Plenty of frequent flyer credit cards also give you airport lounge access. It's a nice travel perk, but these cards have hefty annual fees, so you have to choose your card carefully.
If you want free airport lounge access then you need a credit card that earns you frequent flyer points or rewards points. Your main options are:
Qantas credit cards. Plenty of banks and card companies offer credit cards that let you earn Qantas Points on your spending. Many also offer complimentary Qantas Lounge passes.
Velocity credit cards. Like Qantas cards, there are plenty of credit cards that let you earn Velocity Points, the Virgin Australia frequent flyer program. Virgin Lounge passes are a common perk with these cards.
American Express credit cards. Some Amex credit cards let you earn Qantas or Velocity Points, with lounge passes for the corresponding airlines. Some let you earn Amex Membership Rewards Points and offer access to Amex Centurion lounges.
Most cards with lounge passes offer complimentary 2 lounge invitations a year.
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 and LoungeKey.
Finder's best credit cards with lounge access
These credit cards were the top performing frequent flyer credit cards with lounge access at the 2025 Finder Credit Card Awards.
The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card won Finder's Qantas frequent flyer credit card award. It offers 2 complimentary Qantas Club Lounge invitations each year if you purchase certain Qantas products or services, plus two Centurion Lounge entries.
The Westpac Altitude Velocity Black Card won the 2025 Finder Velocity frequent flyer credit card award. It offers 2 complimentary domestic Virgin Australia lounge passes per year.
The American Express Velocity Platinum Card was highly commended in the credit card awards and also offers Virgin Australia Lounge access plus guest passes at some domestic airports
The ANZ Frequent Flyer Black was highly commended and gives you 2 complimentary Qantas Club Lounge invitations per year.
How to choose the right credit card with airport lounge access
When choosing a credit card you really can't just look airport lounge passes. It's a nice perk, but a credit card is a serious financial tool with lots of features and perks, plus fees and costs.
Look at the card's 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.
Choose the right points program. This is very important. You can earn Qantas Points or Velocity Points and redeem them for flights. You can also earn bank or card rewards points, which usually convert to frequent flyer points (often a lower rate than earning those points directly).
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.
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.
"Personally lounge access doesn't mean much to me. I fly with an unruly toddler and keeping an eye on him inside an airport lounge sounds horrible. I chose to focus my points earning in the Velocity program because the main thing I care about is getting cheap domestic rewards flights. If I was focused on international flights I'd go with Qantas instead."
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.
The cost of free airport lounge access
There are 45 credit cards in Finder's database that offer some kind of airport lounge access. These credit cards have annual fees that range all the way from a very low $99 to an eye-watering $1,750. The median fee is $370.
Source:Finder's credit card database
Credit card airport lounge access conditions
Check the terms and conditions on your credit card to make sure you understand how the airport lounge access works.
It varies by card but you should always look at factors like:
Membership. You'll need to be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member to access Qantas Lounges. 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.
Frequency. Most cards offer you a pair of lounge passes each calendar year but some may issue the passes on the anniversary of your card activation instead.
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.
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).
What if I'm travelling with family or friends?
Many credit cards give you 2 single-use lounge passes in a year. You could use one and then give one to a partner.
Some lounge passes let you bring in children for free under a certain age. And some may charge a fee if you want to bring a guest in.
What types of airport lounges can I access with a 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.
Amex lounge access at international airports
American Express also has a network of international lounges, as well as partnerships with other lounge networks around the world – including Priority Pass and Plaza Premium.
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, depending on which lounge you visit.
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.
Lounge programs
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. 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 Lounges.Priority Pass is a membership-based service that gives you access to over 1,700 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 MyCard Prestige Card, the St.George Amplify Signature and the Westpac Altitude Black.
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 1,700 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 is an experienced journalist with over 16 years of experience, contributing to major publications like Money Magazine, The Sydney Morning Herald, and ABC News Australia. Specialising in personal finance, she frequently appeared in media outlets and on radio. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Drama from Griffith University and earned RG146 certifications in Tier 1 Generic Knowledge and Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products, ensuring her expertise is grounded in current financial regulations. Amy was Finder's Senior Writer for Credit Cards from 2016 to 2024.
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Have a black credit card and according to some lists, I have access to various lounges. I have been to several of these lounges in countries like NZ, India, Bahrain and Singapore where this card is listed as accepted. In each case, the people in the lounge check their own list, and this black card is not on it. So far it has not been accepted in any country I have visited. How can it be listed but then not accepted. I think it is false advertising for the banks to say one can gain entry to lounges with this card when it is not so. Who actually checks these lists?
Finder
MaiApril 24, 2019Finder
Hi CT,
Thank you for contacting Finder.
Each credit card provider has different terms and conditions as well as lounge accessibility. There are different black card listed on this site and the policy and lounge list may differ from one provider/bank to another.
I feel sorry that you see that your card can access a specific lounge but as you arrive at your destination country, you cannot enter. I suggest that you check your card’s lounge access terms and conditions to check or maybe try to contact your credit card provider to raise it. They may have a way on how to fix this from their end to ensure that you know what lounge you can access for using your black card.
Hope this helps! 😊
Kind Regards,
Mai
PatrickFebruary 4, 2019
I have an ANZ Platinum QANTAS FF card. The new customer ANZ offers of bonus points are not available to me. What is the best CC offer currently available to me to maximise
Points and other benefits?
