Best Credit Cards with Lounge Access in Singapore 2024
updated: Nov 08, 2024
Discover the Best Credit Cards with Lounge Access in Singapore, granting you access to exclusive airport lounges for a premium travel experience. Elevate your journey with these coveted cards and enjoy comfort and sophistication while awaiting your flights.
Best Credit Cards with Lounge Access in Singapore 2024
Airport lounges are exclusive, comfortable areas within airports for departing and transit passengers. They offer various amenities (e.g., seating, Wi-Fi, snacks, showers, etc.), often accessible through airline memberships, independent lounge programs, or premium credit cards.
What Are the Types of Lounge Access Available to Credit Card Users?
Credit card users may enjoy access to various airport lounges, including general lounges, airline-specific facilities, exclusive credit card lounges, and global lounge networks (e.g., Priority Pass, Dragon Pass, LoungeKey, and Plaza Premium), each offering unique amenities for a more comfortable travel experience.
General Airport Lounges
Several miles credit cards provide access to affiliated airport lounges, offering basic services and amenities like seating, Wi-Fi, and food for travellers.
Airline-Specific Lounges
Co-branded and premium credit cards often provide access to lounges operated by the partnered airline, giving cardholders a more personalised experience related to that specific carrier.
Exclusive Credit Card Lounges
Select credit cards offer their own exclusive lounge networks, such as the American Express Centurion Lounge, providing luxury services and high-end amenities to cardholders.
Global Lounge Networks
Some miles credit cards offer memberships to different global lounge networks (e.g., Priority Pass, Dragon Pass, LoungeKey, and Plaza Premium) as a cardholder perk, irrespective of the airline or class of travel.
The Best Airport Lounges in the World
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge (Hamad International Airport, Doha)
Renowned for its opulent decor and spacious design, Qatar Airways' Al Mourjan Business Lounge offers an extensive dining menu, shower facilities, and a tranquil atmosphere, creating a luxurious pre-flight experience.
Cathay Pacific The Pier, Business Class Lounge (Hong Kong International Airport)
As the largest lounge of Cathay Pacific, Pier Business Class Lounge features a diverse array of dining options, elegant design, and personalised services for its premium travellers.
The SilverKris Lounge by Singapore Airlines offers a culinary experience in its dining hall, spacious seating with separate areas for dining and workstations, and other excellent facilities that create a comfortable and stylish setting for passengers.
ANA Suite Lounge (Haneda Airport)
Providing a serene and refined atmosphere, the ANA Suite Lounge in Haneda Airport offers high-quality dining options, private relaxation spaces with massage chairs, and impeccable service, catering to the needs of first-class travellers.
How Do You Get Unlimited Lounge Access?
"Unlimited lounge access" typically refers to the ability of a traveller to enter airport lounges without restrictions on the frequency of visits. This means they can enjoy the amenities and comforts of airport lounges whenever they travel, often without additional fees for each visit.
There are select premium credit cards that provide unlimited lounge access, allowing cardholders to enjoy lounge amenities and services for free. However, it's crucial to review individual card details for specific terms, conditions, and affiliated lounge networks to understand the full extent of this valuable perk.
Types of Lounge Networks
Exploring airport lounge access options? Here's a comparison of four prominent programs: Priority Pass, Plaza Premium Lounge, DragonPass, and LoungeKey.
