7 Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards Canada

Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards Canada

It can be hard to find the best airport lounge access credit cards in Canada. With so many options out there, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.

That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the seven best options available.

Whether you’re looking for a card with the most comprehensive coverage, the best rewards, or the most flexible options, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find the best airport lounge access credit card for your needs.

Key Takeaways

  • What is an airport lounge access credit card?
  • The best credit cards in Canada with access to airport lounges
  • Types of airport lounge credit cards in Canada
  • How to Apply for a Credit Card with Access to Airport Lounges in Canada
  • Answers to most asked questions
Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards Canada
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What Is An Airport Lounge Access Credit Card?

An airport lounge credit card is a unique travel credit card that gives you access to upscale airport lounges worldwide. Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, American Express Global Lounge Collection, Priority Pass, and LoungeKey are just a few of the many airport lounge programs available in Canada and worldwide.

These cards typically provide you with four to six free access to airport lounges each year.

When you fly, you may have access to some or all airport lounges depending on your Card and their relationships with other lounge programs.

These credit cards often have high annual fees that range from $150 to $700 and call for a decent to outstanding credit score (660+). Nevertheless, they make up for it with hefty welcome bonuses and first-rate travel perks.

Some advantages you may anticipate from them include exclusive hotel accommodations and room upgrades, entry to the priority security line in airports, price breaks on flights, and extensive health and travel insurance.

Types Of Airport Lounge Credit Cards In Canada

1. Collection for American Express Global Lounge

Access to more than 1,200 airport lounges at 500 airports is available through the American Express Global Lounge Collection.

You can access the Centurion Lounges, International American Express Lounges, Plaza Premium Airport Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and more by simply displaying your Platinum Card.

2. Before Pass

The Collinson Group’s Priority Pass lounge program gives members access to more than 1,300 lounges in more than 600 cities worldwide.

Some travel credit cards offer these passes as a free bonus, and some better features include savings on airport purchases, retail, eating, and spa services.

3. LoungeKey Offers Airport Experiences For Mastercard

No matter the airline, class of ticket, or frequent flyer status, Mastercard allows eligible cards access to a lounge network that comprises over 1,000 lounges in 400 airports worldwide through its partnership with LoungeKey.

You may take advantage of eating specials, store discounts, and a tranquil spa retreat by simply flashing your Mastercard.

4. The Maple Leaf Lounges At Air Canada

The 16 airport locations around North America and Europe that house Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges include services like quiet cell-free areas, showers, wifi, business centers, and snacks and refreshments.

Ten different groups of clients, including Aeroplan members, Star Alliance Gold members, and Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members, get automatic access to these lounges.

How to Apply for a Credit Card with Access to Airport Lounges in Canada

1. Credit Rating

Most credit cards with lounge privileges start at 700 and require good to excellent credit. Remember that your application will be accepted more frequently with higher credit scores and that the cards with the highest prerequisites typically have the best extras and benefits.

2. Requirements For Personal Or Household Income

Although some premium airport lounge credit cards have an annual income threshold of between $60,000 and $80,000 for individuals or between $100,000 and $150,000 for households, not all credit cards, have an income cap.

These cards offer the best travel benefits with higher credit score requirements.

3. Age

The majority age in Canada is the minimum age to apply for a credit card. Underage teens can be added as authorized users to one of their parent’s credit cards but are not eligible for credit card approval.

As a point of comparison, 18 is the median age in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. The majority age is 19 in the other provinces.

4.  Household Status

Residents and temporary residents in Canada can obtain credit cards. However, you must reside in Canada to qualify for most premium credit cards. For some cards, like prepaid and secured credit cards, you don’t even need a credit history.

The Best Credit Cards In Canada With Access To Airport Lounges

Some advantages you can anticipate from these are exclusive hotel accommodations and room upgrades, entry to the priority security line in airports, price breaks on fares, and extensive health and travel insurance.

Without further ado, here are Canada’s top credit cards with access to airport lounges:

1. Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

Every dollar you spend on purchases with the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card earns you two points. You may use your points to buy trips (flights, hotels, all-inclusive, and even Airbnb).

Additionally, you may use them to redeem additional benefits offered by the Scene+ program, such as cashback benefits.

Also included with this Card are 10 complimentary trips to airport VIP lounges through the Priority Pass and Premium Plaza networks, as well as no 2.5% international transaction fees on any transactions made in foreign currencies.

Features & Advantages

  • In your first year, receive a welcome bonus of 45,000 more Scene points.
  • Absence of foreign transaction fees
  • Online shopping is only permitted if the current currency rate is used.

Pros

  • Bonus welcome points of 50,000
  • There are no currency costs when making purchases online or overseas.
  • Earn 5x Scene+ points for each $1 spent at restaurants, grocery shops, and meal delivery services.
  • Access to VIP seats and presale tickets for a few events via American Express’ Front Of The Line program.
  • Travel and health insurance coverage
  • To apply for the Card, there is no yearly income criterion.

