The best credit card with lounge access: the American Express Platinum card

Airports can be stressful – overcrowded waiting areas, overpriced snacks and hardly calm before the next flight.

This is exactly where the American Express Platinum Your greatest strength: Exclusive lounge access worldwide. With this card there is access to over 1,400 lounges in more than 140 countries – including the Centurion lounges, priority pass, Lufthansa lounges and many more. But is that really worth it?

We have examined the advantages, the most important accesses and our experiences with the Amex Platinum.

Fees: What does access to a lounge at the airport cost?

Airport lounge promise calm, comfortable seating, free snacks and drinks – but what does access actually cost if you don’t fly business or first class? The prices vary depending on Lounge operator, airport and access type significant.

While some lounges already for around 30 € are accessible, premium lounges partly require Over € 100 per visit.

Costs for a day access – what do you pay without membership?

If you want to spontaneously in a lounge, you can often get a ticket on the door or online via platforms such as Holiday extras or loungebuddy secure.

The prices fluctuate strongly:

• Frankfurt: PrimeClass Lounge (€ 32 for 3 hours), Luxx Lounge (€ 37, including conference rooms)
• Hamburg: Airport Lounge (€ 45, including alcohol, WiFi, showers)
• Munich: Airport Lounge Europe (€ 45, only for Priority Pass users between 12 and 4 p.m.)
• International: Plaza Premium Lounges (€ 65–80, depending on the airport)
• Lufthansa Business Lounges: From € 25–35 for economy passengers with selected frequent flyer programs

The price for airport lounges depends heavily on the travel frequency and personal requirements. If you only travel occasionally, you can struggle well with daily passes, frequent flyers benefit from premium credit cards or status upgrades.

Which is the best credit card with lounge access? (Image: Max Harlynking, Unsplash)

American Express Platinum Card: The best credit card with global lounge access

We have tested the American Express Platinum Card extensively while traveling and can say that when it comes to lounge access, there is currently no better credit card. Regardless of whether long -haul flights with stopovers, business trips or spontaneous weekend trips – the Amex Platinum has proven to be a gaming in every situation.

With the Global Lounge Collection offers access to Over 1,400 lounges worldwideunderneath Priority Pass, Amex Centurion Lounges and Lufthansa Business lounges. But is the card really worth it?

We have compiled all the facts and share our experiences here.

Lounge access with the Amex Platinum: Our experiences

1. Priority pass with restrictions from 2025

So far, Priority Pass has been one of the biggest advantages of the Amex Platinum with unlimited visits.

However, a limitation of 50 visits per year applies to new customers who conclude from 2025. That is enough for many, but frequent flyers should keep an eye on it. If you want to secure unlimited use, you can still slide into the old conditions by making a timely application before March 11, 2025.

Our experience:

• In Europe, priority pass lounges are often overcrowded, especially in London Heathrow, Paris CDG or Frankfurt.
• In Asia (e.g. Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok), on the other hand, the lounges are very high quality – access is worth it here.
• USA & Canada: often less choice, but that Plaza Premium lounges are a solid alternative thanks to Amex access.

Tip: Whoever travels with family can be over the Free additional card Get a second priority pass – this can be used 100 visits Cover each year.

2. Amex Centurion Lounges: The best lounges in the system

While priority pass lounges fluctuate heavily, the Amex Centurion Lounges are among the best airport lounges worldwide. These lounges are currently available at 14 locations, including San Francisco, Hong Kong, New York, Las Vegas and Dallas.

What we liked:

• Qualitative food -not a typical lounge buffet, but really good food with regional specialties.
• Signature Cocktails & Barista coffee – Free, at a high level.
• Fast WiFi & good work areas – Ideal for business travelers.

But: The access is only possible with a valid flight ticket on the same dayand some lounges (e.g. New York JFK) are often overcrowded.

3. Lufthansa lounges: note restrictions

There is one in Germany big advantage for Amex Platinum owner: Access to the Lufthansa Business lounges in Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin BER.

But be careful:

• There is only access if you With Lufthansa, Swiss or Austrian Airlines flies.
• Senator lounges are not included -These are reserved for frequent flyer status customers.

Our impression: The Lufthansa lounges are a good addition to a comfortable start on vacation or a business trip, but they are not at the level of Centurion Lounges or international top lounges.

