Credit Cards With Airport Lounge Access

Compare credit cards that give cardholders complimentary entry passes into airport airline lounges in Australia and overseas.

Gareth Boyd avatar
Written by   |  
Andrew Boyd avatar
Edited by   |  
David Boyd avatar
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Updated 12 Dec 2024   |   Rates updated regularly

Comparing of 16 credit cards with airport lounge access

FeaturedApply by 25 March 2025

Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Points per $1 spent

2.25 points

Sign up bonus

250,000 points

Annual fee

$875.00 for 1st year

Details

  • Get 250,000 bonus Membership Rewards points by applying before 25 March 2025, getting approved, and spending $12,000 on your card within the initial 3 months. Exclusive to New American Express Card Members.
  • Reduced first-year annual fee of $875 (regularly $1,750 per year).
  • Earn up to 2.25 pts per $1 spent.
  • Enjoy exclusive Platinum travel, experience, and dining privileges.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • The offer of 250,000 bonus Membership Rewards points when you meet the criteria.
  • Earn up to 2.25 pts per $1 spent and 1 point per $1 spent at the ATO.
  • Access to more than 1,400 lounges globally, including The Centurion® Lounge.
  • Gold status match at Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and Premium status at Radisson Hotel Group.
  • Get the Amex Experiences App to access information on Platinum benefits, travel offers, events and recommended merchants.
  • Add up to 99 employee cards at no extra cost.
Cons
  • The annual fee of $1,750 p.a. after the initial year.
  • Since this is a charge card, the balance must be cleared every statement.
  • No balance transfer facility.

Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Points per $1 spent

2 points

Sign up bonus

50,000 points

Annual fee

$149.00 p.a. ongoing

Details

  • Earn 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend at least $3,000 within 3 months of approval. Exclusive to new American Express Card Members.
  • Includes 2 Centurion Lounge passes per year at Sydney and Melbourne airports.
  • Receive complimentary travel insurance when you book your return flight with your card.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • Earn up to 2 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
  • Earn 1 point per $1 spend on ATO and government transactions.
  • Use your points to pay off transactions, utilities, annual fee and more.
  • Redeem your rewards for flights, hotel reservations, or car rentals.
  • Transfer points to Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand and Hilton Honors.
  • Shop with your points at Apple, Ikea, JB Hi-Fi and more.
  • No fee for up to 99 employee cards.
  • Up to 55 interest-free days.
  • With the Amex App, you can Monitor business spend and activity 24x7.
  • Manage your account anytime and anywhere with Live Chat Service
Cons
  • There is an annual fee of $149.
  • A 3% foreign transaction fee is in effect.
  • There is no balance transfer offer.
  • Cash advances are blocked, which might be inconvenient for some.
Citi Premier $600 Cashback offer

On Citi's website

Citi Premier $600 Cashback offer

Rewards program

Citi Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1 point

Sign up bonus

N/A

Annual fee

$300.00 p.a. ongoing

Details

  • Get $600 cashback when you spend $2,000 on eligible purchases using Apple Pay within 3 months of approval. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Enjoy 0% p.a. for 6 months on balance transfers.
  • Annual fee is $300 in the first year. Then $150 each subsequent year if you spend $48,000 on eligible purchases or cash advances in the previous year. Otherwise, it's $300 p.a.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • Get $600 cashback when you meet the criteria.
  • Earn up to 2 Citi reward Points per $1 spent on eligible online transactions (capped).
  • Enjoy two free airport lounge visits annually with Priority Pass enrollment.
  • Includes complimentary mobile phone insurance.
Cons
  • Earned points are capped at 200,000 per year.
  • Earn 1 point per $1 on other eligible transactions.
  • Annual fee is $300.
Apply by 30 April 2025
Westpac Altitude Black Credit Card (Altitude)

