Credit cards with Lounge Passes
American Express Platinum Card
The Amex Platinum provides access to an enormous network of over 1,400 lounges globally. It includes Centurion Lounge, Priority Pass, eligible Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, Virgin Australia Lounges and selected locations in the Amex Global Lounge Collection. Enrolment may be required for some lounges and access will vary, so make sure to read the card’s PDS carefully.
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
This card includes 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations per membership year, which activate after your first spend on eligible Qantas purchases. You’ll also get 2 two complimentary Centurion Lounge entries per year in Sydney or Melbourne. That’s 4 lounge passes per year, which is a good deal for frequent domestic travellers.
American Express Velocity Platinum Card
You’ll be able to access unlimited Virgin Australia lounges. You need to enrol in the Primary cardholders can invite 3 additional guests and up to 3 children aged between 2 and 17 years. Children under 2 are free. There are several conditions, including enrolment, so make sure to read the PDS carefully.
ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Card
The ANZ Frequent Flyer Black card offers 2 complimentary Qantas Club single-entry lounge passes per year for
Citi Prestige Card
The Citi Prestige includes complimentary Priority Pass membership, which gives you unlimited free lounge visits for you and one guest at over 1,700 lounges globally. This is suited for domestic and international travellers.
HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card
The HSBC Star Alliance credit card doesn’t include lounge passes directly, but provides a fast-track to Gold status which accesses over 1000 Star Alliance lounges worldwide (plus other Gold perks).
What you'll get with your lounge pass
Cards that offer lounge passes are usually higher-end cards that focus on travel extras. Typically they'll come with travel insurances or flight vouchers as well (and a higher annual fee, which we'll look at in a moment).
Lounge access is limited to the network linked to the card. For example, you might have access to the global LoungeKey network, Priority Pass, or Qantas-only airport lounges.
Some lounge passes can only be accessed once you've made certain purchases on the card. For example, you need to make an eligible purchase with Qantas before you can use the Qantas Club lounge invitations.
An inside look at a lounge pass: Punta Cana airport lounge
One of our creditcard.com.au team, Matt, recently visited Punta Cana airport lounge in the Dominica Republic using a PriorityPass invitation.
"We dropped into the airport lounge at Punta Cana while we waited to board our flight home. There were free snacks, coffee and drinks there, and a pool, believe it or not. But the best thing was how comfortable the lounges were. It was so good to relax there rather than the hard plastic chairs at the terminal gate, especially after a very long wait to get through customs and check-in. We ended up staying for 3 hours. You do have to keep your eye on the clock though; there are no monitors or flight announcements in the lounge, and it's easy to lose track of time when you're waiting in a lounge with free food." – Matt
Here's how lounge passes work:
- You'll get a number of single-use lounge passes to use each year (between 2 and 10, depending on the card).
- You can visit lounges within your card's associated network, such as Qantas, LoungeKey or Priority Pass lounges.
- Your passes renew every 12 months for as long as your card is active.
- You may be able to use one pass for a guest, but that depends on the credit card.
Which cards have lounge passes?
Typically you'll find lounge passes on cards that focus on travel; for instance, the card might also come with frequent flyer points, bonus points, travel insurance and no foreign fees. For specific cards, see the Credit cards with Lounge Passes section above.
Are lounge passes a good deal?
Lounge passes are a great perk, but they're not essential. Credit cards with travel extras and rewards points usually have higher annual fees, so you'll need to make sure you're getting the value out of the card via rewards points, insurance and other features like fee-free overseas transactions.
Entry to a lounge (and what to wear)
Before you arrive at the airport:
- Check if your credit card gives you instant access, or if you need to apply for the lounge pass before you travel. The information will be on your credit card terms and conditions.
- Check if you need to become a member of lounge network (even if your passes are free). For instance, you'll need to join Priority Pass before you can use the lounges.
When you arrive at the lounge:
- Show your credit card or lounge pass
- Present your boarding pass
- Pay any fees for additional guests (if required, and if guests are allowed)
💡 It's a good idea to have the physical credit card to show at the lounge entry, in case digital wallets aren't accepted.
While you don't have to wear a stuffy business shirt to get into a lounge, you'll likely be required to wear clothes that aren't offensive and shoes that aren't thongs.
Comparing airport lounge brands
We're often asked about the difference between brands of airport lounge. The truth is, some are 5-star fancy, and some are just a decent upgrade from the plastic chair at the boarding gate.
If you've only got two passes per year, make them count. Do a little digging into the quality of the lounge before you use your invitations.
