with an annual fee of $425.
• Qantas American Express 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 or Melbourne airport each year, with a $450 annual fee.
• American Express Explorer Credit Card – This card offers two complimentary passes to the American Express Lounge in Sydney or Melbourne each year and has a $395 annual fee.
• Westpac Altitude Black – This card includes two complimentary Priority Pass lounge passes each year and charges a $250 annual fee.

VIDEO: How to get free airport lounge access with your credit card

How do credit cards with free airport lounge access work?

Most cards that offer complimentary airport lounge access give you a limited number of single-use passes you can use each year you have the card.

There are also a few credit cards that offer unlimited lounge access through programs such as LoungeKey or Priority Pass. Sometimes these cards will offer a limited number of free entries, then give you the option of paying for individual lounge visits.

How do I get free airport lounge access with a credit card?

Usually, you need to meet a few requirements to enjoy airport lounge access through your credit card. These vary depending on the provider and the airport lounge, but 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.
• Invitation requests. With some credit cards, you may need to contact the bank or provider and request the lounge invitations before they are issued in your name. The invitations will then be emailed or posted to you once you have met this requirement, and any other conditions that may apply to your card.
• 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.

Once you've met these requirements and are at the airport, you can use your lounge passes in just a few steps:

1. Go to the participating lounge.
2. Present your credit card or single-use lounge pass.
3. Show your boarding pass to confirm your travel.

What are the pros and cons of a credit card with airport lounge access?

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How to compare credit cards with free airport lounge passes

Airport lounge access is just one feature you'll get on a credit card. So, as well as looking at the type of lounge access you'll get, make sure you compare the card's other features and costs to decide if it's worth it for you. This includes:

• 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. For example, if you got Qantas Club lounge passes, you could use them at over 20 lounges around Australia, while Priority Pass membership would give you access to over 1,300 airport lounges and experiences around the world.
• 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.
• 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 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.

American Express Lounges

Many high-tier American Express credit cards give you complimentary passes to American Express lounges in Australia, including the American Express Explorer, David Jones American Express Platinum and the American Express Qantas Ultimate (which also offers Qantas Club invitations).

At the moment, there are 2 Amex lounges: one is in Terminal 1 at Sydney International Airport and one is in Terminal 2 at Melbourne International Airport. Both of these lounges have a mix of seating – including lounge chairs and bar seats – as well as food, drinks, Wi-Fi and charging points. 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.

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 lounges at over 500 airports around the world, regardless of which airline your 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 CommBank Ultimate Awards Credit Card with Qantas Points.

LoungeKey credit cards and airport lounge program

Priority Pass Lounges

Priority Pass is a membership-based service that gives you access to more than 1,300 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$399 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 Black Qantas card.

Full guide to Qantas airport lounges

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. Want access without a credit card? Finder's guide to Virgin Australia lounges goes through your options.

Compare Virgin Australia Velocity credit card features and benefits

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Frequently asked questions about airport lounge access

• I want to order an additional card for my partner. Will they be able to access to airport lounges as well?

  Some credit cards include complimentary airport lounge access for at least one additional cardholder, but not all of them do. So make sure you check your card's terms and conditions, or call the provider to confirm whether or not your partner will also be able to access airport lounges when they travel.

• Can I give my airport lounge pass to a relative or friend to use?

  Generally, no. The name on the pass and on the boarding pass usually must be the same.

• If I have a Qantas Club Lounge pass but am flying with a different airline, can I still visit the Qantas Club before my flight?

  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.

• How do I know if my credit card has access to lounges?

  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.