Newark Airport Lounge Access Guide: Day Pass vs. Credit Cards vs. Elite Status

Option 1: Day Pass Strategy – When One-Time Entry Makes Sense

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Cost: $59 (United Club) or $79 (Admirals Club) per visit

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Newark Availability:

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• United Club: $59 per person via United app or at lounge desk

• American Admirals Club: $79 covers you + spouse + up to 3 children under 18

• Delta Sky Club: No day passes sold (members/cardholders only)

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The Break-Even Analysis:

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If you buy day passes for 10+ visits annually, you're spending $590-$790 versus getting a credit card with lounge access for $0-$695/year that includes other benefits worth hundreds more.

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When Day Passes Work:

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• You fly through Newark 1-3 times per year

• You have a family: Admirals Club's $79 pass covering 2 adults + 3 kids delivers exceptional value compared to cards that charge guest fees

• You're testing lounge access before committing to annual solutions

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When to Skip Day Passes:

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• You travel through EWR 6+ times yearly

• You're traveling solo (cards offer better per-visit economics)

• You want flexibility across multiple lounge networks

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Bottom Line: Day passes work for infrequent travelers, especially families who can share the Admirals Club pass. Otherwise, credit cards deliver superior value starting at visit #4.

Option 2: Credit Card Lounge Access – The High-ROI Solution

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This is where smart travelers save hundreds annually. The right credit card eliminates per-visit fees entirely while delivering lounge access plus additional travel perks.

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The Newark-Specific Card Strategy

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Not all lounge cards work equally well at Newark. Here's what actually provides value at EWR:

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For United Passengers: The New United℠ Explorer Card

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Best for: Travelers who fly United from Newark 4-12 times per year

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The United℠ Explorer Card grants two complimentary United Club passes annually. At Newark, this means access to any United Club in Terminal A or Terminal C.

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The ROI Calculation:

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• Two United Club visits = $118 value ($59 × 2)

• Card annual fee: $0 intro first year, then $95

• Net value after year 1: $118 savings on lounges + free checked bag benefit (worth $70-$140 per roundtrip) + 2x miles on United purchases

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Break-even math: If you use both passes and check a bag just twice, you've recovered $118 + $140 = $258 in value against a $95 fee.

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Eligible for lounge access: Only when flying United same-day

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‍Guest policy: Passes don't include guestsAdditional benefits: No foreign transaction fees, 2 miles per $1 on United purchases, 1 mile per $1 everywhere else

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2406", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Priority Boarding"} ]]

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For American Airlines Passengers: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

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Best for: Business travelers flying American from Newark 10+ times annually

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This card provides full Admirals Club membership, granting unlimited access to American's Admirals Club at Newark Terminal A every time you fly American.

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The ROI Calculation:

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• Admirals Club membership value: $650/year

• 10 visits at day pass rate would cost: $790

• Card annual fee: $450

• Net savings for 10 visits: $340 per year

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Break-even point: 6 visits annually ($79 × 6 = $474, which exceeds the $450 fee)

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Additional value that accelerates break-even:

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• $200 airline fee credits (easily used for seat selections, baggage fees)

• Admirals Club access includes 1 guest or spouse + children under 18

• Priority boarding, free first checked bag

• Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 on eligible American Airlines purchases

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Actual annual value if you use everything: $450 fee - $200 credit = $250 net cost for unlimited lounge access + guest privileges + free bags.

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "544", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "No Transaction Fees" } ]]

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For Delta Passengers & Multi-Airline Travelers: American Express Platinum Card® (See Rates & Fees)

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Best for: Travelers who fly Delta from Newark OR mix between airlines and want maximum flexibility

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At Newark specifically, the Platinum Card from American Express provides:

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• 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club visits annually when flying Delta same-day

• Priority Pass Select membership (limited utility at EWR, but valuable at 1,500+ lounges globally)

• Access to the upcoming Centurion Lounge at Newark Terminal A (opening 2026)

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The ROI Calculation for Newark Travelers:

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• 10 Delta Sky Club visits = $650+ value (Sky Club has no day passes; your only alternative is buying membership)

• Annual fee: $895

• Up to $200 airline fee credit

• Up to $200 Uber credit ($15/month + $20 in Dec)

• Up to $189 CLEAR credit

• Up to $100 Saks credit

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Net effective cost after credits: $895 - $589 in credits = $306 for 10 Delta lounge visits + global lounge access + premium perks

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Break-even analysis: If you value just half the credits ($300) and use 6+ Delta lounge visits, the card pays for itself.

