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Newark Airport Lounge Access Through Credit Cards: Your Complete 2025 Guide
July 1, 2025
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Flying through Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)? You don't need a first-class ticket to escape the terminal chaos. With the right credit card in your wallet, you can access premium airport lounges for free—saving hundreds of dollars per year while enjoying complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.
Newark serves over 48 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the United States. But here's what most travelers don't know: the average frequent flyer pays $708 per year for lounge day passes when they could get unlimited access through a credit card that pays for itself.
Let's break down exactly how to unlock Newark's 12 premium lounges using credit cards—and which strategy will save you the most money.
The Real Cost of Newark Lounge Access (And Why Most People Overpay)
Before we dive into credit card strategies, let's look at what you're actually spending:
Day Pass Pricing at Newark:
- United Club: $59 per visit
- American Admirals Club: $79 per visit
- Delta Sky Club: Typically $39-59 per visit (dynamic pricing)
- Art & Lounge (Terminal B): ~$45 per visit
The math: If you fly out of Newark just once per month, that's 12 lounge visits annually. At $59 per visit, you're spending $708 per year just to sit in a comfortable chair and grab free snacks.
Compare that to a credit card with a $695 annual fee that includes unlimited lounge access, plus $300 in annual travel credits. You break even after your first two visits—and save money on every subsequent trip.
What You Get Inside Newark Lounges:
✔ Complimentary food and beverages (including alcohol)
✔ High-speed Wi-Fi and charging stations
✔ Comfortable seating and quiet workspaces
✔ Conference rooms (select lounges)
✔ Showers (United Polaris, select premium lounges)
✔ Premium amenities like nap pods at Be Relax Spa
The Best Credit Cards for Newark Airport Lounge Access
Here are the top cards that unlock Newark's lounges, ranked by value:
American Express Platinum Card® (See Rates & Fees)
Newark Lounge Access:
- 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club visits when flying Delta (Terminal A)
- Priority Pass Select membership (includes Be Relax Spa access)
- Coming 2026: Free access to new Centurion Lounge at Terminal A with 2 free guests
- Access to 1,550+ lounges worldwide through Global Lounge Collection
Break-even analysis:
- 10 Delta Sky Club visits alone = $590 value (at $59/visit)
- $300 annual travel credit
- Total year-one value: $890+
- Pays for itself after just 2 trips to Newark
Best for: Frequent Newark travelers who fly Delta or want global lounge access
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "106", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Serious Points on Flights"} ]]
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.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Newark Lounge Access: Priority Pass Select membership (Be Relax Spa experience only at Newark currently)
Break-even analysis:
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass membership (unlimited visits at 1,500+ global lounges)
- Effective annual fee after credit: $250
Important note: While Chase Sapphire Reserve offers excellent global lounge access through Priority Pass, Newark currently has no traditional Priority Pass lounges. You'll get access to Be Relax Spa services only. However, this card shines at other airports and offers exceptional travel rewards.
Best for: Travelers who fly through multiple airports and want flexible rewards
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Newark Lounge Access: Priority Pass Select membership
Break-even analysis:
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass membership
- Effective annual fee: $95
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers seeking premium benefits at a lower price point
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2888", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Luxurious Travel Benefits" } ]]
The New United Club℠ Card
Newark Lounge Access:
- Unlimited United Club access at Newark (4 locations across Terminals A & C)
- Plus 2 one-time United Club guest passes per year
Break-even analysis:
- Just 9 United Club visits pays for the annual fee ($59 × 9 = $531)
- If you fly United out of Newark monthly, you save: $183 per year
Best for: Loyal United flyers who regularly depart from Newark
The New United℠ Business Card
Newark Lounge Access: 2 one-time United Club passes per year
Best for: Occasional Newark travelers who want affordable United lounge access
Newark's Complete Lounge Directory: Where to Find Them
Terminal A Lounges
- American Airlines Admirals Club
- Location: Mezzanine level, across from Gate A8
- Hours: Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri: 4am-9pm; Tue, Wed, Sat: 4am-10pm
- Access: Admirals Club membership, first-class ticket, or $79 day pass
- Delta Sky Club
- Location: After security, across from Gate A27
- Hours: Daily 5am-9:15pm
- Access: Delta premium cabin, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex (15 visits/year), or American Express Platinum (10 visits when flying Delta)
