The credit cards that offer airport lounge access are generally premium frequent flyer and rewards credit cards. These types of credit cards usually allow you to earn frequent flyer or rewards points on eligible spending. They may also come with other perks like complimentary insurance. However, keep in mind these cards usually charge higher annual fees and higher purchase rates than non-rewards credit cards.

Most credit cards with free airport lounge access offer a limited number of complimentary passes per year. This is commonly two single-entry passes per year.

There are a handful of premium cards that offer unlimited free airport lounge access at eligible locations, including the American Express Platinum Card and the Citi Prestige Card. These cards have high minimum income requirements and high annual fees. For example, the Amex Platinum Card currently has a minimum income requirement of $100,000 and an annual fee of $1,450, while the Citi Prestige Credit Card currently has a minimum income requirement of $150,000 and an annual fee of $700.

Which lounges you can enter depends on your card. For example, a Qantas branded credit card may allow you to enter Qantas Club lounges, while a Velocity branded card may allow you to enter Virgin Australia lounges. Many American Express credit cards allow you to enter the American Express Lounge in Sydney or Melbourne.

Some credit cards offer lounge access through Mastercard’s LoungeKey program or the Priority Pass program. These programs give you access to over 1,000 airport lounges around the world. Eligible cards typically offer complimentary membership to the program and you may receive a couple of complimentary passes each year. Once you have used your passes, you may have the option of paying for individual lounge visits and this will be charged to your credit card.

To get free airport lounge access, you may need to meet some conditions. Some common examples include:

• Having a valid airline ticket. Generally, you will need to present a same-day airline ticket to enter the lounge. Depending on the lounge, you may need to have a ticket with the same airline. For example, to enter the Qantas Club lounge, you may need to be travelling on a Qantas or Jetstar flight.
• Meeting any purchase requirements. You may need to make an eligible purchase to get the complimentary passes. For example, some cards require you to purchase Qantas items (such as Qantas flights) using the card to be eligible for Qantas Club passes.
• Enrolling in the lounge program. If airport lounge access is provided through a program such as Priority Pass, you usually need to enrol in the program.

Make sure you read the terms and conditions so you understand what the specific requirements are.

Another option is purchasing airport lounge access. Some examples include Qantas Club, Virgin Australia Lounge and Priority Pass memberships. Here’s the current cost of a one-year membership:

• Qantas Club: $99 joining fee and $600 one-year membership fee for new members.
• Virgin Australia Lounge: $399 annual membership fee or $65 single-entry pass.
• Priority Pass: US$99 annual fee for standard membership and US$32 member and guest visit fee.

Credit cards that offer airport lounge access come with many of the same pros and cons as regular credit cards. But there are also some specific benefits and drawbacks to be aware of:

Pros of airport lounge access

• Receive airport lounge benefits like complimentary food and drinks, free Wi-Fi and showers.
• Depending on your circumstances and how often you fly, it could be cheaper than purchasing airport lounge access (e.g. paying for a Qantas Club, Virgin Australia Lounge or Priority Pass membership).
• Since they are usually frequent flyer or rewards credit cards, the card may offer other benefits such as complimentary insurances.

Cons of airport lounge access

• They often charge higher annual fees. So consider whether the benefits you would receive offsets this.
• They tend to charge higher interest rates.
• You may only get a limited number of airport lounge entries.
• You may only be able to access lounges when flying with certain airlines or at certain airports.
• Your family or travelling companions may not be granted access to the lounge with you. Check with your card provider whether you can give a complimentary pass to a travelling companion.