8 Best Business Credit Cards With Airport Lounge Access
Tricia has nearly two decades of experience in commercial and federal government lending. Her expertise is highlighted throughout small business loan content on Fit Small Business.
Benilyn has over a decade of experience as a banking officer. Her expertise is featured throughout Fit Small Business in personal finance, credit card, and real estate investing content.
This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post with regularly updated card details.
When searching for the best airport lounge access business credit card, consider benefits like complimentary or discounted access to lounges, travel rewards, zero foreign transaction fees, and free checked baggage. We reviewed several providers to come up with the top options, which include travel rewards business cards, cobranded airline cards, and personal travel credit cards.
Here are the eight best business cards with airport lounge access:
- American Express Business Platinum Card®: Best overall business credit card with airport lounge access
- Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Best for stays at Hilton properties with limited lounge access
- United ClubSM Business Card: Best for complimentary access to United Club locations
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Best for frequent Delta Airlines travelers
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: Best for exclusive Delta Sky Club® per-visit rate
- Citi/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Best personal credit card for frequent American Airlines travelers
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best personal credit card with Priority PassTM Select Lounge Access
- SKYPASS Visa Signature® Business Card: Best for traveling with Korean Air
The COVID-19 pandemic may affect some of the services and benefits of these travel credit cards. Check the issuer’s website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the latest information on travel safety and requirements.
To see how these cards stack up against others we have reviewed on our site, click Add to Compare on a card below and select up to two additional cards for comparison.
American Express Business Platinum Card®: Best Overall Business Credit Card With Airport Lounge Access
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Gaining access to unrivaled travel rewards and luxury travel perks like airport lounge access
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.49% - 26.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$695
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
- Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
- Unlock over $1,000 in value per year for statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless with the Business Platinum Card.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card or any of the Additional Cards on your Platinum Card account.
- $189 CLEAR® Credit: CLEAR® uses biometrics to assign you a touchless ID, allowing you to move faster through security at select airports and stadiums across the U.S. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR membership with up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR with your Business Platinum Card®.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Premium travel rewards
- Free access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Balance is due in full monthly
- High annual fee
- American Express lounges: Free access to American Express’ network of Centurion lounges located in slightly less than a dozen United States airports.
- Other airport lounges: Priority Pass Select membership, which gets you free access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide for you and two guests.
- Airport screening: Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or an $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck® once every 4 1/2 years.
- Travel credit: Up to $200 annual statement credit toward air travel expenses like baggage fees and inflight food and drink.
- Rental status: Elite status at a number of car rental agencies.
- Free Wi-Fi: 10 annual free Gogo inflight Wi-Fi passes.
- Rebate for redeemed points: 35% points rebate if you book a business or first-class flight, up to 500,000 bonus points per calendar year.
- Dell statement credit: Up to $400 in statement credits annually for Dell purchases.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.49% - 26.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$695
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
- Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
- Unlock over $1,000 in value per year for statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless with the Business Platinum Card.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card or any of the Additional Cards on your Platinum Card account.
- $189 CLEAR® Credit: CLEAR® uses biometrics to assign you a touchless ID, allowing you to move faster through security at select airports and stadiums across the U.S. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR membership with up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR with your Business Platinum Card®.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Premium travel rewards
- Free access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Balance is due in full monthly
- High annual fee
- American Express lounges: Free access to American Express’ network of Centurion lounges located in slightly less than a dozen United States airports.
- Other airport lounges: Priority Pass Select membership, which gets you free access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide for you and two guests.
- Airport screening: Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or an $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck® once every 4 1/2 years.
- Travel credit: Up to $200 annual statement credit toward air travel expenses like baggage fees and inflight food and drink.
- Rental status: Elite status at a number of car rental agencies.
- Free Wi-Fi: 10 annual free Gogo inflight Wi-Fi passes.
- Rebate for redeemed points: 35% points rebate if you book a business or first-class flight, up to 500,000 bonus points per calendar year.
- Dell statement credit: Up to $400 in statement credits annually for Dell purchases.
