Apache is functioning normally

If you’re looking for a premium travel credit card, you might be weighing the value of American Express Centurion lounge access with Capital One lounge access. Centurion lounges have been around longer, offering high-end amenities for eligible cardholders since 2013. Capital One, meanwhile, recently launched its first lounges and is quickly building out its network.

The better choice depends on where you travel and what’s most important to you. My take: Both lounge networks have a lot to offer, but the Centurion Lounges by American Express edge out Capital One lounges.

Because there are more Centurion lounge locations, it’s more accessible for eligible cardholders. These lounges also offer premium drinks at no extra charge, unlike Capital One lounges.

Still, it’s a close competition. Capital One offers more convenient dining options. Once Capital One opens more locations, it could steal the title for the best airport lounge network from American Express.

Capital One currently has three airport lounge locations — Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver and Washington-Dulles. In June 2024, it announced an upcoming lounge in New York-JFK to compete with the AmEx Centurion Lounge and Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club.

The Centurion Lounge by American Express has 13 locations within the U.S.

The Centurion World Lounge Collection also features lounges in 11 additional locations across the globe.

Ease of access

Access to the Capital One lounges and Centurion lounges is limited to eligible cardholders and their guests. While non-cardholders can pay an entrance fee, they must be accompanied by an eligible cardholder.

Though Centurion lounges offer more access options, Capital One lounges offer complimentary access for up to two guests without an annual spending requirement.

Through Dec. 31, 2024, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Spark Miles cardholders receive two complimentary lounge passes each year. Cardholders can use these passes for themselves or to bring a guest into the lounge with them. Starting in January 2025, there is a $45 fee per person for the cardholder and their guests who wish to enter the lounge.

The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders receive complimentary entrance, but they must pay $50 for each guest ($30 for children ages 2 to 17). However, when you spend at least $75,000 each calendar year, you’ll earn complimentary access for up to two guests on each visit. Centurion cards still offer complimentary guest access for up to two people or immediate family members without the annual spending requirement.

In addition to Centurion and Platinum cards, AmEx customers who have the personal or business version of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card credit card also receive access to the Centurion lounge. However, these customers must be flying on an eligible Delta flight. They cannot enter the lounge when flying other airlines. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card cardholders can bring up to two guests into the lounge. However, the charge is $50 for adults and $30 for children ages 2 to 17 years.

Meals and snacks

The Capital One lounges serve food in single-serving containers rather than traditional buffet dining. It also offers to-go items for travelers on the run, making it a more convenient option than Centurion lounges.

Although it costs money to have a premium travel credit card or pay for airport lounge admission, you save money by getting free meals inside. Capital One lounges and American Express Centurion lounges both offer delicious food for travelers, although the experiences are quite different.

Capital One lounges feature a “chef-inspired menu” with single-serving dishes that make it simple and easy for visitors to grab food. Walk up and select any of the available food and dessert items from the serving stations.

Food items vary throughout the day to correspond with breakfast, lunch and dinner. For travelers in a hurry, Capital One also offers grab-n-go items that they can take with them.

Centurion lounges offer “fresh seasonal fare created by locally renowned chefs.” The food is served buffet-style, so you can take as much or as little as you’d like. Items are updated as trays get empty and change throughout the day.

Visitors can enjoy a delicious meal and top it off with delicious dessert items.

Drink options

Lounges typically offer craft cocktails, local craft brews and assorted beverages. Centurion lounges offer complimentary premium beverages, while Capital One lounges charge for orders beyond domestic beers, house wines and well drinks.

Capital One lounges offer complimentary beverages to visitors. However, if you want premium drinks, there may be an additional charge.

When ordering a drink at a Centurion lounge, all beverages are complimentary. So, treat yourself to top-shelf liquor, artisan wines or craft beer without worrying about ringing up a huge tab. Although Centurion lounge drinks are free, remember to tip the bartender.

Other amenities

Capital One lounges offer dedicated workout and multi-faith rooms, while Centurion lounges offer massages, manicures and other amenities that vary by location.

Aside from food and drinks, premium lounges offer other amenities to make your visit special. Amenities vary by location, but you may be able to book a conference room, shower, sleep pod and other goodies.

Capital One sets itself apart by offering a dedicated workout space that features Peloton bikes and a view of the runway. It also has a multi-faith room for travelers who wish to pray, meditate or have a quiet moment of reflection before their flight.

Visitors to the Centurion lounge may be able to spoil themselves with a massage or manicure in between flights. These amenities typically require booking an appointment ahead of time, so plan ahead so you don’t miss out. Some locations also offer other amenities, like a pool table or shuffleboard, to help pass the time in between flights.

Additional lounge access for cardholders

In addition to accessing the Capital One lounges and Centurion lounges, eligible cardholders have access to other lounge networks. American Express takes the edge as it partners with more lounge operators than Capital One.

The Capital One Partner Lounge Network includes complimentary access to more than 1,300 Plaza Premium Lounges and Priority Pass lounges for eligible cardholders and up to two guests. To enter Plaza Premium lounges, just show your eligible Capital One credit card and your boarding pass.

For Priority Pass lounges, you must enroll by visiting its website and entering your credit card number.

The American Express Global Lounge Collection includes more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries. In addition to Centurion Lounges, cardholders have access to Escape Lounges, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa, Plaza Premium Lounges and Priority Pass Lounges.

Travelers can access the Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges and Priority Pass lounges for free and bring up to two guests at no additional charge. However, Priority Pass access requires manual activation through the benefits section of your American Express account or by calling AmEx customer service.

Access to the Delta Sky Club and Lufthansa lounges requires a same-day boarding pass for the respective airlines. Effective Feb. 1, 2025, Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard® and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders are limited to 10 visits to Delta Sky Club lounges per year.