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Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access July 2024

Using a credit card with lounge access offers the perfect way to make airport travel more comfortable; instead of waiting at a crowded gate, you can enjoy a quiet environment, free drinks and complimentary snacks. 

Every credit card offers a different selection of lounges and other travel perks, so it’s important to read the fine print. 

In this guide, we’ll cover all the factors you need to consider to choose a lounge-access credit card that suits your travel style, including: 

  • Best credit cards for lounge access
  • Types of airport lounges
  • How to choose the best credit card for airport lounge access

Our top picks for the best credit cards for airport lounge access

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Best for maximizing lounge access

The Platinum Card® from American Express

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Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1X points on other eligible purchases.

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Annual Fee
$695
Welcome Offer
80,000 points
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
With an extensive lounge collection, The Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for travelers who thrive on luxury and want to access a lounge at almost any airport.
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Card Details

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  • $200 Hotel Credit: Receive up to $200 back in statement credits each year for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when paying with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Receive up to $20 back in statement credits every month when you make eligible purchases with your Platinum Card®. This offer applies to Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • Escape the hectic nature of the airport with the American Express Global Lounge Collection®. With complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries, you can enjoy more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Maximize savings on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership using your Platinum Card® and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one eligible airline and then get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when you are charged incidental fees by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Receive Uber VIP status and get up to $200 annually ($15 per month, plus a $20 bonus in December) in Uber Cash on Rides or Eats orders in the U.S. Uber Cash and VIP status are only available to Basic Card Members. To receive this benefit you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible Card must be a method of payment on your Uber account. This benefit may only be used in the United States. Terms apply.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Get to your gate faster at over 50 airports nationwide with CLEAR® Plus and receive up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership when you use your card. Subject to auto-renewal. CLEARLanes are available at over 100 airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Enjoy either a $100 statement credit for a Global Entry application fee every 4 years or a statement credit of up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also get access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Use your Platinum Card® to receive up to $100 in statement credits for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com annually (Up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually). Enrollment is required.
  • Add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile and enjoy access to exclusive reservations and unique dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy
  • Terms Apply.
Pros
  • Excellent rewards rate for travel purchases
  • Qualify for $1,500+ in statement credits
  • Very generous welcome offer
Cons
  • High annual fee of $695
  • Many statement credit offers are too specific and hard to use
  • Non-travel-perks aren’t spectacular

Best for Priority Pass access

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel℠, 10X points on Chase Dining purchases, 5X points on flights booked through Chase Travel, 3X points on non-Chase travel and dining, and 1X points on all non-bonus spending.

Annual Fee
$550
Welcome Offer
60,000 points
Regular APR
22.49% to 29.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card is admittedly one of our favorite travel cards out there. With a flexible $300 annual travel credit, valuable points, Priority Pass lounge access (plus access for 2 guests), Sapphire Lounge access, and more, this card is full of flexible, yet high-value benefits. While some cards skimp in terms of point value, the Sapphire Reserve shines brightly. Points earned on this card are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for things like statement credits and gift cards but are worth 1.5 cents each when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel.

Best for value

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 10X miles on hotel and rental car purchases made through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on airfare purchased through the portal, and 2X miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.

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Annual Fee
$395
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, although it still has a $395 annual fee, is more affordable than most of the cards on this list, but it still delivers solid lounge access.
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Card Details

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  • Get a $300 annual credit for booking trips through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy 10,000 bonus miles every year, which is equivalent to $100 towards travel, starting on your first anniversary
  • Unlimited complimentary access to over 1,300 lounges, including Capital One lounges and the partner lounge network, for you and two guests
  • Use Venture X miles to cover the cost of travel expenses, such as flights, hotels and rental cars; you can even transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs of your choice
  • Enhance every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collection with a range of cardholder benefits, such as experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Pros
  • Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, transfers to international airlines, and more
  • Can qualify for hundreds of dollars in credits each year
  • Huge welcome offer
Cons
  • $395 annual fee
  • Large spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus
  • Excellent credit required

Best for United Airlines loyalists

United Club℠ Infinite Card

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Up to 4X Reward Rate

Earn 4X miles per dollar spent on United purchases, earn 2X miles per dollar on other travel and dining purchases and earn 1X miles on all other purchases.

