creditcardGenius Team
updated on Oct 1, 2025
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Best airport lounge credit card in Canada for 2025 award seal

The best credit card offering airport lounge access is the American Express Platinum Card. You'll have access to Plaza Premium, Priority Pass, and Amex Global Lounge Collection, among other perks.

Most credit cards with airport lounge access are very strict about the number of free passes you get, and about whether or not you can bring guests. It’s rare to get a combo of membership and unlimited passes.

To find the travel card that works for you, we've compiled this list of the top cards with lounge access, individual card reviews, and tips for maximizing value.

Key Takeaways

  • The American Express Platinum Card is the best credit card in Canada for airport lounge access.
  • There are five major airport lounge programs in Canada: Maple Leaf, Plaza Premium, DragonPass, Priority Pass, and the Amex Global Lounge Collection.
  • Some premium Canadian credit cards offer paid, limited, or unlimited access to one to two airport lounge networks.
  • Guest policies vary by credit card and lounge location.
  • Visa and Mastercard credit cards use DragonPass
  • Aeroplan credit cards target Maple Leaf Lounges
  • and Amex partners with Priority Pass for lounge access.

The ten best credit cards for airport lounge access for October 2025

If you like to travel in comfort, you’re probably already familiar with the five largest airport lounge programs in Canada (and some of the biggest in the world):

  1. Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounges (27 locations)
  2. Plaza Premium Lounges (160 locations)
  3. DragonPass (1,300+ locations, including all Plaza Premium Lounges)
  4. Priority Pass (1,500+ locations, including all Plaza Premium and DragonPass lounges)
  5. Amex Global Lounge Collection (1,600+ locations, including all Plaza Premium and Priority Pass lounges)

The ten best credit cards for airport lounge access rarely grant entry to more than one to two networks at once – but that’s all you need. With the following cards, you’re entitled to complimentary food, drink, Wi-Fi, and other lounge amenities before your flight.

Credit cardAnnual feeFree visitsGuest accessMaple LeafPlaza PremiumDragonPassPriority PassAmex Global Lounge Collection
American Express Platinum Card$799UnlimitedUnlimited for one guest at a timeXX
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card$599UnlimitedXXX
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card$599Unlimited Maple Leaf and six passes with Visa Airport Companion XXXXX
Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card$399Ten FourXX
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card$599Ten per cardholderXXXX
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card$150SixXXXX
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege$399SixXXXX
American Express Gold Rewards Card$250FourXXXX
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard$150FourXXXX
The Business Platinum Card from American Express$799UnlimitedXXX

1. Best credit card for airport lounge access

4.4 Genius Rating
2.7 (16) User reviews
award seal ×2 Award winner

100,000 bonus points + The most perks of any credit card.*

Annual fee
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Learn more
Welcome bonus
$600
30,000 points
Annual rewards
$588
Learn more
American Express Platinum® Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
American Express Platinum® Card
4.4 Genius Rating
2.7 (16) User reviews
award seal 2x Award winner

100,000 bonus points + The most perks of any credit card.*

Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$600
30,000 points
Annual rewards
$588
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (560 - 659)
Instant approval: Yes

Lounge access: Unlimited

Lounge networks included: Plaza Premium, Priority Pass, The American Express Global Lounge Collection

The American Express Platinum Card doesn’t set the standard for airport lounge access – it smashes it. 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.

When you do spend money, you’ll be rewarded with:

  • 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.

Pros:

  • $200 annual dining credit
  • $200 annual travel credit
  • $100 NEXUS credit every four years
  • 24/7 Platinum Concierge services
  • 15% off parking, complimentary valets, and priority security lanes at Toronto Pearson
  • 11 types of insurance, plus access to emergency travel assistance
  • American Express Experiences, Offers, Fine Hotels + Resorts, Front of the Line, Global Dining Collection, and Hotel Collection benefits
  • Automatic Gold status in the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors programs
  • Preferential pricing and promotions on American Express Travel Online
  • Premium metal credit card
  • Referral program so you and a friend or family member can earn bonus rewards

Cons:

  • $250 additional card fee (for Platinum Cards)
  • Lower acceptance for American Express

2. Best credit card for Maple Leaf Lounge access

3.8 Genius Rating
3.1 (9) User reviews

Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan®* points + Air Canada benefits.*

Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$1,700
85,000 points
Annual rewards
$669
Learn more
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
3.8 Genius Rating
3.1 (9) User reviews

Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan®* points + Air Canada benefits.*

Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$1,700
85,000 points
Annual rewards
$669
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (660 - 724)
Instant approval: Yes

Lounge access: Unlimited + 0

Lounge networks included: Maple Leaf, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass

If you need an Aeroplan credit card to take you into the air and the many Maple Leaf Lounges and Cafés dotted across the country, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is our top pick. By showing an Air Canada or Star Alliance boarding pass and your credit card at the door, you can start your journey with a quick bite, drink, nap, or work session – and share it with a guest!

Your everyday rewards include earning Aeroplan Points on all your purchases:

  • 3 points per $1 spent on Air Canada
  • 2 points per $1 spent on dining and food delivery purchases in Canada
  • 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases

Plus, you’ll get a complimentary Priority Pass membership valued at $99 USD per year. Present your digital card at the door of 1,500+ airport lounges worldwide to buy access for your travelling companions for $35 USD each.

Pros:

  • 1,000 miles and one flight per $5,000 spent toward Aeroplan Elite membership status
  • $100 annual NEXUS credit
  • 15% off parking, complimentary valets, and priority security lanes at Toronto Pearson
  • 11 types of insurance included
  • One annual $99 companion voucher after spending $25,000
  • American Express Experiences, Offers, and Front of the Line benefits
  • Automatic President’s Club status in the AVIS loyalty program
  • Complimentary Priority Pass
  • First free checked bag and priority baggage, boarding, and check-ins on Air Canada flights for the cardholder and up to eight travelling companions
  • No income requirements
  • Premium metal credit card

Cons:

  • $199 additional card fee (with Reserve benefits)
  • Lower acceptance for American Express
Pro Tip: Check the bottom left corner of your boarding pass for the message "INVITATION LOUNGE/SALON," which indicates free Maple Leaf Lounge access.
Air Canada boarding pass with lounge access

3. Best Visa credit card with airport lounge access

4.5 Genius Rating
2.5 (4) User reviews
Annual fee
$599.00
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$1,700
85,000 points
Annual rewards
$666
Learn more
TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege* Credit Card
4.5 Genius Rating
2.5 (4) User reviews
Annual fee
$599.00
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$1,700
85,000 points
Annual rewards
$666
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (725 - 759)
Instant approval: Yes

Lounge access: Unlimited + six free visits per year

Lounge networks included: Maple Leaf

Amex may have strong earning rates but Visa is the king of acceptance. You can take the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card on vacation and earn points with purchases all over the world:

  • 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

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.

Pros:

  • 1,000 miles and one flight per $5,000 spent toward Aeroplan Elite membership status
  • $100 annual NEXUS credit
  • 50% more Stars at Starbucks
  • 12 types of insurance included
  • One annual $99 companion voucher after spending $25,000
  • Automatic President’s Club status in the AVIS loyalty program
  • First free checked bag and priority baggage, boarding, and check-ins on Air Canada flights for the cardholder and up to eight travelling companions
  • Visa Infinite Privilege benefits

Cons:

  • $150,000 personal or $200,000 household income required
  • $199 additional card fee
Pro Tip: If you like everything about the TD Aeroplan VIP but its income requirements, check out the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. You’ll enjoy many of the same Air Canada and DragonPass benefits for a lower annual fee.

4. Best American Express credit card with airport lounge access

5.0 Genius Rating
2.8 (5) User reviews
Annual fee
$399.00
Learn more
Annual rewards
$480
80,000 Scene+ points
Annual savings
$800
GC Ends: Oct 31, 2025
Credit Card Genius Cash IconGC: $175
Scotiabank American Express® Platinum Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
5.0 Genius Rating
2.8 (5) User reviews
Annual fee
$399.00
Learn more
Annual rewards
$480
80,000 Scene+ points
Annual savings
$800
GC Ends:
Oct 31, 2025
Credit estimate:
 (725 - 759)
Instant approval: Yes

Lounge access: Ten + four free visits per year

Lounge networks included: Plaza Premium, DragonPass, Priority Pass

The Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card is a traveller’s best friend: a no foreign transaction fee credit card with ten free airport lounge passes per year. Secondary cardholders receive the same benefits, plus four free passes of their own.

