Amex Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve: Which Has The Best Lounge Access? [2024]

Having access to an airport lounge while traveling has obvious benefits. The convenience and cost-savings of complimentary food and beverages alone may be reason enough to secure a membership. Additionally, the opportunity to have a comfortable space to relax between flights, free Wi-Fi, and clean restrooms makes the prospect of purchasing a lounge membership very compelling.

Unfortunately, annual lounge access can cost more than $500 for just an individual membership and much more if you want your traveling companions to join you.

The easiest, and potentially most cost-effective, means of securing lounge access is with a premium travel rewards credit card that offers complimentary access.

Utilizing a premium travel rewards card for airline lounge access is the focus of our article today. We’ve selected 2 of the best cards out there with airport lounge access — The Platinum Card^® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®.

Both offer complimentary worldwide lounge access, but each has its own network of available properties.

Join us as we dig deeper to find out which of our 2 featured cards offers access to the most lounges.

Card Snapshots

Before we discuss the level of lounge access for the Amex Platinum card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, let’s look at a quick overview of some of the exceptional benefits you’ll find with each card.

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck^® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck^® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

22.49%-29.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

With so many premium benefits, you’ll want to compare these cards carefully to determine which card is a better match for you. We’ve put together a detailed comparison of the Amex Platinum card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card, as well.

Lounge Networks

Now it’s time to dive into the specific lounge access benefits of the Amex Platinum card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. We’ll look at each lounge network, where the properties are located, the approximate number of properties available, plus information on accessing these lounge and lounge alternative properties.

Please keep in mind that trying to count lounges is like trying to count a large herd of sheep; you’re bound to miss some and count others twice. Some lounges have closed, some have reopened, and new lounges may be added. Not all lounges in a network may grant access using our featured cards, some lounges are affiliated with more than 1 network, and lounge network affiliations can change.

However, even with these variables, the end result is the same — one of our featured cards offers greater lounge access than the other.

Let’s continue and explore all the lounge access options available on our featured cards.

Lounge Network Comparison Summary

Shared Lounge Networks

Aspire Lounge (3)

Priority Pass cardmembers flying out of Ontario (ONT) or San Diego (SAN) can enjoy access to the Aspire Lounge network. The lounge offers showers, complimentary snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. Beer, wine, cocktails, and food items are available for purchase.

Cardmembers receive an up to $10 food and beverage certificate when entering.

Just show your card along with a same-day boarding pass and ID to enter. You can bring up to 2 guests at no additional charge.

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club (2)

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club currently only has 2 locations open — Hong Kong (HKG) and Boston (BOS). These premium lounges are part of the Priority Pass network like The Club lounges are today. We should see additional locations opening soon.

Primary cardmembers and authorized users of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card who have activated their complimentary Priority Pass lounge access can enter the lounge. Cardholders may bring up to 2 guests per Priority Pass membership card, per visit, for free, and additional guests for $27.

Note that Amex Platinum cardholders who are enrolled Priority Pass members will only be able to enter a domestic Sapphire Lounge by The Club location 1 time at no cost per calendar year and will be charged a $75 entry fee upon each subsequent visit to any location within the Sapphire Lounge by The Club network. The Hong Kong lounge is open to Priority Pass members and their eligible guests without the visit limitation.

Lufthansa Lounges (30)

Lufthansa has a broad worldwide network of dozens of lounges both in the U.S. and internationally.

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders have access to several Lufthansa Lounges via their Priority Pass membership.

Amex Platinum cardmembers flying same day on Lufthansa Group flights in any class of ticket can access participating Lufthansa Business Lounges. Members flying on Lufthansa Group flights in business class may access participating Lufthansa Senator Lounges. As not all of the Lufthansa Lounges are participating, we’ve estimated access to around 30 of the approximate 50 lounges (see the lounge locator for participating).

To access Lufthansa Lounges, you will need to show your eligible card, a same-day boarding pass for Lufthansa, SWISS, or Austrian Airlines, and a government-issued ID. Some lounge properties will allow you to bring guests for a fee.

