The Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access (Especially for Families!

Let’s be real — traveling can be a lot with kids. And one thing that helps a ton on layovers? Airport lounge access. Free snacks and drinks, a quiet place to relax, cleaner bathrooms and a break from the chaos of the terminal.

The good news? You can get into these lounges for free just by having the right credit card — and some even cover your whole family. Let’s walk through the best options out there right now, especially with a few changes coming soon that you’ll want to know about.

💳 Best Right Now: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

This card has been the go-to lounge access option for families — and for good reason.

Here’s what you get (until Feb 1, 2026):

• Unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges (1,300+ locations!)

• Add unlimited authorized users for free

• You and your authorized users can each bring 2 guests into the lounge

• $300 credit each year when booking through Capital One Travel

• 10,000 bonus miles every year (which basically covers the annual fee)

Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months — worth about $750 toward travel.

Learn to apply here

Heads Up: Changes in 2026

Starting February 1, 2026:

• Authorized users will cost $125 each

• No more free guest access

So if you have big travel plans before then, this card is still a great deal. You could even downgrade it after a year if it stops being a good fit.

Tips:

• Solo travelers: still a great choice

• Couples: might be better off each having your own card

• Families with 1 kid: $125 to add a user might be worth it

• Families with 2+ kids: might want to look at other options

If you are thinking of downgrading the Venture X, they don't reimburse you for your annual fee so you will want to do that right before the annual fee hits! I personally am holding onto the card because the anniversary points and $300 credit make it basically free and I still need it to transfer points to partners.

Best for Families: Chase Ritz-Carlton Card®

This one’s kind of a hidden gem, but it might be the best card for larger families.

Why it stands out:

• Lounge access to Chase Sapphire Lounges and Priority Pass

• Add unlimited authorized users for free

• Bring unlimited guests into lounges (yes, really!)

• $300 travel credit (requires a quick phone call to use)

• 85,000-point Marriott Free Night Certificate every year

The Catch:

You can’t apply directly. You need to:

1. Get the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® card (currently offering 5 free 50K night certificates!)

2. Hold it for 12 months

3. Request an upgrade to the Ritz-Carlton card

Perfect timing, actually — right as Venture X lounge perks change in 2026.

Get the 5 Free Night Marriott offer here

🥈 Strong Runner-Up: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

If the Ritz card isn’t an option, this one’s a great alternative you can apply for directly.

Benefits:

• Lounge access to Sapphire and Priority Pass lounges

• Add authorized users for $75 each

• Each user can bring 2 guests

• $300 travel credit (super easy to use)

• Points are worth 1.5x through Chase Travel

• Great transfer partners (hello, free Hyatt stays!)

• If you already have the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, you can upgrade to this card after your first year.(You cannot hold them both at the same time)

Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $5,000 in 3 months.

Currently available lounges: JFK, LaGuardia, Boston, Phoenix, and Hong Kong. New ones are on the way in Las Vegas, Philly, San Diego, and possibly Dallas.

Check It Out Here

Least Family-Friendly: Amex Platinum

It has its perks, but for families, this card is tough to recommend.

Here’s why:

• Access to Centurion, Plaza Premium, and Priority Pass lounges

• $175 to add each authorized user

• No guests allowed in Centurion Lounges unless you spend $75K per year

• 2 guests allowed in other lounge networks

• Lots of credits, but hard to track and use: airline fees, Uber, Saks, hotels, etc.

Sign-up bonus: 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in 6 months.

With the high annual fee ($695!) and tough guest rules, there are better options for most families.

Send a message if you want a link. My affiliate links are not the best offers here usually but I can try to help you track down a targeted elevated offer.

Is Lounge Access Worth It?

It depends! If you only fly once or twice a year, maybe not. But if your family is dropping $50-$75 per airport visit on food and drinks, lounge access can easily pay for itself.

Pro tip:

• Don’t just look at your home airport — check your destinations too

• Lounge access on the return trip is just as valuable

• You can usually "lounge hop" between terminals if there’s a tram or shuttle if your layover time allows

  
  

Need help figuring out which card fits your travel style best? Reach out — I'm happy to help!