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Important restrictions:

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• Delta Sky Club access requires flying Delta that day

• No guests included with Sky Club visits via this card

• Centurion Lounge allows 2 guests free when it opens at Newark

[[ 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.}

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For Maximum Flexibility: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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Best for: Travelers who don't fly one airline consistently but want lounge options across their journey

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While Newark has limited Priority Pass lounges, Chase Sapphire Reserve® delivers value through:

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• Priority Pass Select membership (55,000+ participating lounges worldwide)

• Access to 1,300+ Priority Pass locations globally (useful for connections beyond Newark)

• Strong earning rates on travel and dining to fund future trips

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The Newark Reality Check: At Newark specifically, your Priority Pass gets you access to Be Relax Spa for a complimentary massage or manicure—not a traditional lounge with food and drinks.

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When this card makes sense for Newark travelers:

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• You frequently connect through airports with robust Priority Pass networks (like PHX, PHX, or international hubs)

• You value the card's 3x points on travel and dining over lounge-specific access at EWR

• You want flexibility without airline loyalty requirements

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The ROI for multi-airport travelers:

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• Annual fee: $795

• $300 travel credit (apply to any travel purchase)

• Priority Pass membership (valued at $469 if purchased separately)

• Net effective cost: $550 - $300 = $495 for premium travel benefits

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "$300 Annual Travel Credit"} ]]

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For Premium United Flyers: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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Best for: Travelers flying United from Newark 15+ times per year who want lounge access plus exceptional rewards earning

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While Capital One hasn't opened a lounge at Newark yet, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card provides Priority Pass Select membership and will offer Capital One Lounge access when available at EWR in the future.

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Why this card matters for Newark travelers:

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• 2x miles on every purchase (highly flexible redemption)

• $300 annual travel credit (applies to airline fees, lounges, TSA PreCheck, etc.)

• 10,000 anniversary bonus miles

• Priority Pass Select membership

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The ROI Calculation:

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• Annual fee: $395

• $300 travel credit

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

• Net cost: Effectively $0 after credits, with Priority Pass membership included

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Newark-specific consideration: Limited immediate lounge value at EWR, but exceptional if you connect through other airports or travel internationally.

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2888", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Luxurious Travel Benefits" } ]]

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Card Comparison Table: Which Delivers Best Newark Value?

Option 3: Elite Status & Premium Tickets – The Reality Check

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Who gets free lounge access at Newark:

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United:

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• Polaris business/first class → Polaris Lounge (not accessible any other way)

• Star Alliance Gold status → United Club access on international flights

• Business/first class tickets on Star Alliance → United Club access

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Delta:

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• Delta One business class → Sky Club access

• SkyTeam Elite Plus → Sky Club access on international travel (+ 1 guest)

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American:

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• Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire → Admirals Club on international flights only

• Business/first class on international routes → Admirals Club

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The Limitation: Domestic first class does NOT grant lounge access on AA or United. Only international premium cabins or top-tier status on qualifying routes provide access.

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When this works: If you already have status or regularly fly business class for work, enjoy the perk. Don't chase status solely for lounge access—the credit card path is more efficient.

Option 4: Annual Lounge Memberships – When to Buy Direct

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Direct membership costs:

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• United Club: $650/year

• Admirals Club: $650/year

• Delta Sky Club: Restricted sales (Medallion members only)

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When buying direct makes sense:

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• Your employer reimburses membership costs

• You need guest privileges beyond what credit cards offer

• You have excess airline miles to redeem for membership

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Why most travelers should skip this: The credit cards we covered provide the same lounge access at lower net costs once you factor in card benefits, credits, and welcome bonuses.

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Example: The Citi® AAdvantage® Executive card effectively provides Admirals Club membership at a net cost of $250/year (after $200 credit) versus $650 paying directly.

The Math: Which Option Saves You the Most?

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Let's compare total annual costs based on your Newark travel frequency:

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Scenario 1: Light Traveler (6 Newark trips per year via United)

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There are three ways to access United Club lounges. Day Passes cost $354 annually if you visit 6 times at $59 per pass, with no additional benefits—making this the least cost-effective option.

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The United Explorer Card offers the best overall value at $272 per year, which includes a $150 annual fee plus $122 for 4 extra passes (2 passes are included free annually). This credit card membership comes with several perks: 2 free United Club passes each year, free checked bags for you and a companion, 2x miles on United purchases and dining, and priority boarding.

