The Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards in Canada

Airport lounges provide a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of busy terminals, featuring comfortable seating, and complimentary food and beverages before your flight. 

While these premium spaces were once available exclusively to business class travellers or those with elite airline status, credit cards have made lounge access available to all travellers. Several Canadian credit cards now offer airport lounge privileges as part of their benefits packages, ranging from unlimited access to a fixed number of free visits annually.

When selecting a credit card with lounge benefits, you’ll want to consider several factors: the type and number of lounges available, guest privileges, annual fees, and additional travel perks. Cards like the American Express Platinum offer extensive global lounge access through their Global Lounge Collection, while others provide entry to specific networks such as DragonPass or Plaza Premium. Your travel patterns will determine which card delivers the best value for your needs.

Card	Lounge visits	Annual Fee
American Express Platinum Card	Unlimited	$799
American Express Business Platinum	Unlimited	$799
American Express Aeroplan Reserve	Unlimited	$599
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege	Unlimited MLL, 6 Dragonpass	$599
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite	6 Dragonpass	$139
American Express Gold Rewards Card	4 Plaza Premium	$250
BMO Ascend World Elite™* Mastercard®*	4 Dragonpass	$150 - FYF
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card	4 Dragonpass	$120
National Bank World Elite Mastercard	Unlimited to the National Bank Lounge	$150

When looking at the best airport lounge access credit cards in Canada, the first one you need to consider is the American Express Platinum Card. With this card, you and a guest get unlimited access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection. That’s more than 1,200 lounges in 130+ countries you can visit. Generally, just about every major airport in the world will have a lounge that you can access with your Platinum Card.

The one downside is that the annual fee of the Platinum card is quite high at $799. However, you do get an annual travel and dining credit of $200 each, so that effectively makes your annual fee just $399. You also get a generous welcome bonus, higher loyalty status with Marriott Bonvoy, and great travel insurance. I personally never travel without this card. Note that you can get an increased welcome offer when signing up with a referral link.

Eligibility: There’s no minimum income required. A credit score of 740 is recommended before applying.
Welcome bonus: Typically worth 80,000 to 100,000 American Express Membership Rewards points when using a referral link. The minimum spending requirement is usually $5,000 to $10,000.

As the name implies, the American Express Business Platinum is the business card version of the Platinum card. This card also has an annual fee of $799 and you also get the $200 annual travel credit. Although you don’t get the dining credit, you do get wireless and Dell credits. The earn rate is a flat 1.25 points per $1 spent. You and a guest still get unlimited lounge access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection.

What makes this card appealing over the consumer version is that the welcome bonus is typically higher. It’s often the highest one available in Canada. In addition, the American Express Membership Rewards points you earn are incredibly valuable as you can transfer them to Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy. Alternatively, you could use them on the American Express Fixed Travel Program, and this could allow you to increase the value of your points.

Some people will not apply for this card if they don’t have a business, but American Express rarely verifies the information you put on your application.

In my opinion, the best airport lounges in Canada are Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes. Normally these are only available to people flying in business class or have 50K Aeroplan status, but you and a guest can get unlimited access if you have the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.

One thing to note is that you only get access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America. In addition, you get a PriorityPass membership, but no free annual passes are provided. Some people prefer this card over other premium Aeroplan credit cards because you get a slightly higher earn rate and when you refer friends to this card, you get a 10,000 Aeroplan points bonus. The annual fee is $599.

Eligibility: No minimum income is required. A credit score of at least 700 is recommended before applying.
Welcome bonus: The welcome offer is usually worth 80,000 – 120,000 Aeroplan points. To get the full bonus, you usually need to meet multiple minimum spending requirements.

The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is one of the best airport lounge access credit cards in Canada because you and a guest get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America. In addition, you get DragonPass lounge access + six free annual passes.

This card, along with the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege are the only credit cards with lounge access that give you access to Maple Leaf Lounge and the DragonPass network. This is incredibly convenient as you can use your lounge passes when there’s no Maple Leaf Lounge available. The obvious downside is that you only get six annual passes. The card also comes with an annual fee of $599.

If you travel a lot internationally, the Platinum Card is likely better for lounge access. But if you mainly travel domestically, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card and American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card should be your top choices.

