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If you're a frequent flyer, you're likely familiar with the luxury of airport and airline lounges. These exclusive spaces offer a welcome respite from the chaos of the terminal, complete with comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, and even showers.
Many club credit cards offer access to airport and airline lounges as a perk. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card grants lounge access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide.
Having lounge access can be a game-changer for long layovers or early morning flights. Imagine being able to relax and recharge in a quiet, peaceful environment before your next flight.
Some lounge access programs, like Priority Pass, offer a one-time pass for a fee, while others, like the American Express Platinum card, provide complimentary lounge access for cardholders.
Benefits of the
The Sam's Club credit card is a great option for frequent shoppers. You can use it as your membership card, reducing the bulk in your wallet.
If you're a regular Sam's Club shopper, these cards might be a good fit for you. They offer a reduced risk of overspending, as you can use them only at certain locations.
One of the benefits of the Sam's Club credit card is that it's accepted nationwide at all Walmart and Sam's Club locations. This makes it a convenient option for those who shop at these stores frequently.
The card also offers a small bonus opportunity when you sign up for an account. If you spend $45 online at Sam's Club when you're approved for your card, you get a $45 statement credit to cover that initial purchase.
The Sam's Club Mastercard is a more flexible option that offers cashback rewards. You can earn up to $5,000 cash back each year, depending on your spending habits.
Here are the details on how the cashback rewards work:
- You get 5% back on the first $6,000 per year on fuel purchases, including those at Sam's Club locations.
- You get 3% back on qualified travel and dining purchases.
- You earn 1% back on any other purchase.
There are no foreign transaction fees or annual fees for this card, making it a great option for those who travel frequently.
Airport Lounges
Airport lounges are a game-changer for travelers. You can get free drinks and food, and even take a shower or nap in a peaceful environment.
Most airline lounges are reserved for premium travelers, but you can also access them with a credit card that offers lounge access. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with a Priority Pass membership that gives you access to over 1,500 lounges worldwide.
One of the best things about Priority Pass is that it includes non-lounge experiences, such as restaurants and sleeping areas. You can even get a $28 credit to use for food and drinks at participating restaurants.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card also comes with exclusive access to the Chase Sapphire Terrace at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which offers complimentary local beverages, grab-and-go snacks, and games.
If you're looking for a more premium lounge experience, you might want to consider a credit card that offers access to a specific lounge network, such as American Express Centurion Lounges or Capital One Lounges. These lounges often offer gourmet food, full bars, and even recreational activities like pool tables.
Here's a breakdown of some popular credit cards that offer lounge access:
Keep in mind that lounge access can vary depending on the credit card and the specific lounge, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before signing up.
Airline Lounges
Airline lounges are a perk offered by many airline credit cards, providing a more comfortable and convenient experience for travelers. Most airlines oversee their proprietary lounge network, with some having just a few lounges and others having dozens at their most frequented airports.
United, American, and Delta are just a few examples of airlines with their own lounge networks. These lounges are often reserved for international premium travelers, elite travelers, or those who pay a sizable fee.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers access to Delta Sky Clubs, where you can enjoy complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, flight assistance, and even showers in select locations.
You can also bring up to two guests per visit to the Delta Sky Clubs, although you'll need to pay $50 each for additional guests. The card also grants access to Centurion Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the card.
Here are some key benefits of airline lounge access:
- Complimentary food and drinks
- Free Wi-Fi
- Flight assistance
- Shower facilities in select locations
- Access to Centurion Lounges on Delta flights
The Platinum Card from American Express offers access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide through the Priority Pass network, in addition to Centurion Lounges and other networks. This card is a great option for frequent travelers who want to experience the best airport lounges.
Reviews and Comparisons
Reviews of club credit cards show that some cards offer more benefits than others. The Chase Ritz-Carlton Card stands out for its Priority Pass lounge access and access to Chase Sapphire Lounges.
The Sam's Club Business Credit Card has a 4.0 WalletHub rating, indicating it's a solid choice for business owners. It offers 1 - 5% Cash Back rewards rate and a $0 annual fee.
If you're considering the Sam's Club Business Credit Card, you might also want to compare it to other popular alternatives. Here's a brief comparison of the Sam's Club Business Credit Card with the Chase Freedom Unlimited and American Express Gold Card:
These cards have different features and benefits, so it's essential to choose the one that best fits your needs.
