Canada’s Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access

American Express Canada recently announced that starting in 2027, The Platinum Card^® and Business Platinum Card^® will no longer include unlimited lounge visits at Plaza Premium and Priority Pass network.

While the change doesn’t kick in until January 1, 2027, now’s a good time to explore other cards that keep you flying in comfort.

Airport lounges remain one of the best ways to turn travel downtime into an enjoyable part of the journey. A quiet seat, free food and drinks, maybe even a shower before a long flight. Once you get used to it, it’s hard to go back.

There are a few different ways to access these spaces, including paying cash or being an elite member of an airline loyalty program; however, one of the easiest ways to enjoy these airport oases is by holding an eligible credit card that comes with complimentary lounge access.

In this article, we’ll look at the best credit cards for airport lounge access, giving you some great options to elevate your experience for your next adventures.

Why Is Lounge Access So Valuable?

Airport lounges offer more than just a comfy chair. They turn travel downtime into actual relaxation. Instead of hunting for an outlet near a noisy gate, you can enjoy a quieter space with free Wi-Fi, food, and drinks.

If you’re waiting out a delay or a long connection, lounges are worth their weight in snacks. Many even include showers, nap rooms, and business areas — a lifesaver before or after long-haul flights.

Some even cater to arriving passengers, giving you a place to freshen up and rest a bit before heading into the city. This can be extremely valuable when you have a red-eye flight and land early morning and you need to kill time until you can check in at your hotel.

Plus, with the cost of airport meals creeping higher every year, the complimentary snacks and beverages alone can offset much of a credit card’s annual fee over time.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at which Canadian credit cards offer the best ways to unlock this comfort, from unlimited access (for now) to flexible passes for occasional travellers.

Canada’s Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access

Here are our picks for the best credit cards with lounge access in Canada.

2. The Platinum Card® and Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® and Business Platinum Card® from American Express have long been the gold standard for airport lounge access in Canada, and for good reason.

Both cards offer complimentary, unlimited access to Plaza Premium, Priority Pass, American Express Centurion, Delta Sky Club® lounges, and more through the American Express Global Lounge Collection™.

But with recent changes on the horizon, they’ve now slipped to the number two spot on our list.

Starting January 1, 2027, Amex will begin limiting complimentary access for primary cardholders to six visits per calendar year at Plaza Premium Lounges and six at Priority Pass partner lounges, for a combined total of 12.

It’s important to note that access to all other lounges in the American Express Global Lounge Collection (Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Aspire Lounges, etc), remains unlimited. In other words, starting in 2027, only visits to Plaza Premium and Priority Pass partner lounges are affected.

To regain unlimited access, you will need to spend $20,000 annually, which could come at a significant opportunity cost, especially when those same purchases could earn far more rewards on cards that offer higher multipliers for groceries, dining, or travel.

Still, there’s plenty to love. Both cards include a $200 annual travel credit, extensive travel insurance, and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold and Hilton Honors Gold status. Plus, the personal Platinum also offers a $200 annual dining credit.

With both cards, you’ll also enjoy access to Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, which offers upgrades, late checkout, daily breakfast for two, and a US$100 property credit at over 1,000 luxury hotels worldwide.

As ultra-premium cards, both have a high annual fee of $799 (all figures in CAD), but this fee is partially offset by the $200 annual travel credit that’s offered by each card, ostensibly bringing the respective annual fees down by $200.

Plus, both cards typically offer strong welcome bonuses of the valuable and flexible Membership Rewards points, which can help justify the high annual fee (at least in the first year).

At $799 per year, the Platinum cards remain an excellent choice for frequent travellers who value premium service and global comfort.

And since the changes don’t take effect until 2027, it’s worth applying now to lock in a full year of unlimited lounge access, especially if you have big travel plans coming up.

3. Premium Aeroplan Credit Cards (CIBC, TD, and American Express)

Maple Leaf Lounges are Air Canada’s airport lounge offering and exist in 17 airports across Canada, the US, and Europe.

For frequent Air Canada flyers, the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, and American Express Aeroplan® Reserve Card are the go-to options for comfort and convenience from check-in to boarding.

All three cards provide unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access for you and a guest within North America. A major perk if you regularly fly Air Canada or one of its Star Alliance partners.

You’ll also enjoy priority airport services^†, free first checked bags^† for you and up to eight companions, and preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards, giving you a boost both on the ground and in the air.

While the benefits are largely similar across these cards, the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card earns a slight edge thanks to its $200 NEXUS application fee rebate, which offsets the application or renewal cost for trusted-traveller screening, a great time-saver for frequent flyers.