Many of the best credit cards with lounge access come with high fees since you get unlimited access. However, if you’re looking for a flexible travel card with an annual fee of just $150, you should consider the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card. Not only do you get six annual lounge passes that are good for any lounge in the Visa Airport Companion Program (DragonPass). In addition, the card has no foreign exchange fees.

Only this card, and the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business Card give you airport lounge access and no foreign transaction fees, so it’s not hard to see why they’re popular.

Eligibility: A minimum personal income of $60,000 or a household income of $100,000 or at least $250,000 in assets under management. A credit score of 700 is also recommended.
Welcome bonus: You’ll typically get 35,000 to 50,000 Scene+ points as the welcome offer. In most cases, you’ll need to spend a minimum amount in the first three months and another in the first 12 months for the full bonus.

When the American Express Gold Rewards Card was refreshed, they specifically added four free annual passes to Plaza Premium lounges. This was relevant because, at the time, Plaza Premium had pulled out of its agreement with Visa. That meant cardholders couldn’t use their passes at Plaza Premium lounges anymore. The problem was that most lounges in Canada were Plaza Premium, so cardholders found it difficult to use their passes.

About a year after the change, Visa switched to DragonPass, which restored access to Plaza Premium, so now everything is back to normal.

The question is, why would you choose the American Express Gold Rewards Card over others that give you more free annual passes? Simply put, Membership Rewards are more valuable than Scene+. Over the course of a year, the points you earn will likely be worth more than the two lounge passes you didn’t get.

The BMO Ascend World Elite™* Mastercard®* comes with four free airport lounge passes, and the annual fee is waived for the first year, so you check out some lounges for free. Your earn rate is 5 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent on travel; 2 points on dining, entertainment, and recurring bills; and 1 point for all other purchases. While that may seem appealing, 1 BMO Rewards point is worth just .67 cents, so the overall earn rate is not the best. That said, it’s still one of the best BMO credit cards.

Many people forget that the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card is one of the best airport lounge access credit cards in Canada. Not only do you get four free annual airport lounge passes to the DragonPass network, but you also get a rebate on your NEXUS membership. What’s interesting is that this card typically has a rebate on the annual fee for the first year. That means you can get airport lounge access for a year without having to pay an annual fee.

If you’re based out of Montreal and fly internationally frequently, then you’ll want to consider the National Bank World Elite Mastercard since it gives you and a guest, and up to two children under the age age of 12, unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge. Since this lounge is considered the best in YUL and you can bring two children and a guest with you, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard is a great choice. The Montreal airport has a Maple Leaf Lounge, but no lounge is available via the American Express Global Lounge Collection.

Eligibility: Personal income requirement of $80,000 or a household income of $150,000. A credit score of 700 is recommended.
Welcome bonus: The welcome bonus has been anywhere from 0 to 50,000 points.

What is airport lounge access?

Airport lounge access provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling main terminal areas. These exclusive spaces offer a comfortable environment where you can relax before your flight or during layovers. Most major airports feature at least one lounge per terminal, with international hubs typically hosting multiple lounge options.

As airports become more crowded and flight delays become more frequent, these havens have gained popularity. Lounges usually offer a variety of amenities that can enhance your travel experience. You’ll often find:

• Complimentary food and beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• Fast, reliable Wi-Fi connections
• Comfortable seating areas
• Flight information displays
• Reading materials (newspapers and magazines)

Premium lounges may offer additional luxuries such as:

• Business centres with computers and printers
• Shower facilities
• Quiet areas with beds or sleeping pods
• Outdoor terraces or viewing areas

Most lounges operate from early morning (around 5 a.m.) until late evening (typically 10 p.m.), although some premium facilities remain open 24 hours. While lounges generally allow a three-hour stay before your departure, enforcement is often inconsistent relaxed.

You can gain entry to these exclusive spaces through various methods. The most common access programs include Priority Pass, which connects to over 1,300 lounges worldwide, and credit card benefits. Many premium credit cards include lounge access as a cardholder perk, though guest policies vary. Some limit you to two free guests, while others may charge for accompanying travellers.

Before visiting a lounge, it’s beneficial to research the specific amenities and access requirements, as these can vary significantly between facilities. This preparation ensures that you will maximize your lounge experience.

