This August, I’m flying to the USA and am curious which credit card to use overseas that also provides airport lounge access. Currently using NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Visa Card, got free part of home loan.
Credit Card Lounge Access / Overseas Transaction
georgev on 19/01/2025 - 15:40
Last edited 19/01/2025 - 16:07 by 1 other user
Last edited 19/01/2025 - 16:07 by 1 other user
Comments
Star Alliance HSBC
This only works when flying a Star Alliance airline no?
OP needs to be more specific and include details about flights in the descriptionQantas
my condolences..
There is a whole page on international cards here with which ones include lounge access: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/cards_with_no_overseas_tra…
World Master Card from HSBC
I'm travelling to the States soon and did some previous research into airport lounge access over there. You'll want to look at each airport and see which lounges are available (e.g. LAX has no 3rd party lounges so Priority Pass won't help there) to help you target which card is best for you.
In rough order of lounge coverage, you'd want to look at:
A. HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card
- has the most lounge coverage via United Club lounges, Air Canada lounges and the Star Alliance LAX lounge
- you'll need to be flying with a Star Alliance carrier to be eligible for lounge entry
- don't nominate United for your gold status as they don't provide United lounge access to their own Gold members (but will allow all other Star Alliance gold members access to their lounge); most ppl nominate Air Canada or Singapore AirlinesB. Priority Pass
- can sign up directly for around AUD $700 or get 2 lounge passes free with Westpac Altitude Black Mastercard or get unlimited lounge passes with the Citi Prestige Credit Card
- I believe the Citi annual fee is about the same price as signing up to PP directly so best to apply for the Citi card instead
- they provide access to most 3rd party lounges, but not airline lounges such as Oneworld or Star Alliance lounges
- there is a chance you may get turned away during peak periods if the lounge is busyC. Centurion lounge access with an American Express card
- only the top-tier Amex cards allow for entry
- not sure if AU credit cards will be valid for US lounge entry (as I don't have one that allows for lounge entry)
- there can be queues 10-20 ppl deep during peak periods to get into the US lounges as there are plenty of Amex cardholders over thereIf you're flying with QF then you may want to look at what Qantas Club membership can do for you, otherwise best you post the question again on one of the frequent flyer websites like Points Hack or Australian Frequent Flyer for a more detailed and informed response.
Citi Prestige & Amex Platinum among others. In the current economic climate I'd rate no international trnsaction fees above lounge access.