Cons

  • Need a strong credit rating (660+)
  • It’s not as commonly recognized as Visa or Mastercard in Canada.

2.  Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

You may earn 25,000 points—a $250 value—with the Scotiabank PassportTM Visa Infinite* Card on only $1,000 in transactions. Additionally, if you use your Card for at least $40,000 in purchases each year, you’ll receive 10,000 extra points, worth $100, each year.

You may earn 3X Scene+ points at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, and Chalo! with the Scotiabank PassportTM Visa Infinite* Card. IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry, Co-Op, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, and FreshCo.

Features & Advantages

  • Earn 35,000 additional Scene+ points as a welcome bonus in your first year.
  • There is no international transaction charge

Pros

  • Bonus of 25,000 Scene+ points
  • There are no currency costs when making purchases online or overseas.
  • Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent at restaurants, grocery shops, and public transportation.
  • When utilizing Scotia SelectPayTM, interest rates on purchases over $100 are waived.
  • 6 complimentary visits to airport lounges each year (over 1,300 lounges to choose from)
  • Travel and health insurance coverage

Cons

  • High yearly cost
  • Need a $60,000 minimum annual income.

3. BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card

A dependable Visa Airport Companion membership and six free trips to airport lounges each year are two of the top benefits of the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card. The passes and free membership together cost about USD 250.

As this Card may also significantly reward regular spending. Earn 5 times as many BMO Rewards points for every $1 spent on eating, shopping, petrol, prescription medications, and travel* compared to just 1 point per $1 spent on all other* purchases.

weUse your points for other redemptions, including gift cards, goods, bill credits through the Pay with Points program, or even BMO investments, to earn 150 points for every dollar spent on travel.

Features & Advantages

  • As a welcome bonus for your first year, earn 90,000 points.
  • As a welcome bonus, receive a $200 yearly lifestyle credit.
  • Earn 25% more points by including proper usage.
  • Utilize your points to make purchases.
  • The Visa Airport Companion program membership and lounge visits are also free.
  • Access to Visa Infinite Dining Series, Visa Airport Experiences, and Visa Infinite Wine Country

Pros

  • Bonus welcome points of 90,200
  • Spend $1 on groceries, petrol, or transportation to get 5 BMO Rewards points.
  • When you add a permitted user, your BMO Reward points will increase by 25%.
  • Insurance for mobile devices and car rentals (up to $1,000)
  • Travel and health insurance coverage
  • Discounts on valet services, as well as access to the priority security line at airports

Cons

  • High ($499) yearly charge
  • need a very high credit score (760+).

4.  BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

The rewards program on the BMO AscendTM World Elite®* Mastercard®* is also robust. For every $1 spent on qualifying travel purchases, you will receive five points, three points for every $1 spent on eligible eating and entertainment purchases, and one point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Get the most travel rewards points of any premium, flexible travel card in Canada now! With these incentive rates, it’s simple to accumulate enough points to book your next journey for free.

Features & Advantages

  • Earn 70,000 points throughout your first year as a welcome bonus.
  • Waived during the first year of the annual charge
  • Membership in the Mastercard Travel Pass
  • Use your points to pay for all taxes and flying costs.
  • Access to Mastercard Travel Rewards and BMO Concierge services when overseas

Pros

  • Bonus welcome points of 70,000
  • For each $1 spent on qualified travel purchases, earn 5 BMO Rewards points.
  • Free subscription to Mastercard Travel Pass (4 free passes each year) and BMO Concierge services
  • Spend $1 on meals, entertainment, and recurring payments to get 3 BMO Rewards points.
  • The first year’s annual charge is entirely waived.
  • Up to $2 million in full travel and health insurance

Cons

  • Need an $80,000 minimum yearly income.
  • Need a very high credit score (760+).

5.   American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

In addition to lounge access, your Card offers a tempting array of benefits like priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling; a free checked bag for you and up to eight traveling companions; and advantages at Pearson International Airport like free valet parking and 15% off parking and car care services.

Additionally, the welcome bonus is rather significant. Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points can be earned by brand-new American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardholders.

The terms are. The complimentary travel insurance includes luggage delays, emergency medical expenses, and trip cancellation.

Features & Advantages

  • Spend $6,000 during your first six months, and you’ll receive 60,000 Aeroplan points as a welcome bonus.
  • After spending $2,000 on qualified meals and drinks during the first six months, earn 20,000 Aeroplan bonus points.
  • If you spend at least $1,000 monthly, you can receive 30,000 extra Aeroplan points (5,000 Aeroplan points per month)
  • No-cost deliveries are restricted. 5% off at participating restaurants when you spend more than $15
  • Type of Hotel Room On the first and final nights, upgrade
  • When you spend more than $25,000 a year, you receive a Worldwide Companion Pass.

