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, we’ll cover seven of the top airport lounge access credit cards in Canada, explaining how each card works and detailing the number of annual passes included.
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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. One card even provides unlimited access to their network. As you review each card, be mindful of the annual fees, which vary significantly, as well as the additional 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.
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card provides a complimentary Visa Airport Companion membership, granting you six complimentary lounge visits per year from the enrollment date. This membership offers access to over 1200 airport lounges worldwide, including Plaza Premium Lounges. You can use these passes for yourself and anyone traveling with you.
Additional Benefits:
- 8 types of insurance coverage
- Earn Scene+ points
- No foreign transaction fees
- Avis car rental discounts
- Visa Infinite Concierge Service
- Visa Infinite Hotel Collection
Rewards Summary:
- 3 Scene+ points per dollar spent at eligible grocery stores
- 2 Scene+ points per dollar spent on dining, entertainment, and transit
- 1 Scene+ point per dollar spent on all other purchases
The minimum income requirement is $60,000 for individuals or $100,000 for households. The card offers a solid balance of lounge access, travel rewards, and other benefits.
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 unlimited lounge access is what you’re after, The Platinum Card® from American Express is an excellent choice. With this card, you gain access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection™, which includes over 1,300 lounges across 140 countries. Participating lounges include Priority Pass, Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, Delta Sky Club, and Escape Lounges.
Additional Benefits:
- Up to 10 types of insurance coverage
- Annual CAD 200 travel credit
- $100 NEXUS Card Statement Credit
- Hotel Status Benefits
- 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
Despite its high annual fee of $699, the unlimited lounge access and premium benefits 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.
The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card offers a complimentary Visa Airport Companion membership and six lounge visits annually, managed by DragonPass International. To qualify, both the primary and secondary cardholders must enroll separately.
Additional Benefits:
- 8 types of insurance coverage
- $200 annual lifestyle credit
- Priority Security Lane, airport parking, and valet service discounts
- Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection
- Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge
Rewards Summary:
- 5X points per dollar on groceries, dining, drugstore purchases, gas, and travel
- 1 point per dollar on everything else
- 25% more points on all purchases with an authorized user
Though the annual fee is higher, the card’s rewards earning power and luxury benefits may justify the cost.
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 TD’s website for more details.
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card offers six complimentary lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program. This card is ideal for Air Canada customers due to its additional travel perks and Aeroplan rewards.
Additional Benefits:
- Up to 9 types of insurance coverage
- Annual round-trip companion pass from $99
- Nexus application fee rebate
- Complimentary Visa Infinite Concierge service
- Air Canada travel benefits
Rewards Summary:
- 2 Aeroplan points on eligible Air Canada purchases
- 1.5 Aeroplan points on gas, groceries, dining, and travel
- 1.25 points on all other purchases
With its strong Air Canada affiliations and travel perks, this card is perfect for frequent flyers with a high annual income.
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 doesn’t offer complimentary lounge passes but provides a discount on a Priority Pass membership. This card is better suited for those interested in earning rewards and who occasionally use airport lounges.
Additional Benefits:
- Up to 9 types of insurance coverage
- No foreign transaction fees
- Amex Offers and Front Of The Line access
- Complimentary concierge services
Rewards Summary:
- 6 Scene+ points per dollar on eligible grocery stores
- 5 Scene+ points per dollar on dining and entertainment
- 3 Scene+ points per dollar on eligible transit and digital streaming
- 1 Scene+ point per dollar on all other purchases
It’s a solid option for travelers who value rewards and can benefit from discounted lounge access.
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. See CIBC’s website for more details.
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card offers four complimentary lounge passes annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program, making it a practical choice for occasional travelers.
Additional Benefits:
- Up to 8 types of insurance coverage
- CIBC Pace It installment financing
- Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection
- Visa Infinite Dining & Wine Country
- Complimentary Concierge
Rewards Summary:
- 2 Aventura points per dollar on travel bookings
- 1.5 points per dollar on gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
While the annual fee is slightly lower than some other cards with more lounge passes, it offers a balanced mix of rewards and travel benefits.
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. Terms and conditions apply. See the BMO website for full details.
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard provides four complimentary lounge passes annually through the Mastercard Travel Pass by DragonPass. This card also offers a competitive mix of rewards and travel perks.
Additional Benefits:
- Up to 6 types of insurance coverage
- Complimentary concierge service
- Discounts on car rentals and Cirque du Soleil shows
- Access to over 1 million Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots
Rewards Summary:
- 5X points on eligible travel purchases
- 3X points on dining, entertainment, and recurring bill payments
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
With its low annual fee and range of benefits, it’s a worthwhile consideration for frequent travelers who use lounges occasionally.
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Popular Airport Lounge Programs in Canada
Credit card companies partner with several airport lounge programs, each offering different amenities. While experienced travelers may have their preferred lounges, all major lounge networks offer a similar level of comfort and relaxation. Some of the most well-known lounge networks include:
- Priority Pass: Provides access to a wide network of lounges worldwide.
- Plaza Premium Lounges: Offers high-quality facilities in many international airports.