Best Denver Airport Lounges You Can Access with Credit Cards

Best Overall Card: American Express Platinum Card®

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Gets You Into: Centurion Lounge + Delta Sky Club (10 visits/year) + Priority Pass restaurants‍

Annual Fee: $895‍

Break-Even Analysis: Just 5 lounge visits (saves you $295+ vs. buying day passes)

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The American Express Platinum Card® (See Rates & Fees) is the gold standard for Denver airport lounge access. Here's why the math works:

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At Denver, your Platinum card unlocks:

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• Centurion Lounge (Concourse C, near gate C46): Unlimited access for you + 2 guests when you spend $75,000+ annually. Otherwise, guests cost $50 each. The lounge features chef-designed Italian cuisine, craft cocktails, shower suites, and an immersive game room. Open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Delta Sky Club (Concourse A): 10 complimentary visits per year when flying Delta. Worth $59/visit = $590 in value alone.

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Should you apply? Yes if:

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• You travel through DEN 5+ times per year

• You fly Delta occasionally (those 10 Sky Club visits are incredibly valuable)

• You want the most lounge access options in one card

• You value other Platinum perks like $600 hotel credit, $400 Resy credit, and $209 CLEAR credit

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The ROI: If you use the Centurion Lounge just 5 times and make 2 Delta Sky Club visits, you've received $413 in lounge value (5 visits × $59 + 2 visits × $59). Combined with the $600 hotel credit and other benefits, you're well ahead of the $895 annual fee.

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^{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Application tip: American Express uses soft pulls for pre-qualification. Check if you're pre-approved before applying to avoid a hard inquiry.

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Best Card for Capital One Lounge Access: Venture X

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Gets You Into: Capital One Lounge + Priority Pass network‍

Annual Fee: $395‍

Break-Even Analysis: Just 2 visits (would cost $130 vs. $395 fee, but with $300 annual travel credit = net $95 fee)

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The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers what many consider Denver's best airport lounge.

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Why the Capital One Lounge stands out:Located in Concourse A near gate A34, this isn't your typical airport lounge. It features:

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• Local Colorado cuisine: Bison burgers, craft beer from Denver breweries

• Take-away food: Rare for lounges—grab food to bring on your flight

• Private conference rooms: Bookable work spaces (perfect for business travelers)

• Open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. covering most departure times

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Your Venture X benefits:

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• Unlimited free visits for cardholder + 2 guests (guests would normally cost $50 each)

• Priority Pass Select membership for backup options

• $300 annual travel credit (makes the effective fee just $95)

• 10,000 anniversary bonus miles (worth $100)

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Should you apply? Yes if:

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• You fly through DEN Concourse A frequently (United, Delta, Frontier operate there)

• You travel with a partner or family (those 2 free guests save $100+ per visit)

• You want the lowest effective annual fee ($95 after credits)

• You value taking food to-go for your flight

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The ROI: Visit twice with one guest: You've used $260 in lounge value (2 visits × $65 + 2 guest visits × $65). Add the $300 travel credit and $100 anniversary bonus, and you're $165 ahead after the annual fee.

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Best Card for United Flyers: The New United Club℠ Card

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Gets You Into: All 3 United Clubs at DEN + United Clubs worldwide‍

Annual Fee: $695‍

Break-Even Analysis: 12 visits (vs. buying United Club membership separately at $750/year)

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For Denver-based United flyers, The New United Club℠ Card is a no-brainer. Here's why:

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Denver's United Club network: United operates three lounges at DEN (Concourses A and B):

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• United Club near B32: The largest United lounge in the world at 35,000 sq ft, featuring a fireplace, robot busboys, relaxation rooms, and craft beer bar (5 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

• United Club near B44: Full-service bar and buffet (5 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

• United Club near B60: Grab-and-go focused for quick visits (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

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Your card benefits:

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• Full United Club membership included (normally $750 separately)

• Unlimited access for you + 2 guests or immediate family

• Access at 45+ United Clubs worldwide

• 4X miles on United purchases

• $150 in annual rideshare credits

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Should you apply? Yes if:

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• You fly United 6+ times per year through DEN

• Denver is your home airport (United operates exclusively out of Concourse B here)

• You have Gold status or higher with United (extra value from the bonus miles)

• You value grab-and-go food options before flights

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The ROI: A standalone United Club membership costs $750/year. This card costs $695 but includes the membership PLUS you earn 4X miles on United purchases and get $150 in rideshare credits. If you spend just $10,000 on United flights, that's 40,000 bonus miles (worth ~$520). Total value: $1,420+ vs. $695 fee.

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Best Card for American Airlines Flyers: Citi Executive Mastercard

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Gets You Into: American Airlines Admirals Club at DEN‍

Annual Fee: $595

‍Break-Even Analysis: 10 visits (vs. buying Admirals Club membership at $850/year)

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If you're loyal to American Airlines, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is your ticket to the Admirals Club.