Reviews and Comparisons
If you're in the market for a new rewards credit card, you're probably overwhelmed by the many options available. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of the most powerful travel credit cards on the market, with a low annual fee of $395.
This card offers unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges, which can be a huge perk for frequent travelers. You'll also get unlimited access to Capital One airport lounges, as well as Plaza Premium airport lounges worldwide.
In addition to lounge access, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a range of other benefits, including $300 per year in credits toward Capital One Travel Portal bookings, access to the Capital One Premier Collection, a luxury hotel booking program, and more.
The Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa is another great option, with a $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions. This card also offers 3% unlimited cash back on every purchase in Home, Health, and Auto categories, as well as no annual fee.
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If you're a fan of wholesale clubs, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a great choice, with a welcome offer of $200 in online cash rewards after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening. This card also offers 2 percent cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, as well as 3 percent cash back on purchases in one category of your choice.
Here's a quick comparison of some of the top rewards credit cards:
Ultimately, the best rewards credit card for you will depend on your individual spending habits and preferences. Be sure to do your research and choose a card that aligns with your needs.
Compare the Top
If you're in the market for a travel credit card, you've got some great options to consider. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges for you and unlimited guests, making it a great choice for frequent flyers.
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One of the most notable benefits of this card is its airport lounge access, which includes Priority Pass Select, Capital One airport lounges, and Plaza Premium airport lounges. This means you can enjoy complimentary snacks, drinks, and high-speed Wi-Fi in style.
The United Club℠ Infinite Card is another top contender, offering a full United Club membership with access to several other Star Alliance airline lounges. This card also comes with a welcome bonus of 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
If you're looking for a card with no annual fee, the Chase Freedom Unlimited card is a great option, earning 1.5 - 5% Cash Back on purchases. However, if you're willing to pay a fee, the American Express Gold Card offers 1 - 4 points / $1 in rewards.
Here's a comparison of the top travel credit cards:
These cards all offer unique benefits and rewards, so it's worth doing your research to find the one that best suits your travel needs.
What I Don't Like
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I've used some products that just didn't cut it for me. The lack of customization options in the "Design and Features" section was a major turnoff.
The battery life of the "Budget Model" was a letdown, lasting only 5 hours on a single charge.
The "Mid-Range Model" had some decent specs, but the price was just too steep for what you got.
Card Options
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers access to more than just the lounge network of the airline on its front, including Delta Sky Club and Amex Centurion Lounge access.
You can earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership, worth $770 in Delta flights based on a value of 1.1 cents per mile.
The card comes with a $650 annual fee, slightly more than purchasing a Delta Sky Club membership outright.
Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
The Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is a great option for frequent American Airlines flyers. This card comes with a $595 annual fee, but it offers Admirals Club airport lounge access, which would normally cost $650 per year.
You'll need a same-day boarding pass on American or one of its partners to access the lounge. With this card, you'll also get a free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions on your reservation.
One of the best perks of this card is the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit. You'll also get priority screening, check-in, and boarding with American Airlines.
If you're willing to put in the initial spending, you'll receive 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after making $7,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening. This is worth an estimated $980 in airfare, but if you know how to use American Airlines miles effectively, you could get much more value out of them.
Here are some key benefits of the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard:
- Admirals Club airport lounge access
- Free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
- Priority screening, check-in, and boarding with American Airlines
- 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after $7,000 in purchases
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a premium credit card that offers excellent benefits for travelers. It's one of Business Insider's picks for top travel credit cards.
The card has a $550 annual fee, but it comes with a lot of perks, including up to $300 in travel statement credits each year toward travel purchases. This can add up quickly, especially if you're a frequent traveler.
Cardholders also get a complimentary year of DoorDash DashPass membership, which can be activated by December 31, 2027. This membership offers unlimited free delivery on orders over $12.
One of the best benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is its Priority Pass membership, which includes access to over 1,500 lounges worldwide. Cardholders can bring two guests for free, and even add authorized users for $75 each.
In addition to lounge access, the card also offers non-lounge experiences, such as restaurant access, sleeping areas, and even spas. Priority Pass restaurant access can be especially valuable, with a $28 credit for cardholders and one guest each.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card also comes with exclusive access to the brand-new Chase Sapphire Terrace at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). This indoor and outdoor space offers complimentary local beverages, grab-and-go snacks, and even games like shuffleboard.