Annual Fee
$525
Welcome Offer
LTO: 90,000 miles
Regular APR
21.99% to 28.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
Although the $525 annual fee is steep for a co-branded card, it may be worth it for United Airlines loyalists. United Club costs $59 per entry usually, so if you go 10 times in a year, that would be $590. The United Club Infinite Card comes with complimentary access, so if you go to United Clubs 10 times a year, you’re getting more than your annual fee’s worth in lounge access. If you were to buy United Club access as a whole for a year, you’d be spending $650, so this card gives you a nice discount if you think about it.

Best for a low commitment

United℠ Explorer Card

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Up to 2X Reward Rate

Earn 2X miles on United purchases, dining at restaurants, and hotels you book directly. Earn 1X miles on all other purchases.

Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $95
Welcome Offer
LTO: 60,000 miles
Regular APR
21.99% to 28.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
While the rest of the cards on this list offer complimentary lounge access for a high annual fee, the United Explorer Card gives users a chance to experience lounge life without breaking the bank. It comes with 2 annual United Club passes— a benefit that can offset the annual fee entirely if utilized. On top of that, this card also comes with a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, generous United benefits, and more, all for an incredibly manageable annual fee.

Best for Marriott loyalists

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

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Up to 6X Reward Rate

Earn 6X points per dollar spent at participating hotels, 3X points at restaurants worldwide, 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X points on other eligible purchases.

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Annual Fee
$650
Welcome Offer
95,000 points
Regular APR
20.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card is full of valuable perks for the Marriott loyalist and includes a Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), a benefit not many hotel credit cards boast.
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Card Details

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  • $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Enjoy up to $300 (up to $25 a month) in statement credits each calendar year for eligible purchases made at restaurants across the world on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
  • Enjoy room upgrades, such as enhanced views or suites, with Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status when available at selected properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
  • Free Night Award: Get 1 Free Night Award each year after your Card renewal month. This award can be redeemed for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at participating hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • You’ll be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases using your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Only one Earned Choice Award can be earned per calendar year.
  • $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Get up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when using your card to book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Enjoy either a $100 statement credit for a Global Entry application fee every 4 years or a statement credit of up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also get access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • You can get 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Certain limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to American Express cards. Terms apply.
  • Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which provides unlimited airport lounge visits to more than 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, no matter the carrier or class you are flying. This means you can relax before or between flights. You can also enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a peaceful, comfortable location.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Cell Phone Protection
  • Terms Apply.
Pros
  • Extensive perks
  • Generous rewards rate
  • Many eligible properties worldwide
Cons
  • High annual fee
  • Few redemption options
  • Large spending requirement for welcome offer

Best for Delta loyalists

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

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Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn 3X miles per dollar on Delta purchases made directly with Delta and 1X miles per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

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Annual Fee
$650
Welcome Offer
60,000 miles
Regular APR
20.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
For Delta loyalists, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a valuable asset. With complimentary Delta Sky Club access, a free annual companion certificate, and more, it’s easy for the right user to get enough value out of this card to offset the $650 annual fee.
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Card Details

