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The joys of an airport lounge are even better when shared.
From complimentary food and drinks to premium amenities like showers and quiet rooms, lounges are a reprieve from chaotic terminals and hurried travelers. If you’re traveling with a companion, it’s likely you’d want them to join you when you visit.
While many rewards cards promote complimentary airport lounge access as a perk for primary cardholders, guest access has been tightening amid lounge overcrowding. What’s a traveler and their companion to do?
Thankfully, many travel cards extend lounge access to authorized users — often for an additional fee.
If you’re frequently traveling with a partner or have someone who would benefit from having their own lounge privileges, these are the cards you should add to your wallet.
Comparing the best cards with authorized user lounge access
*Eligible Platinum Card members will receive 10 visits per eligible Platinum Card, per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go locations when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight, unless they spend $75,000 or more on their card to unlock unlimited visits.
**Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more per calendar year.
Related: 5 ways to ensure you have lounge access before your next flight
Top cards with authorized user lounge access
American Express Platinum
The Amex Platinum provides the same extensive lounge access enjoyed by primary cardmembers to authorized users. You’ll pay an additional cardmember fee of $195 per authorized user.
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The Amex Platinum features a slew of valuable statement credits and high earning rates on travel-related purchases. Frequent travelers can’t go wrong with this card.
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Platinum.
Apply here: American Express Platinum Card
American Express Business Platinum
Authorized users of the Amex Business Platinum receive the same lounge access privileges as primary cardmembers. However, there’s a steep $400 fee for additional cardmembers on this one.
Like its personal counterpart, the Amex Business Platinum is a fantastic card for frequent travelers who run a small business. It offers many perks that differ from those of the consumer card, so it could be a good idea for some cardmembers to carry both.
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Platinum.
Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Chase Sapphire Reserve
If you want to share access to the growing collection of Chase Sapphire lounges (and enjoy a Priority Pass Select membership), you’ll want to add an authorized user to your Chase Sapphire Reserve for a $195 fee.
This premium card from Chase earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points and offers solid travel, dining and lifestyle benefits.
To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Capital One Venture X
Authorized users on the Venture X can receive access to Capital One lounges and Priority Pass lounges. You can add authorized users at no additional cost, though lounge access for additional cardholders costs $125 per authorized user (up to four users).
Still, the Venture X remains a great option for travelers, as it comes with a lower annual fee threshold (compared to other premium cards) while offering luxury perks.
To learn more, read our full review of the Venture X.
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Citi / AAdvantage Executive
If access to select Admirals Clubs matters to you, you may want to add an authorized user to the AAdvantage Executive. You’ll be charged $175 for up to three additional cardholders, then $175 for each additional authorized user.
Frequent American Airlines flyers will appreciate the value this top-tier card provides, especially if Admirals Club access is important to them.
To learn more, read our full review of the Citi / AAdvantage Executive.
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard
Delta SkyMiles Reserve
Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardmembers can add an additional cardmember for $175, and they’ll receive access to Delta Sky Clubs and Centurion Lounges (when they travel on flights marketed and operated by Delta and present a same-day Delta boarding pass).
The features on this card, including multiple perks when you fly Delta and an annual companion certificate, have Delta loyalists in mind.
To learn more, read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
Like the previously mentioned personal Delta Reserve, you can add additional cardmembers to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business for $175 each. They receive access to Delta Sky Clubs and Centurion Lounges, including their own allotment of Sky Club passes.
Business owners who fly Delta will appreciate this card’s benefits, which allow cardholders to earn elite status and Delta SkyMiles.
To learn more, read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
Bottom line
If lounge access is a top priority for someone you travel with frequently, it makes sense to add them as an authorized user on one of these cards.
These seven travel rewards cards also provide multiple useful benefits outside of lounge access, so be sure to factor in the additional perks before you apply.
Remember that lounge access for authorized users still comes at a cost, and each card on this list charges an additional fee to add cardholders.
Related: 5 ways to ensure you have lounge access before your next flight
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Delta Reserve card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Delta Reserve Business card, click here.
