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American Express announced on Thursday the largest expansion to its Centurion Lounge Network yet.
The bank is updating lounges at four different airports and introducing two new lounges at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR). The Newark lounge is set to be the largest lounge in the entire Centurion network and makes Amex the first credit card issuer with proprietary lounges at all three major NYC airport hubs.
American Express Centurion Lounges are among the most premium airport lounges available, but you can get access with the right credit card. CNBC Select covers what you need to know and the cards that can get you in for some complimentary food and cocktails.
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A Centurion Lounge is coming to Newark… eventually
The new Centurion Lounge in Newark, first announced in 2023, is now expected to open in 2027. Instead of the previously planned size of about 18,000 square feet, the lounge will now be nearly double that size at more than 30,000 square feet. This will surpass the current largest Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Spanning two floors, it’ll feature a wide range of food and drink offerings, including:
- A Blue Roast by American Express coffee and wellness bar, with options ranging from seasonal coffee specialties to health-focused smoothies and snacks.
- Three separate bars, each with a unique twist: The Main Bar featuring craft cocktails and wine, the Specialty Bar with a modern dining culture and the Terrace Bar with gelato and Italian cocktails and pastries.
The lounge will also include signature offerings from the Culinary Collective by The Centurion Lounge. Many of the food and beverage options will be locally sourced, and the design will be a salute to New Jersey’s history of invention and discovery.
The lounge will be located in Terminal A and is expected to open in 2027.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) gets its second Centurion Lounge
American Express will be the only issuer with two proprietary lounges at the London Heathrow Airport when it opens a Centurion Lounge in Terminal 5 in 2028.
Spanning over 9,000 feet, the lounge will include American Express’s signature amenities. From refined food and drinks to dedicated work areas, the lounge will aim to recreate the character of London.
Centurion Lounges in Philadelphia and Houston will get upgrades
Two current lounges at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will be undergoing renovations and expansions.
The Centurion Lounge at PHL will more than double its current size, going from 6,000 square feet to over 12,000. It will include a selection of work from local artists to celebrate Philadelphia’s history as both a founding city and one with creative energy.
The Houston Centurion Lounge will almost triple its size; the lounge will expand from roughly 8,000 square feet to over 23,000. New offerings will be brought to the lounge, including:
- Speciality dining inspired by Houston’s culinary traditions, alongside the current signature buffet
- A second full-service bar, complete with craft cocktails and a curated wine selection
- Refreshed restrooms and premium shower suites
This lounge is located in Terminal D and is expected to be completed in 2028.
What card do I need to get in?
American Express Centurion Lounges allow travelers a moment of respite during hectic journeys and offer many amenities, ranging from complimentary food and beverages to shower suites and work rooms. Experiences like these typically require a premium credit card, but anyone can apply and get approved with the right financials.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
If you’re a loyal Delta flyer, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a great option to help you get into Centurion Lounges. The card offers complimentary access to Centurion Lounges, but with the caveat that you have to be flying Delta.
It does have a slightly lower annual fee than the two additional cards we highlight below ($650, see rates and fees), and you can bring two guests with you for a fee, provided they’re also flying on the same Delta flight.
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card’s array of premium benefits make it a perfect fit for the most loyal Delta flyers, including elite status boosts, rideshare credits (enrollment required) and airport lounge access.
- Access to airport lounges, including Amex Centurion lounges
- Up to $560 in annual statement credits (Enrollment may be required)
- 15% discount for eligible Delta award flights (Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.)
- High annual fee
- No bonus spending categories outside of Delta purchases
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- Earn two round‑trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. A 21+ day advance purchase is required. Taxes and fees up to $80 per person apply. Terms and other restrictions apply. Offer ends 11/4/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card during a calendar year. Reserve Card Members can also enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge and Escape Lounges when you book your Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases.
- Global Dining Access by Resy gives you special access to sought-after U.S. Resy restaurants when you add your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to your Resy profile. Access to exclusive reservations, premium dining experiences, Priority Notify, and more, all from Resy.com or the Resy app.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment Required.
- Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
American Express Platinum Card®
Using the American Express Platinum Card® is one of the most straightforward ways to get lounge access. You’ll unlimited entries to all domestic Centurion Lounges and select international ones as well on any flight that you’re traveling. You can qualify for two complimentary guest passes per Centurion Lounge visit, but only after spending at least $75,000 on the card within a calendar year.
While the card does have a higher barrier to entry with an $895 annual fee (see rates and fees), it does offer over $3,500 in annual value for those who enjoy the art of the deal.
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium card loaded with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks and more. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Access to 1,550+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass™ lounges (enrollment required) and Amex Centurion lounges
- Statement credit offers worth up to twice what the annual fee costs
- Elite status perks for hotels and rental cars (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High annual fee
- Many statement credit offers are complicated and are earned in increments or limited to specific purchases
- Not as rewarding for purchases as other lower-fee travel cards
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- With over 1,550 airport lounges – more than any other credit card company on the market* – enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits (subject to visit limitations) when flying on an eligible Delta flight, Priority Pass™ membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. *As of 01/2026
- $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
- $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights™ by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. As a Platinum Card® Member you have special access to reservations on select nights at participating sought after Resy restaurants in select cities through Platinum Nights™ by Resy. Simply add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile to book your reservation.
- $219 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM late check-out.
- $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Get up to a $12.95* statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
- Whenever you need us, we’re here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
Foreign transaction fee
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Traveling business owners might be interested in The Business Platinum Card from American Express. On top of the complimentary access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®, the card provides increased status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy and Leaders Club Sterling Status (enrollment required; terms and limitations apply).
Again, its $895 annual fee is large (see rates and fees), but with over $4,000 in statement credits, bonuses and other perks, the card can be a great fit for a financially savvy traveler.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a premium business card loaded with statement credit offers for business services and travel that help justify its steep annual fee.
- Access to 1,550 airport lounges, including Priority Pass (Enrollment required) and Amex Centurion lounges
- Hotel and rental car elite status perks
- Earns flexible rewards you can transfer to 20+ airline and hotel loyalty programs (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned; Benefits may be subject to auto-renewal)
- High annual fee
- Limited bonus spending categories
- Some statement credit offers are earned in small increments or only apply to purchases from a single brand
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Learn more.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 01/2026.
- See how you can unlock over $4,000 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
- Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
- Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton for Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Gift cards are not an eligible purchase. Benefit enrollment required.
- Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
- Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $219 back per calendar year on your CLEAR+ Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
- Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
- Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
- Enroll and get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year on U.S. purchases of ChatGPT Business* on the Business Platinum Card. *Subject to auto-renewal.
- Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
- Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
- Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
- 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
- 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
- 1X points on other eligible purchases
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
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For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card,click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, click here.
For rates and fees of the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
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