Plaza Premium Lounges (130+)

Holders of either card who travel internationally will appreciate having access to any of the over 130 Plaza Premium Lounges worldwide. Cardmembers can access Plaza Premium Lounges regardless of airline or flight class with their eligible card and same-day boarding pass. Amex Platinum cardholders can show their physical card, while Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers can show their Priority Pass card.

Priority Pass Lounges (1,400+)

With more than 1,400 lounges and lounge alternative properties, Priority Pass is by far the largest lounge network. The value of a Priority Pass membership that provides complimentary lounge access is at least $469 each year (the cost of purchasing a direct membership), as this purchased pass will not include any complimentary guest access (+$35 each guest per visit).

The complimentary Priority Pass Select membership found on both cards includes access for the cardmember plus 2 guests at no extra charge. The membership with the Amex Platinum card grants access to only airport lounge properties and not participating lounge alternative Priority Pass restaurant venues, Minute Suites, Be Relax, or Gameway video lounges (which the Chase Sapphire Reserve card does).

You must first enroll in your membership via your online card account under the benefits section. You’ll then receive a Priority Pass membership card in the mail that you will use to access lounge properties.

Show your boarding pass for a same-day flight on any airline, your ID, and your Priority Pass card or digital card to gain access.

Hot Tip: Several credit cards offer Priority Pass Select membership or a set amount of 1-time visit passes each year. Here are some of the best credit cards with Priority Pass access. 

Virgin Clubhouses (5)

Virgin Clubhouses are known for their stylish décor, delicious food selection, on-site mixologists, and personal amenities. Holders of either card can access select Virgin Clubhouse locations that participate in the Priority Pass or Plaza Premium Lounge networks.

Cardmembers must show their card and same-day boarding pass to enter and can bring up to 2 guests.

Lounge Networks Unique to Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card (and the business version, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express) offers a wide variety of lounge selections, both in the U.S. and internationally. With the card in your wallet, you’ll be able to find a lounge in most major airports.

Let’s look at some of the options in the Amex Global Lounge Collection that you’ll have during your travels.

Centurion Lounges (27)

One of the most prestigious lounge networks available with the Amex Platinum card is the Centurion network of lounges. Centurion Lounges take pride in serving featured local food items, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and personal amenities such as spa services and showers. Amenities will vary by location.

There are 10+ lounges in the U.S. and the number continues to increase. You’ll find Centurion Lounges when you travel internationally as well, with 10+ additional properties worldwide.

Amex Platinum cardholders can enter all Centurion Lounges, and cardmembers may enter with up to 2 complimentary guests if they have spent $75,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year, otherwise, a guest day pass can be purchased for $50 per adult or $30 per child between the ages of 2 and 17.

You will need to show your Amex Platinum card and same-day boarding pass.

Hot Tip: You can add up authorized users to your Amex Platinum card for $195 per card (see rates & fees). Authorized users have full access to all the lounges in the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges. 

Delta Sky Club (50)

Delta Sky Club offers free premium Wi-Fi, a large selection of hot and cold food items, snacks, complimentary beer, wine, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and premium alcoholic beverages for purchase. With an individual Sky Club membership costing $695 annually, having complimentary lounge access via the Amex Platinum card is a nice benefit if Delta is your preferred airline.

Amex Platinum cardmembers will have access to most Delta Sky Clubs when traveling the same day on Delta flights (ticket numbers that begin with 006). Just present your Amex Platinum card and your Delta boarding pass to enter. You can gain access for up to 2 guests, who are also traveling on Delta, for a fee (currently $50 for each guest).

Hot Tip: You may be able to utilize up to $200 in statement credit for airline incidentals on your Amex Platinum card for guest access purchases. Our article gives you several ideas for taking advantage of this card benefit. 

Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner (14)

The Escape Lounges network is expanding, now with 15 total properties. Each location features cuisine developed by a local chef, a dedicated mixologist, and a locally crafted beer selection.