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For frequent travelers, Direct United Membership costs $850 annually at the standard rate for new members. This option is good for those visiting 10+ times per year, as it provides unlimited United Club access, allows you to bring up to 2 guests per visit, and grants access to over 45 United Club locations globally.

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💰 Winner: United Explorer Card saves $82 vs. day passes and $378 vs. direct membership

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Scenario 2: Regular Traveler (12 Newark trips per year via American)

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There are three ways to access American Airlines Admirals Club lounges. Day Passes cost $948 annually if you visit 12 times at $79 per pass, with no additional benefits included and guests paying separately—making this the most expensive option.

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The Citi Executive Card offers the best overall value with an effective annual cost of just $250 (a $595 annual fee offset by $345 in credits). This credit card membership saves you $698 compared to buying day passes and includes impressive benefits: unlimited Admirals Club access, free checked bags for you plus 8 companions, priority check-in and boarding, 4x miles on American Airlines purchases, and up to $360 in annual credits for Lyft, Grubhub, and car rentals. You can bring 2 guests or your immediate family on each visit.

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For those who prefer direct membership, Direct Admirals Membership costs $850 annually at the standard rate for new members and provides moderate value. This option includes unlimited Admirals Club access, entry to over 50 Admirals Club locations globally, and partner lounge access through Oneworld airlines. Like the credit card option, you can bring 2 guests or your immediate family per visit.

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💰 Winner: Citi Executive Card saves $698 vs. day passes and $400 vs. direct membership

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🎯 Annual savings: $698 (or $58/month in lounge fees eliminated)

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Scenario 3: Multi-Airline Traveler (10 Newark trips per year, mixed carriers)

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There are three ways to access airport lounges at Newark. Day Passes from mixed airlines cost between $650-$790 annually with variable pricing per lounge and airline. This pay-per-visit option only provides access at Newark and requires you to purchase access to whichever lounge is available at the time—offering no flexibility.

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The Amex Platinum card is the best choice with an effective annual cost of just $306 (an $895 annual fee offset by $589 in easy credits), and it pays for itself immediately. At Newark, you get 10 Delta Sky Club visits annually, Priority Pass access for United Club, and access to the upcoming Centurion Lounge opening in 2026.

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Globally, this premium credit card provides extraordinary coverage with Priority Pass Select membership accessing 1,500+ lounges worldwide, Centurion Lounges globally, Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta, and Plaza Premium along with other partner lounges—making it the best overall value.

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For travelers wanting Multiple Direct Memberships, you'll need to purchase separate airline-specific memberships costing $1,300 or more annually, which is extremely expensive. This approach only grants access to lounges from the airlines whose memberships you've purchased, with global access limited to those specific airline networks.

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💰 Winner: Amex Platinum saves $544-$684 annually vs. day passes while providing global coverage

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Quick Reference: Break-Even Analysis by Visit Frequency

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Your ideal Newark lounge access strategy depends on how frequently you travel. For occasional travelers making 1-3 visits annually, purchasing Day Passes as needed at $59-79 each is the best option. This approach requires no annual commitment, you only pay when you travel, and it offers maximum flexibility for infrequent use—though there are no savings compared to more regular travel patterns.

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Regular business travelers visiting 4-6 times per year should get an Airline Co-Brand Card with included passes, such as the United Explorer with its $150 annual fee. This saves you $150-$280 versus buying day passes and provides 2 free lounge passes included annually, free checked bags that save money, rewards earnings on card spending, and priority boarding.

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Frequent flyers making 7-12 visits annually benefit most from a Premium Card with Lounge Membership like the Citi Executive ($595 annual fee) or Amex Platinum ($895 annual fee). These cards save you $340-$698 compared to day passes because unlimited lounge access pays for itself, premium travel benefits are included, annual credits offset most of the fee, and you get elite-style perks like priority boarding.

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Very frequent flyers with 13+ visits per year should choose either a Premium Card or Direct Membership, saving $890 or more versus day passes. At this frequency, you get maximum value since the premium card offers global benefits while direct membership provides single-airline loyalty, and the per-visit cost becomes negligible.

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For multi-airline travelers who fly frequently on different carriers, the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve saves $544+ compared to multiple memberships. These cards provide access across all airlines at Newark, grant entry to 1,500+ lounges worldwide, aren't locked into a single airline, and include premium travel credits.