Like the Amex Platinum Card, the Scotiabank Platinum Card includes a complimentary Priority Pass membership (which lets you buy additional lounge visits for $35 USD each). Unlike the Amex Platinum, the Scotiabank Platinum earns Scene+ points with every purchase:

  • 2 Scene+ points per $1 spent on all purchases

Don’t forget it at home if you want to save 2.5% on every purchase in currency exchange fees.

Pros:

  • Only $12,000 of personal income required
  • 12 types of insurance included
  • 9.99% purchase interest rate
  • 0.00% foreign transaction fee
  • American Express Experiences, Offers, and Front of the Line benefits
  • Automatic Hertz #1 Club Gold membership

Cons:

  • $99 additional card fee
  • Lower acceptance for American Express

5. Best lounge access card with no FX fees

4.1 Genius Rating
4.0 (2) User reviews
Annual fee
$599.00
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$500
50,000 Scene+ points
Annual rewards
$282
GC Ends: Oct 31, 2025
Credit Card Genius Cash IconGC: $175
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
4.1 Genius Rating
4.0 (2) User reviews
Annual fee
$599.00
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$500
50,000 Scene+ points
Annual rewards
$282
GC Ends:
Oct 31, 2025
Credit estimate:
 (760 - 900)
Instant approval: Yes

Lounge access: Ten free passes per cardholder

Lounge networks included: Plaza Premium, DragonPass

No need to fear foreign exchange fees with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card at your side – while most credit cards have exchange fees as high as 2.5%, this card sits nicely at 0%. With extensive travel insurance and a free membership to the Avis President’s Club, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card is perfect for people who spend a lot of time abroad and want to rack up Scene+ points:

  • 3 points per $1 spent on travel
  • 2 points per $1 spent on restaurants and entertainment
  • 1 point per $1 on all other purchases

This card will also get you a ton of travel benefits from the Visa Infinite Privilege program – exclusive hotel benefits, restaurant reservations, private events, and a complimentary concierge service are just a few of the bonuses.

Pros:

  • 12 types of insurance included
  • Up to 80,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points.
  • Annual $250 travel credit for use at Scene+ Travel
  • No foreign exchange fees

Cons:

  • $150,000 personal or $200,000 household income required

6. Best budget credit card with airport lounge access

3.9 Genius Rating
3.0 (46) User reviews
Annual fee
$150.00
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$350
35,000 Scene+ points
Annual rewards
$324
GC Ends: Oct 31, 2025
Credit Card Genius Cash IconGC: $30
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
3.9 Genius Rating
3.0 (46) User reviews
Annual fee
$150.00
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$350
35,000 Scene+ points
Annual rewards
$324
GC Ends:
Oct 31, 2025
Credit estimate:
 (660 - 724)
Instant approval: Yes

Lounge access: Six free visits per year

Lounge networks included: Plaza Premium, DragonPass

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is a more budget-friendly option for travelers. You can get six free lounge passes – as well as a special rate of $35 USD per additional lounge visit – for the relatively low price of $150 per year

Like the Scotiabank cards listed above, it’ll also save you the standard 2.5% in foreign exchange fees and provide Scene+ points for every dollar spent:

  • 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

Our favorite feature is the Visa Infinite program, which provides many of the same benefits as the Visa Infinite Privilege program for a lower annual fee.

Pros:

  • 11 types of insurance included
  • 0.00% foreign transaction fee
  • Visa Infinite benefits

Cons:

  • $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income required

7. Most flexible credit card with airport lounge access

5.0 Genius Rating
3.1 (34) User reviews
award seal ×1 Award winner
Annual fee
$399.00
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$1,751
70k points + $120
Annual rewards
$699
Learn more
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
5.0 Genius Rating
3.1 (34) User reviews
award seal 1x Award winner
Annual fee
$399.00
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$1,751
70k points + $120
Annual rewards
$699
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (660 - 724)
Instant approval: Yes

Lounge access: Six free visits per year

Lounge networks included: Plaza Premium, DragonPass

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege boasts six free lounge passes, a DragonPass membership, and the benefits of the Visa Infinite Privilege program – but its $399 annual fee might give you pause. Its rewards are also unexciting, yielding just 1.25 Avion Rewards points for every $1 spent.