Additionally, the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card and the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card also offer six complimentary passes through the Visa Airport Companion Program.

It’s an excellent alternative when you’re travelling through airports without a Maple Leaf Lounge. The American Express Aeroplan® Reserve Card, meanwhile, focuses on a streamlined premium experience, offering lounge access directly through Air Canada and Priority airport services at select airports.

At $599 per year^†, these cards sit firmly in the premium category, but their combination of unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority perks, and strong Aeroplan earning potential make them ideal companions for loyal Air Canada travellers.

If you fly domestically or across North America several times a year, one of these cards could easily elevate every trip — and make those long layovers much more enjoyable.

4. TD® First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card

The TD First Class Travel^® Visa Infinite^* Card is a solid all-rounder that quietly delivers a lot of value for its mid-tier price point.

You’ll get four complimentary lounge visits each year through the Visa Airport Companion Program, a handy perk that’s rare among cards at this level.

You’ll also receive a $100 annual travel credit when you book through Expedia for TD, helping to offset part of the annual fee or cover some travel expenses.

Where this card really shines right now is its historically high welcome bonus, making it an excellent choice for travellers looking to start strong in their first year.

You’ll earn TD Rewards points, which can be redeemed for travel booked through Expedia for TD or any external travel purchase at a fixed rate of 0.44 cents per point using the new Pay Off Purchases feature, a simple and flexible way to redeem your points.

In addition to lounge access, you’ll get strong travel insurance, Visa Infinite benefits, and accelerated earn rates on travel, dining, and recurring bills. For the average traveller, this card provides a nice balance of perks and affordability.

If you’re looking for an accessible way to add lounge access and a few premium touches to your trips, the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite is one of the most rewarding choices in its category — especially given the elevated offer currently available.

5. CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card

The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card is an excellent choice for travellers who want reliable lounge access and flexible travel rewards without committing to a high annual fee.

This card comes with four complimentary lounge visits per membership year for you and any guests through the Visa Airport Companion Program^†, which can be used at 1,200+ lounges globally within the DragonPass network.

The card only charges an annual fee of $139,^† and this is often waived or rebated for the first year. The card also earns Aventura Points, which you can use to help cover travel costs.

Given that a lounge visit often costs in excess of $50 (USD) per visit, this a very solid card to carry even if you’re just looking to enjoy a few free lounge visits each year and earn a nice stack of Aventura Points.

Honourable Mention: WestJet RBC^® World Elite Mastercard^‡

WestJet is Canada’s second biggest airline after Air Canada, making it a frequent choice for Canadians flying within the country and to select locations abroad.

If you find that you often fly with WestJet, particularly through WestJet’s home airport in Calgary, and you’re interested in lounge access, check out the WestJet RBC^® World Elite Mastercard^‡.

Although the card doesn’t list lounge passes as part of its perks and benefits, by holding the WestJet RBC^® World Elite Mastercard^‡, you’ll earn an annual companion voucher that you can then choose to convert into four lounge vouchers if you won’t otherwise use it.

These four lounge vouchers are valid for use by the cardholder and accompanied guests^†, and can be redeemed at WestJet’s Elevation Lounge in Calgary and partner lounges (the full list of eligible locations can be found on WestJet’s website).^†

The WestJet RBC^® World Elite Mastercard^‡ has an annual fee of $119^† (soon to be increased to $139) and typically comes with a strong welcome bonus of WestJet points that can be used to pay for the base fare, Other ATC, seat selection fees, and baggage fees of any WestJet flight, as well as a free checked bag on WestJet flights.^†

If you mainly fly domestically or through Calgary, converting your companion voucher into lounge passes can easily enhance your travel experience, especially when combined with WestJet’s growing list of partner lounges.

Conclusion

Airport lounges are a great way to elevate your travel experience with added comfort and conveniences.

By choosing the right credit card to add to your wallet, you can easily pick up free access to lounges around the world, in addition to other compelling travel-focused perks and benefits.

With the Amex Platinum changes coming in 2027, now’s a smart time to re-evaluate your options. And for most travellers, the Scotiabank Passport^™ Visa Infinite^* Card stands out as the best overall choice, offering six annual lounge visits, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent everyday value without the premium price tag.

Whichever card you choose, investing in lounge access means smoother, more enjoyable travel from the moment you arrive at the airport.

^† Terms and conditions apply. Please refer to the card issuer’s website for up-to-date information. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.