Business travel can be a grind—crowded airports, long layovers, and overpriced food make even short trips exhausting. Imagine escaping to a quiet airport lounge with free gourmet meals, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a comfortable space to recharge or catch up on emails. For frequent business travelers, lounge access credit cards are a game-changer, offering a haven of productivity and relaxation. In this article, we compare the best business credit cards for airport lounge access, focusing on perks like Amex Centurion Lounge access, Priority Pass for business, and other credit card with travel benefits options to help small business owners and professionals travel smarter in 2025.
Why Lounge Access Matters for Business Travelers
Airport lounges transform the travel experience for entrepreneurs, executives, and remote teams. Instead of battling noisy terminals or hunting for a power outlet, you get:
- Quiet workspaces: Private areas for calls, client meetings, or focused work.
- Free food and drinks: Enjoy complimentary meals, snacks, and premium beverages, saving you from pricey airport concessions.
- Reliable Wi-Fi: Stay connected with fast, secure internet for last-minute presentations or emails.
- Stress reduction: Relax in comfortable seating or even take a shower to refresh during long layovers.
- Networking opportunities: Lounges often attract professionals, making them ideal for impromptu business connections.
For small business owners and frequent flyers, business travel credit cards with lounge access are more than a luxury—they’re a productivity boost that makes every trip more comfortable and efficient.
Best Business Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of top business credit cards with lounge benefits to help you choose the right one for your travel needs.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Lounge Access: Unmatched access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide via the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Amex Centurion Lounge access, Priority Pass Select (enrollment required), Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta, limited to 15 visits annually unless spending $75,000/year), Escape Lounges, and select Lufthansa lounges.
- Rewards: 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per year), 1.5X points on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more, and 1X on other purchases.
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership (terms apply).
- Annual Fee: $695.
- Other Perks: Up to $200 airline fee credit, $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, $400 Dell credit, elite status with Marriott and Hilton, and premium travel protections.
- Ideal For: High-spending entrepreneurs and executives who travel frequently and want premium airport perks for entrepreneurs across multiple lounge networks.
The Business Platinum Card® is the gold standard for corporate lounge access, especially for those who frequent U.S. airports with Centurion Lounges or need global coverage through Priority Pass.
Capital One Venture X Business
- Lounge Access: Unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and over 1,300 Priority Pass lounges worldwide (enrollment required). Note: Starting February 2026, authorized users will need to pay $125 annually for lounge access, and Priority Pass guest fees will be $35 per guest.
- Rewards: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2X on all other purchases.
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 150,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 in the first 3 months (terms apply, based on current Venture X personal card offer).
- Annual Fee: $395.
- Other Perks: $300 annual travel credit, $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, free employee cards, and flexible mile redemption options.
- Ideal For: Growing businesses and consultants seeking a small business rewards card with robust lounge access and a lower annual fee than Amex.
The Capital One Venture X Business is a strong contender for business travel credit cards, offering simplicity and global lounge access through Priority Pass for business travelers who value flexibility.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
- Lounge Access: Complimentary access to Delta Sky Club (15 visits annually, unlimited after $75,000 in annual spending), Amex Centurion Lounge access when flying Delta (booked with the card), and Escape Lounges. Includes four one-time Delta Sky Club guest passes annually.
- Rewards: 3X miles on Delta purchases, 1X on all other eligible purchases.
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 110,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases in the first 6 months (offer ends 7/16/25, terms apply).
- Annual Fee: $650.
- Other Perks: Annual companion certificate, free first checked bag, priority boarding, $240 Resy credit, $250 Delta Stays credit, and Hertz President’s Circle status.
- Ideal For: Delta-loyal business owners who want lounge access and airline-specific perks.
This card is perfect for professionals who primarily fly Delta and want credit card with travel benefits tailored to their airline loyalty.
Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Lounge Access: No direct lounge access, but pairs well with a separate Priority Pass membership or as a companion to other lounge-access cards.
- Rewards: 3X points on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services, and advertising (up to $150,000 annually), 1X on other purchases.
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months (terms apply).
- Annual Fee: $95.
- Other Perks: Flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points, travel protections, and free employee cards.