On Westpac's website

Rewards program

Altitude Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1.25 points

Sign up bonus

100,000 points

Annual fee

$200.00 for 1st year

Details

  • Earn up to 150,000 bonus Altitude Points (equivalent to up to $700 in eGift cards). Receive 100,000 Altitude bonus points by spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within 120 days of card approval. Additionally, get 50,000 points after your first eligible purchase in year 2. Exclusions apply.
  • Earn 6 Altitude points per $1 on Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates flights bought in Australia, subject to eligibility criteria.
  • Redeem your points for gift cards, travel, transferring to partner airline programs, and other rewards.
  • Get 2 free Priority Pass lounge visits each year.
  • Use the Concierge Service to book experiences online, including exclusive tickets, last-minute reservations, and more.
  • Comes with complimentary insurance, including Interstate Flight Inconvenience, Rental Vehicle Excess, international travel coverage, extended warranty, purchase protection, and overseas transit accident insurance.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • Earn up to 150,000 bonus Altitude Points when you meet the criteria.
  • The discounted annual fee for the first year.
  • Earn 2 points per $1 spent at Spotify Premium, David Jones, Myer, THE ICONIC, Airbnb, Uber and Uber Eats
  • Earn 1.25 points per $1 spent on other eligible purchases.
  • No limit on the points you can earn, which is great for high spenders.
  • Add 1 additional cardholder at no extra cost.
  • Offers fraud monitoring, secure online shopping, and a Fraud Money Back Guarantee.
  • Works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Cons
  • The high annual fee of $295 p.a. after the initial year.
  • There is no introductory balance transfer offer, so it’s better suited for everyday spending than consolidating debt.
  • A 3% fee applies to foreign transactions made with your card.
Apply by 30 April 2025

Rewards program

Amplify Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1.50 points

Sign up bonus

150,000 points

Annual fee

$199.00 for 1st year

Details

  • Earn 150,000 Bonus Amplify Rewards Points (equivalent to up to $675 in eGift cards) by spending $12,000 on eligible purchases in your first year. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on eligible domestic and overseas purchases.
  • Redeem your points for gift cards, travel, transferring to partner airline programs, and other rewards.
  • Get 2 free Priority Pass lounge visits each year.
  • Use the Concierge Service to book experiences online, including exclusive tickets, last-minute reservations, and more.
  • Comes with complimentary insurance, including Interstate Flight Inconvenience, Rental Vehicle Excess, international travel coverage, extended warranty, purchase protection, and overseas transit accident insurance.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • Earn 150,000 Bonus Amplify Points when you meet the criteria.
  • No limit on the points you can earn, which is great for high spenders.
  • The discounted annual fee for the first year.
  • Access Visa’s Luxury Hotel Collection, offering perks like room upgrades and late checkouts.
  • Add 1 additional cardholder at no extra cost.
  • Offers fraud monitoring, secure online shopping, and a Fraud Money Back Guarantee.
  • Works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Cons
  • After the first year, the annual fee reverts to $295 p.a., so factor this into long-term costs.
  • There is no introductory balance transfer offer, so it’s better suited for everyday spending than consolidating debt.
  • A 3% fee applies to foreign transactions made with your card.
Apply by 30 April 2025
St.George Amplify Signature Credit Card (Amplify)

On St.George's website

Rewards program

Amplify Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1.50 points

Sign up bonus

150,000 points

Annual fee

$199.00 for 1st year

Details

  • Earn 150,000 Bonus Amplify Rewards Points (equivalent to up to $675 in eGift cards) by spending $12,000 on eligible purchases in your first year. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on eligible domestic and overseas purchases.
  • Redeem your points for gift cards, travel, transferring to partner airline programs, and other rewards.
  • Get 2 free Priority Pass lounge visits each year.
  • Use the Concierge Service to book experiences online, including exclusive tickets, last-minute reservations, and more.
  • Comes with complimentary insurance, including Interstate Flight Inconvenience, Rental Vehicle Excess, international travel coverage, extended warranty, purchase protection, and overseas transit accident insurance.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • Earn 150,000 Bonus Amplify Points when you meet the criteria.
  • No limit on the points you can earn, which is great for high spenders.
  • The discounted annual fee for the first year.
  • Access Visa’s Luxury Hotel Collection, offering perks like room upgrades and late checkouts.
  • Add 1 additional cardholder at no extra cost.
  • Offers fraud monitoring, secure online shopping, and a Fraud Money Back Guarantee.
  • Works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Cons
  • After the first year, the annual fee reverts to $295 p.a., so factor this into long-term costs.
  • There is no introductory balance transfer offer, so it’s better suited for everyday spending than consolidating debt.
  • A 3% fee applies to foreign transactions made with your card.
Apply by 30 April 2025