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Denver's Admirals Club:Located in Concourse C near gate C30, open 4:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (the longest hours of any DEN lounge). Features complimentary Wi-Fi, food for purchase, and conference rooms.

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Your card benefits:

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• Full Admirals Club membership included (normally $850 if purchased separately)

• Bring immediate family or up to 2 guests free (typically $50/guest)

• First checked bag free on American flights (saves $35/bag)

• Priority boarding

• 10,000 ELP bonus miles toward American elite status annually

• Up to $120 in annual Lyft credits

• Up to $120 in annual Grubhub credits

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Should you apply? Yes if:

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• You fly American 6+ times per year

• You regularly check bags (that first bag free benefit adds up fast: 12 trips = $420 saved)

• You travel with family (free guest access for spouse/kids is a huge perk)

• You're working toward American elite status (those ELP miles help)

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The ROI: Just the first checked bag benefit saves $35 per round trip. Fly 12 times per year: That's $420 in savings. Add 4 lounge visits at $59 each ($236 value), plus $240 in combined Lyft and Grubhub credits, and you're at $896 in value vs. $595 fee—a net gain of $301.

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From our partner, Citi: This card offers exceptional value for frequent American Airlines travelers, combining lounge access with practical benefits like free checked bags that add up to real savings on every trip.

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Best Budget Option: Chase Sapphire Reserve® for Priority Pass

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Gets You Into: Priority Pass restaurant credit at Mercantile Dining‍

Annual Fee: $795‍

Break-Even Analysis: 5 restaurant visits + travel credit (saves $140+ in food costs + $300 travel credit)

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Chase Sapphire Reserve® doesn't get you into traditional lounges at DEN, but here's the clever workaround:

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Your Priority Pass benefit at Denver:The Priority Pass Select membership included with your card unlocks a $28 credit per person at Mercantile Dining & Provision (Concourse A).

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How this works:

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• You + guest = $56 in free food per visit

• Mercantile offers full sit-down meals (not just snacks)

• Can use multiple Priority Pass cards if you have authorized users

• Works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner

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Additional benefits that offset the fee:

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• $300 annual travel credit (automatically applied)

• $300 annual dining credit through Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables

• $300 annual StubHub/viagogo credit for events

• Up to $500 annual credit for The Edit by Chase Travel (luxury hotels)

• Complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music ($250 annual value)

• 3X points on travel and dining

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Should you apply? Yes if:

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• You fly through Concourse A frequently

• You prefer a nice meal over lounge access

• You want broader travel benefits (trip protections, hotel credits)

• You already have Centurion or United Club access from another card and want backup options

• You value the extensive statement credits ($1,400+ annually)

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The ROI: Use the $28 credit 5 times with a guest: That's $280 in meal value. Add the $300 annual travel credit, $300 dining credit, and $300 entertainment credit ($900 in easily-used credits), and the effective annual fee becomes manageable at $895 - $900 = ($5) in year one.

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Which Card Should You Get? Decision Framework

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Use this quick guide to determine your best option:

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Choose Amex Platinum if:

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• You want the most lounge access options (Centurion + Sky Club + Priority Pass)

• You fly multiple airlines through DEN

• You travel 6+ times per year

• ROI: Breaks even at 5 Centurion visits + 2 Sky Club visits + hotel/dining credits

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Choose Capital One Venture X if:

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• You regularly fly through Concourse A

• You travel with family (2 free guests save $100+/visit)

• You want the best effective annual fee after credits ($95)

• ROI: Breaks even at just 2 visits when factoring in the $300 travel credit + $100 anniversary bonus

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Choose United Club Card if:

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• United is your primary airline

• You're based in Denver or connect through DEN frequently

• You fly United 6+ times per year

• ROI: Breaks even at 12 United Club visits (vs. buying membership separately at $750)

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Choose Citi Executive if:

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• American Airlines is your go-to carrier

• You check bags regularly (save $35/bag)

• You travel with family (free guest access)

• ROI: Breaks even with 12 flights checking bags + 4 lounge visits + using statement credits

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Choose Chase Sapphire Reserve if:

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• You prefer sit-down meals over lounge access

• You want strong overall travel rewards (3X on travel/dining)

• You value extensive statement credits across multiple categories

• ROI: Breaks even at 5 visits using Priority Pass restaurant credit + $900 in annual statement credits

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How to Maximize Your Denver Lounge Access

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1. Know your concourse ahead of time

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‍Check your boarding pass to see which concourse your flight departs from:

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• Concourse A: Delta, United, Frontier (Capital One Lounge, United Club, Delta Sky Club)

• Concourse B: United exclusive (3 United Clubs)

• Concourse C: American, Alaska, Southwest (Centurion, Admirals Club)

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2. Arrive 2-3 hours early for optimal lounge time

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‍Most lounges require same-day boarding passes and restrict entry to 3 hours before departure. Arriving 2-3 hours early gives you the sweet spot to enjoy the lounge without rushing.