- Ideal For: Small businesses and remote teams focused on earning high rewards without a high annual fee.
While not a lounge access credit card, the Ink Business Preferred is a cost-effective option for businesses that can supplement with a Priority Pass membership.
Priority Pass vs. Amex Centurion Lounge: Which Is Better?
Choosing between Priority Pass for business and Amex Centurion Lounge access depends on your travel patterns:
- Amex Centurion Lounges: Known for premium amenities like chef-curated meals, craft cocktails, and spa services at select locations (e.g., JFK, LAX). Best for U.S.-based travelers flying through major hubs like Dallas, Miami, or New York. However, guest access costs $50 per adult ($30 for minors) unless you spend $75,000 annually. Limited to 25 locations worldwide, making it less versatile for international travel.
- Priority Pass: Offers access to over 1,300 lounges globally, ideal for international business travelers. Lounge quality varies—some offer basic snacks, while others rival Centurion’s luxury. Capital One Venture X Business and Amex Business Platinum include Priority Pass Select, but note that Capital One’s guest policy will tighten in 2026.
Use Case: Choose Amex Business Platinum for premium U.S. lounge experiences and global coverage. Opt for Capital One Venture X Business if you prioritize lower fees and international lounge access.
How to Qualify for These Cards as a Business Owner
Small business owners, freelancers, and consultants can qualify for business travel credit cards:
- Business Type: You don’t need an LLC or corporation. Sole proprietors, freelancers, and side hustlers qualify by reporting business income.
- EIN or SSN: Use an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or your Social Security Number (SSN) for sole proprietorships.
- Separate Finances: Maintain a dedicated business bank account or track expenses to strengthen your application.
- Approval Tips: Highlight consistent business revenue (even from gigs like consulting or Etsy sales) and ensure a good personal credit score (670+ recommended).
Check each card’s terms, as some (like Brex) cater to startups with funding, while Amex and Capital One are more accessible to small businesses.
How to Maximize Airport Lounge Benefits
To get the most from your best business credit card for airport lounge access:
- Add Employee Cards: Amex Business Platinum and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business charge for additional cards ($300 and $175, respectively), but Capital One Venture X Business offers free employee cards (lounge access extra starting 2026). Ensure team members have access for group travel.
- Use Lounge Finder Apps: Download the Priority Pass or Amex app to locate lounges and check hours or guest policies.
- Align Flights with Benefits: Book Delta flights with Amex cards to unlock Sky Club and Centurion access. Use Capital One Travel for Venture X Business to maximize rewards.
- Host Client Meetings: Impress clients by hosting meetings in lounges with private rooms or quiet spaces, enhancing your professional image.
FAQs
Can I bring guests into lounges with these cards?
Amex Business Platinum charges $50 per adult guest ($30 for minors) for Centurion Lounges unless you spend $75,000 annually. Priority Pass via Amex allows two free guests. Capital One Venture X Business allows two free guests until February 2026, then $35 per guest. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business offers four one-time Delta Sky Club guest passes annually.
Do employee cards also get lounge access?
Amex Business Platinum authorized users ($300/card) get full lounge access. Capital One Venture X Business employee cards are free, but lounge access costs $125 per user starting February 2026. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business authorized users ($175/card) get lounge access.
Are these cards worth it for occasional flyers?
If you fly less than 4–5 times per year, the high annual fees ($395–$695) may not justify the benefits. Consider the Chase Ink Business Preferred ($95 fee) and pair it with a Priority Pass membership for occasional travel.
What’s the cheapest business card that offers lounge perks?
The Capital One Venture X Business ($395) is the most affordable with robust lounge access, including Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass.
Conclusion
The best business credit card for airport lounge access depends on your travel habits and business needs. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express leads with unparalleled Amex Centurion Lounge access and global coverage, ideal for high-spending executives. The Capital One Venture X Business offers a cost-effective alternative with Priority Pass for business and a lower fee, perfect for growing companies. Delta loyalists will love the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business for airline-specific perks. For budget-conscious businesses, the Chase Ink Business Preferred maximizes rewards without lounge access. Evaluate your travel frequency, preferred airlines, and budget, then apply before your next trip to enjoy airport perks for entrepreneurs and elevate your business travel experience.
