AmEx Credit Card Lounge Access: Benefits and Step-by-Step Guide

In India, American Express offers only 6 varieties of credit cards for personal use. Out of these options, only 3 credit cards allow the customers to access airport lounges (both domestic and international). 

The three cards that guarantee complimentary lounge access are the AmEx Platinum Charge, Platinum Reserve and Platinum Travel. To obtain further details regarding the AmEx credit card lounge access, continue reading. 

Top 3 American Express Lounge Access Credit Cards

Features of AmEx Credit Cards Providing Free Lounge Access

1. American Express Platinum Charge Card 

The American Express Platinum Charge Card offers the most rewarding lounge access within the AmEx network. You can maintain this card by paying an annual fee of ₹66,000 (excluding GST). In return, you gain ready access to the Global Lounge Collection, which includes the Lufthansa Lounge, Centurion, Escape and Delta Sky Club.  

Key highlights of the AmEx Platinum Charge Card are:

• Welcome Benefit: 100K Member Rewards points or ₹60,000 Taj/ Luxe vouchers
• Eligibility: Annual income should be at least ₹15 lakh for self-employed individuals and ₹25 lakh for salaried people
• Reward on Forex Spends: You get 3X MR points on all international transactions

2. American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card 

The Platinum Reserve Card is another versatile premium credit card that enhances your experience in travel, dining, lifestyle and shopping. With this card, you get 3x rewards on shopping via selected brands under the Rewards Multiplier program. Therefore, it can help you save up to ₹50,000 a month through different milestone benefits. 

Key highlights of the AmEx Platinum Reserve Credit Card are:

• Welcome Benefit: 11K Membership Rewards points on transactions worth ₹30,000 within 90 days of obtaining the card or upon payment of the first year’s annual fee. 
• Eligibility: The minimum yearly income has to be ₹6 lakh (for both salaried and self-employed people). 
• Reward on Forex Spends: You become eligible for 1 MR point for every ₹50 spent

3. Platinum Travel Credit Card

If you are a frequent traveller, then you can leverage AmEx credit card lounge access benefits on general spending by using the Travel Credit Card. As you make travel-related purchases, you can redeem your accumulated points at Marriott (1:1) and Hilton properties (10:9). All the associated benefits can be availed on just paying an annual maintenance fee of ₹5,000. 

Key highlights of the AmEx Platinum Travel Credit Card are:

• Welcome Benefit: On spending a total of ₹15,000 within the first 90 days of joining, you get a gift of 10K Membership Reward points. 
• Eligibility: Applicants need to earn a minimum of ₹6 lakh annually (both salaried and self-employed). 
• Reward on Forex Spends: No specific rewards are allocated for international transactions. However, you earn 1 MR point for every ₹50 spent, except for certain categories, including utilities, insurance, fuel, EMI, or cash transactions.

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What is Included in the Global Lounge Collection?

The Global Lounge Collection from American Express provides an enormous variety of airport lounge access and service to those who have qualifying credit cards. A major feature of the membership is that you have free access to over 1,550 lounges in over 140 countries, which is the most extensive lounge network offered by any credit card issuer as of April 2025.

You can get the following privileges via the Global Lounge Collection:

• Centurion Lounges: These signature luxurious lounges offer high-quality amenities such as gourmet food, signature cocktails, relaxation and dedicated work areas.
• Priority Pass Lounges: It refers to access to a wide collection of partner lounges all over the globe. AmEx credit cardholders can have access to them once they activate their enrollment.
• Delta Sky Club: This privilege ensures lounge entry when flying Delta on a same-day ticket.
• Plaza Premium Lounges: With this feature, comfortable areas along with meals and drink options are accessible internationally
• Lufthansa Lounges: When travelling to specific destinations with Lufthansa, AmEx credit card owners can have complimentary access to the luxurious lounges.
• Escape Lounges: The Centurion Studio Partner network offers a relaxing environment across multiple U.S. airports.

As you step into these lounges, you can typically expect to find complimentary snacks and drinks, fast Wi-Fi and other business amenities with cosy seating. Some lounges, particularly the Centurion Lounges, may even provide extra features like spa services, family rooms and conference spaces. 

If you have an eligible American Express Platinum card, your access to the above-mentioned lounges is included. You can therefore be assured of a relaxing airport experience before setting off on your journey.

What to Consider Before Using AmEx Credit Card Lounge Access Features?

There are a few questions you should ask yourself before you apply for an AmEx Platinum Credit Card for lounge access. These include:

• Where do you mostly go?: Select a card that gives you lounge access at the airports or destinations where you travel most often. This could be based on a particular airline’s lounges or ‘wide network’ plans, such as Priority Pass or Lounge Club.
• What is the deal with the lounge network?: Think about the level of amenities (meals, showers, Wi-Fi, etc.) that can be used between working hours.
• What level of access is permitted by the card?: Note that only a handful of cards offer unlimited visits, while others limit free entries or charge after a set number.
• Who can you bring inside the lounge?: Under this, you have to check the complimentary guest policy and any age restrictions.

How to Enrol for AmEx Travel and Airline Cards?

Once you have clarity on your travel habits and preferences, you can confidently move to the next stage. To make the most out of AmEx credit card lounge access benefits, you must pick the right card type. The procedure for applying is quite straightforward:

Step 1: Research Online and Compare

Look at various AmEx lounge access credit cards. Review your travel habits and preferences with the offered lounge network and benefits.

Step 2: Apply via the American Express Website

Just choose which card will meet your requirements and simply apply online on American Express or through your bank's website. Pay attention to annual card charges and introductory offers.

Step 3: Activate the Lounge Access

After your card has been approved, enrol in other lounge access programs like Priority Pass or programs associated with a particular airline (if required). There are cards that auto-enrol you and those that you have to manually register.

Step 4: Access Lounges 

Show the airport officials your AmEx card, a same-day boarding pass and a government-issued ID to authorise your lounge entrance. 

Step 5: Bring Guests

If allowed, you may bring your companions or family according to the card’s terms, typically up to two complimentary guests per visit with Platinum cards.

Conclusion

American Express Platinum credit cardholders enjoy amenities like food, drinks, Wi-Fi and showers, all included with their card. As you travel, the miles, points and other perks all accrue and add to your statement credit. Therefore, you can truly count on AmEx credit card lounge access perks to upgrade your overall lifestyle while travelling.

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