On the plus side, you can wring up to 2.33 cents of value out of every point by using the Avion Air Travel Redemption Schedule to fly.

Pros:

  • 50 Be Well points per $1 spent at Rexall
  • 20% Hertz car rentals and automatic Five Star status
  • 12-month complimentary DoorDash subscription
  • 3 cents off per litre and 20% more points at Petro-Canada
  • Two-for-one Friday ski lift passes
  • Visa Infinite Privilege benefits

Cons:

  • $200,000 personal or household income required
  • Low flat-rate earn rate

8. Most affordable Amex credit card with airport lounge access

3.9 Genius Rating
4.2 (20) User reviews
Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$1,200
60,000 points
Annual rewards
$708
GC Ends: Oct 31, 2025
Credit Card Genius Cash IconGC: $125
American Express® Gold Rewards Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
3.9 Genius Rating
4.2 (20) User reviews
Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$1,200
60,000 points
Annual rewards
$708
GC Ends:
Oct 31, 2025
Credit estimate:
 (560 - 659)
Instant approval: Yes

Lounge access: Four free visits per year

Lounge networks included: Plaza Premium, Priority Pass

Canadians who don’t want to pay the Platinum Card’s $799 annual fee should look at the American Express Gold Rewards Card instead. For a lower annual cost, you can grab a card with $150 in annual travel credits, four free visits to any Plaza Premium Lounge, and a complimentary Priority Pass.

Its downsides include little shopping coverage and modest returns:

  • 2 points for every $1 spent on gas, groceries, drugstores, and travel
  • 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases

If you’re debating the Amex Cobalt vs. Amex Gold, we recommend the former for general shoppers and the latter for frequent travellers.

Pros:

  • $100 annual travel credit
  • $50 annual NEXUS credit
  • 11 types of insurance included, including mobile device insurance
  • One free car upgrade and driver on Hertz car rentals for 5+ days
  • One free additional card
  • American Express Experiences, Offers, Front of the Line, and Hotel Collection benefits
  • No income requirements
  • Premium metal credit card

Cons:

  • Lower acceptance for American Express
  • Low returns on few spending categories

9. Best Mastercard with airport lounge access

4.3 Genius Rating
2.3 (52) User reviews
Annual fee
$150.00 $0
1st year waived
Welcome bonus
$670
100,000 points
Annual rewards
$262
GC Ends: Oct 31, 2025
Credit Card Genius Cash IconGC: $125
BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®*
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
4.3 Genius Rating
2.3 (52) User reviews
Annual fee
$150.00 $0
1st year waived
Welcome bonus
$670
100,000 points
Annual rewards
$262
GC Ends:
Oct 31, 2025
Credit estimate:
 (300 - 559)
Instant approval: Yes

Lounge access: Four free visits per year

Lounge networks included: Plaza Premium, DragonPass

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard highlights the best features of the World Elite Mastercard program, including four lounge passes per year, a complimentary DragonPass membership, and additional lounge visits for $32 USD each. You’ll also be eligible for 20% off Alamo and National car rentals, 20% off admission to Cirque du Soleil, and access to over one million Wi-Fi hotspots around the globe through Boingo Wi-Fi.

As for rewards, you’ll earn BMO Rewards points to spend on gift cards, merchandise, travel, and BMO investments:

  • 5 points per $1 spent on travel
  • 3 points per $1 spent on dining, entertainment, and recurring bills
  • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

We’d say the true value of this credit card lies in its generous insurance policy, which includes 14 of the 17 types of credit card insurance available in Canada.

Pros:

  • 24/7 credit score monitoring with CreditView
  • 20% off Alamo and National car rentals and 5% off Enterprise Rent-A-Car
  • 14 types of insurance included
  • Up to 7 cents off per litre at Shell
  • World Elite Mastercard benefits

Cons:

  • $80,000 personal or $150,000 household income required
  • $50 additional card fee

10. Best business credit card with airport lounge access

4.1 Genius Rating
2.3 (3) User reviews
Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$800
40,000 points
Annual rewards
$600
Learn more
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
4.1 Genius Rating
2.3 (3) User reviews
Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$800
40,000 points
Annual rewards
$600
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (660 - 724)
Instant approval: Yes

Lounge access: Unlimited

Lounge networks included: Plaza Premium, Priority Pass, Amex Global Lounge Collection

Like its non-business counterpart, the The Business Platinum Card from American Express offers unparalleled access to four of the five largest lounge networks in Canada. You can visit just about every lounge in the country with one to two guests and treat yourselves to a smorgasbord of extra travel perks and benefits.