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  • Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club®. Starting 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 annual visits; to unlock unlimited visits each year starting 2/1/25, total eligible purchases on the Card must reach $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner when you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card.
  • Your traveling companions can benefit from four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly together on Delta. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location.
  • Enhance your Status next Medallion® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for every $10 spent on purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
  • You can receive a Companion Certificate for First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewing your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees, up to $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and up to $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants using your enrolled Card, up to a total of $240 per year with the Resy Credit.
  • Receive up to $10 back each month when you use your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
  • Save 15% on Award Travel bookings for Delta flights. This discount does not apply to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • If you’re not a Medallion Member, you will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members when you have an eligible ticket.
  • Benefit from Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights, allowing you to board early, stow your carry-on bag, and settle in sooner.
  • Pay no foreign transaction fees when traveling overseas.
  • Terms and limitations apply.
Pros
  • Complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs & Amex Centurion Lounges
  • Annual Companion Certificate, good for one ticket in the same class you’re in
  • Very generous welcome offer
Cons
  • High annual fee ($650)
  • Low rewards rate on non-Delta spending categories
  • Requires good to excellent credit

Comparing the best credit cards for airport lounge access

Advertiser Disclosure

Best credit cards for airport lounge access: Editorial reviews

The Platinum Card® from American Express

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If you want to access a wide range of lounges, look no further than The Platinum Card® from American Express. It gives you unlimited entry to the Global Lounge Collection, which includes Priority Pass lounges and lounges from American Express, Lufthansa, Delta, Escape and Centurion. Enrollment may be required. Terms apply.

If you travel with family, this might not be a great option as guests incur extra fees. The card also has a hefty annual fee of $695, but it comes with plenty of perks for luxury travelers.

Notable perks: Over $1,500 in annual statement credits available, exclusive airport lounge access, hotel elite status with Marriott and Hilton, and more.

▶︎ Read more: Amex Platinum review

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is beloved among travelers, and for good reason — it includes a free Priority Pass Select membership and free access for up to two guests. Cardmembers and up to 2 guests can also access the exclusive Sapphire Lounge at select airports. However, if you’re looking for an airport lounge access credit card with a low annual fee, look elsewhere. The Sapphire Reserve will cost you $550 every year.

Notable perks: Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS, a $300 annual travel credit, 50% more value when redeeming points through Chase Travel℠, Priority Pass lounge access, great travel insurance protections, The Edit by Chase Travel℠ access, and more.

▶︎ Read more: Chase Sapphire Reserve review

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a suite of benefits for regular travelers: a $300 yearly travel credit, a solid welcome offer and 10,000 bonus miles every year. Plus, you’ll get a Priority Pass with two free guest passes and access to Capital One lounges. Add free authorized users, and they’ll also get Priority Passes.

Occasional travelers will probably get better value from a different credit card. The Venture X comes with a $395 annual fee, which is only worth it if you use the benefits regularly.

Notable perks: Annual $300 travel credit, free priority pass lounge access, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, annual bonus miles

▶︎ Read more: Capital One Venture X Rewards review

United Club℠ Infinite Card

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If you’re a United loyalist, you’ll get plenty of use out of the United Club℠ Infinite Card. This co-branded Chase card earns United MileagePlus miles and includes two free checked bags on United flights. It also comes with a free United Club membership — a great alternative to the often-crowded Priority Pass lounges.

Be sure to check that your regular airports have United Club locations; although the welcome bonus and free-bag perks are nice, they may not justify the card’s $525 annual fee.

Notable perks: Free first and second checked bags, 25% in-flight discount, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, complimentary United Club access for card members and eligible travel companions

▶︎ Read more: United Club Infinite review

United℠ Explorer Card

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Somewhat frequent United flyers will find a lot of value in the United℠ Explorer Card. With two complimentary United Club passes each year, this card offers a chance to experience the luxury of lounge life every once in a while without the commitment of a higher-tier card. If you travel frequently, though, those 2 passes may not be enough, and United Club passes are typically $59 each.

Notable perks: Free checked bag on every United Airlines flight, 25% in-flight discount, priority boarding benefits, 2 United Club lounge passes per year, Statement credit for Nexus, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

▶︎ Read more: United Explorer Card review

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

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If your travels bring you to Marriott hotels regularly, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is an excellent option. The card includes a Priority Pass Select membership with an unlimited number of visits for you and up to two guests. Enrollment required.

However, if your hotel stays tend to be spread among brands, you might benefit more from a general travel rewards card.