Why we like it: The American Express Business Platinum Card® is our overall best airport lounge access business credit card because of the American Express Global Lounge Collection®, which grants free access to more than 1,400 lounges in 140 countries. This includes:
- The Centurion Network of Lounges and Studios
- Airspace
- Priority Pass Select
- Escape Lounges – The Centurion® Studio Partner
- Plaza Premium
- Delta Sky Club
- Select Lufthansa Lounges
The luxury travel experience you’ll get from this card justifies the $695 annual fee. Please take note of the different access requirements and guest policies per lounge.
With it, you can earn 5x points in travel rewards on flights and hotel stays, 1.5x points on select business categories, and 1x points on all other purchases. When you use your card to make at least $15,000 in purchases within the first three months of card ownership, you’ll receive 120,000 bonus points. Note that it requires you to pay your balance in full every month, but it offers a Pay Over Time option that allows eligible account holders to carry a balance.
Other key benefits of the American Express Business Platinum Card® include:
- No foreign transaction fees on international purchases
- $200 airline fee credit per calendar year for baggage fees and other eligible incidental expenses with a qualifying airline you choose
- Annual statement credits when you pay for CLEAR®, Global Entry, or TSA PreCheck®
- More than $1,000 statement credit for qualifying subscriptions at Dell, Indeed, Adobe, and wireless telephone services
- 35% points back when redeemed for flights through Amex Travel—up to 1 million points back per calendar year
- Automatic upgrade to Marriott BonvoyTM Gold Elite Status and Hilton Honors Gold Status
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Best for Stays at Hilton Properties With Limited Lounge Access
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Maximizing rewards on Hilton-related purchases
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.99% - 28.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: 12X at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6X at U.S. gas stations, on U.S. purchases for shipping, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants, 3X on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card.
- Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Earn another Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend an additional $45,000 in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
- Terms apply.
Pros
- Charges a low annual fee
- Doesn’t have foreign transaction fees
- Offers a sign-up bonus
Cons
- Has poor redemption options outside of hotel stays
- Lacks an interest-free financing option
- Complimentary Priority Pass Visits: Get 10 complimentary visits to more than 1,200 airport lounges every year with Priority Pass™ Select Membership.
- Upgrade to Diamond Status: Earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year after spending $40,000 on eligible purchases.
- Baggage insurance plan: Coverage is provided for cardholders for up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the covered carrier. For New York state residents, a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit is provided for all covered persons per covered trip.
- Extended warranty: Terms of the original manufacturer’s warranty can be extended up to one additional year. Applies to warranties of five years or less on covered purchases.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.99% - 28.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: 12X at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6X at U.S. gas stations, on U.S. purchases for shipping, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants, 3X on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card.
- Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Earn another Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend an additional $45,000 in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
- Terms apply.
Pros
- Charges a low annual fee
- Doesn’t have foreign transaction fees
- Offers a sign-up bonus
Cons
- Has poor redemption options outside of hotel stays
- Lacks an interest-free financing option
- Complimentary Priority Pass Visits: Get 10 complimentary visits to more than 1,200 airport lounges every year with Priority Pass™ Select Membership.
- Upgrade to Diamond Status: Earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year after spending $40,000 on eligible purchases.
- Baggage insurance plan: Coverage is provided for cardholders for up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the covered carrier. For New York state residents, a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit is provided for all covered persons per covered trip.
- Extended warranty: Terms of the original manufacturer’s warranty can be extended up to one additional year. Applies to warranties of five years or less on covered purchases.
Why we like it: When your business travel schedule measures out to about five round trips per year and you prefer staying at Hilton properties, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card may be the best choice for you. It gives you 10 complimentary lounge visits through Priority PassTM Select, which allows access to more than 1,200 elite airport lounges around the world. What’s more, it comes with a low annual fee of $95 and generous travel rewards and benefits.
