How to Get Airport Lounge Access with Your Credit Card

Travelling to a new place is exciting. Getting there is often another story. With crowds of people, flight delays and loud announcements, the airport environment can feel overwhelming.  

An airport lounge can help you step out of chaos and take a moment to relax. Lounges typically offer comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, and access to Wi-Fi and charging stations. You can also use private lounge bathrooms, with some offering showers.  

If you want to make your travel days more relaxing and comfortable, a travel rewards credit card that offers airport lounge access can help make your journey as enjoyable as the destination. 

How to choose the right airport lounge credit card perk 

Different travel credit cards offer different types of lounge access. For instance, some cards offer access to only lounges operated by a specific airline or by the credit card provider, while some premium credit cards offer access to a global network of independently operated airport lounges.   

When choosing a travel rewards credit card for lounge access, consider which type of airport lounge you might use the most often and look for a card that matches your needs. If you tend to fly with one airline or a group of airlines, you might opt for an airline-specific credit card. If you use multiple airlines, a card that offers access to a network of lounges might be a better fit.  

Don’t forget to think about how many airports lounge passes you’ll need. If you travel with a partner or your family, you’ll need to use one lounge pass for each person. Some credit cards offer a limited number of visits per year, while others allow unlimited access.  

How to choose a travel rewards card 

A travel rewards credit card allows you to earn points or rewards on eligible purchases. You can then use your points to redeem flights, hotels, car rentals, and other benefits. But with so many travel rewards cards available, how do you pick the one that’s right for you?  

Assess your personal travel habits   

Ask yourself how often you travel. Frequent travellers may benefit more from certain perks beyond access to airport lounges.  

Consider where you travel. Is most of your travel within Canada or overseas? If you travel internationally, you may want a card with low or no foreign transaction fees, or one that offers better insurance. 

Finally, consider your travel preferences. Some travel credit cards require you to use specific airlines or hotels to earn rewards. Others are more flexible.  

Consider your financial situation and spending habits 

Where do you spend your money? Some cards offer better rewards for spending in certain categories. If you spend most of your money on travel and dining out, you’ll want to look for a card that rewards this.  

Are you willing to pay an annual fee? It’s possible to get a travel rewards credit card with no annual fee. But those that charge a fee often offer more benefits.  

Do you meet the eligibility requirements? Most travel rewards credit cards that offer perks such as access to airport lounges require a good or excellent credit score. 

Look at perks and rewards 

• Is there a welcome bonus? Some cards offer a welcome bonus that allows you to earn additional rewards or points when you spend a certain amount in a set period of time. For example, you could earn 20,000 points when you spend at least $3,000 in the first four months.  
• Do the rewards match your spending habits? The earn rate is the amount of rewards or points you accrue per dollar spent on your credit card. Different cards offer varying earn rates in different categories. Examples of categories might include travel, gas, dining, or groceries.  
• How do you redeem your rewards? Make sure you understand how to redeem your points. What exactly can you use your points for? Can you book directly through your credit card provider or transfer your rewards to a specific airline or hotel?   

Other benefits: Does the card offer additional benefits besides airport lounge access, such as travel insurance, free checked bags, or priority boarding?  

Is a travel rewards credit card right for you? 

Only you can decide if a travel rewards credit card is right for you.  To really benefit from a card, you should aim to pay your balance in full each month – otherwise, the interest charges can quickly add up and negate any signup bonus or travel rewards you earn. But if you travel frequently, spend a considerable amount of time in airports, are good at keeping up with your credit card payments, and can meet the minimum credit score and income requirements, you’re likely a good candidate. 

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Country: Canada