Navigating through airports can be a stressful experience, but a comfortable and relaxing airport lounge can make all the difference. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to access an airport lounge is with a credit card that offers complimentary airport lounge passes.

But which travel credit cards in Canada include airport lounge passes, and which lounge networks are included? In this article, I’ll cover seven of the top airport lounge access credit cards in Canada. I’ll explain how each card works and let you know how many annual passes are included.

The Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access in Canada

With one exception, every card on our list offers at least four complimentary airport lounge passes annually. In fact, one card gives you unlimited airport lounge access on their network. As you review each card, make note of the annual fees, which vary quite a bit, as well as the other rewards and benefits they offer. Don’t base your decision solely on the number of airport lounge passes; some cards present a better overall value than others.

1. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

Number of Airport Lounge Passes (Annual): 6

Annual Fee: $150/Year, 1 free supplementary card

Purchase Interest Rate: 20.99%

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 35,000 Scene+ points. Terms and conditions apply. See Scotiabank’s website for more details.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, you receive a complimentary Visa Airport Companion membership and six complimentary lounge visits per year from the enrollment date. Your membership gives you access to over 1200 airport lounges worldwide, including participating Plaza Premium Lounges. Your complimentary lounge passes can be used for you and anyone traveling with you.

If you exceed the six free passes, you can purchase additional visits for $32 USD per person.

In addition to airport lounge access, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite offers a wide range of benefits for cardholders, including the following:

• 8 insurance coverages included
• The ability to earn Scene+ points
• No foreign transaction fees
• Avis car rental discounts
• Visa Infinite Concierge Service
• Visa Infinite Hotel Collection
• Visa Infinite Dining and Wine Country Collection

Rewards Summary:

There are several ways to earn Scene+ points when you spend with your Passport Visa Infinite card.

• 3 Scene+ points per dollar spent at eligible grocery stores (Sobey’s, Safeway, IGA, and more)
• 2 Scene+ points per dollar spent on dining out
• 2 Scene+ points per dollar spent on eligible entertainment purchases (theatres, movies, etc.)
• 2 Scene+ points per dollar spent on eligible transit, rideshare, etc.
• 1 Scene+ point per dollar spent on all other purchases

The minimum income requirement is $60,000 for individuals or $100,000 for households. Considering the value of the airport lounge access, travel rewards, and other benefits the card provides, it can be a worthy investment for frequent travelers and those who prefer a touch of luxury during their airport experience.

2. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Number of Airport Lounge Passes (Annual): Unlimited

Annual Fee: $699 ($175 for each additional Platinum Card)

Purchase Interest Rate: 30% (20.99% for purchases eligible for the Flexible Payment Option)

Welcome Bonus: Up to 80,000 membership rewards points. Terms and conditions apply. See the American Express website for more details.

If you’re looking for a credit card with unlimited lounge access, The Platinum Card® is an excellent choice. With this card, you’ll enjoy many travel benefits, including access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection™️. This prestigious membership grants you access to over 1,300 airport lounges across 140 countries, providing you with a comfortable and relaxing space during your travels.

Participating lounges include Priority Pass, Centurion, Plaza Premium Lounges, Delta Sky Club, Escape Lounges, and more. Note that terms and conditions can vary between different lounges, so it’s a good idea to do your research before travelling.

In addition to unlimited lounge access, The Platinum Card® boasts other travel perks, such as:

• Up to 10 types of insurance coverage
• An annual $200 CAD travel credit
• $100 NEXUS Card Statement Credit
• Hotel Status Benefit
• Fine Hotels & Resorts Benefits
• Comprehensive travel insurance

Rewards Summary:

• 3X points on dining and food delivery purchases in Canada
• 2X points on travel
• 1X point on all other purchases
• 1 additional point per dollar spent on Amex Travel Online (Eligible hotel or car rental bookings)

Keep in mind that this card does have a substantial annual fee of $699. However, the unlimited lounge access, coupled with other premium benefits, can make it a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers.

3. BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card

Number of Airport Lounge Passes (Annual): 6

Annual Fee: $499

Purchase Interest Rate: 20.99%

Welcome Bonus: Up to 90,000 points. Terms and conditions apply. See the BMO website for more details.

As a BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Cardholder, you will benefit from a complimentary Visa Airport Companion membership and 6 complimentary airport lounge visits annually (estimated value of over $250). The program is hosted and managed by DragonPass International. To be eligible, both the primary and secondary cardholder (if applicable) must enroll separately through the Visa Airport Companion app or website.

In addition to airport lounge access, you’ll receive the following card benefits:

• 8 different types of insurance coverage
• $200 annual lifestyle credit
• Priority Security Lane, airport parking, and valet service discounts at select Canadian airports
• Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection
• Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge
• Visa Infinite Dining Series
• Visa Infinite Wine Country
• Access Troon Rewards Golf benefits

Rewards Summary:

• 5X points per dollar spent on groceries, dining in and out, drugstore purchases, gas, and travel
• 1 point per dollar spent on everything else
• 25% more points on all purchases when you add an authorized user to your account

The airport lounge benefits from the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege card are similar to what’s offered by the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card we covered above. However, the annual fee is much higher, at $499 per year. You are getting more rewards earning power with the BMO card, which is probably the main reason for the much higher fee.

Of note, you do require a high annual income to qualify for this card: $150,000 for individuals or $200,000 for households.

4. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege

Number of Airport Lounge Passes (Annual): 6

Annual Fee: $599; $199 for each additional cardholder

Purchase Interest Rate: 20.99%

Welcome Bonus: Up to 115,000 Aeroplan points (up to $3,100 value). Terms and conditions apply. See TDs website for more details.

The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card offers nearly identical airport lounge benefits to the aforementioned BMO Eclipse card, which is unsurprising given that they are both part of the Visa Infinite Privilege program. This is TD Bank’s most prestigious credit card and should be high on your radar if you’re a loyal Air Canada customer.

Regarding airport lounge access, the card includes a complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion Program hosted by, you guessed it, DragonPass International Ltd. Each cardholder receives six lounge visits per year at over 1,200 airport lounges globally.

Here is a list of other card benefits:

• Up to 9 different types of insurance coverage
• Annual round-trip companion pass from $99
• Nexus application fee rebate
• Complimentary Visa Infinite Concierge service
• Visa Infinite Privilege Airport Benefits
• Complimentary upgrade to Avis’ President’s Club
• Air Canada travel benefits, which include Priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling, airport standby, airport upgrades, and more.

The card’s affiliation with Air Canada also provides additional travel perks for an all-around luxurious travel experience. Here’s a closer look at how the Aeroplan rewards program works with this card.

Rewards Summary:

• Earn 2 Aeroplan points on eligible Air Canada purchases (including Air Canada vacations)
• Earn 1.5 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on eligible gas, groceries, dining, and travel purchases.
• Earn 1.25 points per dollar spent on all other purchases

As with the BMO Eclipse card, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card has a high annual income threshold to qualify. Individuals must have an annual income of $150,000, or $200,000 for households.

5. Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card

Number of Airport Lounge Passes (Annual): None; discount on annual Priority Pass membership

Annual Fee: $120; $29 for each supplementary card

Purchase Interest Rate: 20.99%

Welcome Bonus: Up to 40,000 Bonus Scene+ points. Terms and conditions apply. See Scotiabank’s website for full details.

The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card offers a preferred discount on a Priority Pass airport lounge membership. While the card doesn’t provide any complimentary lounge passes, you will have the ability to access over 1200 VIP lounges worldwide. I wouldn’t recommend this card to someone who plans to visit an airport lounge whenever they travel. It’s more suitable for cardholders who are interested in the other card benefits, i.e., earning Scene+ rewards, but like having the option to use an airport lounge for a reasonable cost.