You’ll receive 12x points per dollar for purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6x points per dollar at US gas stations, on shipping, and for wireless telephone services purchases directly from US service providers, and 3x points per dollar on other purchases. Moreover, you can get 130,000 points when you spend $5,000 within the first three months of card ownership. It’s one of our leading business credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.
Other travel perks that you’ll get to enjoy include:
- No foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside of the US
- Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status
- 80% points earning bonus on hotel stays and room upgrades
- Complimentary room upgrades and credit for food and beverages
- Upgrade to Diamond Status when you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
United ClubSM Business Card: Best for Complimentary Access to United Club Locations
United Club℠ Business Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
United Airlines enthusiasts who use airport lounge access regularly
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
20.24% to 27.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$450
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months after account opening
- United ClubSM membership
- Two Premier Access® travel services
- First and second checked bag free
- Earn double miles on tickets purchased from United
- Earn 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
Pros
- Offers free first and second checked bags
- With sign-up bonus
- With lounge membership
Cons
- Charges high annual fee
- Has no 0% introductory APR
- Rewards have limited flexibility
- United Club membership: You and other eligible travel companions will receive free access to all United Club locations and participating Star Alliance™ affiliated lounges worldwide.
- Avis President’s Club®: Primary cardholders are invited to enroll in Avis President’s Club® and enjoy complimentary two-car class upgrades, guaranteed car availability, expedited rental services, and more.
- Free two checked bags: The primary cardholder and their companion traveling with the same reservation will each receive free checked bags (up to $35 value for the first checked bag and up to $45 value for the second checked bag, each way, per person).
- Lost luggage reimbursement: You and your immediate family member are covered up to $3,000 if you check or carry luggage damaged or lost by the carrier.
- Baggage delay insurance: If there’s a baggage delay of more than six hours, you can be reimbursed for essential purchases, such as toiletries and clothing, up to $100 a day for three days.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
20.24% to 27.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$450
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months after account opening
- United ClubSM membership
- Two Premier Access® travel services
- First and second checked bag free
- Earn double miles on tickets purchased from United
- Earn 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
Pros
- Offers free first and second checked bags
- With sign-up bonus
- With lounge membership
Cons
- Charges high annual fee
- Has no 0% introductory APR
- Rewards have limited flexibility
- United Club membership: You and other eligible travel companions will receive free access to all United Club locations and participating Star Alliance™ affiliated lounges worldwide.
- Avis President’s Club®: Primary cardholders are invited to enroll in Avis President’s Club® and enjoy complimentary two-car class upgrades, guaranteed car availability, expedited rental services, and more.
- Free two checked bags: The primary cardholder and their companion traveling with the same reservation will each receive free checked bags (up to $35 value for the first checked bag and up to $45 value for the second checked bag, each way, per person).
- Lost luggage reimbursement: You and your immediate family member are covered up to $3,000 if you check or carry luggage damaged or lost by the carrier.
- Baggage delay insurance: If there’s a baggage delay of more than six hours, you can be reimbursed for essential purchases, such as toiletries and clothing, up to $100 a day for three days.
Why we like it: If you’re a loyal United Airlines customer, the United ClubSM Business Card makes you an automatic United ClubSM member, which grants you access to more than 45 United Club locations and participating Star AllianceTM-affiliated lounges worldwide. The membership is included in the $450 annual fee, which is priced regularly at $650 per year. Complimentary amenities include Wi-Fi, beverages and snacks, and personalized travel assistance. Access policies vary by airline, so check your airline’s lounge policy or the Star Alliance website.
The card is also one of our best business credit cards for travel, and it allows you to earn 2x miles on purchases made with United Airlines, and 1.5x miles on all other purchases. Plus, you’ll receive 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
In addition, you’ll get to enjoy the following travel perks:
- First and second checked bags for you and one travel companion for free—save up to $320 per round trip
- Premier Access® travel services that offer priority check-in, security, boarding, and baggage handling
- 25% back on United in-flight purchases
- No foreign transaction fees on international purchases
- Up to 1,000 Premier qualifying points when you meet the spending requirements
- Avis President’s Club® invitation and complimentary two-car class upgrades, guaranteed car availability, and expedited rental service
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Best for Frequent Delta Airlines Travelers
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Unlocking the ultimate Delta travel experience
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.99% - 28.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$550
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- With complimentary access into Delta Sky Club®, you can relax before your Delta flight, or find downtime between connections. You’ll also receive two Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year so you can share the experience with others when you’re traveling together.