Amex Platinum cardmembers can fly on any airline to enjoy access to Escape Lounges. The cardholder can bring 2 additional guests and children under 24 months at no cost.

You will need your Amex Platinum card, same-day boarding pass, and ID to enter.

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card offers the American Express Global Lounge Collection, featuring a stellar lineup of airport lounges that can be accessed with the card. Cardmembers will have access to more than 1,400 properties worldwide. 

Lounge Networks Unique to Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

You won’t find a long list of lounge networks partnering with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, but you’ll still find more than 1,400 lounges and lounge alternative properties that could provide plenty of value and variety during your travels.

Let’s look at how Chase delivers the lounge access benefit that comes with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Sapphire Terrace (1)

Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card allows cardholders and 2 guests access to Chase Sapphire Terrace locations. Currently, there’s only 1 location at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Texas.

Sapphire Terrace locations do not accept Priority Pass.

Priority Pass Lounge Alternatives (70+)

One advantage of having the Priority Pass membership associated with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is complimentary access to Priority Pass alternative lounge properties. These properties include participating airport restaurants, Minute Suites, Be Relax spas, and Gameway video game lounges.

If your travels include airports that have participating venues, you’re sure to find additional value. Here’s how the alternative lounge Priority Pass benefit works:

Airport Restaurants

Whether it’s Bobby Van’s Steakhouse at JFK or the Lark Creek Grill at SFO, no need to depend on an airport lounge for your meal and cocktail. Priority Pass participating restaurants are located throughout the U.S. and internationally. The numbers vary as restaurants open, close, or leave the network, but there are approximately 25 participating airport restaurants in the U.S. and another 40+ internationally.

Terms and conditions vary by property, so be sure to review before visiting. To find a participating Priority Pass restaurant, start with our Priority Pass location article, download the Priority Pass app, or visit the Priority Pass Select website.

Hot Tip: If you choose to do so, you can visit more than 1 Priority Pass participating restaurant in the same airport on the same day. If your companion also has Priority Pass, you could use the pass for another free Minute Suite hour during the same visit as your free hour. 

Minute Suites

If you need to grab a nap, get some work done, or take a shower, a Minute Suite could be a welcome space during your travels. Your Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s Priority Pass will give you 1 free hour, after which you will be charged $28 per hour. You’ll also have access to showers (not at all locations) at a discounted price. You can find a Minute Suites location here.

Be Relax Spa

Perhaps a nice massage would help relax you during your travels. With approximately a dozen locations at major airports, Be Relax offers complimentary spa massage treatments varying from 10 to 30 minutes. Most locations allow you to bring 1 guest and there is a limit of 1 treatment per person. Each treatment has a value of $35 to $40.

Treatment availability and guest policies vary by location.

Gameway

You’ve had your Priority Pass restaurant meal, a nap at Minute Suites, a massage at Be Relax, and now it’s time to play some video games! Pull out that Priority Pass card once again to enjoy up to 2 hours of free play, a cold soda, and some snacks at a Gameway video lounge.

Locations at Charlotte (CLT), Dallas (DFW), Houston (HOU), and Los Angeles (LAX) airports accept the Priority Pass associated with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Final Thoughts

With access to nearly 1,500 lounge locations, the Amex Platinum card offers the most lounge access overall. Plus, having exclusive access to Centurion Lounges can offer the best level of lounge experiences.

Chase does offer the unique opportunity to utilize lounge alternative airport properties for complimentary services at Minute Suites, Be Relax, and Gameway.

If the airports you frequent have participating Priority Pass lounge alternatives, you may prefer the lounge access benefits Chase Sapphire Reserve card has to offer. And the Chase Sapphire Reserve card has a lower annual fee.

In the end, the better lounge access card for you will depend on your priorities, how much you travel, the airports you frequent, and if you can realize enough card value overall to help offset the annual fee.

Finally, with more people traveling and not all lounges fully functional, lounges have become crowded. Access can be limited during peak times, wait times to enter may be long, and hours of operation may be limited. Airports can often have several available lounge options, however, so be sure to check for alternative choices before you fly.