Need a nap during a layover at Dubai International Airport (DXB), a complimentary meal for 2 with wine at Tampa International Airport (TPA), or a shower between flights at Heathrow Airport (LHR)? All this and more are at your disposal with complimentary Priority Pass lounge membership.
An airport lounge has typically been the go-to spot for business travelers to meet up with colleagues, get some work done, and grab a snack between flights. For families, the lounge has served as a place to use the restroom, feed the family, and rest up before the next flight.
Whether you use the airport lounge for business or leisure travel, chances are you appreciate the value of having access to a lounge when traveling.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to secure airport lounge access and the related benefits of a Priority Pass membership without having to purchase one. The membership is complimentary with several premium travel rewards credit cards.
In this article, you will find all the information you need on the Priority Pass lounge, the amenities and services the membership includes, and which credit cards are best for getting complimentary or discounted access.
What Is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass has been around for over 30 years, providing a worldwide network of airport lounges.
The program’s founder watched as business class passengers enjoyed lounge access while he endured the “chaos of the departure hall.” He then created Priority Pass, a program that would offer airport lounge access, regardless of your class of travel or the airline you were flying.
The Priority Pass network has expanded to include dining facilities, spa experiences, retail offers, and access to Be Relax Spa and Minute Suites locations.
The Priority Pass worldwide network of lounges and associated properties spans nearly 150 countries, over 500 cities, and over 1,300 facilities. This dominant global footprint means you’re sure to find a lounge throughout your travels.
You can purchase a Priority Pass membership directly or receive a Priority Pass Select membership as a benefit on a travel rewards credit card.
Image Credit: Priority Pass
The Benefits of a Priority Pass Membership
With a Priority Pass Select membership, you can expect the following benefits:
- Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
- Complimentary beverages, snacks, and hot food (where available)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Showers and conference rooms (where available)
- Restaurant dining at specific airports — $28 to $30 credit per person, limits apply depending on the card and/or restaurant
- Minute Suite access — 1 hour free, discounted rate after that
- Be Relax Spas — cardholders can take advantage of various spa services
- Access to other facilities specific to individual airports, for example: Sleep’n Fly at DXB
- Avis Preferred benefits
- Access to over 800 dining, shopping, and spa discounts
- Comfortable seating and quiet spaces
- Newspapers and magazines
- Power outlets and USB ports
Additional locations and services are constantly being added. When you initiate a search for a lounge, all of the available facilities, including restaurants and sleeping options, will be listed.
Bottom Line: Priority Pass Select includes more than just lounge access. You can find a place to take a nap, dine at a restaurant with your traveling companion, or catch a quick shower. While facilities vary by airport, with over 1,300 locations and growing, you’ll find Priority Pass locations widely available during your travels. Check out our guides to the best Priority Pass lounges in the U.S. and the best Priority Pass lounges worldwide.
The Value of Complimentary Priority Pass Lounge Access
To get an idea of how much the complimentary lounge access on a travel rewards credit card is worth, here is a look at what it costs for a Priority Pass membership and what it offers.
The cost of Priority Pass membership when purchased directly. Image Credit: Priority Pass
There are 3 levels of membership you can purchase directly from Priority Pass. One key factor to notice is that even if you buy the Prestige level membership, you must pay extra for any guests to have access.
With Priority Pass Select (the level of membership you receive on a travel rewards credit card), you can bring 2 additional guests into the lounge with you for no extra charge.
Since a single Prestige level membership costs $429 (before any available discount) a year when purchased from Priority Pass, the complimentary membership that comes with your credit card and allows 2 guests can be worth much more.
Hot Tip: The complimentary Priority Pass membership that comes with a travel rewards credit card can be worth more than a purchased membership as the complimentary membership can allow up to 2 additional guests for no charge. Paid membership charges $32 per guest per visit.
The 9 Best Cards That Offer Priority Pass Lounge Access — Summary
| Card |
Welcome Bonus and Annual Fee |
Priority Pass Lounge Access
|
| The Platinum Card® from American Express |
- Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees)
|
- Priority Pass lounge access upon enrollment
- Access to hundreds of additional lounges that are part of the Amex Global Lounge Collection
- Allows access for the cardholder plus up to 2 additional guests
|
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card |
- Earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- Annual fee of $395
|
- Priority Pass lounge access
- Access to Capital One Lounges and Plaza Premium Lounges
- Allows access for the cardholder plus up to 2 additional guests
|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® |
- Earn 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- Annual fee of $550
|
- Priority Pass lounge access
- Access to Chase Sapphire Lounges (coming soon)
- Allows access for the cardholder plus up to 2 additional guests
|
| Citi Prestige® Card |
- No welcome offer available.