- When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner.
- After you spend $150,000 on your Card in a calendar year, you earn 1.5 miles per dollar (that’s an extra half mile per dollar) on eligible purchases the rest of the year. If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply (ex. you would earn 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta instead of 1.5X).
- Plus enjoy 3X miles per dollar on all eligible Delta purchases.
- With Status Boost®, earn 15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to 4x per year getting you closer to Medallion Status.
- Terms and limitations apply.
Pros
- Premium travel perks
- No foreign transaction fees
- Lucrative welcome bonus
Cons
- High annual fee
- No opportunity for introductory financing
- Balance transfers aren’t available
- Annual miles boost: Earn 15,000 MQMs and 15,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 each year.
- Companion certificate: Receive a companion certificate valid for one round-trip First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin Companion ticket each year upon renewal of your card.
- Free checked baggage: Receive free checked baggage for you and eight guests.
- Priority boarding: You can board your flight when Main Cabin 1 priority boarding is called.
- In-flight savings: Enjoy 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on select in-flight purchases.
- Baggage insurance: Covers up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and $500 for checked baggage.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.99% - 28.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$550
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- With complimentary access into Delta Sky Club®, you can relax before your Delta flight, or find downtime between connections. You’ll also receive two Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year so you can share the experience with others when you’re traveling together.
- When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner.
- After you spend $150,000 on your Card in a calendar year, you earn 1.5 miles per dollar (that’s an extra half mile per dollar) on eligible purchases the rest of the year. If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply (ex. you would earn 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta instead of 1.5X).
- Plus enjoy 3X miles per dollar on all eligible Delta purchases.
- With Status Boost®, earn 15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to 4x per year getting you closer to Medallion Status.
- Terms and limitations apply.
Pros
- Premium travel perks
- No foreign transaction fees
- Lucrative welcome bonus
Cons
- High annual fee
- No opportunity for introductory financing
- Balance transfers aren’t available
- Annual miles boost: Earn 15,000 MQMs and 15,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 each year.
- Companion certificate: Receive a companion certificate valid for one round-trip First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin Companion ticket each year upon renewal of your card.
- Free checked baggage: Receive free checked baggage for you and eight guests.
- Priority boarding: You can board your flight when Main Cabin 1 priority boarding is called.
- In-flight savings: Enjoy 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on select in-flight purchases.
- Baggage insurance: Covers up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and $500 for checked baggage.
Why we like it: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card offers complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs for you, plus two one-time guest passes each year, at more than 50 airport lounges. After that, pay an exclusive per-visit rate of $39 per person for up to two guests. In addition, you’ll also receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner.
This card offers 60,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. You’ll also earn 3x miles per dollar on eligible purchases made directly with Delta, 1x miles per dollar on all other purchases, and then 1.5x miles per dollar after spending $150,000 in a calendar year. It’s one of our top-recommended cards for earning miles.
You’ll also get to enjoy the following travel benefits:
- 15,000 MQMs after you spend $30,000 in a calendar year, up to four times per year
- Domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your card
- Complimentary upgrades when available
- Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights
- First checked bag for free and save up to $60 on a round-trip Delta flight
- No foreign transaction fees on international purchases
- Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: Best for Exclusive Delta Sky Club® Per-Visit Rate
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Frequent Delta flyers who want to access premium business Delta features
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.99% - 28.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$250
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- You can receive a domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Take a friend or family member when you fly Delta. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Earn more miles on big purchases with 1.5 miles per dollar on single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (that’s an extra half mile per dollar), up to 50,000 additional miles per year. If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply (ex. you would earn 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta and Hotel Stays instead of 1.5X).