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3. Check lounge crowding on weekdays

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‍Monday mornings (6-9 a.m.) and Friday afternoons (3-6 p.m.) are peak times. If lounges are at capacity, cardholders with unlimited access get priority over day-pass holders.

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4. Bring authorized users for extra Priority Pass credits

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‍If you have Chase Sapphire Reserve, add authorized users ($195 each). Each gets their own Priority Pass, meaning more $28 credits at Mercantile Dining. For a family of 4, that's potentially $112 in free food per visit.

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5. Book adjacent flights to use multiple lounges

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‍Since DEN has a train connecting all concourses post-security, you can technically visit the Centurion in Concourse C even if your flight leaves from Concourse A—as long as you're within the 3-hour window.

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6. Download Kudos to track which perks you're using

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‍Kudos automatically tracks your credit card benefits and reminds you when you have lounge access available. Never miss out on a perk you're already paying for.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Does Denver have a Priority Pass lounge?

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No, Denver International Airport has no traditional Priority Pass lounges. However, Priority Pass members can use their benefit at Mercantile Dining & Provision in Concourse A for a $28 dining credit per person. Cards that include Priority Pass Select (like Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X, and Chase Sapphire Reserve) give you this benefit.

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What's the best credit card for Denver airport lounge access?

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It depends on which airlines you fly most:

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• Best overall: American Express Platinum Card® (Centurion + 10 Delta Sky Club visits annually)

• Best for United flyers: The New United Club℠ Card (unlimited United Club access)

• Best value after credits: Capital One Venture X ($95 effective annual fee after $300 travel credit + $100 anniversary bonus)

• Best for American flyers: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (Admirals Club + free checked bags + statement credits)

• Most statement credits: Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($900+ in annual credits across multiple categories)

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Can I get into the Centurion Lounge without an Amex Platinum?

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Yes, but only if you have the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card AND you're flying Delta that same day. The Centurion card (invitation-only) also grants access. No other cards or memberships work—you cannot buy day passes to the Centurion Lounge.

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Is the Capital One Lounge better than the Centurion Lounge at Denver?

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Many travelers prefer the Capital One Lounge for three reasons: (1) you can take food to-go for your flight, (2) it features local Colorado cuisine like bison burgers and craft beer from Denver breweries, and (3) it has private conference rooms for business travelers. The Centurion Lounge has chef-designed Italian food and tends to be more upscale, but doesn't allow to-go food. Both are excellent—it depends on your priorities.

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How much does it cost to enter Denver airport lounges without a credit card?

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• Capital One Lounge: $65 per person (but cardholders get priority if at capacity)

• United Club: $59 per person (requires same-day Star Alliance or United boarding pass)

• Admirals Club: $59 per person (requires same-day boarding pass)

• Centurion Lounge: Cannot purchase day passes; only accessible via eligible Amex cards

• Delta Sky Club: Cannot purchase day passes for Denver location

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Are lounge guests free with these credit cards?

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It varies by card:

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• Amex Platinum: Guests cost $50 each unless you spend $75,000+ annually (then 2 guests free)

• Capital One Venture X: 2 guests always free

• United Club Card: 2 guests or immediate family always free

• Citi Executive: Immediate family or 2 guests always free

• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Priority Pass guests get their own $28 credit at Mercantile Dining

Bottom Line: Your Best Denver Lounge Strategy

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Here's the truth: Most frequent travelers overpay for lounge access at Denver airport because they're buying day passes instead of leveraging credit card benefits.

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If you fly through DEN just 3-4 times per year, a premium travel card pays for itself through lounge access alone—before considering other benefits like travel credits, free checked bags, or bonus points.

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The math is simple:

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• 4 day passes at $59 each = $236 per year

• Capital One Venture X annual fee = $395 but gives you unlimited lounge access + $300 travel credit + $100 anniversary bonus (effective fee: $95)

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Even the "expensive" cards become bargains when you account for how much you'd spend otherwise.

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Your next step: Identify which concourse you fly through most often at DEN, then apply for the card that matches your travel patterns. For most Denver-based travelers flying multiple airlines, the American Express Platinum Card® offers the best value and flexibility. For United loyalists, the United Club Card is unbeatable. For budget-conscious travelers, Capital One Venture X delivers premium access at the lowest effective cost.

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Don't leave $177 on the table every time you fly—let your credit card cover what you'd pay anyway.

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Make lounge access automatic with Kudos. Our AI-powered wallet tracks which cards give you lounge access and reminds you before every flight—so you never miss out on a perk you're already paying for.