Maximizing LoungeBuddy Access with the Amex Green: Tips from The Points Guy

Having access to airport lounges can make lengthy layovers or unforeseen delays more bearable. Numerous travel rewards cards offer lounge access as a benefit, frequently through a free Priority Pass membership. However, the American Express® Green Card adopts a unique strategy toward airport lounge access.

Rather than offering membership to a network of lounges, the American Express Green Card grants up to $100 in statement credits annually when the card is used to buy lounge access via LoungeBuddy. LoungeBuddy charges as little as $8 per person for lounge access, with the majority of lounges costing between $26 and $61 per person.

Given that the Amex Green Card carries a $150 annual fee, you can significantly reduce this fee each year by making the most of the card’s LoungeBuddy statement credits. Therefore, let’s examine how to fully utilize these statement credits.

The Points Guy has independently gathered the information regarding the American Express Green Card. The card details presented on this page have not been evaluated or supplied by the card issuer.

Utilize alternative lounge passes initially

If you have access to complimentary lounges through other methods, make use of it when possible to preserve your LoungeBuddy statement credits for future trips.

For instance, imagine you possessThe American Express Platinum Card®. or The American Express® Business Platinum CardIn that situation, you can utilize the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes access to Centurion Lounges, a Priority Pass membership, entry to Delta SkyClubs* with a reservation for a same-day Delta-operated flight, and additional benefits. Enrollment is required for some of these benefits.

If you possess certain premium airline credit cards, such as theCiti® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®If you hold the United Club℠ Infinite Card or other cards with specified rates and fees, you might gain entry to the airline’s lounges when traveling with that airline or its affiliates. Possessing elite status or traveling in premium class can also grant you access to the lounges.

Starting February 1, 2025: Qualifying Platinum Cardholders will be entitled to 10 visits per year, per Eligible Platinum Card, to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when flying on a Delta-operated flight on the same day.

You might also be interested in: Top credit cards for access to airport lounges.

Research your options

To book a lounge using LoungeBuddy, you can browse all available lounge locations on the LoungeBuddy website. For instance, the image below displays all U.S. airports that currently offer at least one lounge that can be booked through LoungeBuddy.

You can visit the LoungeBuddy website to evaluate various lounge choices prior to making a reservation. Taking the time to compare amenities, key details, reviews, and costs on LoungeBuddy will aid in determining the best lounge for your needs.

You may find it surprising how lounge prices can vary at the same airport. For instance, at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), the Escape Lounge is more affordable compared to The Club CVG. Therefore, conducting research ahead of time will assist you in selecting the best option for your needs.

Ultimately, if you’re interested in gaining entry to a specific lounge, see if there’s a more affordable way to obtain access. However, this tip is only helpful if you are likely to fully utilize your Amex Green Card’s LoungeBuddy statement credits each year for other lounge visits.

Similar: 5 strategies to guarantee lounge access before your upcoming flight

Utilize LoungeBuddy to cover the cost for additional visitors.

If you already have free access to a lounge through other methods, you might consider using LoungeBuddy to buy access for your travel companions.

For instance, Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders are entitled to free entry to Escape Lounges for themselves and up to two guests. Nevertheless, if you’re traveling with a bigger group, you might consider using LoungeBuddy to buy lounge access for extra guests.

In the same way, if a lounge is part of both Priority Pass and LoungeBuddy, you can buy access for extra travel companions via LoungeBuddy if your Priority Pass membership does not cover enough guests.

Related: The 8 tips for what to do and what to avoid when visiting an airport lounge

Verify that your lounge visit is qualified.

The LoungeBuddy website displays a variety of lounges, including some that cannot be reserved via LoungeBuddy.

Therefore, if you’re at the airport and wish to access a lounge, you’ll need to visit the LoungeBuddy website and use your Amex Green Card to book your lounge entry through LoungeBuddy to utilize your statement credits. To locate lounges that can be booked online via LoungeBuddy, search for the green LoungeBuddy logo beside the rate.

Related: 9 domestic lounges that are worth making an extra effort to visit

Monitor your usage.

Once you have used up your Amex Green statement credits, you can still use LoungeBuddy to buy lounge access. It might be helpful to keep a note on your phone to monitor your LoungeBuddy usage.

By doing this, you’ll be aware when your lounge visit booking pushes you over the $100 threshold for the year. Beyond this point, you will no longer receive any statement credits on your American Express Green Card for further LoungeBuddy visits within the same calendar year.

Related: Is the annual fee for the Amex Green Card justified?

Consider international lounges

Numerous international lounges are more affordable than those in the U.S. Consequently, you might maximize the American Express Green Card’s LoungeBuddy statement credit annually by frequenting lounges outside the U.S. Often, these lounges provide more substantial food and superior amenities compared to similarly priced lounges within the U.S.

For instance, you can reserve access to six different lounges via LoungeBuddy at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), with rates varying between $28 and $46 per individual.

LoungeBuddy offers bookings for eight lounges at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) at a price of $34 per person.

Several lounges are available for an even lower cost. Access to the Concordia Lounge at Syamsudin Noor Airport (BDJ) in Indonesia is only $8 per person when booked via LoungeBuddy. Note that this lounge is located in the domestic terminal, so you must be flying within Indonesia to utilize it.

In a similar fashion, the Aviserv Lounge (West) in Mumbai provides three-hour lounge access for $9 per individual; as another option, it offers seven-hour access including a shower and four hours in a private sleep pod for $51 per person.

By choosing from these options, you could potentially extend your $100 statement credit to cover numerous lounge visits each year.

Related: Why the Amex Green is ideal for newcomers to points and miles

Bottom line

A notable perk of the American Express Green Card is the $100 LoungeBuddy statement credit available annually. Depending on your usage, you might extend these credits to accommodate up to 12 lounge visits in a year, or alternatively, you could spend the entire credit on one or two high-end lounge visits. The best way to maximize this benefit will vary for each traveler, but there are numerous ways to utilize the LoungeBuddy statement credit to achieve the maximum value for your needs.

For additional information on lounge access and the American Express Green Card, refer to the guides listed below: