Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access in 2026
Relax at an airport lounge for free.
The best airport lounge credit card is the American Express Platinum® Card, which offers access to Plaza Premium, Priority Pass, and Amex Global Lounge Collection. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card and CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card also ranked high for ease of lounge access.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Average earn rate | Lounge networks | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | American Express Platinum Card | $799 | 2.45% | * Plaza Premium * Priority Pass * Amex Global Lounge Collection | Up to 100,000 bonus points (terms) |
| #2 | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card | $599 | 2.78% | * Maple Leaf Lounges | Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms) |
| #3 | CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card | $599 | 2.78% | * Maple Leaf Lounges | Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms) |
The best airport lounge credit cards provide complimentary access to the most premium of lounges. They sometimes offer free passes for the cardholder and, occasionally, free guest passes as well.
This article reviews each of the top airport lounge cards, explains our data-driven Genius Rating factors, presents helpful tips to get the most out of your airport lounge experience, and much more.
Key Takeaways
- The American Express Platinum Card is the best airport lounge credit card in Canada.
- Some premium Canadian credit cards offer paid, limited, or unlimited access to one or more airport lounge networks.
- There are five major airport lounge programs in Canada: Maple Leaf, Plaza Premium, DragonPass, Priority Pass, and the Amex Global Lounge Collection.
- Entry requirements and fees vary by credit card and lounge location.
The best airport lounge credit cards in Canada
Our Gold award for the #1 airport lounge credit card in Canada goes to the American Express Platinum Card, which has the most extensive airport lounge access of any credit card – access that includes unlimited free lounge entrance for yourself and one guest.
Our Silver award goes to the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card for its astounding welcome bonus and extensive Air Canada perks.
And our Bronze award goes to the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, which has extensive airport lounge access and one of the most impressive insurance packages available.
However, if you don't want to pay a premium annual fee for a credit card with lounge access, consider the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, which provides a Visa Airport Companion membership and six free passes.
Canada's #1 best lounge access credit card: American Express Platinum® Card
The American Express Platinum® Card sets an incredibly high standard for airport lounge access. This premium metal credit card provides unlimited, complimentary access to four of the five largest airport lounge networks in the country, and, in many cases, you can even bring a guest.
No other card enables you to experience the luxury of a Centurion Lounge for free. Simply present your Platinum Card (or your Priority Pass membership) at the door and enjoy yourself.
It's hard to look away from this incredible perk, but you should also take note of this card's rewards structure:
- 2 points per $1 spent on restaurants and travel
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
For the highest value, we recommend redeeming your Amex Membership Rewards on flight tickets for your next journey.
Another very impressive feature of this Amex card is its annual $200 travel credit and $200 dining credit. Those credits alone offset the hefty $799 annual fee considerably, and when you factor in the value of the free lounge passes and access, that fee can feel quite reasonable.
Silver award lounge access credit card: TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege* Credit Card
It's important to begin a discussion of the TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege* Credit Card by mentioning its incredible welcome bonus: Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms), worth as much as $1,700. This is a big part of why it's also one of the country's top credit cards for perks.
But back to lounge access. As a Visa Infinite Privilege cardholder, you're entitled to six free passes to any lounge within the DragonPass network per year. Additional visits cost $35 USD each – but you've also got concierge services, access to exclusive dining events, complimentary hotel upgrades, and other premium perks and benefits to console you.
Amex may have strong earn rates, but Visa is the king of acceptance. You can take this Visa on vacation and earn points with purchases all over the world – 2 points per $1 spent with Air Canada and up to 1.5 points per $1 spent on everything else. These earn rates have earned this card an honourable mention on our list of the best Aeroplan cards in the country.
Bronze award lounge access credit card: CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
Air Canada travellers have the most to gain by using the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, with an impressive 12 types of insurance coverage – lots of travel-related coverage – as well as a strong 2.78% average earn rate and travel perks like priority check-in.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card cardholders get six free lounge visits via the Visa Airport Companion program to use at select Maple Leaf Lounges, an award-winning line of airport lounges that are owned and operated by Air Canada. Plus, travellers get a complimentary checked bag on every Air Canada flight, priority check-in and baggage handling, and more.
Really, this card has the same airport lounge access as its TD counterpart. Still, its travel insurance for seniors is more robust, with ten days of emergency medical coverage instead of four.
The best airport lounge card with a standard annual fee: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
×1 Award winner 
$80 GeniusCash + Up to 60k bonus Scene+ points in year 1 + 6 free airport lounge passes.*
GC: $80
1x Award winner The top three cards on this list have hefty annual fees, but the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is a stand-out option for travellers who prioritize saving over little airport luxuries. Its $150 annual fee is very reasonable, especially considering the travel perks that come with it.
The biggest perk is the six free airport lounge visits. Just like the CIBC and TD cards on our list, Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card cardholders are part of the Visa Airport Companion program and its 1,200-lounge network, powered by DragonPass and including several Maple Leaf Lounges. You'll get six free lounge passes each year.
The annual fee isn't the only thing this card does more cheaply – another perk that sets it apart is that it doesn't charge foreign exchange fees. This means you can spend while travelling or order online from other countries without paying the pesky 2.5% fee typically charged by other cards.
Compare all top airport lounge credit cards by Genius Rating
We used our data-driven Genius Rating with its refined, math-based algorithm to help us identify the best credit cards. This system generates a score out of five for all the
Here's how the best airport lounge credit card rank in order of Genius Rating:
GC: $150
The Genius Rating methodology
To come up with each card's Genius Rating, we analyzed over 126 features of each card and broke them into seven main categories:
- Rewards: 37%
- Fees: 20%
- Insurance: 16%
- Perks: 16%
- Interest: 7%
- Acceptance: 5%
- Approval: 5%
Learn more about our Genius Rating methodology
How to choose the right credit card for airport lounge access
Realizing you want airport lounge access can be a great starting point when looking for a new credit card, but it's not the only thing you should consider.
The best lounge access cards will give you plenty of free or discounted admittance to your favourite lounges, but they should also have high reward earn rates in your most common areas of spending and offer sizeable insurance packages. You should also look at the associated perks to make sure your travel experiences are as comfortable as possible.
And, of course, all of this should be balanced by a reasonable annual fee. If it doesn't seem reasonable at first, it should become so once you factor in the cost of the lounge visits, insurance, and travel benefits.
Below, we've compiled tips to help you choose the right airport lounge credit card for your lifestyle.
Rewards
Cards with premium rewards, such as airport lounge access, typically participate in a rewards program rather than offer cash back.
Before you apply for a card, decide which rewards program gives you what you're looking for.
Here's an overview of the rewards programs and earning potential of our top airport lounge cards:
| Credit card | Rewards program | Rewards | Redemption options | Average rate of return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Platinum Card | American Express Membership Rewards | * 2 points per $1 spent on restaurants and travel * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | * Transfer points to Aeroplan * Fixed Points Travel Program * Transfer points to Marriott Bonvoy * Any travel * Statement credits * Gift cards * Shopping at Amazon * Merchandise | 2.45% |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card | Aeroplan | * 2 points per $1 spent on Air Canada * 1.5 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining * 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases | * Flights * Air Canada gift cards * Car rentals * Vacation packages * Hotels * Merchandise * Gift cards | 2.78% |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card | Aeroplan | * 2 points per $1 spent on Air Canada * 1.5 points per $1 spent on gas, EV charging, groceries, dining, and travel * 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases | * Flights * Air Canada gift cards * Car rentals * Vacation packages * Hotels * Merchandise * Gift cards | 2.78% |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card | Scene+ | * 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and more * 2 Scene+ points per $1 spent on groceries, restaurants, entertainment, and daily transit * 1 Scene+ point per $1 on all other purchases | * In-store and online discounts – 1 CPP * Travel – 1 CPP * Gift cards – 1 CPP * Statement credits – 0.7 CPP | 1.35% |
This table offers another way to compare these cards' average earn rates:
Fees
We won't sugarcoat it – credit cards with the best airport lounge access don't come cheap. Expect to pay between $599 and $799 per year for one of our top cards.
Luckily, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is a worthwhile option, offering an alternative $150 to the high fees of the other cards on our list. It also doesn't charge any foreign exchange fees.
Insurance
As premium travel credit cards, all of our best cards have extensive travel and purchase insurance coverage, but there are a few differences.
Here's a look at how big the insurance packages are from our top lounge cards:
- American Express Platinum Card: 11 types of coverage
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card: 12 types of coverage
- CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card: 12 types of coverage
- Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card: 11 types of coverage
The Aeroplan credit cards tend to give higher coverage limits or offer longer periods of coverage. In fact, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card and Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card are listed as two of Canada's best credit cards for insurance, mainly for these reasons.