Rewards program

Amplify Qantas

Points per $1 spent

0.75 points

Sign up bonus

80,000 points

Annual fee

$295.00 p.a. ongoing

Details

  • Earn 80,000 bonus Qantas points when you spend at least $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days from new card approval. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Earn 0.75 points for every $1 spent on eligible domestic and overseas purchases.
  • Earn 2x points on purchases with Qantas Frequent Flyer partners—once with your card and once with the airline partner.
  • Points are automatically transferred to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account, ready to use for flights, upgrades, shopping, and more.
  • Get 2 Qantas lounge passes each year, perfect for adding comfort to your travels.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • Earn 80,000 Bonus Qantas Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Use the Concierge Service to book experiences online, including exclusive tickets, last-minute reservations, and more.
  • Comes with complimentary insurance, including Interstate Flight Inconvenience, Rental Vehicle Excess, international travel coverage, extended warranty, purchase protection, and overseas transit accident insurance.
  • Access Visa’s Luxury Hotel Collection, offering perks like room upgrades and late checkouts.
  • Add 1 additional cardholder at no extra cost.
  • Offers fraud monitoring, secure online shopping, and a Fraud Money Back Guarantee.
  • Works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Cons
  • Earnings are capped at $250,000 annually, but bonus Qantas Points are excluded from this limit.
  • The earning rate of 0.75 points is lower than that of others.
  • A $75 annual fee applies for the Qantas Rewards Program, which is worth it if you regularly earn points.
Apply by 30 April 2025

Rewards program

Amplify Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1.50 points

Sign up bonus

150,000 points

Annual fee

$199.00 for 1st year

Details

  • Earn 150,000 Bonus Amplify Rewards Points (equivalent to up to $675 in eGift cards) by spending $12,000 on eligible purchases in your first year. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on eligible domestic and overseas purchases.
  • Redeem your points for gift cards, travel, transferring to partner airline programs, and other rewards.
  • Get 2 free Priority Pass lounge visits each year.
  • Use the Concierge Service to book experiences online, including exclusive tickets, last-minute reservations, and more.
  • Comes with complimentary insurance, including Interstate Flight Inconvenience, Rental Vehicle Excess, international travel coverage, extended warranty, purchase protection, and overseas transit accident insurance.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • Earn 150,000 Bonus Amplify Points when you meet the criteria.
  • No limit on the points you can earn, which is great for high-spenders.
  • The discounted annual fee for the first year.
  • Access Visa’s Luxury Hotel Collection, offering perks like room upgrades and late checkouts.
  • Add 1 additional cardholder at no extra cost.
  • Offers fraud monitoring, secure online shopping, and a Fraud Money Back Guarantee.
  • Works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Cons
  • After the first year, the annual fee reverts to $295 p.a., so factor this into long-term costs.
  • There is no introductory balance transfer offer, so it’s better suited for everyday spending than consolidating debt.
  • A 3% fee applies to foreign transactions made with your card.
HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card

On HSBC's website

Rewards program

Star Alliance Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1 point

Sign up bonus

N/A

Annual fee

$0.00 for 1st year

Details

  • Earn 1 Star Alliance Point per $1 on eligible purchases (capped at $3,000), then 0.5 points per $1 thereafter.
  • Pay no annual fee in the first year ($450 p.a. thereafter).
  • Reach Star Alliance Gold Status by spending $4,000 or more on eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Gold Status grants you benefits like Priority Airport Check-in, Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Boarding, Airport Lounge Access, Extra Baggage Allowance, and more.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% balance transfer fee.
  • Offers 0% interest for 6 months on flight bookings.
  • Use or convert your Star Alliance points with major frequent flyer programs from participating airlines.
  • Includes complimentary travel insurance with Rental Vehicle Excess Insurance in Australia and Transit Accident Insurance.
  • Plus Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection insurance.
  • Get a free Frequent Values™ membership, which gives you access to 4,500 promos at select stores, restaurants, hotels, and family attractions.
  • Enrol family members as additional cardholders at no extra cost.
  • Up to 55 interest-free days.
  • This card is compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
  • Take control of your card with the HSBC Australia app.
Cons
  • The $3,000 monthly spend threshold can feel restrictive, even though there’s no cap on earning potential.
  • The annual fee reverts to $450 after the initial year.
  • To maintain Gold member status after the first year, you’ll need to spend at least $60,000 annually. This can be ideal for frequent travelers and high spenders.
  • A 3% foreign transaction fee applies to purchases made overseas.
Bankwest More World Mastercard