- Delta Sky Club® Access – enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- With Status Boost®, earn 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to 2x per year getting you closer to Medallion Status.
- Terms and limitations apply.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- In-flight savings
- Business management tools
Cons
- $250 annual fee
- No interest-free financing period
- Balance transfers aren’t allowed
- Delta benefits: Receive your first checked bag for free and access priority boarding.
- Travel accident insurance: Provides card owners with travel accident insurance up to $100,000.
- Purchase protection: Provides coverage for purchases that are damaged or stolen up to 120 days from the date of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 for an item and up to $50,000 for all claims for one year.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.99% - 28.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$250
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- You can receive a domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Take a friend or family member when you fly Delta. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Earn more miles on big purchases with 1.5 miles per dollar on single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (that’s an extra half mile per dollar), up to 50,000 additional miles per year. If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply (ex. you would earn 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta and Hotel Stays instead of 1.5X).
- Delta Sky Club® Access – enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- With Status Boost®, earn 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to 2x per year getting you closer to Medallion Status.
- Terms and limitations apply.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- In-flight savings
- Business management tools
Cons
- $250 annual fee
- No interest-free financing period
- Balance transfers aren’t allowed
- Delta benefits: Receive your first checked bag for free and access priority boarding.
- Travel accident insurance: Provides card owners with travel accident insurance up to $100,000.
- Purchase protection: Provides coverage for purchases that are damaged or stolen up to 120 days from the date of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 for an item and up to $50,000 for all claims for one year.
Why we like it: The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card has a lower annual fee compared to the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. Unlike the latter, this card doesn’t grant complimentary access to Delta Sky Club®. However, you and up to two traveling companions get to enjoy an exclusive per-visit rate of $39 per person. For this special rate, you can take advantage of services such as complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi access, satellite TV, newspapers and magazines, personalized flight assistance, and private restrooms.
This card offers 3x miles on every dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta Air Lines or with hotels, 1.5x miles on single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (for up to 50,000 additional miles per calendar year), and 1x miles on all other purchases. You’ll also receive 60,000 bonus miles and 5,000 MQMs after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first three months of card ownership. Similar to the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, it’s also one of our best business cards for miles.
Moreover, you get to enjoy the following additional benefits:
- Domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your card
- 10,000 MQMs after you spend $25,000 in purchases in a calendar year, up to two times per year
- Priority boarding for you and up to eight companions
- First checked bag for free and save up to $60 on a round-trip Delta flight
- 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on all eligible in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets
- Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or up to an $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck®
- No foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside of the US
Citi / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Best Personal Credit Card for Frequent American Airlines Travelers
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
American Airlines frequent flyers who want premium airport lounge access
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.24% to 27.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$450
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.
- Earn 10,000 Elite Qualifying Miles after you spend $40,000 in purchases within the year
- Admirals ClubMembership, a value of up to $650, includes access for authorized users
- Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
Pros
- Sign-up bonus
- Travel perks
- Admirals Club® membership
Cons
- No introductory APR
- High annual fee
- Low ongoing rewards
- Admirals Club® membership: Get full membership access to Admirals Club® lounges.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit: Receive one statement credit for Global Entry or the TSA Pre Check® application fee every five years, up to $100.
- Free first checked bag: Receive one free checked bag when traveling on American Airlines or affiliate airlines.
- Priority airport screening: You and up to eight companions will get priority airport screening.
- Priority boarding: Get priority boarding on American Airlines flights
- Inflight discounts: Get 25% off of inflight food and beverage purchases.
- Concierge services: Receive complimentary concierge services.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.24% to 27.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$450
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.
- Earn 10,000 Elite Qualifying Miles after you spend $40,000 in purchases within the year
- Admirals ClubMembership, a value of up to $650, includes access for authorized users
- Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
Pros
- Sign-up bonus
- Travel perks
- Admirals Club® membership
Cons
- No introductory APR
- High annual fee
- Low ongoing rewards
- Admirals Club® membership: Get full membership access to Admirals Club® lounges.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit: Receive one statement credit for Global Entry or the TSA Pre Check® application fee every five years, up to $100.
- Free first checked bag: Receive one free checked bag when traveling on American Airlines or affiliate airlines.
- Priority airport screening: You and up to eight companions will get priority airport screening.
- Priority boarding: Get priority boarding on American Airlines flights
- Inflight discounts: Get 25% off of inflight food and beverage purchases.
- Concierge services: Receive complimentary concierge services.
Why we like it: If you frequently fly with American Airlines, the Citi / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® may be a suitable option. This personal credit card offers an Admirals Club® membership with access to more than 30 airport lounges―mostly in the US, with a few around the world. For an annual fee of $450, the membership is complimentary, with a value of up to $650. Immediate family members or up to two guests traveling with the primary cardholder may be admitted for free.
You’ll earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles when you spend $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of card membership. Plus, earn 2x miles for every dollar spent on American Airlines purchases and 1x miles for every dollar spent on all other purchases. Get 10,000 additional Loyalty Points after you spend $40,000 in purchases during the qualifying status year.
Other travel perks included in this card are as follows:
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit of up to $100 every 5 years
- First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines flights for you and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation—save up to $540 per round trip
- Priority boarding on American Airlines flights
- Priority check-in and priority airport screening for you and up to eight travel companions
- 25% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best Personal Credit Card With Priority PassTM Select Lounge Access
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
BEST FOR:
Receiving exceptional travel rewards and benefits
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.24% to 26.24% variable
Annual Fee
$550, plus $75 for each authorized user
Credit Needed
Excellent
- 60,000 bonus points (worth $900 in travel) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening an account
- 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 are spent on travel purchases annually
- 10x total points on Chase dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards® after making prepaid restaurant reservations, order takeout or joining virtual cooking events
- 5x total points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
- 3x points on other dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
- 3x points on other travel worldwide after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
Pros
- With $300 annual travel credit
- Lucrative rewards at 50% more when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- With complimentary airport lounge access
Cons
- With high annual fee
- No interest-free financing option
- Needs excellent credit
- Airport lounge access: Enjoy access to more than 1,300 priority pass lounges worldwide for free prior to airline travel
- Annual travel credit: You’ll receive a $300 annual travel credit that can be applied liberally toward your travel purchases.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.
- Trip delay insurance: If your travel is delayed more than 12 hours or you require an overnight stay as a result of a delay, you’re covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500.
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: Covers up to $10,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if your trip is cut short or interrupted by sickness or bad weather.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.24% to 26.24% variable
Annual Fee
$550, plus $75 for each authorized user
Credit Needed
Excellent
- 60,000 bonus points (worth $900 in travel) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening an account
- 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 are spent on travel purchases annually
- 10x total points on Chase dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards® after making prepaid restaurant reservations, order takeout or joining virtual cooking events
- 5x total points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
- 3x points on other dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
- 3x points on other travel worldwide after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
Pros
- With $300 annual travel credit
- Lucrative rewards at 50% more when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- With complimentary airport lounge access
Cons
- With high annual fee
- No interest-free financing option
- Needs excellent credit
- Airport lounge access: Enjoy access to more than 1,300 priority pass lounges worldwide for free prior to airline travel
- Annual travel credit: You’ll receive a $300 annual travel credit that can be applied liberally toward your travel purchases.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.
- Trip delay insurance: If your travel is delayed more than 12 hours or you require an overnight stay as a result of a delay, you’re covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500.
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: Covers up to $10,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if your trip is cut short or interrupted by sickness or bad weather.
Why we like it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card is a personal credit card that offers Priority PassTM Select, which is complimentary access to more than 1,300 lounges in 500 cities worldwide. You can bring a maximum of two accompanying guests, and pay $27 per additional guest, per visit. The Priority PassTM Select membership also lets you access restaurants, cafes, and markets participating in the Priority Pass Select network.