Perks
Perks are another important feature of airport lounge cards, which, while not exactly essential, do go a long way towards balancing out the large annual fees that typically accompany these cards.
These are some of the most valuable perks you can get with a credit card:
- Free roadside assistance
- Concierge services
- Annual travel and dining credits
- Personalized offers and discounts
- Hotel room upgrades
- Anniversary bonus points
- NEXUS fee rebates
- Discounted checked luggage
- Free or discounted companion flight vouchers
- Rental car and delivery service discounts
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card is one of Canada's best perks credit cards. Take a look at what it has to offer:
- Huge welcome bonus, worth up to $1,700
- $100 (max) rebate on NEXUS membership every two years
- First checked bag for free, for the cardholder and up to eight companions
- Annual round-trip companion flight for $99 (plus taxes and fees)
- Airport lounge access via the Visa Airport Companion Program
Interest rates
These cards might charge higher annual fees, but their interest rates are fairly standard, hovering between 20% and 23%.
If you're planning on transferring your existing balance or getting cash advances, note that all of our card picks have the same rates, so this might not help you narrow down your choice of card.
We left out the American Express Platinum Card as its interest rates are dependent on the cardholder's credit score, but here's a visual to help you compare the top lounge cards' interest rates:
Approval
Along with high annual fees, credit cards that come with airport lounge access typically have high income and credit score requirements. Really, any credit card with especially valuable perks is going to require applicants to have large incomes and solid credit, so this isn't much of a surprise.
However, most Amex cards don't have income requirements at all, and the #1 airport lounge card, the American Express Platinum Card, is no exception. You'll still need a very good credit score, but no income restrictions does significantly lower the barrier to entry.
This table lays out the various eligibility criteria for the top four cards in this category:
| Credit card | Annual income requirements | Credit score (estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| American Express Platinum Card | * $0 personal * $0 household | * 725 - 759 |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card | * $150,000 personal * $200,000 household | * 725 - 759 |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card | * $150,000 personal * $200,000 household | * 760 - 900 |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card | * $60,000 personal * $100,000 household | * 560 - 659 |
We realize that between the credit score and income requirements (plus the high annual fees), it's hard for many people to get a card with lounge access. Although these didn't make our best of list, these cards are still worth considering:
- TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card: Visa Airport Companion membership with four free passes
- CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card: Visa Airport Companion membership with four free passes (or the CIBC Aventura Gold Visa Card, which has lower income requirements)
- BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard: Four lounge passes through Mastercard Travel Pass
Acceptance
Most of the best credit cards for lounge access are Visa cards, so you shouldn't have any problems with merchants accepting them.
The overall best airport lounge card is issued by American Express, but these cards have far better acceptance than most people realize. This is true for merchants in Canada and around the globe. The only notable exceptions in Canada are Costco warehouses and Loblaws-owned stores.
How do I get airport lounge access with my credit card?
Getting airport lounge access with your credit card requires a little preparation for maximum enjoyment.
Since most lounges are located past security, you'll need a same-day boarding pass. And most airport lounges don't allow travellers to stay longer than three hours, unless it's a connecting flight, so don't arrive at the airport for the first leg of your journey too early.
Finally, make sure to look up the entry requirements for the lounge you want to visit and your credit card.
The exact steps you'll need to take vary by lounge, so read up on the details before you travel.
| Lounges included | What to show at the front desk | Entry fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Global Lounge Collection | * Centurion * Escape * Delta SkyClub * Plaza Premium * Executive Lounges | * Your Platinum Card, a boarding pass AND * A government-issued photo ID | * Free |
| Mastercard Travel Pass | * DragonPass lounges | * Your boarding pass AND * Proof of membership | * Free OR * $32 USD |
| Visa Airport Companion | * DragonPass lounges | * Your boarding pass AND * Proof of membership | * Free OR * $35 USD |
| American Express | * Priority Pass lounges | * Your boarding pass AND * Proof of membership | * Free OR * $35 USD |
| Aeroplan | * Maple Leaf Lounges | * Your boarding pass AND * Your credit card | * Free OR * $59 CAD |
If your flight departs from a busy airport like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, we suggest researching several options ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Which airport lounge program is the best?
If you're new to airport lounges, take a look at some of the most popular ones you'll see when travelling:
- Priority Pass
- DragonPass
- Plaza Premium Lounges
- Maple Leaf Lounges
- Centurion Lounges
In terms of quantity and quality, the Amex Global Lounge Collection is unmatched. Amex always pairs it with a complimentary Priority Pass that encompasses nearly every other airport lounge network in Canada, plus international faves like Centurion, Escape, Delta SkyClub, and Executive Lounges by Swissport.
You could buy a Priority Pass membership on its own – but for the serious traveller, the American Express Platinum Card's generous guest policies, unlimited access, and rave reviews make it more than worth the high annual fee.
Smaller, cheaper, and much more common, DragonPass provides more value for the average traveller. You can buy a membership online or save at least a hundred dollars with a World Elite Mastercard or Visa Infinite credit card. Or, if you don't want to bother with membership, you can always access chains like Plaza Premium Lounges for a fee. While democratic, they tend to be crowded and noisy.
We only recommend Maple Leaf Lounges if you almost always fly Air Canada domestic flights or you fly out of airports that exclusively offer Maple Leaf Lounges. With the exception of a handful of freshly renovated locations in major cities, this exclusive and "award-winning" lineup is beginning to show its age.
Is airport lounge access worth it?
Anyone who's been stranded at the airport or stuck with a long layover knows how valuable a good airport lounge can be! In the stress-filled environment of an airport, lounges can serve as a bastion of comfort.
If you're looking for a comfortable spot with designated quiet zones or private seating, you'll probably enjoy the lounge. Plus, there are usually free snacks and beverages (even meals, depending on the lounge). Oh, and you'll have access to free Wi-Fi.
Amenities vary, but some lounges have showers with fresh towels and toiletries; bars that may or may not come with a complimentary beer, wine, or cocktails; and a variety of reading materials.
Overall, the lounge is definitely worth seeking out if you have free access through a credit card. Otherwise, the entry fee might be worth it if you know you have a long time to wait at the airport or are just in search of a little peace and quiet.
How to make the most of your lounge access benefits
If you've spent any time in an airport lounge, you know some people are pros at maximizing their lounge benefits. Here are some of the smart strategies they're using (and you can, too!):
- Read up on which lounges you can access: Just because your credit card says it has lounge access doesn't mean you can get into any airport lounge. Depending on your card, you might have access to specific networks like Priority Pass, DragonPass, Plaza Premium, and Maple Leaf Lounges.
- Register for lounge programs, if required: Your card issuer might require you to enroll separately in a lounge program to activate your lounge benefits.
- Keep track of your complimentary visits: Lounge access usually doesn't mean unlimited access (unless you have an ultra-premium credit card). Instead, you probably have a limited number of lounge visits each year, so pay attention to how many you've used.
- Find out if you can bring guests: If you're flying with a companion, don't assume they can automatically get into a lounge with you. Many lounges have strict rules or charge guest fees, so plan ahead.
- Take advantage of the concierge services: The lounge concierge is an overlooked asset. If you need advice or travel recommendations, the concierge is happy to help!
FAQ
What is the best credit card for airport lounge access in Canada?
The overall best airport lounge credit card is the American Express Platinum Card. It's a premium metal card that offers unlimited access to Plaza Premium lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and lounges in the Amex Global Lounge Collection, which includes luxurious Centurion Lounges. It also provides $400 in annual travel and dining credits, extensive insurance, and much more.
Which credit card offers the best airport lounges?
It's difficult to answer this question as lounges are subject to personal preferences. The American Express Platinum Card offers access to several different lounge networks. That being said, the best airport lounge in Canada is the Cathay Pacific Lounge in Vancouver, and visitors need a Cathay Lounge Pass membership or Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire frequent flyer membership to visit.
Can you tell me how to get airport lounge access for free?
It's important to remember that entry requirements vary, but most times, a Business or First Class airline ticket gets you free lounge access. Premium travel credit cards often provide free lounge access too – the American Express Platinum Card and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card are two of the best cards for airport lounge access.
Which TD credit card has lounge access?
Several TD credit cards provide airport lounge access, but the best are the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card and TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card. The Aeroplan option comes with a Visa Airport Companion membership along with six free passes for the primary cardholder. The First Class card also provides the same membership, but with four free passes.
Editorial Disclaimer: The content here reflects the author's opinion alone. No bank, credit card issuer, rewards program, or other entity has reviewed, approved, or endorsed this content. For complete and updated product information please visit the product issuer's website. Our credit card scores and rankings are based on our Rating Methodology that takes into account 126+ features for each of 231 Canadian credit cards.