- Annual fee of $495
|
- Priority Pass lounge access
- Allows access for the cardholder plus immediate family or 2 additional guests
|
| Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card |
- Earn 150,000 points after spending $4,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
- Annual fee of $450 (see rates and fees)
|
- Priority Pass lounge access
- Allows access for the cardholder plus up to 2 additional guests
|
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card |
- Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
- Annual fee of $650 (see rates and fees)
|
- Priority Pass lounge access
- Allows access for the cardholder plus up to 2 additional guests
|
| The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card |
- Earn 130,000 points after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Annual fee of $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees)
|
- Priority Pass lounge access
- 10 free day passes annually, $27 each visit after that
|
| The Business Platinum Card® from American Express |
- Earn 120,000 points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- Annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees)
|
- Priority Pass lounge access upon enrollment
- Access to hundreds of additional lounges that are part of the Amex Global Lounge Collection
- Allows access for the cardholder plus up to 2 additional guests
|
| The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card |
- Earn 130,000 points when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- Annual fee of $95 (see rates and fees)
|
- Priority Pass lounge access
- 10 free day passes annually, $27 each visit after that
|
The 7+ Best Personal Cards That Offer Priority Pass Lounge Access
The Prima Vista Lounge at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is just one of the many lounges you can access with Priority Pass. Image Credit: Priority Pass
1. The Platinum Card® from American Express (Staff Favorite, The Best Lounge Access Card)
Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome offer of up to 150,000 points with the Amex Platinum card! (The current public offer is 100,000.)
When it comes to complimentary worldwide lounge access, the Amex Platinum card is king.
While the Amex Platinum card includes access to other lounges in the Amex Global Lounge Collection — such as the Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club, Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner, select Lufthansa Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and select Virgin Clubhouses — the largest network available is by far Priority Pass.
One of the best features of the Amex Platinum card is that authorized users receive the same complimentary Priority Pass lounge membership as the primary cardholder. Up to 3 authorized users can be added to the card for a total of $175 in addition to the annual fee on the card (rates and fees).
Authorized users can each bring an additional 2 guests into the lounge for no charge. Additional guests beyond that will have to pay at the Priority Pass Standard Program rate of $32 per person, per visit.
Note that Priority Pass memberships from U.S.-issued American Express cards no longer include restaurants (“non-lounge airport experiences”).
2. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
A close contender behind the Amex Platinum card, the CapOne Venture X card offers the distinct benefit of providing both the primary cardholder and each authorized user a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. Unlike the Amex Platinum card, you can add authorized users for free — making this a very lucrative benefit for those who can use it.
In addition to Priority Pass lounges, the CapOne Venture X card includes access to Capital One Lounges and Plaza Premium Lounges.
3. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a premium travel rewards card offering plenty of travel benefits, including travel statement credits, elevated earnings on travel purchases, and complimentary lounge access to Priority Pass lounges.
Just like the Amex Platinum card, authorized users receive the same Priority Pass Select membership as primary cardholders. This includes unlimited access plus 2 additional guests at no charge. Additional guests are then charged at the discounted rate of $27 per person, per visit.
It costs $75 for each authorized user you add to your Chase Sapphire Reserve card, but that can be a good value for unlimited Priority Pass lounge access and the ability to bring 2 guests.
Hot Tip: Adding an authorized user to the Amex Platinum card or Chase Sapphire Reserve card can give the additional cardholder unlimited Priority Pass Select membership, which includes the option to bring 2 additional guests.
4. Citi Prestige® Card
The Citi Prestige card, no longer available for new applicants, has a lot going for it. With strong earnings on airlines and dining, the fourth award hotel night free, and statement credits for travel purchases, the card is worth considering even if it did not come with lounge access.
The Citi Prestige card does complimentary lounge access properly. The Priority Pass Select membership that comes with the card allows access for the primary cardholder and their immediate family. Or, you can bring 2 additional guests.
Authorized users have the same level of Priority Pass membership, including access for immediate family or 2 guests. Authorized users cost just $50 to add to the card.
The Citi Prestige card is a great choice if you’re traveling frequently with immediate family and want lounge access for everyone.
Dine at a Priority Pass designated restaurant and receive up to $30 per person credit with your membership. Image Credit: Priority Pass
5. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
With supercharged reward earnings on Hilton purchases, an annual free hotel night, and complimentary top-level Diamond elite status, the Hilton Aspire card checks all the boxes for a premium hotel rewards card.
If Hilton is your hotel brand of choice, you’ll find a lot of reasons to have the Hilton Aspire card, including complimentary Priority Pass Select membership.
Membership includes unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges for the cardholder and 2 additional guests. Authorized users do not receive Priority Pass Select membership.
Note that Priority Pass memberships from U.S.-issued American Express cards no longer include restaurants (“non-lounge airport experiences”).
6. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
With complimentary elite status, and a free hotel night each card anniversary, the Marriott loyalist will enjoy all of the perks of the premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card.
In addition, the primary cardholder receives complimentary Priority Pass Select membership that provides unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges. The primary cardholder can also bring 2 additional guests.
According to the terms and conditions on the card, any additional guests above the 2 complimentary guests are charged at the standard Priority Pass membership rate, which would be $32 per person, per visit.