On Bankwest's website

Rewards program

More Rewards

Points per $1 spent

2.50 points

Sign up bonus

N/A

Annual fee

$270.00 p.a. ongoing

Details

  • Earn 2.5 points per $1 on eligible purchases.
  • With no foreign transaction fees, this card is a great choice for online and overseas purchases.
  • Take advantage of the 10 LoungeKey airport lounge passes per year at over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide,
  • Plus, this card comes with complimentary overseas travel insurance.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • No cap on rewards earned annually.
  • 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 6 months with a 1% fee, then reverts to 19.99% p.a. after.
  • Get up to 3 additional cards at no extra cost.
  • Up to 44 interest-free days on purchases.
  • Credit limit starts at $12,000.
  • Easy Instalment Plans let you spread up to 5 purchases over four monthly payments at 0% p.a.
  • Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Cons
  • No sign-up bonus when you apply for this card.
  • There is a 1% BT fee.
  • The annual fee of $270 p.a.
HSBC Platinum Credit Card

On HSBC's website

Rewards program

Rewards Plus

Points per $1 spent

1.50 points

Sign up bonus

N/A

Annual fee

$0.00 for 1st year

Details

  • 0% p.a. balance transfer offer for 12 months, with a 2% transfer fee.
  • No annual fee for the first year, then $149 p.a. after that.
  • Earn 1.5 Reward Plus points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
  • Redeem your points into cashback or various e-gift cards from Bunnings, Coles, Woolworths, Amazon, JB Hi-Fi, Uber, and more.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • The complimentary LoungeKey membership gives you access to 2 airport lounge passes every year.
  • Check out the exclusive dining and shopping discounts from time to time.
  • Includes complimentary travel insurance with Rental Vehicle Excess Insurance in Australia and Transit Accident Insurance.
  • Plus Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection insurance.
  • Additional cardholders at no extra cost.
  • Offers points transfer options with partners like Asia Miles, KrisFlyer, and Velocity Frequent Flyer.
  • Get a minimum credit limit of $6,000.
  • This card accepts Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Cons
  • High overseas transaction fee at 3%.
  • The balance transfer rate reverts to 21.99% p.a. after 12 months.
  • A cap of 10,000 points per statement period, or 120,000 points annually.

Rewards program

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

1.25 points

Sign up bonus

150,000 points

Annual fee

$1,200.00 p.a. ongoing

Details

  • Acquire 150,000 bonus Qantas Points upon reaching a $5,000 expenditure within 90 days of card approval.
  • Experience a 20% bonus on Status Credits for Qantas operated and marketed flights.
  • Distinguish yourself with this metal card, setting you apart from conventional plastic cards.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • A very substantial sign up bonus with a reasonable spending target.
  • Earn Status Credits when you buy eligible Qantas flights with the card.
  • A high Qantas Points earn rate.
  • Four Qantas airport lounge passes each year.
  • Comes with complimentary domestic and international travel insurance.
  • The physical card is made of metal.
Cons
  • The annual fee is on the high end.
  • No free additional cardholders.
  • Ongoing interest rates are typical of a rewards card.

Rewards program

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

1 point

Sign up bonus

50,000 points

Annual fee

$349.00 for 1st year

Details

  • Earn up to 80,000 bonus Qantas Points. Get 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 or more on eligible purchases within 3 months from card approval. Plus, an extra 30,000 bonus points if you haven't earned Qantas Points with a credit card in the past 12 months. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Get 0% interest on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% fee, reverting to the cash advance rate afterward.
  • The annual fee is reduced to $349 for the first year, then increases to $399 p.a. thereafter.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • Earn up to 80,000 bonus Qantas Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Earn 1.5 points per $1 on international transactions and 1 point on domestic spending.
  • An additional 1 point per whole $1 on selected Qantas products and services.
  • Comes with complimentary travel insurance (cover for Covid-19 included).
  • Get 2 complimentary lounge access every year.
  • Save up to 20% off each year on select Qantas and QantasLink flights within Australia when you book through Qantas Premier Concierge.
  • Compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
  • Safeguard your identity with Mastercard ID Theft Protection™.
Cons
  • The annual fee increases to $399 p.a. after the initial year.
  • Additional card fee costs $50 p.a.
  • There is a 2% balance transfer fee.
ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Credit Card

