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Credit cards with lounge access: Which is the best option?
These internationally accessible credit cards with lounge access help digital nomads stay productive at airports around the world.
If you’re always on the go as a digital nomad, or have a job that requires travel, airport time can often be work time. Long layovers, delayed flights, and crowded terminals call for a credit card with lounge access. See it as a practical travel tool rather than a luxury. A good airport lounge offers quiet space, somewhere to sit, power sockets, refreshments, and reliable WiFi – all essential when you’re working remotely.
This guide lists the best credit cards with airport lounge access. It shows eligibility for foreign residents, fees, where in the world the cards are accepted, and which lounge networks are accessible. You can make an informed choice before researching further and signing up to the one that suits you.
American Express Platinum Card
The American Express Platinum Card is one of the world’s most widely available premium credit cards. Everyone’s heard of it and to some it may be deemed as a “flashy” card, but it does offer some great benefits – if you’re willing to invest in the high annual fees.
Who can apply:
Foreign residents with a good credit rating and high income (variable) can apply in 30+ countries with a local address and tax number.
Fees:
Annual fees vary by country. For example, in the US, it starts from $895; Canada $586 ($799 CAD); Australia $1,024 ($1,450 AUD), and the UK $886 (£650).
Coverage:
The card is accepted globally at millions of vendors in over 200 countries and territories including the US, UK, Europe, and Asia. It can be limited within small independent shops or rural areas.
Lounge access:
The American Express Platinum Card offers access to over 1,550 airport lounges. Centurion Lounges are included (locations include the US, London, Hong Kong, plus many more) and 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (locations include the US, Australia, Tokyo, plus many more). Cardholders also have access to other select partner lounges.
Platinum Card® Members can unlock Complimentary Guest Access after spending $75,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year and bring up to two guests per visit into locations of The Centurion® Lounge in the US and select international locations.
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard
The HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard is built for dedicated travelers – specifically existing HSBC Premier or Private Banking clients. It caters to frequent international travelers and affluent users seeking premium rewards, comprehensive travel insurance, airport lounge access, and enhanced security features.
Who can apply:
Applicants in the UK must have an HSBC Expat Bank Account, or an HSBC Premier account in the US.
Fees:
The annual fee in the UK starts from $396 (£290). In the US, it’s $495.
Coverage:
Use your card in all countries and regions supported by the Visa and Mastercard networks, including the UK, US, Europe, and Asia.
Lounge access:
Get unlimited access to more than 1,700 airport lounges worldwide with Priority Pass (subject to availability). This includes the UK, US, and Middle East.
No free guests are included.
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel-focused credit card designed for travellers who want to earn points while avoiding foreign transaction fees.
Who can apply:
Applicants must be Canadian residents who are the age of majority (either 18 or 19, depending on the province or territory) with no bankruptcy in the past seven years. You must also meet one of the following requirements:
- a minimum personal income of $60,000 CAD per year,
- a minimum household income of $100,000,
- or at least $250,000 in assets under management.
Fees:
The annual fee is $150 for the primary card. The first supplementary card has no annual fee, and each additional supplementary card costs $50 per year.
Coverage:
Use your card in all countries and regions supported by the Visa and Mastercard networks.
Lounge access:
Primary cardholders receive a complimentary membership to the Visa Airport Companion Program (powered by DragonPass), which includes access to over 1200 airport lounges worldwide and six complimentary airport lounge visits per membership year after enrollment. This includes Canada, the UK, US, Europe, and Asia. Additional lounge visits beyond the complimentary passes are available for a fee.
Revolut Metal Card
The Revolut Metal plan is designed for global travellers who wish to pay as they go for airport lounge access.
Who can apply:
Available to residents with an address in the UK, USA, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Brazil, Switzerland, and most of the European Economic Area (EEA), including countries like Germany, France, Spain, and Poland.
Fees:
Monthly fee is $15.99.
Coverage:
Accepted in over 150 countries worldwide that support Visa or Mastercard including the UK, US, Europe, and Asia.
Lounge access:
Discounted access to 1,000+ airport lounges worldwide including the UK, EEA, Australia, Switzerland, and the USA.
Discounted guest lounge access is available.
Capital One Venture X Card
The Capital One Venture X Card is designed for global travellers who wish to pay as they go for airport lounge access.
Who can apply:
Available to those with an “excellent” credit rating (800+) and are frequent travellers. In the US, an established credit history is highly recommended, but you don’t have to be a US citizen. The card is issued in the US, Canada, and the UK.
Fees:
Annual fee is $395.
Coverage:
Accepted globally wherever Visa is accepted including the UK, US, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Lounge access:
Access to all-inclusive Capital One Lounges and 1,300+ lounges worldwide through their Priority Pass™ membership, after enrolment. Locations include the US, Europe, and Asia.
Primary cardholders that spend at least $75,000 total on purchases across their Venture X account per calendar year can bring up to two complimentary guests to Capital One Lounges and one complimentary guest to Capital One Landings per visit.
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Choosing the right credit card for airport lounge access
Airport lounge access can turn long layovers and delays into productive or relaxing time, especially for digital nomads and frequent travellers. Instead of scrambling for a seat in a crowded terminal, a credit card with lounge access gives you a dedicated space to relax or work, charge your devices, grab some food, and use reliable WiFi before your flight.
The credit cards listed in this guide each offer different advantages depending on how often you travel and where you live. Premium options like the American Express Platinum Card provide the broadest lounge coverage, with access to more than 1,550 lounges worldwide and premium Centurion Lounges.
Other cards focus on balancing travel perks with lower costs. The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Card* stands out for Canadian travellers thanks to its lack of foreign transaction fees and six complimentary lounge visits through the Visa Airport Companion Program. Meanwhile, the Revolut Metal plan offers a flexible option for travellers who prefer discounted lounge entry rather than a high annual fee.
Overall, the American Express Platinum Card offers the most extensive lounge network in this list, making it one of the best choices for travellers who want maximum lounge availability worldwide. However, the best credit card for you ultimately depends on your travel frequency, budget, and where you’re eligible to apply.
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I've been a copywriter for over a decade, working mostly in the retail industry. I've managed copywriting teams and contributed to major campaigns for F&F at Tesco, TK Maxx, and Dreams. I also work part-time as a news writer. Outside of work, I love to cook, and a fun fact about me is that I have a phobia of bananas—it's the smell!