Notable perks: Up to $300 Brilliant Dining credit per year, Priority Pass Select lounge access, automatic Marriott Platinum Elite status, annual Marriott Free Night Award

▶︎ Read more: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant review

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

[ jump to details ]

Regular Delta flyers will love the perks of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card — a free Delta Sky Club membership, four free guest passes and free access to The Centurion lounge.

Bear in mind that American Express has a more limited acceptance rate outside the United States, which is something to think about if your travels are largely international.

Notable perks: Free checked bag on Delta flights, annual companion certificate, Delta Sky Club access, Centurion lounge access, in-flight discounts, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit

▶︎ Read more: Delta SkyMiles Reserve review

What is a credit card for airport lounge access?

A lounge access credit card grants you free entry to airport lounges. Many cards do so by providing a free membership to Priority Pass — a program that includes more than 1,400 lounges around the world. Others, such as Capital One cards and Chase cards, also include access to brand lounges.

Since lounge cards are targeted toward travelers, they often include a wealth of other perks. Some of the best credit cards earn miles or points, with bonus rates in the travel category, as well as credits for travel services and purchases.

Pros and cons of credit cards for airport lounge access

Pros
  • Free lounge access with complimentary food, drinks and Wi-Fi
  • Some lounges offer showers, massages and business facilities
  • Cards often include other travel perks
Cons
  • Lounges may refuse access to pass holders when full
  • Doesn’t provide access to every lounge; some are operated by airports, airlines or third-party companies
  • May have high annual fees

Who should get a credit card for airport lounge access?

Regular travelers will see the biggest benefit from credit cards with airport lounge access; they’re quiet, and the free food and drinks save you from paying inflated airport prices. 

Cards with Priority Pass memberships are particularly valuable if you’re often out of the country; only a small percentage of the brand’s partner lounges are located in the United States. For domestic travelers, airline-specific lounges such as those accessed with Delta cards or United cards might be a better fit.

You don’t necessarily need to be a frequent traveler to benefit from a lounge credit card. Most come with a slew of perks that you can use for occasional trips such as free miles and points which can add up quickly, enabling you to book free or reduced-cost flights, hotels and rental cars.

Airport lounge types

Airline lounges

Airline lounges are operated by individual airlines; in the United States, the most common are Delta Sky Clubs, American Airlines Admirals Clubs and United Clubs. 

These lounges aren’t usually included in Priority Pass, so they tend to be quieter. To get a free membership, you’ll usually need a co-branded airline credit card.

American Express lounges

American Express’ luxury Centurion Lounges offer high-end food, drinks and decor. These lounges are open to people with a few select American Express cards.

Capital One lounges

Capital One operates a small network of premium lounges that are a step above most Priority Pass locations. They’re open to certain Capital One cardholders and people who purchase passes. 

Chase lounges

Chase Sapphire lounges are similar to those operated by Capital One. You can find them in Boston and New York, with new locations opening soon in select cities. 

Priority Pass lounges

Priority Pass lounges are among the most common airport options, especially internationally. They’re open to members and day-pass holders. Many properties also participate in other lounge networks, which means they can be busy. However, they do offer free Wi-Fi, drinks and food.

Other notable lounges

In some airports, you can find third-party clubs that aren’t run by airlines or credit cards. These include notable options such as PS and Escape lounges.

How to choose the best airport lounge access credit cards

The best travel credit card with lounge access is different for everyone. To find the ideal fit, it’s important to consider these factors. 

Access to airport lounges

Look at the lounges that are included with your credit card. Are lounges available at the airports you frequently visit? How many visits are included? Can you bring guests for free, or do you have to pay a fee?

Annual fee

Many lounge access credit cards have high annual fees. Compare the fee to the benefits, and determine if you’ll use enough of the perks to get your money’s worth.

Welcome bonus

Compare welcome bonuses for your top card choices. Calculate the value of each offer, and determine if you’ll be able to use the points or miles to cover upcoming travel purchases. 