- United Club
- Location: Upper level
- Hours: Daily 5am-9:15pm
- Access: United Club membership, United co-branded cards, or $59 day pass
- United Polaris Lounge (Premium)
- Location: Terminal A
- Hours: Daily 5am-10:15pm
- Access: United international business class passengers only
- Premium features: Nap pods, showers, full-service dining
- American Express Centurion Lounge (Opening 2026)
- Location: Terminal A
- Expected Access: American Express Platinum Card®, Business Platinum Card®
- Expected Features: Complimentary food & beverages, live music, outdoor terrace
Terminal B Lounges
- Art & Lounge
- Location: Pre-security (note: less convenient for connections)
- Hours: Variable
- Access: Priority Pass members (limited), day pass ~$45
- Note: Features artistic décor and multiple seating areas
- British Airways Lounge
- Location: B Concourse, near Gates B50-B58
- Hours: Daily 4:30am-8am and 3:15pm-9:30pm
- Access: British Airways premium cabin or elite status
- SAS Lounge
- Location: B3 Concourse, near Gate B60
- Hours: Daily 7am-11pm
- Access: SAS business class, EuroBonus elite status, SkyTeam premium cabin
- Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
- Location: Terminal B
- Hours: Limited (typically 2pm-6pm for Priority Pass members)
- Access: Virgin Atlantic premium cabin, Priority Pass (restricted hours)
Terminal C Lounges
- United Club (2 locations)
- Near Gate C74 and C92
- Hours: Daily 5am-10pm
- Access: United Club membership, United co-branded cards, or $59 day pass
- United Polaris Lounge (Premium)
- Location: Terminal C
- Hours: Daily 5am-10:15pm
- Access: United international business class passengers only
The Hidden Priority Pass Problem at Newark (And How to Work Around It)
Here's the catch that surprises many travelers: Newark currently has no traditional Priority Pass lounges.
If you have Priority Pass through cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture X, your options at Newark are limited to:
- Be Relax Spa (Terminal A) - Select spa services included
- Art & Lounge (Terminal B) - Limited availability, pre-security location
The solution: Combine your Priority Pass card with an airline-specific lounge strategy:
- Use Priority Pass at the 1,500+ lounges globally where it's accepted
- Add a United co-branded card ($99-$525 annual fee) for Newark-specific access
- Or upgrade to American Express Platinum for Delta Sky Club access at Newark
Should You Apply? The ROI Calculator
Use this decision framework to determine which card makes sense for your Newark travel frequency:
Fly through Newark 1-2 times per year
→ Best option: Buy day passes as needed ($59-79 per visit)
→ Why: Annual fee cards won't pay for themselves
Fly through Newark 3-6 times per year
→ Best option: United℠ Business Card ($99 annual fee, 2 United Club passes)
→ Break-even: After 2 visits
→ Savings: Up to $19 annually
Fly through Newark 7-12 times per year
→ Best option: United Club℠ Infinite Card ($525 annual fee, unlimited United Club)
→ Break-even: After 9 visits
→ Annual savings: $183+
Fly through Newark 12+ times per year + other airports
→ Best option: American Express Platinum Card®
→ Break-even: After 2 visits (considering $300 travel credit)
→ Annual savings: $850+ (including global lounge access value)
How to Actually Get Lounge Access: Step-by-Step Application Guide
For American Express Platinum Cardholders:
- Apply for the card and meet minimum spend requirements
- Activate Delta Sky Club benefit: Log into your Amex account
- Show your Platinum Card + boarding pass at Delta Sky Club entrance
- Activate Priority Pass: Enroll through your Amex account online
- Download Priority Pass app for digital membership card
Credit check: Hard inquiry, typically requires Excellent credit (670-850)
For United Co-branded Cards:
- Apply for The New United Club℠ Card or United℠ Business Card
- Receive your membership card in the mail (2-3 weeks)
- Link card to United account: Log into United.com
- Present card + same-day United/Star Alliance boarding pass at any United Club
Credit check: Hard inquiry, typically requires Good-Excellent credit (670-850)
For Chase Sapphire Reserve:
- Apply online and meet $4,000 minimum spend in 3 months
- Enroll in Priority Pass: Access through Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
- Download Priority Pass app or use physical card
- Present Priority Pass membership + boarding pass at participating lounges
Credit check: Hard inquiry, typically requires Excellent credit (670-850)
Newark Lounge Access: Comparison Chart
The 2026 Game-Changer: American Express Centurion Lounge
American Express is opening a Centurion Lounge at Newark Terminal A in 2026, and it's going to transform the lounge landscape at EWR.
Expected Features:
- Premium food and beverage offerings
- Live music performances
- Outdoor terrace with views
- Shower suites
- Conference rooms
- Family rooms
Access Requirements:
- American Express Platinum Card®
- Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Likely includes 2 complimentary guests per visit
Why this matters: This will make the Amex Platinum the clear winner for Newark travelers, offering the best lounge experience in the airport—comparable to Centurion Lounges in major hubs like Dallas, New York-JFK, and Los Angeles.