Types of Airport Lounge Networks

Airport lounges offer travellers a comfortable space to relax before flights, but navigating the different networks can be confusing. Understanding which networks align with your travel habits and credit card benefits can enhance your journey significantly.

Air Canada Maple Leaf and Airline-Specific Lounges

Major airlines maintain their own premium lounges at key hubs and popular destinations. Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges can be found in 11 Canadian cities plus international locations including New York, Paris, London, Frankfurt, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Also note that Air Canada has Air Canada Cafe’s in Toronto and Montreal. These are grab and go style lounges.

If you’re flying business class on a Star Alliance partner airline, your boarding pass grants you access to their partner lounges as well. Airline-specific lounges typically offer superior amenities compared to independent options.

American Express Global Lounge Collection

American Express provides one of the most extensive lounge networks globally for Platinum cardholders. The Global Lounge Collection features exclusive Centurion Lounges, widely recognized as some of the best airport lounges available.

These premium spaces feature amenities like showers, gourmet food prepared by renowned chefs, and dedicated family rooms. When you have access to an American Express lounge, it’s generally worth seeking out as the quality typically exceeds other options.

Plaza Premium Network

Plaza Premium operates as a standalone brand of airport lounges with hundreds of locations globally. They manage most lounges found in Canadian airports and are integrated into larger networks like DragonPass.

Without a premium credit card providing complimentary access, you can purchase entry for approximately CA$50 per visit. Plaza Premium lounges offer consistent quality with comfortable seating, food options, and business facilities. That said, some of the Canadian options aren’t great.

DragonPass Program

DragonPass has emerged as Canada’s leading airport lounge network. Many premium Canadian credit cards include DragonPass membership through the Visa Airport Companion Program.

Its partnership with Plaza Premium is particularly valuable for Canadian travellers since Plaza Premium operates most domestic airport lounges. This connection ensures you’ll have accessible options when flying within Canada.

Priority Pass Membership

Priority Pass provides members access to VIP lounges worldwide through different membership tiers. Members pay annual fees based on their selected plan, with options ranging from pay-per-visit to unlimited access packages.

After a brief separation, Priority Pass has renewed its agreement with Plaza Premium, making its offering very similar to DragonPass. Conditions of use vary by membership level, with some credit cards offering complimentary Priority Pass memberships with limited or unlimited visits.

Mastercard Airport Experience by LoungeKey

Mastercard Airport Experience powered by LoungeKey grants entry to approximately 1,000 airport lounges globally. Through its partnership with DragonPass, cardholders gain access to their extensive network.

All Canadian World Elite Mastercard holders receive LoungeKey membership, though not all cards include complimentary visits. Check your card benefits to see if you receive free passes or need to pay per visit.

Visa Airport Companion Program

Visa Airport Companion serves as Visa’s equivalent to the Mastercard LoungeKey program, available exclusively to Visa Infinite and Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders. The service operates through DragonPass’s infrastructure.

Like LoungeKey, you’ll typically need to purchase individual passes unless your specific credit card includes complimentary visits. The programme grants access to independent airport lounges worldwide, with particularly good coverage in Canadian airports.

How to Get Airport Lounge Access

Purchasing a Membership

You can buy memberships to airport lounge networks for regular access. Basic memberships typically charge a fee per visit, while premium tiers offer unlimited access. Priority Pass is one popular option with various membership levels to suit different travel frequencies. Before purchasing, compare the coverage of lounges in airports you frequently visit to ensure good value for your investment.

Credit Card Benefits

Many premium credit cards include airport lounge access as a benefit. For example, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card provides six free airport lounge passes, where as the American Express Platinum card gives the primary cardholder and one guest unlimited access.

Single-Visit Options

Don’t travel often? Consider purchasing a day pass instead. Many lounges sell one-time entry passes ranging from $32-$65 CAD. Plaza Premium Lounges, for example, charge about $45 for a single visit. While this might seem expensive, it can be worth the cost during long layovers when you factor in the free food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.

Premium Cabin Tickets

When you fly business class, lounge access is typically included with your ticket. You’ll gain entry to your airline’s lounge or one operated by their alliance partners. For instance, an Air Canada business class ticket grants you access to Maple Leaf Lounges in Canada and partner lounges like Lufthansa’s when travelling abroad within the Star Alliance network.

