The Best Credit Cards That Get You Priority Pass Lounge Access

BY 

Christine Krzyszton

- UPDATED: July 14, 2021   |    17

1. Credit Cards

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Need a nap during a layover at Dubai International Airport (DXB), a free restaurant meal for 2 including wine at Tampa International Airport (TPA), or a shower between flights at Heathrow Airport (LHR)? All this and more is at your disposal with complimentary Priority Pass membership.

Airport lounge access, while closer to a travel necessity than a travel convenience, is a major element of Priority Pass membership but benefits are edging toward an all-inclusive experience.

The airport lounge has typically been the go-to spot for business travelers meeting up with colleagues, getting some work done, and regrouping between flights. For families, the lounge has served as a place to grab a bite to eat, rest up, and entertain the kids between flights.

However you use the airport lounge, for business or for leisure travel, chances are you appreciate the value of having access 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’re going to 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 25 years providing a network of worldwide airport lounges.

The founder of the program watched as business class passengers enjoyed lounge access while he endured the “chaos of the departure hall”. He then proceeded to create Priority Pass, a program that would offer airport lounge access, regardless of your class of travel or the airline you were flying.

More recently the Priority Pass network has expanded to include dining facilities, spa experiences, retail offers, and Minute Suites access.

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 Priority Pass Select membership as a benefit on a travel rewards credit card.

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-$30 credit per person, limits apply depending on the card and/or restaurant
• Minute Suite access – one hour free, discounted rate after that
• Access to other facilities specific to individual airports – 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 being added constantly. 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. 

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.

There are 3 levels of Priority Pass membership you can purchase directly from Priority Pass. One key factor to notice is that even if you purchase 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 two additional guests into the lounge with you for no extra charge.

Since a single Prestige level membership costs $429 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. 

Best Personal Credit Cards that Offer Priority Pass Lounge Access

The Platinum Card® from American Express (staff favorite)

When it comes to complimentary worldwide lounge access, the Amex Platinum Card is king.

While the Amex Platinum Card does include access to other lounges such as the Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium, Delta Sky Club, and Aspire Lounges, by far the largest network available is Priority Pass.

One of the best features of the 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.

Authorized users can each bring an additional 2 guests into the lounge for no charge. Additional guests beyond that will be charged at the Priority Pass Standard Program rate of $32 per person, per visit.

Note: Priority Pass memberships from U.S.-issued American Express cards no longer include restaurants (‘non-lounge airport experiences’).

Amex Card

Benefits & Info

New 100k Welcome Offer The Platinum Card® from American Express Learn More (at Amex's secure site)

Earn 60,000 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn 10x points on eligible purchases on the Card at restaurants worldwide and when you Shop Small in the U.S., on up to $25,000 in combined purchases, during your first 6 months of Card Membership. Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. $200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status available to Basic Card Member only. $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on select Equinox memberships. Enrollment required. $179 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership. Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850) Annual Fee: $695 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here. UP's Bonus Valuation*: $2,200 Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Platinum, see our thoughts on the cards incredible benefits and perks, which includes travel insurance coverage, car rental insurance and so much more. Check out our full review to see why it's one of the best travel credit cards.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

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.

Credit Card

Key Benefits & Info

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card Learn More (at Chase's secure site)

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Bonus Valuation*: $1,200 $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year. Through 12/31/21, gas station & grocery store purchases will also count towards earning your Travel Credit 3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit. 3X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Excellent Credit Recommended (740-850) Annual Fee: $550 Must Reads: For more on the Chase Sapphire Reserve, see our thoughts on its benefits, global airport lounge access, and travel insurance protection. Take a look here for our full review.

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. 

Citi Prestige® Card

Hot Tip: At this time, the Citi Prestige card is no longer available for new applicants.

The Prestige Card has a lot going for it. With 5X ThankYou points earned on airlines and dining, the 4th 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 Prestige Card does complimentary lounge access properly. The Priority Pass Select membership that comes with the card allows access for the primary cardholder and for the entire immediate family as well. 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 Prestige Card is a great choice if you’re traveling frequently with immediate family and want lounge access for everyone.

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.

CREDIT CARD

CARD INFO

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card Learn More (at Amex's secure site)

Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within your first 3 months of card membership Enjoy a free Weekend Night Reward within your first year and every year after renewal. Earn 14x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio. Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies & at U.S. restaurants. Annual Fee: $450 Terms Apply For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire Card, please click here. Must Reads: For more info on the Hilton Aspire Card, see our insights on its benefits and our full review.

If Hilton is your hotel brand of choice, you’ll find a lot of reasons to have the Hilton Honors 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: Priority Pass memberships from US-issued American Express cards no longer include restaurants (‘non-lounge airport experiences’).