Your Best Newark Lounge Strategy by Travel Pattern

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Choose your strategy based on annual Newark frequency and primary airline:

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Decision Matrix: Find Your Optimal Strategy

Detailed Strategy Recommendations

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If you fly United from Newark 3-6 times per year:

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Recommended: United℠ Explorer Card

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The strategy:

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1. Use your 2 complimentary United Club passes (included annually)
2. For additional visits, buy United Club day passes at $59 each
3. Maximize free checked bag benefit (saves $70-$140 per roundtrip)

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Annual cost breakdown:

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• Card fee: $95 (after first year)

• 4 additional day passes: $236 (4 × $59)

• Total: $331 vs. $590 buying all 6 passes individually

• Savings: $259 (plus free checked bags worth $280-$560 annually)

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Apply when: You're planning 4+ United trips from Newark in the next 12 months

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‍If you fly United from Newark 10+ times per year:

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Recommended: United Club Infinite Card (provides full membership)

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Why upgrade from Explorer: At 10+ visits, unlimited access becomes more economical than managing passes.

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Annual cost breakdown:

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• Card fee: $525

• United Club membership: Included (worth $650)

• Guest privileges: 2 guests per visit included

• Total effective cost: $525 vs. $590+ buying passes

• Savings: Minimum $65, but guest value adds $590+ in additional saved guest fees

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Note: If you're not ready for this premium card, stick with Explorer Card and buy membership directly ($650) when visit frequency justifies it.

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If you fly American from Newark 6+ times per year:

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Recommended: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

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The winning math:

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• Day pass cost for 6 visits: $474 (6 × $79)

• Card annual fee: $450

• Less $200 airline credit: Net cost $250

• Break-even: Visit #4

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Additional value multipliers:

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• Guest privileges: Spouse + kids under 18 OR 2 guests free (worth $79-$237 per visit)

• Free first checked bag: Worth $60-$120 per roundtrip

• Priority boarding on every flight

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Real-world example: Family of 4 flying AA from Newark 10 times/year

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• Day passes would cost: $790 (family covered under 1 pass × 10)

• Card net cost: $250

• Free checked bags: $600-$1,200 saved

• Total annual savings: $540-$1,540

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If you fly Delta from Newark 6+ times per year:

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Recommended: The Platinum Card from American Express

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Why this card wins for Delta flyers:

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• 10 complimentary Sky Club visits annually (Sky Club doesn't sell day passes)

• Access to Newark Centurion Lounge opening 2026

• Your only alternative is buying Sky Club membership (restricted to Medallion elites)

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Net cost after credits:

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• Annual fee: $695

• Less travel/credits: $589 ($200 airline + $200 Uber + $189 CLEAR)

• Effective cost: $106 for 10+ lounge visits + premium benefits

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Value comparison:

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• Sky Club membership (if available): $695

• This card: Net $106 with 10 visits + Centurion access + global Priority Pass

• Savings: $589 annually

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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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If you fly multiple airlines or connect frequently:

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Recommended: Chase Sapphire Reserve® OR Capital One Venture X

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When these cards make sense:

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• You don't fly one airline consistently enough for airline-specific lounge cards

• You frequently connect through airports with strong Priority Pass networks

• You value flexible points currencies over airline-specific miles

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®:

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• Net cost: $250 after $300 travel credit

• Priority Pass Select: 1,500+ lounges globally

• Newark limitation: Only spa access at EWR

• Best for: Travelers who connect through PHX, LAS, DEN, or international hubs

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Capital One Venture X:

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• Net cost: $0 after $300 credit + anniversary bonus

• Priority Pass Select included

• Future Capital One Lounge access at EWR

• Best for: Points maximizers who want flexibility

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Bottom line: These cards don't solve Newark lounge access directly, but provide comprehensive coverage across your entire travel ecosystem.

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If you fly through Newark 1-3 times per year:

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Recommended: Day passes only - no annual commitment needed

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The simple math:

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• 3 United visits at $59 each = $177 annually

• 3 American visits at $79 each = $237 annually

• Any premium card = $395-$695 annually

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When day passes win: Your lounge usage doesn't justify the annual fee of cards with lounge benefits. Pay as you go.

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Family exception: If traveling with family, Admirals Club day pass ($79 for up to 5 people) offers exceptional value even for occasional use. Compare:

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• Family of 4 buying individual lounge access: $236-$316

• One Admirals Club pass: $79

• Savings per visit: $157-$237

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Pro tip: Plan which flights you'll buy lounge access for (morning departures, long delays, international connections) and skip for quick connections.

