Airport lounge access is truly a delightful experience. With the right credit card, you can escape the chaos of the airport into a serene space where you can work, unwind, and savor complimentary refreshments while awaiting your flight.
However, such access is generally reserved for those with high-end cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express. If you’re aiming to keep your annual fees low, you may find yourself resigned to sitting at the nearest café during layovers.
Fortunately, there are various methods to gain airport lounge access without incurring hefty annual fees.
Here are some cost-effective cards that can get you through the lounge doors without breaking the bank.
Related: Best credit cards for lounge access
Become an Authorized User
Before applying for a new credit card, check if a family member or friend has a card that offers lounge access and is willing to add you as an authorized user.
You can often enjoy the same lounge privileges as the primary cardholder for a modest fee. This is a great way to maximize the benefits without spending too much.
If a friend or family member has a Chase Sapphire Reserve®, for instance, they can add you as an authorized user for just $195 per year. This allows you access to Priority Pass and Chase Sapphire Lounges at a fraction of the $795 annual fee they pay.
Just note that as an authorized user, you won’t earn points or receive some additional benefits available to the primary cardholder.
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Related: The 7 credit cards with the greatest value for authorized users
Inexpensive Cards for Lounge Access
If you don’t have a friend or family member who can add you as an authorized user, there are still great options. While the following cards provide more limited lounge access compared to premium options, they allow entry at a much lower cost.
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card has no annual fee and includes four Priority Pass visits each year, making it an excellent choice for infrequent travelers.
The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been verified by the card issuer.
With the Altitude Connect card, you earn 4 points per dollar on travel and 2 points per dollar on dining and other select purchases. Cardholders also receive a statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck—an impressive perk for a no-annual fee card.
For detailed information, check out our review of the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect.
Related: Best no annual fee credit cards
United Explorer Card and United Business Card
You don’t need to opt for United’s high-tier United Club℠ Card to gain access to the United Club network.
Both the United℠ Explorer Card and the United℠ Business Card have an annual fee of $150 (with the Explorer card having $0 intro fee for the first year) and offer two United Club passes annually (usable by the cardholder or an authorized user).
Both cards come with various United perks, including bonus miles on United purchases, free checked bags, and accelerated progress toward elite status alongside valuable travel protections. The United Business Card also offers bonus miles at gas stations and office supply stores, while the United Explorer Card provides a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit.
For further details, check our reviews of the United Explorer and United Business cards.
Apply here: United Explorer Card
Apply here: United Business Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business
Though categorized as premium cards, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business offer notable lounge access on a budget. Their $395 annual fee may sound hefty, but it’s significantly lower than many premium counterparts.
Additionally, the cards provide a $300 annual credit for Capital One Travel, which means if used strategically, your effective cost drops to just $95, especially considering unlimited access to Priority Pass and Capital One lounges.
As a cardholder, you’ll earn bonus points on travel booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on other purchases, plus unique benefits like bonus miles each year and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit.
Moreover, with Venture X, lounge access isn’t solely for the primary account owner. You can add up to four authorized users at no extra charge, and each cardholder gets complimentary access for up to two guests until Feb. 1, 2026.
For more details, check our full review of the Venture X and Venture X Business cards.
Learn more: Capital One Venture
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Business
Related: Capital One Venture X vs. Venture X Business: Key differences
Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Credit Card
Another premium option, the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card, provides lounge access at a $395 annual fee. While that may seem steep, the card’s benefits can help justify the cost.
Cardholders can enjoy eight annual Alaska lounge passes (two per quarter). If you’ve already got an Alaska Lounge membership, you can share these passes as well. This card also offers benefits like priority boarding and complimentary checked bags on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines flights.
Additionally, you’ll benefit from an annual global companion award, bonus points on purchases with Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, and a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck applications.
For more details, check our full review of the Atmos Rewards Summit.
Apply here: Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Credit Card
Related: Is this new space the best Alaska Airlines lounge in the country?
PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Card
The PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Card, a lesser-known credit union offering, is a solid option for affordable airport lounge access.
With an annual fee of $95 (waived for PenFed Honors Advantage members), it includes Priority Pass access for the cardholder and one guest, but keep in mind that there is a $35 fee per visit for each person.
The information for the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been verified by the card issuer.
The card offers a $100 airline incidental credit, useful for covering lounge passes, and earns additional rewards on travel purchases, along with a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. To apply, you need to be a PenFed member, which can be achieved by opening a savings account and depositing at least $5.
Related: Cash back vs. travel rewards: How to choose a credit card
Final Thoughts
While airport lounge access is a coveted perk, it doesn’t have to come with exorbitant annual fees. With any of the cards listed above, you can enjoy a relaxing respite during your next long layover without overspending.
However, be warned—a taste of the lounge life might inspire you to consider a more premium travel rewards credit card in the future.
Related: How to choose a credit card for airport lounge access
