International lounge access credit card offers can be very attractive. In most cases, they offer travel rewards, shopping bonuses, free lounge access, and much more.
In this article, we’re going to be explaining the differences between these cards, the benefits they offer, and answering common questions we receive on the topic.
This article is part of our free series on US credit card essentials, including how to get a US credit card with an ITIN number, which you can access here.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- International Lounge Access Credit Card
- What Are the Benefits of International Lounge Access Credit Cards?
- Who Can Apply for International Lounge Access Credit Cards?
- How Do I Get a Credit Card With International Airport Lounge?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Open Accounts With Banks in the USA?
International Lounge Access Credit Card
An international lounge access credit card offers the cardholder complimentary access to certain airport lounge facilities. These airport lounge facilities typically include complimentary food and beverages, as well as access to certain shower and rest facilities.
Not surprisingly, international lounge access credit cards are popular among frequent travelers. As such, they are typically offered by credit card issuers that specifically cater to travelers. This includes most major credit card companies, but especially American Express and Chase.
Certain credit card providers will issue what is called a CPN, which is a Controlled Payment Number and it’s used to reduce potential fraud or unauthorized charges. You can learn more about CPN and why people use a controlled payment number in the article linked above.
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What Are the Benefits of International Lounge Access Credit Cards?
The benefits of international lounge access credit cards include a host of free services and amenities through airport lounges, the ability to accumulate travel rewards points, and non-travel benefits across retail, experiences, and more. There are many benefits to having a credit card, but the credit card advantages and disadvantages of each provider can vary. It’s important to compare the cards available to you before applying.
Free Airport Lounge Visits
Free airport lounge visits are offered by many international lounge access credit cards through programs like Priority Pass. However, certain cards, like the American Express Platinum Card offer access to their own dedicated lounges around the world.
In addition to free entry into more than 1,000 airport lounges, these cards also offer free services and amenities including food, alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages, wifi, shower and relaxation facilities, and more.
Credit Card Rewards
In addition to lounge benefits, these credit cards also offer the ability to earn and accumulate loyalty and rewards points.
These credit card rewards points can be used for free airfare, hotels, and car rentals in the future. In most cases, they can accumulate at an accelerated pace when used for purchases related to travel and other frequent purchases like fuel and groceries.
Credit Card Travel Points
In order for credit card travel points to be useful, the credit card points program has to be able to transfer points to an airline that you will realistically fly. So, you should always check the transfer partners (airlines) that a points program transfers to before applying.
Non-Travel Benefits
Non-travel benefits offered by credit cards, including retail, subscription, and cashback bonuses. That said, the specific benefits will vary so it’s important to review each card and the related terms of service closely before applying.
Who Can Apply for International Lounge Access Credit Cards?
International lounge access credit cards are like any other credit card, applicants will need to demonstrate specific levels of creditworthiness, have reasonable credit utilization scores, and a suitable overall credit score.
An informal consideration that many people overlook is that in order to access many of the benefits that international credit cards offer, they will need to meet certain spending thresholds within a fixed period of time. This typically involves spending several thousand dollars in the first few months of holding the card.
With this in mind, there are certain client types that are better suited to international credit cards than others, which we’ll explore below.
Client Types that Can Apply for International Lounge Access Credit Cards
- Frequent travelers
- Individuals preparing for large expenses
- Anyone looking to earn points toward future travel
- Frequent card users with limited benefits from their current card
- Individuals with residency in countries where travel cards are offered
How Do I Get a Credit Card With International Airport Lounge?
The first step in getting a credit card with international airport lounge access is to confirm which cards are available to you based on your residency, credit score, and future travel requirements. After confirming availability, you can then start the application process by submitting an application directly online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are five of the most common questions we receive from people looking into an international lounge access credit card. If you have further questions you would like to ask our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Which Card Is Best for International Lounge Access?
The best card for international lounge access is often cited as the American Express Platinum Card. This is because the Platinum Card includes Priority Pass and also includes access to the American Express Centurion Lounge. In order words, in addition to having access to 1,300 Priority Pass Lounges you will also have access to an additional 40 Centurion Network Lounges.
What Is an International Airport Lounge Access Credit Card?
An international airport lounge access credit card is a credit card that offers complimentary access to the cardholder (and sometimes a guest) to airport lounges around the world. In certain instances, this benefit is offered by virtue of having the credit card alone. In other instances, having the credit card includes an additional membership for free in an airport lounge service like Priority Pass.
Do I Use My Credit for Lounge Access?
No, in most cases you do not use credit for lounge access. Instead, you would use your credit card or the second membership card that you have access to by virtue of having your international credit card.
How Do I Get Free Airport Lounge Access?
You can get free airport lounge access by obtaining a credit card that specializes in travel. These credit cards are typically offered by large international card issuers, including American Express, Chase, Discover, and more.
How Can I Enjoy Free Airport Lounge Facilities?
In most cases, you can enjoy free airport lounge facilities in two ways. First, you can obtain an international credit card that provides you with free access to these facilities. Or, second, you can enter airport lounge facilities with someone else that has access to these facilities and is able to enter with a guest for free.
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