Common Objections (And Why They're Wrong)
"I don't fly often enough to justify the annual fee"
If you fly through Newark just 2-3 times per year, you're right—premium cards won't pay for themselves. But consider:
- United℠ Business Card costs only $99 and gives you 2 free United Club passes (worth $118)
- You can always downgrade premium cards after the first year if benefits don't match usage
"I can just wait at the gate for free"
True, but consider the hidden costs:
- $15-20 spent on overpriced airport food and drinks per visit
- Productivity loss from crowded, noisy gate areas
- Physical comfort during delays and long layovers
Real cost of "free" gate waiting: ~$30-40 per trip in expenses and lost productivity
"Priority Pass doesn't work at Newark anyway"
Correct—but the right strategy is:
- Get American Express Platinum for Newark Delta Sky Club access
- Use Priority Pass at the other 100+ U.S. airports where it works perfectly
- Enjoy 2026 Centurion Lounge access
"My company won't reimburse the annual fee"
Many business travelers successfully expense premium card annual fees by highlighting:
- Increased productivity during travel
- Cost savings vs. buying individual lounge passes
- Enhanced amenities for client meetings
Present the ROI analysis from Section 5 to your finance team.
How Kudos Maximizes Your Lounge Access Strategy
Managing multiple credit cards for optimal lounge access can be complicated. That's where Kudos comes in.
Kudos automatically:
✔ Tracks which cards give you lounge access at Newark
✔ Reminds you to use travel credits before they expire
✔ Calculates if your premium card annual fee is worth it based on actual usage
✔ Suggests downgrades when you're not maximizing benefits
Real example: Kudos user Marie had American Express Platinum but only flew through Newark twice in 2024. Kudos Insights flagged that she was paying $695 annually but only using $118 worth of lounge benefits. She downgraded to American Express Gold Card and saved $445 while keeping the benefits she actually used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring guests into Newark airport lounges with my credit card?
It depends on the card:
- American Express Platinum: 2 free guests at Centurion Lounge (opening 2026), no guests for Delta Sky Club
- United Club℠ Card: 1 guest with All-Access membership, 2 one-time guest passes per year
- Priority Pass: Guest fees typically $32 per person at participating lounges
Do I need to be flying that airline to access their lounge?
Generally yes, with exceptions:
- Airline lounges (United Club, Delta Sky Club, Admirals Club): Require same-day boarding pass on that airline or partner
- Priority Pass lounges: No airline requirement, just valid boarding pass for any flight
- American Express Centurion Lounge (2026): No airline requirement
How early should I arrive to use a Newark lounge?
- Domestic flights: Arrive 2 hours before departure
- International flights: Arrive 3 hours before departure
- Most lounges allow access 3 hours before your flight
Can I use multiple lounge access methods in one day?
Technically yes, but most travelers only visit one lounge per departure. You cannot "double-dip" by using both Priority Pass and a separate card to bring extra guests into the same lounge.
What if I'm connecting through Newark—can I still use lounges?
Yes! As long as you have a valid same-day boarding pass and meet the access requirements. The airside shuttle bus connects Star Alliance terminals without requiring security re-screening.
Are children allowed in Newark lounges?
Yes, but policies vary:
- United Club: Children under 2 are free; older children count as guests
- Delta Sky Club: Children under 2 are free
- Priority Pass: Children typically count as guests ($32 per child)
Can I shower at Newark lounges?
Yes, but only at select locations:
- United Polaris Lounges (Terminal A & C): Shower suites available for qualifying passengers
- Most other lounges: No shower facilities
How do I find lounges in the Newark terminals?
Download these apps:
- Priority Pass app: Shows all Priority Pass locations
- Airline apps (United, American, Delta): Show their specific lounge locations
- Kudos app: Tracks your lounge access benefits across all cards
The Bottom Line
Newark airport lounge access through credit cards isn't just a luxury—it's a smart financial decision for anyone who flies through EWR more than a few times per year. Whether you choose the American Express Platinum Card® for comprehensive access, a United co-branded card for United Club entry, or build a strategic combination, the ROI is clear.
Remember:
- Break-even happens after just 2-9 visits (depending on the card)
- Annual savings range from $183 to $850+ for frequent travelers
- The 2026 Centurion Lounge will make Newark one of the best lounge airports in the country
Stop paying $59-79 per visit when you could be accessing these same lounges for free. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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