Frequent Flyer Status

Regular travellers who’ve earned elite status with airlines often receive lounge privileges. Lower-tier status typically includes a few complimentary passes annually, while higher tiers offer unlimited access. This benefit makes achieving and maintaining status particularly valuable for frequent travellers who spend significant time in airports.

How to Choose a Credit Card with Lounge Access

How Often You Travel

Your travel frequency should be your primary consideration when selecting a credit card with airport lounge access. If you’re in the air several times a year, a card offering unlimited lounge visits provides excellent value. Premium travel cards often include Priority Pass or other lounge network memberships that allow you to escape the terminal chaos whenever you fly. For occasional travellers, cards offering a limited number of annual passes might be sufficient for your needs.

Your Travel Style

Consider your typical travel patterns when evaluating lounge access benefits. Do you primarily fly with one airline? Cards affiliated with specific carriers might offer dedicated lounge access that serves you better than general networks. For Canadian travellers who primarily use domestic airports, a card with Maple Leaf Lounge access might be ideal. However, if you frequently travel internationally, look for cards that connect to broader networks, like the American Express Platinum Card.

Cost vs. Benefit Analysis

Evaluate whether the lounge benefits justify the annual fee. Many premium travel cards charge $120 – $799 annually but provide valuable lounge access that would cost more if purchased separately. For example, if a card provides six lounge passes annually (typically valued at $32-$50 each) plus TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credits (worth up to $100), these benefits alone might exceed the annual fee. Don’t forget to calculate the value of bonus points earned from signup offers, which can often cover the first year’s fee entirely.

Additional Card Benefits

The best credit cards offer more than just lounge access. Look for comprehensive travel benefits such as:

• Travel insurance coverage (medical, trip cancellation, baggage)
• Statement credits for travel-related purchases
• No foreign transaction fees (saving you 2.5-3% on international purchases)
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee reimbursement
• Priority boarding and free checked bags
• Annual travel credits that offset the card’s cost
• Mobile device insurance
• Bonus points on travel and dining purchases

Cards like the American Express Platinum or Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite may have higher annual fees but provide robust benefits packages that include expedited security access and substantial statement credits in addition to premium lounge access.

Are guests allowed with an airport lounge access credit card?

Most credit cards offering airport lounge access provide some form of guest privileges, though specific policies vary by card. Typically, premium travel cards allow you to bring one guest into lounges at no extra charge. 

If you have a card that provides a limited number of complimentary lounge visits rather than unlimited access, you’ll need to use one pass per person. This means a family of four would require four separate passes.

Remember these important guest policy details:

• The primary cardholder must be present with guests
• Children under two years typically enter free (doesn’t count against guest allowance)
• Family travellers may benefit from having two cards with lounge benefits

For families regularly travelling together, consider getting a second lounge access card for your partner. This strategy allows each cardholder to bring one child as a complimentary guest, ensuring your entire family can enjoy lounge amenities together.

Are Airport Lounges Worth It?

Airport lounges can provide excellent value for travellers seeking comfort during their journey. When you consider the cost of food and beverages at airport restaurants, complimentary offerings in lounges quickly become attractive. A simple meal with a drink at an airport eatery might cost $25-30, while lounges provide these amenities at no additional charge once you’re inside.

The comfortable seating and private space are significant benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. You can relax in a quieter environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal. This privacy also offers better security for your belongings when you need to step away momentarily.

Many credit cards now offer lounge access as a perk, which can offset their annual fees. Consider these key benefits:

• Complimentary food and drinks
• Comfortable seating and workspaces
• Quieter environment
• Wi-Fi access
• Charging stations

For travellers with long layovers, lounges become even more valuable. Having a comfortable place to rest, work, or freshen up can make a significant difference in your travel experience.

Be aware that credit card access has limitations. During peak travel periods, lounges may reach capacity and prioritize certain membership tiers over credit card holders. You might face restrictions or even be denied entry during particularly busy times, so it’s wise to have a backup plan.