On ANZ's website

Rewards program

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

1 point

Sign up bonus

100,000 points and more

Annual fee

$425.00 p.a. ongoing

Details

  • Receive up to 130,000 points. Get 100,000 bonus Qantas Points and $250 cashback to your new card upon spending $5,000 on qualifying purchases within the initial 3 months from approval. Additionally, earn an extra 30,000 bonus Qantas Points by maintaining your card for over 12 months. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Earn 1 Qantas Point for every $1 spent on eligible purchases, up to $7,500 per statement period.
  • Enjoy 7 complimentary insurances, including International Travel Insurance.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • Earn up to 130,000 bonus Qantas Points and $250 cashback when you meet the criteria.
  • 1 point per $1 spent up to $7,500 per statement period.
  • Earn an uncapped number of points.
  • Enjoy 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations each year.
  • Comes with complimentary international travel insurance.
  • Up to 55 days interest-free on purchases.
Cons
  • The annual fee of $425 p.a. is high.
  • Earn rate drops to 0.5 points per $1 spent above $7,500 per statement period.
  • No balance transfer offer.
Apply by 30 April 2025
St.George Amplify Signature Credit Card (Qantas)

On St.George's website

Rewards program

Amplify Qantas

Points per $1 spent

0.75 points

Sign up bonus

80,000 points

Annual fee

$295.00 p.a. ongoing

Details

  • Earn 80,000 bonus Qantas points when you spend at least $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days from new card approval. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Earn 0.75 points for every $1 spent on eligible domestic and overseas purchases.
  • Earn 2x points on purchases with Qantas Frequent Flyer partners—once with your card and once with the airline partner.
  • Points are automatically transferred to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account, ready to use for flights, upgrades, shopping, and more.
  • Get 2 Qantas lounge passes each year, perfect for adding comfort to your travels.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • Earn 80,000 Bonus Qantas Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Use the Concierge Service to book experiences online, including exclusive tickets, last-minute reservations, and more.
  • Comes with complimentary insurance, including Interstate Flight Inconvenience, Rental Vehicle Excess, international travel coverage, extended warranty, purchase protection, and overseas transit accident insurance.
  • Access Visa’s Luxury Hotel Collection, offering perks like room upgrades and late checkouts.
  • Add 1 additional cardholder at no extra cost.
  • Includes fraud monitoring, secure online shopping, and a Fraud Money Back Guarantee.
  • Works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Cons
  • Earnings are capped at $250,000 annually, but bonus Qantas Points are excluded from this limit.
  • The earning rate of 0.75 points is lower than that of others.
  • A $75 annual fee applies for the Qantas Rewards Program, which is worth it if you regularly earn points.

What is an airport lounge access credit card?

An airport lounge access credit card offers complimentary or discounted entry to airport lounges, providing a more luxurious pre-flight experience. These lounges typically include amenities such as free food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. Access is often provided through programs like Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or specific airline lounges like Qantas Club or Virgin Australia lounges. The extent of access and number of visits depends on the card’s features and terms.

Key facilities you can expect in an airport lounge

For frequent flyers, the benefits of airport lounge access are significant. Restricted-entry airport lounges range from basic to luxuriously opulent. At the lower end, your ‘lounge’ may be a bar or café in the ordinary passenger concourse, offering discounts on food and beverages to members (or single-entry pass holders) of specific lounge programs.

The most opulent lounges may offer luxuries such as spa treatments, five-star dining, and personal transport between the airline’s check-in desk, the lounge, and the boarding gate. In most lounges, you will find many of the following facilities:

  • A dedicated working area with desks, device charging points, free Wi-Fi, and access to a computer if you don’t have your own.
  • A ‘quiet area’.
  • A screen with flight boarding information.
  • Comfortable seating.
  • Complimentary food and beverages.
  • Complimentary newspapers and magazines.
  • Showers with towels provided.
  • TV and movies.

How much is complimentary airport lounge access worth?

The value of complimentary airport lounge access depends on the level of access your card provides, the quality of the lounge, and how often you travel.

Qantas lounges cater primarily to Qantas Club members ($399 to join plus $450 per year), passengers travelling in Qantas business or first class, and high-tier frequent flyers. These lounge access methods require high expenditure, making even two single-entry passes quite valuable.

Virgin Australia, Priority Pass, and Delta SkyClub have similar programs, with joining and annual membership fees granting unlimited access.

Access to Véloce World, American Express, and Diners Club lounges is limited to holders of specific credit cards, but the value obtained is comparable to programs with a joining and annual membership fee. For frequent travellers, membership in any program with unlimited lounge access is probably worth at least $500 annually.

Based on lounge programs that sell single-visit passes for guests or travellers on their linked airline, two single-visit passes are likely worth between $75 and $130 per year.

