The Best Credit Cards With Lounge Access in Canada

When you think of travel rewards credit cards, you probably think of their main benefit – earning rewards from daily spending and being able to redeem them for free travel, merchandise, and other perks. Credit cards with lounge access are less common. They offer a worthwhile perk, especially for those who value having a peaceful oasis in the midst of a busy airport.

You can take advantage of many perks offered by airport lounges, including:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Washroom facilities that may include showers
• Complimentary snacks and beverages
• Phone and laptop charging stations
• Comfortable chairs for lounging while waiting for your flight

You can access these lounges without a membership by paying a per-use fee or by choosing a rewards credit card that offers free airport lounge access, like the ones listed below.

Comparison of the Best Credit Cards with Lounge Access in Canada

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card: Best Overall Credit Card with Lounge Access

Earn up to $1,320* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived.¹ Earn 30,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. Plus, as a cardholder, you are eligible to earn an annual 10,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $40,000 in everyday net eligible purchases annually. Offer ends April 30, 2023.

Apply Now

Voted the #1 travel points credit card in 2019 by Rewards Canada, Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is our choice for the best overall credit card with lounge access in Canada. This card comes with a complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program membership plus six complimentary lounge visits per year (each additional lounge visit is $32 USD).

Other perks include comprehensive travel insurance, Visa Infinite Benefits, and no foreign transaction fees on purchases made online or outside of Canada.

It also offers plenty of points-earning potential. Earn 3X Scene+ points on every $1 you spend on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés TradItIon, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op. Earn 2 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more), and earn 1 Scene point on every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.

The Details:

• Annual Fee: $150 (first year free)
• Minimum Income Eligibility: You must have a minimum annual income of $60,000 or a minimum household income of $100,000 or a minimum assets under management of $250,000.
• Credit Score Required: Excellent
• Welcome Offer: Earn up to $1,320* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived.¹ Offer ends April 30, 2023.
• Additional benefits: Visa Airport Companion Program membership + 6 free lounge visits per year, no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance
• Purchase APR: 20.99% | Cash Advance APR: 22.99%

¹ Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card to learn more.

Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card: Best for Priority Pass Lounge Access

Earn up to $2,100* in value in your first 14 months, including up to 60,000* bonus Scene+ points. Offer ends April 30, 2023.

learn more

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card is an excellent airport lounge access credit card. Yes, it has a steep $399 annual fee. Still, you’ll receive a complimentary Priority Pass membership plus 10 free visits per year to any Priority Pass lounge in the world. With the one supplementary cardholder addition, that’s an approximate $600+ CAD value. Terms and conditions apply.

Plus, any purchases charged with the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card will earn you points. Earn 2X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on all your eligible purchases.

The Details:

• Annual Fee: $399
• Credit score required: Excellent
• Earn Rate: Earn 2X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on all your eligible purchases.
• Welcome offer: Earn up to $2,100* in value in your first 14 months, including up to 60,000* bonus Scene+ points. Offer ends April 30, 2023.
• Additional benefits: Complimentary Priority Pass lounge access, 24/7 concierge, Hertz #1 Club Gold Membership, travel insurance
• Purchase APR: 9.99% | Cash Advance APR: 9.99%

* Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card to learn more.

BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card: Best for Priority Pass Lounge Access

With the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, you'll earn 50,000 BMO Rewards points when you reach $6,000 in purchases within your first three months*. Plus, receive an additional 40,000 BMO Rewards Points after you spend a minimum of $100,000 within the first twelve months* after account open date bringing you to a total of up to 90,000 BMO Rewards points* in your first year.

Apply Now

Among the premium perks of the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is a rock-solid Visa Airport Companion membership and 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year.* Between the free membership and the passes, this is a value of approximately $250 USD.*

However, the perks don’t end there; this card is also equipped to majorly reward everyday spending. Earn 5X the BMO Rewards points per $1 on dining, groceries, gas, drugstore and travel* and 1 BMO Rewards point per dollar on everything else*. Redeem 150 points per dollar on travel or use your points on other redemptions, including gift cards, merchandise, credits towards your bill through the Pay with Points program, or even towards your BMO investments.

The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card includes other valuable perks like mobile device coverage*, travel insurance*, and an annual $200 “lifestyle credit”*. Get started with the welcome bonus: New cardholders can receive up to 90,000 BMO Rewards points*.

The Details:

• Annual Fee: $499
• Minimum income eligibility requirement: Minimum $150,000 (individual) or $200,000 (household)
• Credit score required: Excellent
• Earn Rate: Earn 5X the BMO Rewards points per $1 on dining, groceries, gas, drugstore and travel* and 1 BMO Rewards point per dollar on everything else*.
• Welcome offer: New cardholders can receive up to 90,000 BMO Rewards points*.
• Additional benefits: Visa Airport Companion membership and 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year – valued at more than $250 USD*, up to $1,000 mobile device coverage*, travel insurance*, $200 annual “lifestyle credit”*, Visa Infinite privileges*
• Purchase APR: 20.99% | Cash Advance APR: 23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)

*Terms and conditions apply.

BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®*: Best for Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass

Get up to 60,000 points and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*

Apply Now

The BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* has a high income requirement--Minimum $80,000 (individual) or $150,000 (household) annual income required. However, if you fall into that bracket, it’s a card worth considering.