How to Use Your Airport Lounge Credit Card

Getting into airport lounges with your credit card is straightforward when you know the steps. First, activate your eligible credit card and download the appropriate app for your card—whether it’s the Visa Airport Companion, Mastercard Airport Experiences, or Priority Pass app.

Register your card details in the app to access your digital lounge passes. Before travelling, check the app to find available lounges at your departure or connecting airports.

When you arrive at the lounge, you’ll need to present:

• Your boarding pass
• Your lounge pass (digital or physical)
• Your credit card (for American Express cardholders)

Remember these important points:

• Any guests travelling with you must have their own boarding passes
• Some premium card benefits include complimentary guest access
• Certain lounge amenities like showers may require reservations upon arrival

Take full advantage of the available features, including complimentary food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. Most lounges also offer business facilities and reading materials to enhance your pre-flight experience.

How to Make the Most of Your Credit Cards with Lounge Access

Add an Additional Cardholder

Adding an additional cardholder to your premium travel credit card can be a clever way to extend lounge benefits. Most premium cards allow supplementary cardholders to enjoy the same lounge privileges, even when travelling separately. If your card offers unlimited lounge visits, your additional cardholder typically receives the same benefit. However, with cards that provide limited visits (such as six per year), you’ll need to share these visits between all cardholders.

Carry Multiple Credit Cards

For frequent travellers, having multiple cards with different lounge access programs makes perfect sense. For instance, pairing a TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card (offering Maple Leaf Lounge access in North America) with an American Express Platinum Card (providing access to the Global Lounge Collection) creates a comprehensive lounge network. This combination ensures you’ll find comfortable spaces to relax at most major airports worldwide.

Popular Card Combinations:

• Amex Platinum + TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
• CIBC Aventura + Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
• BMO World Elite + RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege

Apply for Separate Cards for Your Partner

Rather than adding your partner as a supplementary cardholder, consider having them apply for their own premium travel card. This strategy effectively doubles your lounge visits and guest privileges. For families with children, this approach is particularly valuable—turning six lounge passes into twelve, or allowing each parent to bring one child as a guest when you both have unlimited access cards.

Try Multiple Lounges During Layovers

If you have extended connection times and unlimited lounge access, don’t hesitate to visit multiple lounges at the same airport. While this may seem excessive, each lounge is different. One lounge may have better food than the other, while the other one may have a better area to rest. Some lounges may also have showers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which premium credit cards provide complimentary airport lounge access?

Several premium credit cards in Canada offer airport lounge access as a key benefit. The American Express Platinum Card provides extensive lounge access through Priority Pass, Centurion Lounges, and Plaza Premium locations. The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege both include six annual Priority Pass visits. BMO World Elite Mastercard provides complimentary Mastercard Airport Experiences access.

How do I check if my credit card includes Priority Pass lounge privileges?

Review your cardholder benefits on your issuer’s website or mobile app to verify if your credit card includes Priority Pass access. Many premium cards require you to separately enrol in Priority Pass after receiving your card. Keep in mind that activation isn’t automatic, and you’ll typically need to request your Priority Pass membership card or digital membership through your credit card provider.

Do any credit cards offer lounge access without yearly fees?

Currently, there are no Canadian credit cards that offer comprehensive airport lounge access without charging an annual fee. Lounge access is typically bundled with premium cards that have annual fees ranging from $120 to $699. However, some financial institutions occasionally waive the first year’s fee during promotional periods. 

Which banks issue credit cards with airport lounge benefits?

In Canada, several financial institutions offer credit cards with lounge access:

• TD Canada Trust: Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
• CIBC: Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege
• RBC: Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
• Scotiabank: Passport Visa Infinite
• BMO: World Elite Mastercard
• American Express: Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card, Aeroplan Reserve

Each institution typically reserves these benefits for their top-tier cards with correspondingly higher annual fees and income requirements.

Is Priority Pass membership commonly included with lounge access credit cards?

Yes, Priority Pass membership is the most commonly included lounge access benefit with premium Canadian credit cards. However, the level of membership varies significantly between cards. Some provide unlimited visits with complimentary guest privileges, while others offer a limited number of free visits annually (typically 4-6). After exhausting your included visits, you’ll generally pay $32-50 per additional visit. Always check if your card includes the basic membership only (requiring payment per visit) or if it provides complimentary visits as part of the package.