Frequently Asked Questions About Newark Lounge Access

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Which lounges at Newark accept Priority Pass?

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Current Status (2025): Newark has no traditional Priority Pass lounges.

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✅ What Priority Pass DOES cover at EWR:

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• Be Relax Spa in Terminal A (complimentary massage or manicure)

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❌ What's no longer available:

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• Terminal B Priority Pass lounges (agreements ended)

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Bottom line: If Priority Pass is your only lounge access method, Newark is not your best airport. Consider cards with airline-specific lounge access instead.

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Can I use credit card lounge access when flying basic economy?

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Yes, with most cards - but the rules vary:

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United Explorer passes: ✅ Yes - Must be flying United same day (any fare class)

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Citi Executive (Admirals): ✅ Yes - Must be flying American same day (any fare class)

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Amex Platinum (Sky Club): ✅ Yes - Must be flying Delta same day (any fare class)

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Status-based access: ⚠️ Usually no - Typically requires premium cabin on international flights

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Important: You must have a same-day boarding pass for that specific airline. You cannot access United Club if flying American, even with the right card.

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Does Chase Sapphire Reserve work at Newark?

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Limited value at Newark specifically:

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides Priority Pass Select membership, which at Newark only covers:

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• Be Relax Spa services (massage/manicure)

• No traditional lounges with food and drinks

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Where this card excels:

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✅ Connections through airports with robust Priority Pass networks (PHX, LAS, DEN, international hubs)

✅ 3x points on travel and dining

✅ $300 annual travel credit

✅ Global lounge coverage on international trips

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Better for Newark: Airline co-brand cards (United, American, Delta) that provide access to actual airline lounges at EWR.

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How do I access the United Polaris Lounge at Newark?

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The Polaris Lounge is exclusively for premium passengers:

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✅ Who gets access:

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• United Polaris business class passengers on international flights

• United domestic first class on transcontinental routes (SFO/LAX ↔ EWR)

• Star Alliance business/first class on qualifying international routes

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❌ Who does NOT get access:

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• Credit card holders (no card grants Polaris access)

• United Club members

• Elite status holders flying economy

• Day pass purchasers

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Why Polaris is different: This is United's flagship lounge product with premium dining, sleep pods, and shower suites. Access is strictly limited to same-day premium cabin passengers.

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Can I bring guests with credit card lounge access?

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Guest policies vary significantly by card:

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United Explorer passes:

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• ❌ No guests allowed

• Each person needs their own pass

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Citi Executive (Admirals Club):

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• ✅ 2 guests OR spouse + kids under 18 included free

• Excellent for families

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Amex Platinum at Sky Club:

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• ⚠️ No complimentary guests

• Guests pay $50 each

• Must pay for spouse/kids

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Amex Platinum at Centurion Lounge:

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• ✅ 2 guests free included

• Opening at Newark in 2026

• Great for couples

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Chase Reserve (Priority Pass):

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• ✅ 2 guests at participating locations included

• Not applicable at Newark (no PP lounges)

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Family travel tip: The Admirals Club day pass ($79) covering your entire family can be more cost-effective than guest fees on some premium cards.

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What if I have multiple credit cards with lounge access?

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You can only use one access method per visit, but having multiple cards provides strategic flexibility:

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Smart multi-card strategy:

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• United Explorer → Use free passes for United flights from Newark

• Amex Platinum → Use for Delta flights from Newark

• Chase Sapphire Reserve → Use Priority Pass at connection airports with better networks

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How Kudos helps: Kudos automatically shows you which card provides access at each airport in your itinerary, ensuring you're always using the optimal card for lounge access without paying unnecessarily.

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Example travel scenario:

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• Newark → Delta flight → Use Amex Platinum for Sky Club

• Connection in Atlanta → Use Chase Reserve's Priority Pass at ATL (better coverage)

• Return to Newark → Back to Amex Platinum for Sky Club

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Having 2-3 complementary lounge cards creates complete coverage across airlines and airports.

Bottom Line: Your Newark Lounge Action Plan

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The most expensive mistake Newark travelers make is buying day passes repeatedly when a credit card would save them $340-$890 annually.