What to consider before applying

When applying for a credit card with airport lounge access, keep these points in mind:

  1. Annual fees. Cards with lounge access typically have higher annual fees, but these can be offset by the lounge and other travel-related perks. There are cards with no annual fee for the first year, like the HSBC Platinum Credit Card.
  2. Lounge networks. Consider which lounges you will have access to. Some cards offer access to specific airline lounges, while others provide global access through programs like Priority Pass or LoungeKey.
  3. Eligibility conditions. Some cards require you to make specific purchases, such as booking a flight with a certain airline, to activate lounge benefits.
  4. Visit limits. Many cards offer a limited number of lounge visits per year, while premium cards may offer unlimited access.

Here’s how a Credit Card Compare expert chose a card with airport lounge access

David Boyd

Credit Card Compare co-founder David Boyd explains the different things you should consider when selecting a credit card with airport lounge access.

You should gauge the lounge coverage (both domestically and internationally), ease of use (automatic access vs. requiring enrolment), and the value provided by additional perks such as rewards points or travel insurance. Cards that offer unlimited access and cover a wide range of lounges tend to be the most highly recommended for frequent travellers.

What Australians think of airport lounge access cards

Australians generally appreciate the comfort and convenience offered by airport lounge access cards. For frequent flyers and business travellers, the ability to relax before a flight in a quieter, more comfortable environment is highly valued. But, there are quite a few who wonder if there is any value to free airport access.

For example, on Reddit a user said "I've been using the lounges a fair bit recently because I've been getting good flight offers. From what I'm hearing and seeing at the lounges, many of them are really crowded."

Another Reddit user replied with "Tbh it’s not really worth spending money on it atm, lounges have not been very pleasant lately"

However, for those who travel less frequently, the high annual fees of these cards can be a deterrent, especially if the lounge access is not fully utilised.

How to maximise your airport lounge access

To make the most of your credit card’s airport lounge access:

  1. Check availability. Before travelling, verify which lounges are accessible with your card at your departure airport. Some cards may require pre-registration with a lounge program like Priority Pass.
  2. Use passes strategically. If your card offers a limited number of passes, save them for long-haul or peak travel periods to maximise value.
  3. Leverage other perks. Many cards offering lounge access also come with other travel benefits such as cashback, free travel insurance or no foreign transaction fees.

Expert opinion: What is the mistake people make most often?

Andrew Boyd, co-founder of Credit Card Compare

Andrew Boyd, co-founder of Credit Card Compare, explains the biggest mistake Australians make when taking advantage of their airport lounge access.

A common mistake travellers make is assuming that their lounge access is automatic. Many cards require you to register with a lounge access program, such as Priority Pass or LoungeKey, before you can use the benefits. Another easy oversight is not checking the conditions attached to lounge passes, such as needing to book flights with specific airlines or use the card for the booking.

Benefits of an airport lounge access credit card

  1. Comfort and convenience. Airport lounges provide a peaceful environment with free amenities such as food, drinks, and Wi-Fi, making travel more enjoyable.
  2. Cost savings. Lounge visits can cost up to $65 per person, so using a credit card with complimentary passes can result in significant savings, especially for frequent travellers.
  3. Additional travel perks. Many lounge access cards come with other benefits like travel insurance, rewards points, or no foreign transaction fees, making them a comprehensive travel tool.

Help choosing a credit card with airport lounge access

Make your journey even better with a credit card that offers free airport lounge access.

  • FAQs

  • Pros & cons

  • Why trust us

Is it worth paying a higher annual fee for a credit card with lounge access?

Frequent air travellers are likely to find it worthwhile to pay for a card granting unlimited lounge access in one or more programs, as it saves them the cost of joining a lounge program and paying an annual fee. Premium cards that confer full lounge membership often come with other valuable complimentary benefits, such as reward points, travel insurance, cashback, and free flights or travel credits, all of which help justify the high annual fee.

Infrequent travellers may struggle to justify the cost of such a premium card. Even a less expensive card that provides two single-visit passes annually may not justify its cost in years when you do not use the lounge passes and travel insurance.

Can I roll over my unused lounge passes for the following year?

No. Single-entry passes must be used within 12 months. If you are not travelling and cannot use the passes within that year, you will forfeit the benefit.

Will I find a lounge affiliated with my program at every airport?

Most lounge programs belong to a network of affiliated lounges, so you will likely have access to at least one lounge (and sometimes more) at major airports worldwide. However, you may not be as fortunate at smaller airports.

Qantas and Virgin lounge members will have plenty of choices in Australia and will also find affiliated lounges overseas. In Australia, very few airports outside the state capitals have lounges.

Single-entry passes may have restrictions, such as being only available for domestic or international lounges, so be sure to read the small print.

Can I take guests into the lounge with me?

If your credit card lounge access includes two single-visit passes annually, you can usually use the second pass for a guest travelling with you. Alternatively, you may be able to pay a fee (usually between $35 and $65) for your guest’s entry.

If your card provides full membership to a specific lounge program, you might be able to admit a guest free of charge, but this is not always the case. Check the terms and conditions found either in the small print at the bottom of the credit card’s web page or in the link to a file with full terms and conditions.

Pros

Global access

Programs like Priority Pass or LoungeKey offer access to over 1,500 lounges worldwide, regardless of the airline you’re flying with, making it ideal for frequent international travellers.

Added perks

Many lounge-access cards come with other valuable travel benefits such as travel insurance, rewards points, and priority boarding.

Cost savings

Frequent travellers can save money on lounge fees, which typically range from $35 to $65 per visit. Some premium cards even offer unlimited access, which can be more cost-effective than purchasing lounge memberships.

Comfort and convenience

Enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges with amenities like free food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and showers. Perfect for relaxing or working before flights.

Cons

Restrictions

Lounge access can sometimes be restricted to specific airlines or require you to meet certain conditions, like using the card to purchase your flight.

Limited lounge visits

Some cards only offer a limited number of complimentary lounge visits per year (usually 2), which may not be enough for frequent travellers.

High annual fees

Cards offering lounge access often come with steep annual fees, ranging from $200 to over $1,000, which may not be worth it if you don't travel frequently.

Not always inclusive

Family members or travel companions may not automatically receive lounge access unless additional passes are purchased, depending on the card’s terms.

Methodology

When selecting which credit cards to feature in our comparison of airport lounge access credit cards, we consider various attributes that enhance the travel experience while providing value to the cardholder. Our methodology includes the following key factors:

  • Airport lounge access: Cards that offer complimentary or discounted access to airport lounges are prioritised, with special consideration for the number of free passes or lounge memberships provided (e.g., Priority Pass or airline-specific lounges).
  • Annual fee: Both the first-year annual fee and ongoing fees are examined, with lower fees being more favourable for long-term cost efficiency.
  • Travel perks and insurance: Cards that include complimentary travel insurance, access to concierge services, or additional travel benefits (like airport transfers or hotel discounts) are seen as more advantageous.
  • Lounge network: The availability and global reach of the lounge network are crucial, with broader lounge access (both internationally and domestically) being more desirable.
  • Rewards program: Cards that earn rewards points for everyday purchases and offer the flexibility to redeem them for travel-related expenses are given preference, especially if rewards can be converted into frequent flyer miles or used for lounge access.
  • Foreign transaction fees: Given that these cards are likely to be used while travelling, we consider the foreign transaction fees, with lower fees being better for international travellers.
  • Interest-free period: The length of the interest-free period on purchases is considered, as longer periods allow more flexibility when managing expenses.
  • Card network: Cards running on widely accepted payment networks (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are favoured for their convenience while travelling abroad.
  • Sign-up bonus: Cards offering a significant sign-up bonus, especially in the form of travel points or airline miles, are viewed more favourably, particularly when these bonuses can be easily redeemed for travel perks.
  • Other fees: Additional costs such as late payment fees or lounge access renewal fees are taken into account, with lower fees adding to the card's appeal.

Our rankings may not reflect what matters most to you. Be sure to compare key rates, fees, and features against your own travel preferences and financial priorities before deciding.

Sources

  1. American Express airport lounge access and eligibility — American Express
  2. LoungeKey airport lounge access and eligibility — LoungeKey
  3. Priority Pass airport lounge access and eligibility — Priority Pass
  4. Qantas airport lounge access and eligibility — Qantas
  5. Virgin Australia airport lounge access and eligibility — Virgin Australia
  6. Mastercard Travel Pass airport lounge access and eligibility — Mastercard
  7. Australian consumer loyalty survey — McKinsey & Company
  8. Emirates Skywards — Emirates
  9. KrisFlyer — Singapore Airlines
  10. Qantas Frequent Flyer — Qantas
  11. Velocity Frequent Flyer

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