What does the lounge access cost without the Amex Platinum?

A direct comparison quickly shows that the Amex Platinum is worthwhile – If you travel regularly.

Conclusion: Who at least 10–15 times a year uses a loungesave with the Amex Platinum Hundreds of euros Compared to individual bookings or separate priority pass membership.

Further advantages of the Amex Platinum-more than just lounge access

The lounge accesses alone make the Amex Platinum attractive, but the card still has Other exclusive advantagesThe one high annual price of € 720 can compensate for.

• Welcome bonus: 75,000 points (= up to € 1,500 value for flights) at € 13,000 sales in 6 months.
• € 200 travel: Redeemable for flights, hotels and rental cars via Amex Travel.
• 200 € Sixt-Ride credit: Perfect for airport transfers or limousine services.
• 150 € restaurant credit: Automatic credit in participating restaurants.
• 90 € shopping credit: At Amazon, Zalando and other partners.
• Comprehensive insurance package: Rental car, full-time health insurance, travel resignation up to € 15,000.
• Alone with the Annual credit (€ 640) Almost let themselves Compensate 90 % of the annual fee. Who also uses regular lounge access, Makes a clear profit quickly.

After our test, it is clear: If lounge access has a priority, there is no way around the Amex Platinum. The combination of priority pass, Amex Centurion Lounges and Lufthansa lounges makes you the strongest card for frequent flyers

When is a credit card with a lounge access from?

A credit card with lounge access can be a real gamuchang for frequent travelers-but is it really worth it for everyone?

This depends above all on How often you fly, which lounges you use and what additional services you can take with you. One American Express Platinum Card For example, costs a whopping 850 € a yearbut offers unlimited lounge access worldwide. If you travel regularly and place value on comfort, you can quickly get more out of the map than it costs.

Lounge access by credit card-when it pays off

Basically the following applies: The more lounge visits, the more likely a card with included access is worthwhile. A comparison shows when a credit card with lounge advantages is cheaper than individual bookings or priority pass membership.

Even with 10 lounge visits a year, an Amex Platinum or a Priority Pass membership can be cheaper than individual bookings. Anyone who uses more than 20 lounges a year benefits from the unlimited use of the Amex Platinum or Priority Pass Prestige membership, which is included in the card.

Which travelers benefit the most?

• Frequent flyers (business travelers & commuters): Anyone who is at the airport several times a month has one with a credit card with a lounge access massive financial advantage. Even if the employer pays the trip, lounge access brings Quiet, fast WiFi and free foodmake the waiting times more pleasant.

• Families and groups: Many lounge programs allow Free access for accompanying persons. With the Amex Platinum A guest is always allowed for free, sometimes even Up to four people in certain lounges. Those who travel with family save quickly € 50–100 per stay.

• Long -distance travelers & vacationers with stops: Whoever has long -haul flights or with more often longer stop travels, benefits enormously. Especially at international airports, individual lounge access often costs 60–80 €. With a Credit card like the Amex Platinum you save yourself these additional costs.

• Luxury traveler & first-class fans: If you often fly business or first class, you often have a lounge access. But: Premium lounges such as Centurion or Lufthansa First Class Lounge are only available with exclusive cards or status levels. The Amex Platinum opens these doors and brings it additional comfort.

When is it not worth it?

• Occasional pilot: Who only Flies 1–2 times a yearwith a lounge credit card unnecessarily spent money. Daily passes or one Priority-pass standard membership are often more sensible.

• Short -haul travelers without waiting times: Whoever only Short distances without long stays Flies, does not need a lounge access. In many airports there are anyway good alternativeslike free WiFi or comfortable waiting areas.

• Flights with airline status & lounge access: If you already have access to good lounges through a frequent flyer status (e.g. Star Alliance Gold), you don’t need an extra credit card with lounge access.

When is a credit card with a lounge access from?

A credit card with lounge access is worthwhile for frequent flyers, long-distance travelers and people who are often traveling with family or business partners.

If you use a lounge at least 10 times a year, you save with a card such as the American Express Platinum compared to individual bookings or a separate priority-pass membership. Those who fly less often can use daily passes or cheaper alternatives. Lounge access is luxury-but if you use it strategically, you can save it properly.

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