Amex, Chase, and Capital One Lounge Wars: Which Credit Cards Offer Top-Ranked Access
The competition among credit card issuers to offer premium airport lounges has intensified over the past five years. The JD Power's 2026 U.S. Airport Lounge Satisfaction Study found that Amex Centurion Lounges and Capital One Lounges tied for the top spot, with Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club coming in third place.
According to Jason Stauffer, Senior reporter at CNBC Select, several luxury credit cards offer access to these high-end lounges. The American Express Platinum Card is one such option, offering over 1,550 airport lounge accesses, including Priority Pass lounges and Amex Centurion lounges.
The card also comes with a $895 annual fee and a welcome bonus of up to 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months. Additional benefits include statement credits worth up to twice the annual fee, elite status perks for hotels and rental cars, and high-end entertainment credits.
However, it's essential to note that these luxury credit cards come with a steep price tag. The American Express Platinum Card's $895 annual fee is one of the highest in the market, and its rewards may not be as lucrative for purchases compared to other lower-fee travel cards.