If you’ve ever sprinted to your gate only to find yourself waiting in an overcrowded terminal with bad Wi-Fi and overpriced coffee, you’re not alone. That’s why at The RetailUndercut Team, we’ve made it a mission to sniff out the best travel credit cards that unlock airport lounges — without burning a hole in your wallet.
In 2025, there are still a few elite cards that offer complimentary airport lounge access and offset or waive the annual fee through credits, travel perks, or welcome bonuses. We’ve scoured real-world feedback from frequent flyers, digital nomads, and airport warriors to find cards that don’t just look good in your wallet — they earn their keep.
Here’s what we found at RetailUndercut after weeks of testing, comparing, and traveling.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The OG lounge access card — and still one of the most rewarding if you know how to use it right.
This card unlocks Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and more. While the $695 annual fee (as of 2025) seems steep, smart travelers have found ways to completely offset it through the card’s laundry list of credits and perks.
Why It Stands Out
We’ve found that Platinum cardholders who optimize all benefits — Uber credits, hotel elite status, Saks Fifth Avenue credits — often come out ahead. Frequent flyers say Centurion Lounges alone are worth the hassle of navigating crowded terminals.
Features
- Access to 1,400+ lounges globally
- $200 annual Uber credit
- $200 airline fee credit
- $240 digital entertainment credit
- Priority boarding, hotel status, and more
Best For
Travelers who fly frequently (especially with Delta) and want a top-tier lounge experience — plus premium perks across travel, shopping, and dining.
Pros
- Huge lounge network including Centurion
- Tons of credits to offset fee
- Excellent travel insurance and protections
Cons
- High upfront annual fee
- Full benefits take effort to maximize
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
This newer entrant took the points world by storm — and for good reason. At $395/year, it’s priced well below many premium competitors but still delivers a killer lounge game.
The Venture X gives you access to Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium Lounges, making it one of the most versatile mid-tier travel cards.
Why It Stood Out to Us
After digging through user feedback, our team was impressed by how quickly the annual fee is offset. The $300 Capital One Travel credit and 10,000 mile anniversary bonus (worth ~$100) effectively reduce the net cost to zero for most users.
Features
- Lounge access for cardholder + two guests
- $300 Capital One Travel credit
- 10,000 bonus miles every year
- Strong travel and rental car insurance
Best For
Those who want premium lounge perks without paying Platinum-level fees.
Pros
- Low net annual fee with credits
- Excellent travel portal value
- Priority Pass lounge access included
Cons
- Capital One lounges still expanding
- Less prestige than Amex Platinum (but similar value)
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
This card helped redefine premium travel when it launched — and it’s still a top contender. With Priority Pass lounge access (including restaurants), 3x on travel and dining, and one of the best travel insurance packages around, it’s a workhorse for serious travelers.
Editor’s Note
The $550 annual fee is easily offset by the $300 annual travel credit, bringing the real cost down to $250 — and you can squeeze major value from its Priority Pass restaurant credits, which many other cards no longer offer.
Features
- Access to 1,300+ Priority Pass lounges (and restaurants!)
- $300 annual travel credit
- 3x points on dining and travel
- Best-in-class travel protections
Best For
Globetrotters and foodies who value Priority Pass restaurant access and strong travel protection.
Pros
- Includes restaurants in lounge program
- High point redemption value through Chase Travel
- Amazing trip cancellation/interruption coverage
Cons
- No access to Centurion or Capital One lounges
- No airline-specific perks
United℠ Club Infinite Card
If you’re loyal to United Airlines, this card is a sleeper hit. It includes full United Club lounge access, even when you’re not flying premium, and bags a few elite-like perks such as Premier Access and extra award availability.
Why It Works
We’ve heard from travelers who value unlimited lounge visits at hubs like Newark, SFO, and Chicago — where United Clubs are plentiful and consistently solid. The $525 annual fee is offset for frequent United flyers through lounge use, free checked bags, and waived fees.
Features
- Full United Club membership
- 2 free checked bags
- Premier Access (priority check-in/security)
- Earn 4x miles on United purchases
Best For
United loyalists who fly through major hubs and want a premium domestic airport experience.
Pros
- Real lounge access with no guest limits
- Valuable if you check bags or fly often
- Airport perks similar to elite status
Cons
- Limited if you don’t fly United regularly
- Annual fee only justifiable with high usage
U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
This under-the-radar card is a hidden gem for mobile-first travelers. With Priority Pass Select membership, a $325 annual travel/food credit, and 3x points on mobile wallet spending (Apple Pay, Google Pay), it’s surprisingly rewarding.
Why It Deserves a Spot
It’s one of the few lounge access cards that’s geared toward modern spending habits, making it ideal for those who use their phone for everything — from Uber to lunch to booking flights.
Features
- Priority Pass lounge access
- $325 annual credit for travel or dining
- 3x points on mobile wallet payments
- 12 Gogo Wi-Fi passes annually
Best For
Digital-first travelers who want lounge access, flexible rewards, and tap-to-pay bonuses.
Pros
- Excellent rewards for mobile payments
- Easy-to-use travel credit
- Low effective annual fee
Cons
- Fewer premium travel protections
- Lounge access not as expansive as Platinum or Venture X
Final Thoughts
Airport lounges aren’t just about luxury — they’re about survival for frequent flyers. Whether you’re chasing a quiet spot before a long-haul red-eye or just want a decent espresso and fast Wi-Fi, these cards change the game.
At RetailUndercut, we’ve tested cards that promise lounge perks, but these five stood out for their real-world value, ease of use, and ability to offset their annual fees.
✈️ Quick Summary:
- Want premium lounges everywhere? Amex Platinum is unbeatable — if you use the credits.
- Prefer balance of value and perks? Venture X is the sweet spot.
- Need restaurant access too? Chase Sapphire Reserve is your wingman.
- Loyal to United? The Club Infinite card delivers.
- On-the-go with Apple Pay? Altitude Reserve is your match.