Authorized users do not receive Priority Pass Select membership.
Note that Priority Pass memberships from U.S.-issued American Express cards no longer include restaurants (“non-lounge airport experiences”).
7. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
The Hilton Surpass card is a great choice for securing complimentary Priority Pass lounge access. Your complimentary Priority Pass Select membership comes with 10 free lounge passes each membership year. Once those 10 passes are used, you will be charged $32 per visit, plus $32 per guest.
A membership year is defined as one year from the date you register for Priority Pass Select and every subsequent year from that date.
The Hilton Surpass card has a low annual fee and comes with a generous welcome bonus, Hilton Honors Gold status, and other valuable benefits.
Note that Priority Pass memberships from U.S.-issued American Express cards no longer include restaurants (“non-lounge airport experiences”).
Additional Personal Credit Cards
Lesser-known cards like the Mastercard® Black Card™ and Mastercard® Gold Card™ also offer complimentary Priority Pass Select membership that includes unlimited access for the primary cardholder, guests, and authorized users.
In addition, although not open to new applicants, the Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Card comes with unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges for the primary cardholder who can also bring unlimited guests.
And lastly, you could consider the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card, which comes with complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with 4 free visits per membership year for the cardholder plus 4 guest visits.
For existing cardholders, you can also get access to PP with these cards – Ritz, Black, Altitude) but they are not open to new applications at the moment.
The 2 Best Business Cards That Offer Priority Pass Access
1. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome offer of up to 150,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum! (The current public offer is 120,000.)
The Amex Business Platinum card comes with the same access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection as the personal version of the card, including Priority Pass lounge access upon enrollment. Like the personal version, the Amex Business Platinum card offers unlimited access for the primary cardholder and any authorized users.
The Amex Business Platinum card allows access to 2 additional guests for both primary cardholders and authorized users. Additional guests beyond 2, according to the terms and conditions on the card, will be charged at the Priority Pass Standard Program rate of $32 per person, per visit.
Authorized users on the Amex Business Platinum card can be added for $350 each (rates and fees).
Note that Priority Pass memberships from U.S.-issued American Express cards no longer include restaurants (“non-lounge airport experiences”).
2. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
The Hilton Business Amex card has stellar earning potential with a moderate $95 annual fee (rates and fees). The car earns generously on Hilton purchases and a long list of business expenses and also comes with a welcome bonus and Hilton Honors Gold status.
Plus, you’ll receive 10 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visit passes each Priority Pass Select membership year. These passes can be used for friends and family as well.
Once you use your 10 passes, you will be charged the standard Priority Pass rate of $32 per person, per visit.
Note that Priority Pass memberships from U.S.-issued American Express cards no longer include restaurants (“non-lounge airport experiences”).
Bottom Line: Very few business cards come with complimentary lounge access. There are far more lounge access benefit options with personal cards.
How To Use Your Priority Pass Membership
Image Credit: Chase
Activating Your Membership
The complimentary Priority Pass membership that comes with your credit card is not activated automatically, so you will need to register for membership.
Log into your online credit card account, and under Card Benefits, you’ll see the Priority Pass option. Once you’ve registered, you’ll clearly see your membership’s confirmation and terms. The image above is from a Chase Sapphire Reserve card registration.
Once you’ve activated your membership, a membership card will be sent to you in the mail, and you’ll receive your card within 10 to 14 days. You will also likely have a digital card for immediate use.
With the exception of the CapOne Venture X card, you cannot use your credit card to access a Priority Pass lounge. You must use either the physical Priority Pass membership card or a digital version of the card from the Priority Pass mobile app.
Download the App
The Priority Pass mobile app can be very helpful for locating lounges and accessing your digital membership card.
Having the app on your smartphone allows you to do all of the following:
- Locate Priority Pass lounges worldwide
- Access your digital membership card
- Access more than 800 dining, spa, and shopping discounts
- Access major airport maps
- Track your visit history
- Save your favorite lounges for future visits
- Find nearby lounges based on your current location
Not all credit cards have access to digital membership cards, and not all Priority Pass lounges accept digital membership cards, but most do.
Final Thoughts
Having a Priority Pass Select membership can be a real luxury when traveling. Having that membership provided complimentary with a credit card is even better.
Usually, you wouldn’t select a credit card based on just 1 benefit. However, with the addition of dining establishments, Minute Suites and Be Relax Spa access, and over 1,300 locations worldwide, Priority Pass Select membership is a benefit that makes securing a card that has it very compelling.
The value of complimentary Priority Pass Select membership is clear. Lounge access alone can cost hundreds of dollars per year. If you use the complimentary access and consume a couple of free meals per year at Priority Pass program restaurants, you’ve received more than enough value to offset any annual fee.
Plus, credit cards with Priority Pass Select membership typically offer other benefits that add even more value.
The information regarding the Citi Prestige® Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Ritz-Carlton™ Rewards® Card, Mastercard® Black Card™ and Mastercard® Gold Card™ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors™ American Express Business Card, click here.
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