As traveling has become increasingly more popular, airport lounge access has become a highly sought-after benefit for many credit cardholders. In Canada, many credit card issuers have recognized this trend and are offering lounge access as a perk on their cards. However, not all lounge access programs are created equal. In this article, we will explore which Canadian credit cards offer the best airport lounge access programs, so you can make an informed decision when choosing your next credit card.
American Express
American Express leads the field in Canada in terms of lounge access.
The Platinum card, and the Aeroplan Reserve both boast unlimited lounge access, with the Platinum having one of the largest lounge portfolios in the entire world, thanks to the Amex Global Lounge Collection.
For those flying with Air Canada, the Aeroplan Reserve provides access to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada cafes across Canada.
Amex also added Plaza Premium Lounge access in Canada to the Gold card when it was refreshed in 2021. Cardholders now receive four complimentary visits to enjoy each year.
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RBC
RBC has just one distinct card that offers airport lounge access, and it’s the Avion Visa Infinite Privilege / VIP for Private Banking. This premium card provides six visits to lounges participating in the Visa Airport Companion program. Although it offers a limited number of lounge visits, this card provides high-end privileges and personalized service for its privileged customers.
TD
TD offers only one card with airport lounge access, but it’s pretty strong all on its own. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege gets you into Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges, and Air Canada Cafes as many times as you’d please over the course of a year, provided you are taking a flight with Air Canada. Being a Visa Infinite Privilege card, you are also given 6 complimentary visits to lounges part of the Visa Airport Companion program. These are generally Plaza Premium Lounges, but you can also get into some pretty unique lounges across the world.
CIBC
CIBC actually offers the highest number of personal cards with complimentary lounge access in Canada. We’d also argue that they’re the best value, as the Aventura Visa Gold, and Aventura Visa Infinite are First Year Free, and come with 4 visits to lounges part of the Visa Airport Companion program. The Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege also comes with two additional visits, for a total of 6, but costs a whopping $499 per annum, albeit this is lowered to $299 once you consider the $200 annual travel credit. Another option is the Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card. This card gets the same 6 visits with the Visa Airport Companion program, but also gets unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges, and Air Canada Cafes, like all the premium Aeroplan co-branded cards if you’re flying with Air Canada.
Scotiabank
Scotiabank also has a couple options if you’re looking for airport lounge access.
Scotia Passport Visa has 6 passes to Plaza Premium, and Priority Pass lounges across the world, and they mention that you get access to over 1,200 lounges globally. Being first year free, you can take advantage of these free passes, and see if you feel the card is worth it for you.
The Scotia Amex Platinum, Scotiabank’s premium offering, issued by American Express unfortunately does not get access to the world-renowned Global Lounge Collection, but does offer 10 visits to Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium lounges similar to the Scotia Passport Visa.
BMO
BMO ‘s flagship lifestyle card unsurprising gets you access to lounges courtesy of the Visa Airport Companion program, with 6 complimentary visits coming in at an annual fee of $499. It may be hard to recommend this card right now, as it has no real standout feature — and there are better (and cheaper) Visa Infinite Privilege cards available with the same perks.
Ascend World Elite Mastercard
The first Mastercard on this list offers 4 complimentary visits to airport lounges through the Mastercard Dragonpass program, which gives you access to many of the same lounges you will through the Visa Airport Companion program, being mainly Plaza Premium Lounges in Canada. The $150 annual fee is waived for the first year, making this a compelling pickup if you want a Mastercard in particular.
HSBC
The newest addition to this list is the HSBC Metal Mastercard, being rebranded in February. Getting your hands on this card is the hard part, as you need to be a HSBC Private Client, which has minimum qualifications of: (i) $1 million in personal deposits and investments or (ii) both a minimum of $500,000 in personal deposits and investments and personal residential mortgage balances of at least $1,500,000.
Unfortunately, I don’t meet that criteria just yet, so I can’t speak to this personally, but the card offers unlimited access to Dragonpass lounges all over the world, making it one of the most versatile cards in Canada.
You also get a $499 annual fee rebate, as well as a $200 travel credit meaning you really get paid to get this card (although if you’re that wealthy, I’m not sure your annual fees are really a consideration in your mind).
Amex Global Lounge Collection
One of the most comprehensive lounge programs in the world, the Amex Global Lounge Collection program provides access to a wide range of airport lounges around the world, offering travelers a comfortable and relaxing environment to wait for their flights. The collection includes over 1,200 lounges in more than 130 countries, including top airline lounges, independent lounges, and of course, Centurion Lounges.
In Canada, we get access to both Plaza Premium, and all Priority Pass lounges, but the real benefits of this program start to shine once you break out of Canada’s borders.
Of these are the Centurion Lounges, available exclusively to American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders. They have made their way to most major US Airports, and offer luxurious amenities such as high-end dining options, complimentary cocktails, and private showers.
American Express has set a high standard for airport lounge experiences, and cardholders can enjoy the perks of this exclusive program.
Visa Airport Companion
The Visa Airport Companion program offers access to a variety of lounges, including those operated by third-party providers like Plaza Premium, and in some cases, the airline’s own lounge network. The lounges offer food and drinks, free Wi-Fi, and a comfortable seating area, with some going above and beyond with showers and spas.
The number of lounge visits and the cost of entry vary depending on the card and the lounge. Most cards that offer access to the Visa Airport Companion program provide a certain number of free lounge visits each year, after which you’ll need to pay for entry.
Maple Leaf Lounges & Air Canada Cafes
Maple Leaf Lounges are premium airport lounges operated by Air Canada, the largest airline in Canada. These lounges are designed to provide a relaxing and comfortable environment for Air Canada’s eligible customers, including business class and elite status passengers. The lounges offer a variety of amenities such as complimentary snacks and beverages, free Wi-Fi, workstations, shower facilities, and sometimes even spa services.
The lounges are available at various airports throughout Canada and around the world, including major hubs such as Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, and London Heathrow Airport. The design and decor of each lounge varies, but they typically feature modern and stylish furnishings, artwork by Canadian artists, and large windows with panoramic views of the airport and surrounding areas.
Air Canada Cafes are another offering by Air Canada that aims to enhance the travel experience for their customers. These cafes are located in select airports across Canada and feature a variety of menu items, focusing more on a grab & go style, compared to the sit-down style Maple Leaf Lounges. There are still a variety of hot food offerings, and there is a full service bar where you can order artisanal drinks of your choosing to relax before your flight. In addition to the food and beverages, the cafes also provide a comfortable and inviting space for travelers to relax and recharge before their flight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number of cards offering access to airport lounges has increased significantly with the rise in travel demand, providing travelers with more options than ever before. While these lounges can be crowded at times, they generally offer a pleasant experience. Many of the cards on this list offer a first-year-free promotion, allowing you to test out the benefits without committing. However, if you prefer not to have a credit card, most of these lounges can be accessed by paying out of pocket. Regardless of which option you choose, access to airport lounges can significantly enhance your travel experience.