Rewards

Cards with lounge access often earn miles or points that you can redeem for travel-related purchases. They can help you cover or defray the costs of domestic and international flights and hotels. Compare the earnings categories on rewards cards to your spending habits to find one that suits you.

Travel benefits

Check out the other perks the card offers. Options often include:

Travel protections

Read the credit card benefits statement to learn more about the travel insurance included. This usually includes coverage for baggage loss, trip cancellation, trip interruption and rental car collision damage.

How to get a credit card with airport lounge access

Getting a lounge access credit card requires completing a standard application. 

When completing an application, expect to provide:

How to gain access to the airport lounge

Once you’re approved for a credit card, you’ll usually need to take additional steps before you can access airport lounges. For example, Priority Pass requires you to sign up with a special code or link to get the membership card. 

Some cards require you to present the credit card, a LoungeKey QR code or a voucher. For these options, you’ll need to show a same-day boarding pass and sometimes, a photo ID.

Alternatives to credit cards for airport lounge access

A credit card isn’t the only way to access airport lounges. If you’re unsure whether to go for a card with airport lounge access, consider these options instead.

1

Priority Pass membership

You can buy a Priority Pass membership directly through the brand. A membership with unlimited visits currently costs $469 — less than the average credit card annual fee.

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2

Airmiles

Some airlines allow you to purchase passes to the company’s lounges using your miles. Prices vary by airline and your frequent flier membership tier.

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3

Day passes

Many lounges let you buy day passes with cash. A United Club pass is typically $59; other lounge prices vary by location.

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4

Annual airline passes

Airlines including United allow you to buy annual memberships to their lounge networks. This option is usually worthwhile only if you fly frequently. Calculate the per-visit average cost, and make sure you’ll be flying enough to warrant the expense.

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• • • • •

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this page.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please visit this page.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please visit this page.

FAQ: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

Which credit cards offer free airport lounge access?

Should you have multiple cards with lounge access?

Having multiple credit cards with airport lounge access can help you get into more lounges for free. Just make sure the cards include access to different networks or brands.

How long can you stay in an airport lounge?

Rules vary for every lounge, but you can usually stay between two and four hours. However, this rule isn’t always monitored closely.

How many times can you access an airport lounge with a credit card?

Credit cards with lounge access often include an unlimited number of visits.

What is included for free with airport lounge access?

Airport lounges usually include free food and drinks. Some also offer free alcoholic beverages.

Are airport lounge cards worth it?

Airport lounge cards are worth it if you travel frequently or if the card includes other valuable benefits such as rewards, travel credits or premium status.

About the Author

Elizabeth Smith
Elizabeth Smith Personal Finance

Elizabeth Smith is an experienced travel and finance writer who specializes in topics including credit cards, travel insurance, and personal finance. Travel insurance, in particular, has both professional and personal significance for Smith. She’s traveled to 73 countries, and has extensive experience choosing and using various policies — she understands how valuable the right plan can be in an emergency, and loves to help readers find the perfect fit.

Smith comes to the world of finance from a scientific and technical background. She spent more than 10 years writing about engineering, science, and technology for universities and private companies. When she’s not writing or traveling, Smith can usually be found hiking or Nordic skiing.

About the Reviewer

Blake Esken
Blake Esken Los Angeles Times

Blake Esken has over 15 years of experience in product management and has been a member of the Los Angeles Times staff for over five years.

As part of his role at the Los Angeles Times Commerce Team, Blake acts as the in-house reviewer and fact checker for LA Times Compare. He supervises all content for compliance and accuracy and puts to use skills he has honed through years of experience managing high-stakes projects for a range of industry-leading companies.

He has a strong background in data analysis, compliance, and communication, which allows him to support LA Times Compare through fact-checking in an effort to provide up-to-date and factual information across our content.

* Opinions expressed here are those of the LA Times Compare Cards Team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.

All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publish. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.

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