Priority Pass is often considered one of the schmickest lounge networks, but Qantas Club has some truly luxurious lounges, too.
Source: Priority Pass
Source: Priority Pass
Priority Pass Lounges
Priority Pass has over 1500 airport lounges in over 600 cities. It's one of the more luxurious lounge networks and offers complimentary drinks, refreshments and snacks. Many lounges have charging points, free WiFi, conference rooms and optional spa treatments.
You can prebook to reserve your seat in the lounge using the membership website or the Priority Pass app, but it's not required.
Savings: US$169 (approx. AUD$260). The cheapest Priority Pass Membership plan is US$99 per year and US$35 per lounge visit.
Guests: Bring additional guests for US$35 each.
Entry: You'll need to register your free membership at the Priority Pass website, and show the physical or digital membership card on your phone to gain entry.
Features: Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol, newspapers/magazines. Some lounges include showers, upgraded food and workstations or conference rooms (fees may apply for upgraded services).
Locations: Sydney (SYD T1): Plaza Premium (Departures & Arrivals); The House; restaurant partners. Melbourne (MEL T2): Marhaba Lounge; The House; Plaza Premium; restaurant partners. Brisbane (BNE International): Escape Lounge; Plaza Premium; multiple restaurant partners in the Domestic/International terminals. Perth (PER T1 International): Aspire Lounge. Adelaide (ADL): Plaza Premium (international); Rex Lounge; restaurant partners (Coopers Alehouse, Pantry). Canberra (CBR): restaurant partners only (e.g., Capital Brewing Co Taphouse, City Hill Coffee, Noodles XO). Gold Coast / Coolangatta (OOL): restaurant partners (no third-party lounge). Also listed: Townsville appears in the Australia directory — check the PP app for the current partner offering there.
LoungeKey Airport Lounges
LoungeKey is another global network with over 1500 lounges. You'll be able to access free WiFi, complimentary drinks and snacks, power outlets and charging stations. Some credit cards come with complimentary LoungeKey access too!
Some lounges also come with showers, desks and meeting rooms.
Savings: US$64 (approx. AUD$100). There is no membership fee, but you can pay $32 per visit after your complimentary invitations are used.
Guests: Additional guests are US$32 each. Some lounges offer free entry to children, which you can find using 'lounge finder' on the LoungeKey app.
Entry: There is no registration necessary, just download the LoungeKey app and show your digital card at the lounge entry. You may also need to show a boarding pass.
Locations: Access can vary by credit card, so check your card’s terms for eligible locations.
Swissport/Executive Lounges brands — The House (SYD/MEL) and Aspire (PER).
Sydney (SYD T1): The House; Plaza Premium (Departures & Arrivals).
Melbourne (MEL T2): The House; Plaza Premium (and some cards may also include Marhaba via issuer rules).
Brisbane (BNE International): Plaza Premium.
Perth (PER T1 International / T2): Aspire Lounge.
Adelaide (ADL): Rex Lounge; Plaza Premium (international).
Qantas Club Lounges
You'll get Qantas Club Lounge access on - you guessed it - cards that earn Qantas Points. The Qantas Club network includes 37 lounges in Australia and more internationally, although some of those are run by partner airlines such as American Airlines Admirals Club lounges.
To use your Qantas Club Lounge passes you'll need to have a ticket with a Qantas flight number (QF) or Jetstar flight number (JQ, 3K or GK).
Savings: $99 one-off join fee, plus $360 annual membership fee.
Guests: If you're using a complimentary lounge invitation, you can't bring guests or children into the lounge with you.
Entry: You'll need to link your pass to your flight at least 24 hours before departure using the Complimentary Invitations Portal.
Features:
Qantas Club: Refreshments, soft drinks, alcohol, WiFi, newspapers/magazines, business zones.
Qantas Domestic Business Lounge: Premium food, barista/bar, alcohol, WiFi, newspapers/magazines, showers, business and quiet zones.
Qantas International Business Lounge: A la carte dining, barista/bar service, showers, Wi-Fi, business zones, newspapers/magazines
Locations:
International lounges in Australia:
- Sydney (SYD T1): First Lounge; International Business Lounge.
- Melbourne (MEL T2): First Lounge; International Business Lounge.
- Brisbane (BNE International): Qantas International Lounge. (Qantas)
- Perth (PER T3 International): Qantas International Lounge (for QF international departures from T3). (Qantas)
- Adelaide (ADL): Qantas Club (used for international). (Qantas)
- Darwin (DRW): Qantas Club (used for international). (Qantas)
Domestic Business Lounges: Sydney (T3), Melbourne (T1), Brisbane (Domestic), Perth (T4), Canberra.