Here’s a summary of the card’s many benefits:

• Up to 9 different types of insurance coverage
• No foreign transaction fees
• Amex Offers (Register your card for shopping, dining, and travel offers)
• Amex Front Of The Line (Purchase presale tickets to in-demand concerts, special events, etc.
• American Express Invites
• Complimentary concierge services

Rewards Summary:

• 6 Scene+ points per dollar spent at eligible grocery stores (Sobey’s, Safeway, IGA, and more)
• 5 Scene+ points per dollar spent on dining out
• 5 Scene+ points per dollar spent on eligible entertainment purchases (theatres, movies, etc.)
• 3 Scene+ points per dollar spent on eligible transit, rideshare, etc.
• 3 Scene+ points per dollar spent on eligible digital streaming purchases
• 1 Scene+ point per dollar spent on all other purchases

The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is a solid choice for travellers who want discounted lounge access and the opportunity to collect generous rewards at a low annual fee. Compared to the Visa Infinite Privilege cards, the card benefits may seem mediocre, but you’re saving hundreds of dollars on the annual fee.

6. CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card

Number of Airport Lounge Passes (Annual): 4

Annual Fee: $139; $50 for each additional card

Purchase Interest Rate: 20.99%

Welcome Bonus: Up to 35,000 Aventura points, one-time annual fee rebate ($139 value). Terms and conditions apply. Visit the CIBCs website for more details.

The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite offers a solid mix of travel rewards and lounge access benefits that can make your trips more enjoyable. Cardholders receive 4 complimentary airport lounge passes annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program, which includes over 1,300 lounges. You also get an application fee rebate on your Nexus membership every four years, making the card ideal for frequent travelers to the US.

Here are some of the other benefits you can expect to receive:

• Up to 8 different types of complimentary insurance coverage
• CIBC Pace It installment financing
• Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection
• Visa Infinite Dining & Wine Country
• Complimentary Concierge
• Up to 10 cents off per litre at participating gas stations

Rewards Summary:

• Earn 2 Aventura travel points per dollar when you book travel through the CIBC rewards centre
• Earn 1.5 points per dollar spent at eligible gas and electric charging stations and grocery and drug stores.
• Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

If airport lounge access is a priority, other cards offer more passes at a similar annual fee. For example, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite offers 6 lounge passes. The annual fee is slightly higher, at $150, but you get a free supplementary card, which more than cancels out the additional cost.

However, if you’re an existing CIBC customer, you may not see the value of jumping to a competitor card on a separate rewards program, for a couple of additional lounge passes.

7. BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

Number of Airport Lounge Passes (Annual): 4

Annual Fee: $150/Year, 1 free supplementary card

Purchase Interest Rate: 20.99%

Welcome Bonus: Up to 60,000 points and the annual fee waived for the first year for all cardholders. Terms and conditions apply. See the BMO website for full details.

The only Mastercard on our list includes a free membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, plus 4 free complimentary lounge passes a year. In addition to lounge access, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard also comes with several travel benefits and rewards.

• Up to 6 different types of insurance coverage
• Complimentary concierge service
• Car rental discounts (participating National and Alamo car rental locations)
• Discounts to Cirque du Soleil shows.
• Free access to more than 1 million Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide
• Access to Mastercard Travel Rewards benefits

Rewards Summary:

• 5X the points for every dollar spent on eligible travel purchases
• 3X the points for every dollar spent on eligible dining purchases
• 3X the points for every dollar spent on eligible entertainment purchases
• 3X the points for every dollar spent on recurring bill payments
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is worth considering for occasional travelers. For a reasonable annual fee, which is waived during the first year, you get 4 complimentary airport lounge passes, a generous travel rewards program, and up to 6 different types of travel-related insurance coverage.

