There are multiple types of credit cards providing access to different lounges across the world. Within Canada, you can gain access to the following lounges:
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
- Delta Sky Club
- WestJet Elevation Lounge
- Priority Pass Lounges
- DragonPass Lounges
- Plaza Premium Lounges
- Centurion Lounges
- Escape Lounges
- Airspace Lounges
- Executive Lounges by Swissport
- National Bank Lounge at Montreal Airport
- Desjardins Odyseey Lounge
Some of these programs might overlap. For example, many Plaza Premium Lounges are also part of the Priority Pass and DragonPass program. You will need to complete your own due diligence to confirm which lounge network works best for your travel patterns.
However, if you want an overall summary, then these are the best credit card for lounge access in Canada.
Priority Pass Lounge Access
There are three credit cards in Canada that provide complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges:
- Business Platinum Card by American Express
- American Express Platinum Card
- Scotiabank Platinum American Express
Ranking Criteria
I have ordered the credit cards by the price per lounge visit.
As a tie breaker, we use sign up bonus, annual fees, and any other benefit of holding the credit card to further distinguish the best credit card.
Unlimited Lounge Access
Primary and supplementary card holders receive unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges across the world for yourself and one additional guest.
Effective January 1, 2027, you will be limited to six visits per year for Priority Pass Lounges and an additional six visits per year for Plaza Premium Lounges. Unlimited access for each network will be permitted after spending $20,000 per calendar year, for the remainder of the year and the following year.
Primary and supplementary card holders receive unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges across the world for yourself and one additional guest.
Effective January 1, 2027, you will be limited to six visits per year for Priority Pass Lounges and an additional six visits per year for Plaza Premium Lounges. Unlimited access for each network will be permitted after spending $20,000 per calendar year, for the remainder of the year and the following year.
$40 Per Lounge Visit
3. Scotiabank Platinum American Express
The card comes with 10 lounge visits across both Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounges.
Conclusion
If you visit a Priority Pass Lounge at least 20 times a year, you are better off with the Business Platinum Card by American Express or the American Express Platinum Card, if you are evaluating credit cards only for the purpose of lounge access.
However, keep in mind, both the Business Platinum Card by American Express and the American Express Platinum Card have additional perks, that will further reduce the number of lounge visits needed to break-even for priority pass lounge access.
The biggest benefit of Scotiabank Platinum American Express is that they do not have foreign transaction fees, however, there are other credit cards in Canada, for a lower annual fee, who provide the same benefit.