Qantas Club (major domestic): Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth (T4), Sydney (T3), Townsville.
Regional Lounges: Broome, Coffs Harbour, Devonport, Emerald, Gladstone, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Launceston, Mackay, Port Hedland, Rockhampton, Tamworth.
The Centurion Lounge (American Express)
The Centurion Lounge is Amex's brand of global airport lounges. There are two locations in Sydney and Melbourne airports, which are the lounges you'll have access to on Amex credit cards.
The exception to that is Platinum Amex cardholders, who have unlimited access to The Centurion Lounges worldwide and can bring children aged 17 and under, and up to 2 guests with you.
Savings: Lounge access can only be accessed by credit card holders.
Guests: You can use one of your passes for a guest travelling with you. Children aged 17 and under are complimentary but have to be the cardholders dependents.
Entry: You'll need to show your eligible American Express credit card plus your boarding pass that shows you're departing on a flight that same day.
Features: Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol, newspapers/magazines and dedicated workspaces available.
Locations: Sydney (SYD T1 International); Melbourne (MEL T2 International)
Airport Lounges in Australia
Adelaide Airport Lounges (ADL)
Click for details
| Lounge Name | Lounge Brand | Conditions / Features | Digital card |
|---|---|---|---|
| REX Lounge (Intl) | Priority Pass | Two children under 12 years are admitted free per adult - Alcoholic drinks are available from 15:00 daily - Complimentary massage chairs available. Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol, newspapers/magazines | ✔️ |
| Plaza Premium (Intl) | Priority Pass | Maximum 2 hour stay - Children under 2 years are admitted free. Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol, newspapers/magazines, showers (fees may apply) | ✔️ |
| Qantas Club (Domestic & Intl) | Qantas | Refreshments, soft drinks, alcohol, WiFi, newspapers/magazines, business zones. | ✔️ |
| Qantas Domestic Business Lounge | Qantas | Premium food, barista/bar, alcohol, WiFi, newspapers/magazines, showers, business and quiet zones. | ✔️ |
| Qantas International Business Lounge | Qantas | A la carte dining, barista/bar service, showers, Wi-Fi, business zones, newspapers/magazines | ✔️ |
Brisbane Airport Lounges (BNE)
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| Lounge Name | Lounge Brand | Conditions / Features | Digital card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escape Lounge (Intl) | Priority Pass | Access is permitted 3 hours prior to scheduled flight departure - Children under 2 years are admitted free. Smart casual dress at all times. Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol | ✔️ |
| Plaza Premium (Intl) | Priority Pass | Maximum 2 hour stay - Children under 2 years are admitted free. Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol, newspapers/magazines, showers (fees may apply) | ✔️ |
| Qantas Club (Domestic) | Qantas | Refreshments, soft drinks, alcohol, WiFi, newspapers/magazines, business zones. | ✔️ |
| Qantas Domestic Business Lounge | Qantas | Premium food, barista/bar, alcohol, WiFi, newspapers/magazines, showers, business and quiet zones. | ✔️ |
| Qantas International Business Lounge | Qantas | A la carte dining, barista/bar service, showers, Wi-Fi, business zones, newspapers/magazines | ✔️ |
Canberra International Lounges (CBR)
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| Lounge Name | Lounge Brand | Conditions / Features | Digital card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various Restaurants | Priority Pass | Receive AUD$36 off the bill as a single lounge visit within your annual allocation. Conditions apply. | ✔️ |
| Qantas Club (Domestic) | Qantas | Refreshments, soft drinks, alcohol, WiFi, newspapers/magazines, business zones. | ✔️ |
| Qantas Domestic Business Lounge | Qantas | Premium food, barista/bar, alcohol, WiFi, newspapers/magazines, showers, business and quiet zones. | ✔️ |
Coolangatta Airport Lounges (OOL)
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| Lounge Name | Lounge Brand | Conditions / Features | Digital card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various Restaurants | Priority Pass | Receive AUD$36 off the bill as a single lounge visit within your annual allocation. Conditions apply. | ✔️ |
Melbourne Airport Lounges (MEL)
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| Lounge Name | Lounge Brand | Conditions / Features | Digital card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaza Premium Lounge (Intl) | Priority Pass | Maximum 2 hour stay - Children under 2 years are admitted free. Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol | ✔️ |