For starters, this card offers complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass,* with four annual complimentary passes to over 1,300 lounges in 140 countries worldwide*. It also comes with travel insurance, extended warranty, and purchase protection*.

The BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* also has a strong rewards program. Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases,* 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments,* 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else.* Now get the highest rewards points for travel with any premium, flexible travel card in Canada!† At these rewards rates, it’s easy to rack up enough points to book your next flight free using points racked up with daily spending.

There’s also a Welcome Offer: Get up to 60,000 points and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*

The Details:

• Annual Fee: $150 (waived for the first year)*
• Income eligibility requirement: Minimum $80,000 (individual) or $150,000 (household) annual income required.
• Credit score required: Excellent
• Earn Rate: Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases,* 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments,* 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else.* Now get the highest rewards points for travel of any premium, flexible travel card in Canada!†
• Welcome offer: Get up to 60,000 points and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
• Additional benefits: Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass,* with four annual complimentary passes.
• Purchase APR: 20.99% | Cash Advance APR: 23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)

*Terms and conditions apply.

†Statement based on a comparison of the redeemable value of the non-promotional travel rewards points earned on premium flexible Canadian credit cards as of May 3, 2022. “Flexible” is defined as points earned when you purchase travel anywhere and “premium” refers to cards with an annual fee of ≤ $150 or has an income requirement of ≤ $150,000 annual individual income.

The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card: Best for Maple Leaf Lounge™ Access

Earn 3X the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*; 2X the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada; and earn 1.25X the points on everything else.

Apply Now

The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card comes with all sorts of exciting perks to make flying that much more comfortable. Included with your card is access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges™ across Canada and the US so you can unwind before flights. Enjoy access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges™* and Air Canada Café™ in North America for you and a guest with a same-day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight. Within each lounge, you can expect a quiet, phone-free zone, light snacks and beverages, business centres with PCs and printers, and, of course, free Wi-Fi.

Beyond lounge access, the appealing selection of perks that comes with your card includes priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling; a free checked bag for yourself and up to eight travelling companions; and perks at Pearson International Airport such as complimentary valet parking, and 15% off parking and car care services.

The welcome bonus is quite generous as well. New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. Conditions apply. Furthermore, the included travel insurance covers everything from trip cancellation to emergency medical to baggage delay.

The Details:

• Annual Fee: $599
• Minimum Income Eligibility Requirement: N/A
• Credit Score Required: Good;Excellent
• Welcome Offer: New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. Conditions apply.
• Additional Benefits: Comprehensive insurance, access to select Air Canada lounges and Priority Airport services, Annual Worldwide Companion Pass, access to exclusive American Express benefits
• Interest on Purchases: 20.99% | Interest on Cash Advances: 21.99%

The Platinum Card®: Best For Unlimited Lounge Access Worldwide

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s $800 towards a weekend away. Conditions apply.

Apply Now

The Platinum Card® from American Express is the card to pick if you’re a frequent traveller who needs regular lounge access. This premium credit card offers unlimited access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection™ – meaning you can enjoy over 1,300 lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience.

Beyond this hefty lounge access perk, The Platinum Card® is an outstanding travel rewards credit card, offering cardholders the following:

• Earn 3 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases; 1 additional Membership Rewards® point for every $1 you charge to your Platinum Card® on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel.
• Receive a $200 CAD Annual Travel Credit that can be used towards any single travel booking of $200 or more charged to your Platinum Card® through American Express Travel Online or Platinum Card® Travel Service.
• Interest rate: Interest applies in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box, and Disclosure statement if the total New Balance is not paid by the Payment Due Date each month. All payments must be received by the Payment Due Date shown on the monthly statement.
• Includes comprehensive travel insurance.

As if that’s not enough, new cardholders receive a welcome bonus.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s $800 towards a weekend away. New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 80,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $7,500 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. Conditions apply.

The Details:

• Annual Fee: $699
• Income eligibility requirement: N/A
• Credit score required: Good;Excellent
• Earn Rate: Earn 3 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases; 1 additional Membership Rewards® point for every $1 you charge to your Platinum Card® on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s $800 towards a weekend away. Conditions apply.
• Additional benefits: Access to American Express Global Lounge Collection™, premium benefits at Pearson airport, access to hotel and rental car loyalty programs, access to special events, $200 CAD annual travel credit

The Verdict: What is the Best Airport Lounge Credit Card?

Airport lounge access is a perk you might not consider when evaluating travel rewards credit cards. But for frequent flyers, it is a benefit that can turn an airport experience from stressful to enjoyable.

Also, lounge access can be a business essential if you need strong Wi-Fi and a quiet, comfortable workspace for a few hours.

If you’re considering signing up for credit cards with airport lounge access in Canada, any of the credit cards outlined above are a good choice.

But our top choice is the award-winning Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card because it offers good value: an affordable annual fee with generous lounge access, a lucrative welcome bonus, and a slew of travel perks.

However, before applying for any travel reward credit card, compare what each offer carefully and consider how they might work with your spending habits. Still undecided?

Check out the best travel rewards credit cards in Canada and see what they have to offer before pulling the trigger.

This post was not sponsored. The views and opinions expressed in this review are purely my own.

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.

BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.