AshFebruary 9, 2019
Hi Patrick,
Thank you for contacting Finder.
You may compare a range of Qantas Frequent Flyer Credit Cards where you can earn up to 100,000 bonus points. To receive the bonus points, you must meet the eligibility requirements and spend. Kindly click on the name of the credit card on the table to see the complete criteria for the card itself and the bonus points as well. When you are ready, press the ‘Go to site’ button to apply.
I hope this helps.
Please do not hesitate to reach out again to us if you have additional questions.
Cheers,
Ash
KenOctober 16, 2018
I have a Jetstar platinum card, does this cover travel insurance when trips booked on the card? Specifically, does it cover rental car excess in case of an accident?
Finder
JhezelynOctober 16, 2018Finder
Hello Ken,
Thank you for your comment.
To be eligible for the complimentary insurance benefits, you must first purchase and pay for the full amount of a Trip using the Jetstar Platinum MasterCard Credit Card Account. Yes, it will cover you if you become legally liable to pay any Collision Excess in respect of loss or damage to a Hire Car during the rental period stipulated in the Vehicle Rental Agreement. They will reimburse you any Collision Excess that you have paid under that Vehicle Rental Agreement(s) up to $5,000. This is with a condition, so it’s best to check the Jetstar Platinum MasterCard Credit Card Insurance PDF found on their website.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
WinsSeptember 12, 2018
Currently I have a Westpac Altitude Black Reward card. I am the primary card holder and my wife is having the supplementary card . Will she get the complementary Priority Pass membership ?
Finder
JoshuaSeptember 12, 2018Finder
Hi Wins,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
Upon checking, the two complimentary airport lounge visits can only be used by the primary cardholder. If you’re travelling with your wife,
she can join you in the lounge by paying a fee which is US$27 (at the time of this writing). This will be charged directly to your card.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
GopalakrishnanJuly 1, 2018
Can I use my SBI debit card to access the air port lounge at Kuala Lumpur lon my way to Chennai India?
NikkiJuly 3, 2018
Hi Gopalakrishnan,
Thanks for contacting finder.
Unfortunately, your SBI debit card doesn’t have access to the KLIA airport.
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Have a black credit card and according to some lists, I have access to various lounges. I have been to several of these lounges in countries like NZ, India, Bahrain and Singapore where this card is listed as accepted. In each case, the people in the lounge check their own list, and this black card is not on it. So far it has not been accepted in any country I have visited. How can it be listed but then not accepted. I think it is false advertising for the banks to say one can gain entry to lounges with this card when it is not so. Who actually checks these lists?
Hi CT,
Thank you for contacting Finder.
Each credit card provider has different terms and conditions as well as lounge accessibility. There are different black card listed on this site and the policy and lounge list may differ from one provider/bank to another.
I feel sorry that you see that your card can access a specific lounge but as you arrive at your destination country, you cannot enter. I suggest that you check your card’s lounge access terms and conditions to check or maybe try to contact your credit card provider to raise it. They may have a way on how to fix this from their end to ensure that you know what lounge you can access for using your black card.
Hope this helps! 😊
Kind Regards,
Mai
I have an ANZ Platinum QANTAS FF card. The new customer ANZ offers of bonus points are not available to me. What is the best CC offer currently available to me to maximise
Points and other benefits?
Hi Patrick,
Thank you for contacting Finder.
You may compare a range of Qantas Frequent Flyer Credit Cards where you can earn up to 100,000 bonus points. To receive the bonus points, you must meet the eligibility requirements and spend. Kindly click on the name of the credit card on the table to see the complete criteria for the card itself and the bonus points as well. When you are ready, press the ‘Go to site’ button to apply.
I hope this helps.
Please do not hesitate to reach out again to us if you have additional questions.
Cheers,
Ash
I have a Jetstar platinum card, does this cover travel insurance when trips booked on the card? Specifically, does it cover rental car excess in case of an accident?
Hello Ken,
Thank you for your comment.
To be eligible for the complimentary insurance benefits, you must first purchase and pay for the full amount of a Trip using the Jetstar Platinum MasterCard Credit Card Account. Yes, it will cover you if you become legally liable to pay any Collision Excess in respect of loss or damage to a Hire Car during the rental period stipulated in the Vehicle Rental Agreement. They will reimburse you any Collision Excess that you have paid under that Vehicle Rental Agreement(s) up to $5,000. This is with a condition, so it’s best to check the Jetstar Platinum MasterCard Credit Card Insurance PDF found on their website.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Currently I have a Westpac Altitude Black Reward card. I am the primary card holder and my wife is having the supplementary card . Will she get the complementary Priority Pass membership ?
Hi Wins,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
Upon checking, the two complimentary airport lounge visits can only be used by the primary cardholder. If you’re travelling with your wife,
she can join you in the lounge by paying a fee which is US$27 (at the time of this writing). This will be charged directly to your card.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
Can I use my SBI debit card to access the air port lounge at Kuala Lumpur lon my way to Chennai India?
Hi Gopalakrishnan,
Thanks for contacting finder.
Unfortunately, your SBI debit card doesn’t have access to the KLIA airport.
Hope this clarifies!
Cheers,
Nikki