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

With a generous $300 statement credit for Marriott stays, 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.

Card	Hotel Rewards	Sample Benefits/Fees
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card Learn More (at Amex's secure site)	6 Marriott Rewards Points/$1 spent at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program Up to $300 statement credit for purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program	Gold Elite status, Priority Pass Select Membership, complimentary anniversary night, premium internet access Annual fee: $450 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card, click here.

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: Priority Pass memberships from US-issued American Express cards no longer include restaurants (‘non-lounge airport experiences’).

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

This premium travel rewards card comes well-equipped for the frequent traveler with a $325 statement credit for travel purchases, 3X earnings on travel purchases, and a Global Entry credit.

In addition, you’ll enjoy a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with 4 free visits per membership year for the cardholder plus 4 guest visits. A charge of $27 per person, per visit, applies after the free passes are used up.

The card charges an annual fee of $400 and authorized users do not receive Priority Pass Select membership.

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, formerly the Hilton Ascend Card, has a low annual fee, comes with a generous welcome bonus, Hilton Honors Gold status, and other valuable benefits.

Note: Priority Pass memberships from US-issued American Express cards no longer include restaurants (‘non-lounge airport experiences’).

Mastercard® Black Card™ and Mastercard® Gold Card™

Both the Mastercard Black Card and Mastercard Gold Card come with complimentary Priority Pass Select membership that includes unlimited access for the primary cardholder, guests, and authorized users.

The cards charge annual fees of $495 and $995 respectively and come with air travel credits, Global Entry credits, luxury hotel benefits, and VIP concierge services. Another benefit is that points can be redeemed for double credit for air travel.

While the earning rates on these cards are not stellar as there are no bonus categories, the Priority Pass Select membership includes unlimited access for the cardholder and unlimited guests. For a large family that travels together and wants lounge access, or for a celebrity with an entourage, the cards are at least worthy of mention.

The Ritz-Carlton™ Rewards® Card

Although the card is not open to new applicants, the Ritz-Carlton Card comes with unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges for the primary cardholder who can also bring unlimited guests. Authorized users receive the same lounge access benefits and there is no cost to add additional users to the card.

Best Business Credit Cards that Offer Priority Pass Access

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Business Platinum Card comes with the same access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection as the personal version of the card. Included in the Global Lounge Collection is the Priority Pass lounge network. Just like the personal version, the Business Platinum Card offers unlimited access for the primary cardholder and any authorized users.

The Amex Business Platinum 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.

Credit Card

Key Benefits & Info

New Welcome Offer The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Learn More (at Amex's secure site)

Welcome Offer: Earn 85,000 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Platinum Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com. Get 50% more Membership Rewards® points. That's an extra half point per dollar, on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more. You can get up to 1 million additional points per year. 35% Airline Bonus: Use Membership Rewards® Pay with Points for all or part of a flight with your selected qualifying airline, and you can get 35% of the points back, up to 500,000 bonus points per calendar year when you book on amextravel.com. Breeze through security with CLEAR® where available and get up to $179 back per year on your membership when you use your Card. Enroll to get up to $200 in statement credits annually by getting up to $100 semi-annually for U.S. purchases with Dell. Terms apply. Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850) Annual Fee: $595 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card, click here. UP's Bonus Valuation*: $2,200 Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Business Platinum, see our insights on its benefits, top card FAQ's and the best airport lounges you can access. Go here for our full review. This is one of several business credit cards from Amex.

Authorized users on the Business Platinum Card can be added for $300 each.

Note: Priority Pass memberships from US-issued American Express cards no longer include restaurants (‘non-lounge airport experiences’).

Hilton Honors™ American Express Business Card

The Hilton Business Card has stellar earning potential without a high annual fee. You’ll earn 12 points per dollar spent on Hilton purchases, 6 points per dollar on a long list of business expenses, and 3 points on all other purchases. The card also comes with a generous 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 for $32 per person, per visit.

Note: Priority Pass memberships from US-issued American Express cards no longer include restaurants (‘non-lounge airport experiences’).

Bottom Line: Very few business credit cards come with complimentary lounge access. There are far more lounge access benefit options with personal credit cards. 

How to Use Your Priority Pass Membership

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 the confirmation and the terms of your membership. 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 cannot use your credit card to gain access to 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. You can download the app from Apple’s App Store or from Google Play.

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.

Normally, you wouldn’t select a credit card based on just one benefit. However, with the addition of dining establishments, Minute Suite 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 that come with Priority Pass Select membership normally offer other benefits that add even more value.

The information regarding the Citi Prestige® Card, U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, and the Ritz-Carlton™ Rewards® 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.