Priority Pass
Global Network
Largest lounge network with 1,500+ lounges globally
Membership Access
Purchase Priority Pass membership or hold premium credit cards that offer Priority Pass membership as a complimentary benefit
Guest Policy (Credit Card Membership)
Guest access varies, subject to individual credit card terms
Additional Services
Offers complimentary snacks and drinks, Meet & Assist services, spas and massages, and co-working environments
Affiliation with Credit Cards
Affiliated with select premium credit cards, providing complimentary lounge access or Priority Pass membership discounts as benefit
Plaza Premium Lounge
Global Network
Global presence with 180+ lounges in numerous airports
Membership Access
Available through lounge membership, purchase of day passes, and affiliations with certain credit cards
Guest Policy (Credit Card Membership)
Guest access is often available, with terms varying by location, membership type, and credit card perk
Additional Services
Provides various services beyond lounge access, including private resting spaces, computer workstations, and more
Affiliation with Credit Cards
Associated with various credit cards, providing lounge access as a benefit with varying terms and conditions
DragonPass
Global Network
Global network with over 1,300+ lounges, including some at railway stations in China
Membership Access
Other than official memberships, DragonPass is also associated with specific credit cards, offering lounge access as a benefit
Guest Policy (Credit Card Membership)
Allows guest access, subject to individual credit card terms
Additional Services
Offers a range of travel-related benefits, including dining offers, airport transfers and meet and greet services
Affiliation with Credit Cards
Affiliated with certain credit cards, offering DragonPass membership as a complimentary benefit
LoungeKey
Global Network
Global network with 1,250 diverse lounge options
Membership Access
LoungeKey membership and select credit cards, typically associated with eligible Mastercard holders, as a complimentary benefit
Guest Policy (Credit Card Membership)
Guest policies vary by credit card and may include additional fees
Additional Services
Lounge access plus discounts or deals at airport restaurants, shops, and spas
Affiliation with Credit Cards
Often associated with specific credit cards, including eligible Mastercards, providing LoungeKey access as a complimentary benefit
What To Look Out for When Picking a Credit Card for Lounge Access?
When selecting a credit card for lounge access, consider the following key factors:
Lounge Location
Check which lounges are accessible through the credit card. Ensure the lounges are located at your frequently visited airports.
Global Coverage
Choose a card with a lounge programme offering global coverage to enhance travel convenience.
Guest Access Policy
Understand the card's policy on guest access, as it varies. Some cards offer limited complimentary guest passes, while others may charge for guests.
Lounge Amenities
Review the amenities offered in affiliated lounges, such as food, Wi-Fi, shower rooms, and workspaces, to ensure they meet your preferences.
Lounge Network Affiliation
Assess whether the card is affiliated with a specific lounge network (e.g., Priority Pass, DragonPass) and how this aligns with your preferred travel destinations/frequently visited airports.
Spending Habits Alignment
The card should complement your overall spending habits and financial goals, ensuring it also supports your lifestyle beyond just lounge access.
Frequently Asked Questions For Credit Cards With Lounge Access
Are airport lounges free to visit with a credit card?
Yes, airport lounge access can be complimentary with certain miles credit cards.
These cards provide this benefit as a perk, offering cardholders access to airport lounges without additional charges. However, not all credit cards offer this benefit, so it's essential to check the specific terms of each card to see if it includes complimentary lounge access.
If you have used up your complimentary lounge visits, you will need to pay for subsequent visits, which start from $32 USD onwards.
Is it worth it to to pay for lounge access?
Whether it's worth paying for lounge access depends on your travel frequency, preference for amenities, and budget.
If you travel often, value a quiet and comfortable space, and can benefit from amenities like food, beverages, and Wi-Fi, purchasing lounge access might be worthwhile.
However, it may not be necessary if you rarely travel or have lounge access through other means (e.g., airline status). Weigh the cost against the benefits to make an informed decision.
Can Krisflyer Members use airport lounges?
Yes, KrisFlyer members can access airport lounges based on their membership tier (Elite Silver, Gold, or PPS Club) or class of travel (Business or First Class).
Lounge eligibility may vary, so checking the specific terms associated with the KrisFlyer membership, the booked flight, and other terms and conditions is advisable.
What is a Lounge Guest Allowance?
A Lounge Guest Allowance refers to the number of guests a person is permitted to bring into an airport lounge using a specific lounge access programme or credit card benefit.
This allowance varies among programmes and credit cards. Some may offer complimentary guest passes (mostly limited), allowing cardholders to bring in a certain number of guests for free.
Meanwhile, others may require payment for additional guests beyond the complimentary allowance of 1 or 2 guests.
The Lounge Guest Allowance is an important factor to consider when assessing the overall value of a lounge access benefit.
Can supplementary cardholder access airport lounges?
Whether a supplementary cardholder can access airport lounges depends on the specific terms and conditions of the credit card. Primary cardholders may have the option to extend lounge access privileges to supplementary cardholders.
However, the extent of this access, including any potential fees or restrictions, can vary between credit cards and their associated lounge access programmes.
It is advisable to review the details provided by the credit card issuer or consult the terms and conditions to understand the specific rules regarding lounge access for supplementary cardholders.