Pros

  • Bonus welcome points of 60,000
  • High earning rate of 10 Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on approved meals and beverages
  • Priority boarding, bag handling, and check-in while traveling Air Canada
  • You and a friend will get access to the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Café.
  • 15% off the cost of parking
  • You may earn three points for every dollar spent with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations.

Cons

  • high yearly cost
  • Only Aeroplan points may be accrued.

6. American Express Platinum Card

The American Express Platinum Card® is the Card to use if you are a frequent traveler who requires regular lounge access. With this premium credit card, you may visit any 1,300 lounges located in more than 140 countries and have unrestricted access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection.

This includes the Priority Pass Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, Delta Sky Club Lounges, and the network of Centurion Lounges, among others.

Features & Advantages

  • Spend $6,000 during your first three months to get 90,000 Membership Rewards points.
  • Spend $2,000 on eligible food and beverages within your first three months to get 20,000 Membership Rewards points.
  • Full access to the Centurion Lounge network, the Plaza Premium Lounges, the American Express Global Lounge Collection, and more
  • Use American Express Travel Online, the Flexible Points Travel Program, or the Fixed Points Travel Program to redeem your points.
  • Transfer your points to the following reward programs: Hertz, Avis, Radisson Hotel Group Americas, Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts

Pros

  • Bonus welcome points of 90.000
  • Earn 10 MR points for each dollar spent on qualified food and beverage items.
  • International access to more than 1,300 American Express lounges
  • MR points may be transferred between Aeroplan and Avios (1:1)
  • Travel and health insurance coverage
  • Emergency and travel accident insurance

Cons

  • High yearly cost
  • Need a strong credit rating (660+)

7.  American Express Gold Rewards Card

With an annual charge of $250, the American Express Gold Rewards Card is a high-end travel card. It gives a highly generous earning rate of 10 MR points for every $1 spent on food and beverages for the first three months, up to a maximum of $2,000 (20,000 points).

There is no minimum yearly income criterion, but you must have a credit score of at least 660 to be eligible to apply for this Card.

Features & Advantages

  • Spend $3,000 within three months and receive a welcome bonus of 50,000 Membership Rewards points.
  • Spend $2,000 on eligible eats and drinks purchases to receive a welcome bonus of 20,000 Membership Rewards points.
  • $100 per year in travel credits
  • Gold Rewards status
  • Membership in Priority Pass and four free visits to Plaza Premium Lounges in Canada

Pros

  • Bonus Welcome Points of 50,000
  • For the first three months, earn 10 points for every dollar spent on food and beverages.
  • Points can be transferred 1:1 to other loyalty schemes (Aeroplan, Marriot Bonvoy, and more)
  • Travel and health insurance coverage
  • Four complimentary visits to Plaza Premium Lounges and a $100 travel credit
  • Free Priority Pass membership

Cons

  • High ($250) annual charge
  • $50 is required to obtain a second Gold Rewards Card.

Read Also:

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How To Accept Credit Card Payments In 7 Simple Ways

Conclusion

Lounge access may be necessary for business if you require good wifi and a quiet, pleasant office for a few hours.

Any credit cards mentioned above are a fantastic option if you’re considering getting a credit card with access to airport lounges in Canada.

However, the award-winning Scotiabank PassportTM Visa Infinite* Card is our top pick because it provides excellent value with a low annual fee, generous lounge access, a sizable welcome bonus, and many travel benefits.

FAQS

Which Credit Card Is Best For The Airport Lounge?

HDFC Visa Signature Credit Card.

How Do You Get Into Airport Lounges In Canada?

  • Premium Credit Cards.
  • Priority Pass.
  • Elite Status.
  • Purchase an Annual Lounge Membership.

Which Cards Are Accepted For Airport Lounge Access?

Which credit cards provide LoungeKey access to Mastercard lounges? Most Mastercard World and World Elite credit cards grant access to the LoungeKey network of airport lounges. Following that, each entry must be purchased for $32 US.

How Do I Know If My Card Is Eligible For Lounge Access?

There will be a “Complimentary Visit” section under My Information on the app and under My Account on the website if your issuer offers free lounge admission.

How Do I Get A Free Airport Lounge?

  • Fly First-Class.
  • Ask The Business Class Flyers.
  • Priority Pass Membership Is A Saviour.

Does TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Have Lounge Access?

You earn Aeroplan points that may be used to travel the world whether you use your TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card to pay for gas, bills, or groceries. Take a break before takeoff by using the Maple Leaf Lounge.

You can learn more from the video below:

About Author

Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards Canada
Lydia Alolade
I am a professional article and e-book writer with 4 years of experience, I write on well research content on cryptocurrency, stocks, loans and finances.

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