Popular Airport Lounge Programs in Canada

Credit card companies partner with several different airport lounge programs. Some airport lounges have more amenities than others, and experienced travelers will likely have lounges that they prefer, but all told, they offer a similar experience. To help you sort out the different airport lounge programs, let’s take a closer look at some of the most well-known lounge networks.

Priority Pass

With more than 1,400 lounges in its global network, Priority Pass is the world’s largest independent airport lounge program (it’s not affiliated with one specific airline or credit card). Priority Pass is present in seven Canadian airports: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Quebec City.

Annual memberships range from $99 to $469 US, but some Canadian credit cards let you enjoy complimentary Priority Pass memberships and free lounge visits each year, so keep an eye out for those perks.

Mastercard Airport Experiences by LoungeKey

Mastercard Airport Experiences, provided by LoungeKey, grants you access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide. When using an eligible Canadian Mastercard, you typically get a certain number of free annual visits and discounted entry fees for additional visits. This program also offers exclusive deals on dining, shopping, and spa services at select airports.

Plaza Premium Lounges

Plaza Premium is an independent lounge network with locations around the world, including key airports in Canada. You can access these lounges by purchasing a one-time pass, through a membership plan, or with certain Canadian credit cards offering complimentary access and guest entry discounts.

Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges

Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges provide a comfortable space to relax before your flight. Access is available to eligible Air Canada passengers, Star Alliance Gold members, and holders of specific credit cards that offer Maple Leaf Lounge passes. These lounges provide complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating in select Canadian airports and international locations.

American Express Global Lounge Collection®

The American Express Global Lounge Collection® consists of various lounge programs, including Priority Pass, Centurion Lounges, and partner lounges. Cardholders of specific American Express credit cards may receive complimentary access to these lounges, along with benefits like guest passes or discounted entry rates.

Visa Airport Companion Program by DragonPass

The Visa Airport Companion Program by DragonPass offers access to over 1,200 lounges globally. Cardholders of eligible Visa credit cards can enjoy complimentary or discounted lounge access. This program also features exclusive offers on airport dining, retail, and spa services.

Mastercard Travel Pass by DragonPass

Mastercard Travel Pass, powered by DragonPass, provides access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, as well as discounts on dining and other airport services. Some Canadian Mastercard holders, including BMO Ascend World Elite cardholders, can benefit from this program’s perks, such as a certain number of free lounge visits and discounted entry fees for additional visits.

The Bottom Line on Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards

With so many credit cards offering airport lounge access across Canada, you should be able to find one that suits your needs and preferences.

If unlimited lounge access is your priority, The Platinum Card® is the top choice. But it has a high annual fee and annual income threshold. If you’re looking for the best airport lounge value, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is your best bet.

Remember, each card comes with its own set of perks and benefits, so take time to research and weigh your options before making a decision. Finding a credit card that matches your lifestyle and travel habits while providing airport lounge access can add greatly to your overall travel experience.

FAQs

How can I check if my credit card includes airport lounge access?

You can find out if your credit card benefits include airport lounge access by checking your card’s benefits guide or visiting the card issuer’s website. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card to inquire about lounge access benefits.

Which credit cards offer lounge access with no annual fee?

The short answer is there aren’t any. Most cards that offer airport lounge access are premium rewards cards that charge an annual fee in exchange for providing premium benefits. That said, some cards may waive the annual fee in the first year as part of a welcome bonus.

What banks provide credit cards with airport lounge access?

Several banks in Canada provide credit cards with airport lounge access, including big banks like RBC, Scotiabank, TD Bank, and CIBC. Before signing up, research and compare the various bank credit cards to find the one that best suits your needs.

How many times can I visit airport lounges with my credit card?

The number of complimentary airport lounge visits will vary depending on the credit card. Some cards offer unlimited lounge visits, while others provide a limited number of complimentary visits per year or charge a reduced fee for each visit beyond what’s included. Check your card’s terms and conditions or contact the issuer’s customer service for more information on lounge visit limits.