You also get 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of card ownership. This is equivalent to $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. In addition, you’ll receive 5x points on flights, 10x points on car rentals and hotel stays, 3x points on other travel and dining expenses, and 1x points on all other purchases.
Other benefits that come with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card include:
- Up to $300 in statement credits as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
- 50% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Ultimate Rewards
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit of up to $100 every four years
- No foreign transaction fees on purchases outside the US
SKYPASS Visa Signature® Business Card: Best for Traveling With Korean Air
SKYPASS Visa Signature® Business Card
BEST FOR:
Those who travel with Korean Air frequently
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
22.24% to 29.24% variable
Annual Fee
$95 for Account Owners and $95 for Authorized Employees
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
- 2 miles for every eligible $1 you spend on Korean Air ticket purchases
- 2 miles for every eligible $1 you spend at gas stations and hotels
- 1 mile for every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases
Pros
- Charges low annual fee for a travel rewards business credit card
- Offers bonus miles upon renewal
- Doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Doesn’t have 0% introductory APR
- With additional fees for employee cards
- Low ongoing rewards
- Morning Calm Club membership: Cardholders are entitled to exclusive check-in services, KAL lounge access, priority baggage handling, and SkyTeam Elite member status.
- Visa Business reporting: You can manage expenses made by your employees and set customizable spending rules through U.S. Bank’s Visa Business Spending.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You’ll receive auto rental collision damage waiver insurance when you rent a car using this card, letting you decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver option and receive coverage through Visa for collision damage or theft.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Visa provides assistance and referrals 24/7 while you are traveling away from home. Restrictions and limitations may apply, so check your SKYPASS Visa Guide to Benefits for more information.
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
22.24% to 29.24% variable
Annual Fee
$95 for Account Owners and $95 for Authorized Employees
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
- 2 miles for every eligible $1 you spend on Korean Air ticket purchases
- 2 miles for every eligible $1 you spend at gas stations and hotels
- 1 mile for every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases
Pros
- Charges low annual fee for a travel rewards business credit card
- Offers bonus miles upon renewal
- Doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Doesn’t have 0% introductory APR
- With additional fees for employee cards
- Low ongoing rewards
- Morning Calm Club membership: Cardholders are entitled to exclusive check-in services, KAL lounge access, priority baggage handling, and SkyTeam Elite member status.
- Visa Business reporting: You can manage expenses made by your employees and set customizable spending rules through U.S. Bank’s Visa Business Spending.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You’ll receive auto rental collision damage waiver insurance when you rent a car using this card, letting you decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver option and receive coverage through Visa for collision damage or theft.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Visa provides assistance and referrals 24/7 while you are traveling away from home. Restrictions and limitations may apply, so check your SKYPASS Visa Guide to Benefits for more information.
Why we like it: The SKYPASS Visa Signature® Business Card is a great option if your business requires you to travel to any of Korean Air’s destinations. You’ll receive two complimentary Korean Air Lounge coupons each year, which are valid for use in the airline’s airport lounges in Korean Air gateway cities within North America and Seoul.
For a low annual fee of $95, you can earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on Korean Air ticket purchases, gas stations, and hotels. Then, earn 1x miles for every $1 spent on all other purchases. Receive 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 within the first 90 days of card ownership, and 2,000 bonus miles when you renew your card each year.
You’ll also enjoy the following perks:
- $50 off coupon for Korean Air ticket purchases each year
- Up to $1 million in travel accident insurance
- No foreign transaction fees on international purchases
How We Evaluated the Best Business Credit Cards With Lounge Access
In addition to complimentary airport lounge access, we considered travel rewards and other benefits and perks. We selected cards associated with some of the most popular airlines and cards associated with independent airport lounge programs.
Bottom Line
When choosing the best business credit card with lounge access, determine whether you would benefit more from an airline-specific credit card or one that allows access to independent lounges with more locations around the world. Be sure to consider how frequently you plan to visit airport lounges, as the majority of these cards require a high annual fee. For other business credit card options, check out our guide to the best small business credit cards or visit our Credit Card Marketplace.