Here are some of the key benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card:
- Up to $300 in travel statement credits each year
- Complimentary year of DoorDash DashPass membership
- Priority Pass membership with lounge access and non-lounge experiences
- Exclusive access to the Chase Sapphire Terrace at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit
- Primary rental car insurance
- Trip delay insurance
- Baggage delay insurance
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Complimentary two-year Lyft Pink All Access membership
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card currently offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This bonus is worth $1,080 in travel, on average.
Capital One Venture X Rewards
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a powerful travel credit card that offers a range of benefits, including unlimited access to airport lounges. It's one of the cheapest premium credit cards on the market, with an annual fee of just $395.
With this card, you'll get Priority Pass Select, which means unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges for you and unlimited guests. You can also add up to four authorized users at no cost, and they'll receive the same lounge privileges as the primary cardholder.
You'll also get unlimited access to Capital One airport lounges for you and two free guests, although there is currently only one location in Dallas (DFW) with others coming soon to Denver (DEN) and Washington Dulles.
Additionally, you'll get unlimited access to Plaza Premium airport lounges worldwide for you and two free guests. This is a great perk for travelers who want to relax in style before their flight.
One of the key benefits of this card is the $300 per year in credits toward Capital One Travel Portal bookings. This can be a huge money-saver for travelers who book their flights and hotels through the portal.
Here are some of the other benefits you'll get with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card:
- $300 per year in credits toward Capital One Travel Portal bookings
- Access to the Capital One Premier Collection, a luxury hotel booking program
- 10,000-mile bonus each account anniversary (worth at least $100 in travel)
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
- Primary car rental insurance
- Trip delay reimbursement
- Cell phone protection
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card also comes with a generous sign-up bonus: 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Hilton Honors Aspire
The Hilton Honors Aspire card is a premium travel credit card that's packed with valuable benefits for frequent travelers. It's a no-brainer for those who travel on a regular basis, especially considering its $550 annual fee.
You'll get unlimited Priority Pass Select lounge access for you and up to two guests traveling with you. This is a huge perk, especially if you're a business traveler or enjoy airport lounges.
The card also provides a $250 annual Hilton resort statement credit, which can be a significant savings if you stay at Hilton properties. Plus, you'll get automatic Hilton Honors Diamond elite status, which includes benefits like free Wi-Fi, executive lounge access, and room upgrades.
One of the standout benefits of the Hilton Honors Aspire card is the annual reward night certificate, which can be redeemed for a free night at any Hilton property worldwide. You'll also get another free reward night certificate after you spend a total of $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.
Here are some of the key benefits of the Hilton Honors Aspire card:
- $250 annual Hilton resort statement credit
- Automatic Hilton Honors Diamond elite status
- Annual reward night certificate
- Another free reward night certificate after spending $60,000 in a calendar year
- Up to $100 in on-property credits for minimum stays of two nights at participating Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties
- Up to $250 in airline incidental fee credits per calendar year
The card also comes with a welcome bonus offer of 175,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the card within your first six months of card membership. This is worth around $875 in Hilton stays, according to Business Insider's estimates.
Best for Shoppers
If you're a frequent shopper at wholesale clubs, you're in luck. There are several credit cards that offer rewards tailored to your shopping habits.
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is a great option for Costco shoppers, offering 4 percent back on gas purchases, 3 percent back at restaurants and on eligible travel purchases, and 2 percent back on Costco and Costco.com purchases.
For BJ's shoppers, the BJ's One and One+ Mastercard Credit Cards offer 3 and 5 percent back on eligible BJ's purchases, respectively.
Sam's Club shoppers can earn 5 percent back on gas and 3 percent back on dining with the Sam's Club Mastercard.
Here's a breakdown of the rewards rates for each card:
These cards can help you earn rewards on your everyday purchases and save money on gas and dining.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest credit card to get right now?
The easiest credit card to get is the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card, ideal for those seeking low interest rates. Alternatively, the Petal 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa Credit Card is a great option for those with no credit history.
What is the 100,000 bonus on the United Club card?
Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening a United℠ Business Card. This offer is double the previous bonus and available until April 3, 2024.
Sources
- https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/credit-cards/credit-cards-with-airport-lounge-access
- https://www.credit.com/blog/sams-club/
- https://wallethub.com/d/sams-club-business-credit-card-1943c
- https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-credit-cards-to-get-into-airport-lounges-7372844
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/rewards/best-credit-cards-for-wholesale-clubs/
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