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Your Personalized Action Plan by Travel Frequency

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1-3 visits per year (Any airline):

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• Recommended: Day passes only

• Annual savings: Baseline (saves vs. cards)

• Action: Buy passes only when needed. For families, use Admirals ($79 for 5 people)

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3-6 visits per year on United:

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• Recommended: United℠ Explorer Card

• Annual savings: $200-$280

• Action: Apply for Explorer, use 2 free passes + buy additional when needed

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3-6 visits per year on American/Other airlines:

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• Recommended: Day passes or starter card

• Annual savings: $150-$200

• Action: Stay flexible with passes or consider basic lounge card

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6-12 visits per year on United:

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• Recommended: United℠ Explorer Card

• Annual savings: $280-$340

• Action: Explorer card maximizes value before needing full membership

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6-12 visits per year on American:

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• Recommended: Citi® AAdvantage® Executive

• Annual savings: $340-$698

• Action: Break-even at visit #6. Guest privileges add huge value

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6-12 visits per year on Delta:

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• Recommended: Amex Platinum Card®

• Annual savings: $544-$684

• Action: Only card option for Delta (no day passes sold)

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10+ visits per year on United:

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• Recommended: United Club m
• embership via card

• Annual savings: $340-$540

• Action: Full membership via premium card or direct purchase

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10+ visits per year on American:

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• Recommended: Citi® AAdvantage® Executive

• Annual savings: $698-$890

• Action: Unlimited access + guest privileges essential at this frequency

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10+ visits per year on Delta:

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• Recommended: Amex Platinum Card®

• Annual savings: $890+

• Action: Maximum value with 10 free visits + Centurion access

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10+ visits per year on Mixed airlines:

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• Recommended: Amex Platinum OR multiple cards

• Annual savings: $890+

• Action: Comprehensive coverage across lounges and airlines

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The Three-Step Newark Lounge Strategy

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Step 1: Calculate your annual Newark visits

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• Count all flights through EWR in the past 12 months

• Identify your most-used airline

• Consider whether you travel alone or with family

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Step 2: Choose the card that matches your pattern

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• 6+ United flights → United℠ Explorer Card

• 6+ American flights → Citi® AAdvantage® Executive

• 6+ Delta flights → Amex Platinum Card®

• Mixed airlines → Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Capital One Venture X

• 1-5 flights → Stick with day passes

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Step 3: Use Kudos to track which card provides access

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• Automatically see lounge benefits across all your cards

• Get alerts for airports where you have access

• Never miss out on lounge entry you've already paid for

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Real Numbers: What Newark Travelers Actually Save

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Example 1: Sarah - 8 United flights/year from Newark

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• Old strategy: Buying day passes = $472/year

• New strategy: United Explorer Card = $95/year (uses 2 free passes + buys 6 more)

• Annual savings: $377 (plus free checked bags worth $560)

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Example 2: Michael - 12 American flights/year from Newark with spouse

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• Old strategy: Day passes for 2 people = $1,896/year (12 × $79 × 2)

• New strategy: Citi Executive Card = $250 net (after credits, includes spouse)

• Annual savings: $1,646

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Example 3: Jennifer - 10 mixed airline flights/year from Newark

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• Old strategy: Mix of day passes = $650-$790/year

• New strategy: Amex Platinum = $106 net effective cost

• Annual savings: $544-$684

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Take Action: Stop Overpaying Today

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If you fly through Newark 6+ times yearly, a credit card with lounge benefits will pay for itself by midyear and continue delivering value on every subsequent visit.

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If you fly through Newark 3-5 times yearly, the United℠ Explorer Card's two free passes plus strategic day passes for additional visits creates optimal economics.

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If you fly through Newark 1-2 times yearly, day passes remain your best option—no annual commitment, pay only when you need it.

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The math is clear: strategic credit card selection saves Newark travelers an average of $544 annually versus buying access piecemeal.

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Ready to start saving? Review the card recommendations above, calculate your break-even point, and choose the option that delivers maximum value for your specific Newark travel pattern.

How Kudos Maximizes Your Lounge Access Benefits

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Kudos members unlock hidden lounge benefits they already own:

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Benefit Tracking: Automatically see which of your credit cards provides lounge access at Newark and every airport you visit. Never miss out on access you've already paid for.

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Card Comparison: Compare lounge cards side-by-side with ROI calculations specific to your travel patterns. See which card saves you the most based on your actual Newark frequency.

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Application Optimization: When you're ready to apply for a lounge card, Kudos shows you the best current welcome bonus offers and helps you meet minimum spend requirements strategically.

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Multi-Airport Strategy: Traveling beyond Newark? Kudos maps out which card provides access at every airport in your itinerary, ensuring you're never paying for lounge access unnecessarily.

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Join over 400,000 Kudos members who are maximizing their credit card benefits and saving hundreds annually on travel perks they already own.