Earning just 1.25 Amex points per $1 spent, the Business Platinum Card derives most of its worth from extras like up to $100,000 of coverage for unauthorized employee purchases. To fully benefit, you’ll need to pay attention to detail and cultivate an appetite for the finer things in life.

Pros:

  • $300 annual Indeed credit
  • $200 annual Dell credit
  • $200 annual travel credit
  • $120 annual wireless services credit
  • $100 NEXUS credit every four years
  • 55-day interest-free grace period
  • 24/7 Platinum Concierge services
  • 15% off parking, complimentary valets, and priority security lanes at Toronto Pearson
  • 12 types of insurance included
  • Up to ten one-way airport transfers per year
  • American Express Experiences, Offers, Fine Hotels + Resorts, Front of the Line, Global Dining Collection, and Hotel Collection benefits
  • Automatic Gold status in the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors programs
  • Automatic Five Star Tier status in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program
  • Preferential pricing and promotions on American Express Travel Online
  • No preset spending limits

Cons:

  • $250 additional card fee (for Employee Business Platinum Cards)
  • Lower acceptance for American Express

Compare credit cards with airport lounge access

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Genius Rating
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Reward Value
2.8 Genius Rating
2.7 (16) User reviews
award seal ×2 Award winner

100,000 bonus points + The most perks of any credit card.*

Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$600
30,000 points
Annual rewards
$588
Learn more
American Express Platinum® Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
American Express Platinum® Card
2.8 Genius Rating
2.7 (16) User reviews
award seal 2x Award winner

100,000 bonus points + The most perks of any credit card.*

Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$600
30,000 points
Annual rewards
$588
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (560 - 659)
Instant approval: Yes
3.3 Genius Rating
2.5 (4) User reviews
Annual fee
$599.00
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$1,700
85,000 points
Annual rewards
$666
Learn more
TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege* Credit Card
3.3 Genius Rating
2.5 (4) User reviews
Annual fee
$599.00
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$1,700
85,000 points
Annual rewards
$666
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (725 - 759)
Instant approval: Yes
2.8 Genius Rating
4.3 (12) User reviews
Rates & fees
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$400
20,000 points
Annual rewards
$666
Learn more
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
2.8 Genius Rating
4.3 (12) User reviews
Rates & fees
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$400
20,000 points
Annual rewards
$666
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (760 - 900)
Instant approval: Yes

How we get our rankings

We found the best credit cards with airport lounge access in Canada by examining looking at the value of the lounge package included with the card and letting our algorithm determine a score out of five – our Genius Rating.

Learn more about the Genius Rating methodology

Pros and cons of credit cards with airport lounge access

Complimentary airport lounge access and membership is often included in travel credit cards with exciting features such as:

  • Access to exclusive events and entertainment
  • Generous travel insurance
  • Preferential pricing on airline tickets, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages, and more
  • Large welcome bonuses
  • Luxury travel perks

Unfortunately, the downsides are likely to include:

  • High annual fees
  • High income requirements
  • No guaranteed or priority entry to airport lounges
  • Low returns in most spending categories
  • Low value on non-travel rewards

Credit cards with airport lounge access are premium products best suited for cardholders who like to live and spend luxuriously. If you’re thrifty, pick a cash back credit card instead.

How do I get airport lounge access with my credit card?

Getting airport lounge access with your credit card demands 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, so don’t arrive 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 includedWhat to show at the front deskEntry 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 PassDragonPass lounges* Your boarding pass
AND
* Proof of membership
* Free
OR
* $32 USD
Visa Airport CompanionDragonPass lounges* Your boarding pass
AND
* Proof of membership
* Free
OR
* $35 USD
American ExpressPriority Pass lounges* Your boarding pass
AND
* Proof of membership
* Free
OR
* $35 USD
AeroplanMaple 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.

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!

