The Amex US Open Lounge is a hospitality space at the tennis tournament for cardholders with specific American Express cards
American Express operates a lounge at the US Open tennis tournament in Flushing, Queens, during the event each August and September. The lounge is not a separate membership you buy — it comes as a benefit included with certain American Express cards. Which cards get you in, what the lounge contains, and whether it's worth the card's annual fee depends on your card type and how you plan to use it.
The lounge itself is a climate-controlled space where cardholders can rest between matches, access food and beverages, use restrooms, and charge devices. It's not a luxury suite or private box — it's a shared hospitality area. The exact location, size, and amenities change year to year based on the tournament's layout and American Express's sponsorship agreement.
Key Takeaways
- The Amex US Open Lounge access comes with certain American Express cards, most commonly the Platinum Card and sometimes the Gold Card, depending on the year and card version.
- You must have an active card in your name and typically need to register or show your card at the lounge entrance during the tournament.
- The lounge provides seating, food, beverages, and device charging, but is a shared space, not a private box or premium seating upgrade.
- Lounge access is one benefit among many on premium American Express cards, so whether it matters depends on whether you attend the US Open and value the other card benefits.
Which American Express cards include US Open Lounge access
The American Express Platinum Card has historically been the primary card that includes US Open Lounge access. This card carries an annual fee (currently $695 as of 2024, though this changes). American Express also occasionally includes lounge access with the Gold Card or other premium cards, but this varies by year and by whether you hold a personal or business version of the card.
The best way to confirm whether your specific card includes this benefit is to log into your American Express account online, call the customer service number on the back of your card, or check the benefits guide that came with your card. American Express updates card benefits regularly, and a benefit that was included last year might not be this year, or vice versa.
If you don't currently hold an American Express card but are considering one partly for US Open access, remember that the annual fee is a real cost. The lounge benefit is one of many perks on these cards — others include travel credits, dining credits, and airport lounge access — so evaluate the full card value, not just the US Open lounge.
How to use your lounge access during the tournament
During the US Open, American Express sets up a dedicated lounge entrance or check-in area. You'll need to show your American Express card and a valid photo ID to enter. Some years, American Express requires you to register your card in advance on their website or through the US Open's official site, so check the American Express website or your card's benefits page a few weeks before the tournament starts.
The lounge is open during tournament hours — typically from the start of play through the evening. You can enter and exit as many times as you want during the tournament if you have a multi-day or season pass to the US Open itself. If you're attending a single day, you can use the lounge during that day's matches.
Bring your physical card and ID each time you visit. Digital card images on your phone may not be accepted, so don't rely on a screenshot or mobile wallet alone.
What's actually inside the lounge
The lounge typically includes comfortable seating, tables, and televisions showing the matches. American Express provides complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages — the specific offerings vary by year but usually include snacks, sandwiches, fruit, and drinks. Restrooms are available, and you can charge phones and other devices.
The lounge is not a premium seating area or a way to upgrade your ticket. It's a rest space separate from the stadium seating. You still need a separate ticket to watch matches from the stadium itself. Think of it as a comfortable place to cool off, eat, and recharge between matches or during rain delays, not as a substitute for stadium seating.
Capacity is limited, so during peak times (like evening matches or weekend play) the lounge may be crowded. There's no may provide of a seat or table, especially if you arrive during a popular match.
Whether the lounge justifies the card's annual fee
The Platinum Card's $695 annual fee is substantial. If you attend the US Open once every few years, the lounge alone does not justify that cost. However, the Platinum Card includes other benefits: $200 annual airline fee credits, $200 annual Uber credits, access to airport lounges worldwide, and various travel and dining perks. Some cardholders use enough of these other benefits to offset the annual fee, and the US Open lounge is a bonus on top.
If you're a regular US Open attendee and you already value the card's other benefits, the lounge access adds real convenience. If you're considering the card mainly for the lounge, the math probably doesn't work unless you also use the travel credits or other perks.
American Express occasionally waives or reduces the annual fee for new cardholders in the first year, so if you're interested in the card, check whether a current offer applies before you sign up.
What changes year to year
American Express's sponsorship of the US Open, the lounge's location, the food offerings, and even which cards include the benefit can all shift from year to year. The tournament itself moves slightly within the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center grounds, and American Express adjusts the lounge accordingly.
Before the tournament, visit the official US Open website and the American Express website to confirm that your card includes lounge access for that year and to find details on registration, location, and hours. Don't assume that because you had access last year, you'll have it this year — always verify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a guest into the lounge with me?
This varies by year and by American Express's agreement with the US Open. Some years, cardholders can bring one guest; other years, only the cardholder can enter. Check the American Express website or call their customer service before the tournament to confirm the guest policy for that year.
Do I need to register my card before I go to the US Open?
Many years, yes — American Express asks cardholders to register in advance on their website. This helps them manage lounge capacity and ensures your card is flagged in their system. Check the Amex website or your card's benefits page 2 to 3 weeks before the tournament to see whether registration is required.
What if my card doesn't include US Open Lounge access?
If you hold an American Express card that doesn't include this benefit, you won't be able to use the lounge. You can still attend the US Open with a regular tournament ticket. If you're interested in the lounge, you'd need to upgrade to a card that includes it, though that means paying the higher annual fee.
Is the lounge the same as a premium seat or box at the stadium?
No. The lounge is a separate hospitality space where you can rest and eat. It doesn't include stadium seating or a view of the courts. You need a separate US Open ticket to watch matches from the stadium. The lounge is a place to go between matches or during breaks, not a seating upgrade.
What happens if the lounge is too crowded?
During popular matches, especially in the evening or on weekends, the lounge may reach capacity. There's no may provide of a seat or table. If it's too crowded, you can leave and return later, or you can use other facilities at the US Open grounds.