| Marhaba Lounge (Intl) | Priority Pass | Maximum 3 hour stay - Children under 2 years are admitted free. Complimentary luggage storage available inside the lounge. Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol, newspapers/magazines, showers (fees may apply) | ✔️ |
| The House Lounge (Intl) | Priority Pass | Access is permitted 3 hours prior to scheduled flight departure - Children under 2 years are admitted free - Smart casual dress at all times. Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol, newspapers/magazines, showers (fees may apply) | ✔️ |
| The Rex Lounge (Domestic) | Priority Pass | Two children under 12 years are admitted free per adult - Alcoholic drinks are available from 15:00 daily - Complimentary massage chairs available. Conference facilities must be reserved in advance and are subject to payment. Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol and conference rooms available. | ✔️ |
| Various Restaurants | Priority Pass | Receive AUD$36 off the bill as a single lounge visit within your annual allocation. Conditions apply. | ✔️ |
| The Centurion Lounge (Intl) | Amex | Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol, newspapers/magazines and dedicated workspaces available. | ✖️ |
| Qantas Club (Domestic) | Qantas | Refreshments, soft drinks, alcohol, WiFi, newspapers/magazines, business zones. | ✔️ |
| Qantas Domestic Business Lounge | Qantas | Premium food, barista/bar, alcohol, WiFi, newspapers/magazines, showers, business and quiet zones. | ✔️ |
| Qantas International Business Lounge | Qantas | A la carte dining, barista/bar service, showers, Wi-Fi, business zones, newspapers/magazines | ✔️ |
Perth Airport Lounges (PER)
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| Lounge Name | Lounge Brand | Conditions / Features | Digital card |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Aspire Lounge (Intl) | Priority Pass | Maximum 3 hour stay - Children under 2 years are admitted free - Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult - Alcoholic drinks are only available for passengers 18 years of age or older - Smart casual dress at all times. Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol, newspapers/magazines, showers (fees may apply) | ✔️ |
| Various Restaurants (Domestic) | Priority Pass | Receive AUD$36 off the bill as a single lounge visit within your annual allocation. Conditions apply. | ✔️ |
| The Centurion Lounge (Intl) | Amex | Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol, newspapers/magazines and dedicated workspaces available. | ✔️ |
| Qantas Club (Domestic) | Qantas | Refreshments, soft drinks, alcohol, WiFi, newspapers/magazines, business zones. | ✔️ |
| Qantas Domestic Business Lounge | Qantas | Premium food, barista/bar, alcohol, WiFi, newspapers/magazines, showers, business and quiet zones. | ✔️ |
Sydney Airport Lounges (SYD)
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| Lounge Name | Lounge Brand | Conditions / Features | Digital card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaza Premium Lounge (Intl Departures) | Priority Pass | Maximum 2 hour stay - Children under 2 years are admitted free. Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol, newspapers/magazines, showers (fees may apply) | ✔️ |
| The House Lounge (Intl) | Priority Pass | Access is permitted 3 hours prior to scheduled flight departure - Children under 2 years are admitted free - Smart casual dress at all times. Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol, newspapers/magazines, showers (fees may apply) | ✔️ |
| REX Lounge | Priority Pass | Two children under 12 years are admitted free per adult - Alcoholic drinks are available from 15:00 daily - Complimentary massage chairs available - Workstations available. Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol | ✔️ |
| Various Restaurants (Domestic & Intl) | Priority Pass | Receive AUD$36 off the bill as a single lounge visit within your annual allocation. Conditions apply. | ✔️ |
| The Centurion | Amex | Wifi, TV, refreshments, alcohol, newspapers/magazines, dedicated workspaces available and private shower suites. | ✖️ |
| Qantas Club (Domestic) | Qantas | Refreshments, soft drinks, alcohol, WiFi, newspapers/magazines, business zones. | ✔️ |
| Qantas Domestic Business Lounge | Qantas | Premium food, barista/bar, alcohol, WiFi, newspapers/magazines, showers, business and quiet zones. | ✔️ |
| Qantas International Business Lounge | Qantas | A la carte dining, barista/bar service, showers, Wi-Fi, business zones, newspapers/magazines | ✔️ |
Townsville International Airport (TSV)
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| Lounge Name | Lounge Brand | Conditions / Features | Digital card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various Restaurants | Priority Pass | Receive AUD$36 off the bill as a single lounge visit within your annual allocation. Conditions apply. | ✔️ |
MARGARET RAFFRAY
15 February 2025Pauline
18 February 2025