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
  • Dragon Pass
  • Plaza Premium Lounges
  • Maple Leaf Lounges
  • Centurion Lounges

In terms of quantity and quality, the American Express 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 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. 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 – especially in smaller ports like Halifax.

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.

  • Comfortable and private seating areas, including designated quiet zones
  • Free snacks and beverages
  • Free Wi-Fi and access to desktop computers and colour printers
  • Showers, often with fresh towels and free toiletries (sometimes an added cost)
  • A variety of reading materials to stay entertained

How to choose the right credit card with airport lounge access

If you’re bent on enjoying air travel to its fullest, there are three questions you should be asking yourself about potential credit cards:

  1. What’s my budget? Eliminating every credit card with an unaffordable annual fee can drastically narrow your choices.
  2. How often do I fly? If you only fly occasionally, consider a credit card with a complimentary membership and pay-as-you-go admission, or a limited number of free passes so you can bring a friend. You’re unlikely to get your money’s worth from a card with unlimited lounge access unless you fly a dozen times or more per year.
  3. Where do I fly most often? Domestic travellers will get more use out of a credit card with Plaza Premium or Maple Leaf Lounge access, while international jetsetters should consider a card with DragonPass, Priority Pass, or the Amex Global Lounge Collection.

It can also help to select cards based on your travel style:

Travel styleWhat to look for in a credit cardTop options
Frequent international traveller* Access to lounges across multiple networks
* Unlimited lounge access
* American Express Platinum Card
* American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
Occasional travellers seeking value* Low annual fees
* Limited number of complimentary lounge visits
* Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
* BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
Air Canada loyalists* Access to Maple Leaf Lounges
* Air Canada perks like free checked bags and priority boarding
* TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
* American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
Business travellers* Business tools
* Lounge access
* Robust insurance coverage
* Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business Card
* The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Budget-conscious travellers* No or low annual fees
* Lounge access
* Tangerine World Mastercard
* Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

Once you’ve narrowed your choices, you can move on to standard concerns like rewards, interest rates, and welcome bonuses. The creditcardGenius quiz asks every question you need to find the right credit card for you in an easy-to-read format.

What Redditors are saying

Credit card issuers can advertise cards with luxurious lounge features, but it helps to read reviews from people who have actually used the programs. That’s why we turned to Reddit to see what travellers had to say about some of the most popular airport lounge credit cards in Canada.

The Scotia Passport VI is a popular option among travellers who like the combination of no FX fees plus six lounge passes per year.

Reddit thread on the best credit cards for lounge access

Some cardholders warn that lounge access isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be, though. One user noted that lounge access times may be limited, lounge locations aren’t always conveniently located close to your departure gate, and sometimes the lounges may be full, rendering your free passes useless on that trip.

Reddit comment detailing things to consider about credit card lounge access

FAQ

What is the best credit card for lounge access in Canada?

Our top pick for best airport lounge access 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 credit card gives you Air Canada lounge access?

A few credit cards get you into Air Canada’s luxurious Maple Leaf Lounges for free – you just have to show your same-day boarding pass. You’ll need an Aeroplan American Express Reserve or Visa Infinite Privilege credit card.

Which credit card offers the best airport lounges?

This is really a personal question since the best airport lounge looks a little different to everyone. For instance, someone travelling for work might prioritize a lounge with business facilities, but someone travelling with kids may have different expectations.

Can you tell me how to get complimentary lounge access?

Although entry requirements vary between airport lounges, you can usually get free lounge access with a Business or First Class ticket or by having a premium travel credit card that includes lounge membership, like the American Express Platinum Card.

Which Mastercard gives you airport lounge access?

You’ve really just got one Mastercard option for airport lounge access: the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, which comes with four free visits to Plaza Premium lounges and lounges in the DragonPass network, and $32 for any extra visits.

Which is the best credit card in Canada for airport lounges without an annual fee?

Unfortunately, you won’t get completely free lounge access with a no fee credit card. The Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard includes a Mastercard Travel Pass Membership, but you're required to pay a $32 USD entry fee each time.

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 229 Canadian credit cards.

creditcardGenius is a smart credit card matchmaker that compares 126+ features of 229+ credit cards, with objective ratings, rankings and reviews. Built in 2017, for Canadians by Canadians, creditcardGenius is trusted by more than 200,000 people every month, 50,000 newsletter subscribers, and 15M people since launch.

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