For frequent travelers seeking a touch of luxury and comfort, Priority Pass airport lounge access can transform the pre-flight experience into a peaceful retreat. A select group of credit cards offer complimentary Priority Pass memberships, granting entry to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
The best credit cards for Priority Pass are the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (review) and Capital One Venture X Business (review) because they are the only cards that offer unlimited access to Priority Pass Restaurants, in addition to the standard airport lounges.
But if you want access to the largest airport lounge network, including Delta Sky Clubs, Centurion Lounges, and more, the best options are the American Express Platinum Card® (review) or the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (review).
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Best Overall for Priority Pass
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (review) offers premium travel benefits including lounge access, hotel elite status, and multiple statement credits that can offset its $795 annual fee. With bonus earnings on travel and dining purchases plus the ability to transfer points to 14 airline and hotel partners, this card delivers strong value for frequent travelers who can maximize its benefits. Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full Earning Rewards: 10x points on Hotels (excluding The Edit) and car rentals and 5x points on flights through Chase Travel after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually; 10x points on Chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards; 3x points on dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out; 3x points on other travel after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually; 1x points on other eligible spending. Card Benefits: $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass airport lounge membership with unlimited visits, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS application fee credit of up to $120 every four years, no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance (primary rental car, trip delay, trip cancellation, travel accident, lost luggage, and baggage delay), purchase protection, return protection, and extended warranty. Transfer Partners: Aer Lingus, Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways, Emirates, Air France KLM Flying Blue, Hyatt, IHG, Iberia, JetBlue, Marriott, Singapore KrisFlyer, Southwest, United, and Virgin Atlantic.
2. Capital One Venture X Business
Best Business Card for Everyday Spending
The Capital One Venture X Business (review) offers premium travel benefits including unlimited lounge access and a $300 travel credit. This premium business card stands out with its simple rewards structure of at least 2x miles on all purchases, making it perfect for businesses looking to maximize travel rewards without complexity. Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full Earning Miles: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars and 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals through Capital One Business Travel; 2x miles on all other eligible purchases. Card Benefits: $300 annual travel credit for Capital One Business Travel, 10,000 miles each account anniversary, airport lounge access upon enrollment (Priority Pass and Capital One Lounges), Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit, no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance (trip cancellation, baggage delay, lost luggage, and primary rental car), purchase protection, and extended warranty. Transfer Partners: Accor (2 to 1), Aeromexico, Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Choice Privileges, Emirates, Etihad, Finnair, I Prefer Hotels (1 to 2), Japan Airlines(2 to 1.5), JetBlue (5 to 3), Qantas, Qatar, Singapore KrisFlyer, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Red, and Wyndham Rewards.
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Best for Everyday Spending
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (review) delivers both everyday value with unlimited 2x miles on purchases and premium comfort through comprehensive airport lounge access for you upon enrollment. You’ll also receive $300 in annual travel credits plus 10,000 anniversary bonus miles, creating substantial ongoing value. Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full Earning Rewards: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars and 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel; 2x miles on all other purchases. Card Benefits: $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, airport lounge access (Capital One and Priority Pass) upon enrollment, Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit, Hertz President’s Circle elite status, primary rental car insurance, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and cell phone protection. Transfer Partners: Accor (2 to 1), Aeromexico, Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Choice Privileges, Emirates, Etihad, Finnair, I Prefer Hotels (1 to 2), Japan Airlines(2 to 1.5), JetBlue (5 to 3), Qantas, Qatar, Singapore KrisFlyer, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Red, and Wyndham Rewards.
4. American Express Platinum Card®
Best Card for Access to Other Lounges
American Express Platinum Card® (review) offers the most comprehensive airport lounge network available, giving you access to premium Centurion Lounges plus thousands of other lounges worldwide. You can easily offset the card’s large annual fee through generous credits for Uber, hotels, digital entertainment, Resy dining, and lifestyle brands like lululemon. Earning Points: 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel®, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year; 5x points on on prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com; 1x points on all other purchases. Card Benefits: Transfer Partners: Aer Lingus, AeroMexico, Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Choice Privileges, Delta, Emirates, Etihad, Air France – KLM Flying Blue, Hawaiian Airlines, Hilton, Iberia, JetBlue, Marriott, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore KrisFlyer, and Virgin Atlantic.
5. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Best Business Card for Access to Other Lounges
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (review) delivers premium travel benefits including extensive lounge access (access is limited to eligible card members) and valuable hotel elite status. This premium business card excels at making travel more luxurious, though you’ll need to use multiple statement credits and travel perks to maximize its value. Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full Earn Rewards: 5x points for flights, prepaid hotels booked at AmexTravel.com; 2x points per dollar for purchases up to $2 million in spending per calendar year in these categories: purchases of $5,000 or more regardless of category, U.S. cloud service and software providers, U.S. construction materials and hardware suppliers, U.S. electronics retailers, and U.S. shipping providers; and 1x points on all other eligible purchases. Card Benefits: Transfer Partners: Aer Lingus, AeroMexico, Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Choice Privileges, Delta, Emirates, Etihad, Air France – KLM Flying Blue, Hawaiian Airlines, Hilton, Iberia, JetBlue, Marriott, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore KrisFlyer, and Virgin Atlantic.
6. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Best for Marriott Hotels
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (review) offers automatic Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite Status and valuable perks like an annual free night certificate that can be used at many premium Marriott properties. The card includes generous monthly restaurant credits and provides elite nights toward status each year, making it a strong choice for Marriott travelers. Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full Earning Points: 6x Marriott Bonvoy® points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; 3x Marriott Bonvoy® points on restaurants and flights booked directly with airlines; and 2x Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases. Benefits: Marriott Platinum elite status, 25 elite night credits, $300 dining credit (up to $25 per month) at restaurants worldwide, free anniversary free night award (up to 85,000 points), Priority Pass™ airport lounge access, Global Entry / TSA PreCheck Credit, cell phone protection, travel insurance (trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage insurance, and secondary rental car), and return protection.
7. U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is a premium travel rewards credit card that offers a unique combination of valuable benefits, including a $325 annual credit for travel and dining purchases, 3x points on mobile wallet spending, and 1.5 cents per point value when redeemed for travel, making it an attractive option for frequent travelers who prioritize flexibility and simplicity in their rewards program.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 50,000 Points after spending $4,500 in the first 90 Days.
Earning Points: 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center; 3 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases and on mobile wallet spending (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay); 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Card Benefits: $325 annual credit for travel and dining purchases, Priority Pass Select membership with 8 complimentary lounge visits per year, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty.
8. U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card (review) is a travel card that offers 4x points on travel, travel, at gas stations and EV charging stations, and at grocery stores, dining, and streaming services. The Altitude Connect’s annual fee is waived the first year ($95 thereafter), but it is offset by Priority Pass airport lounge access with four free visits, an annual $30 streaming credit, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, cell phone insurance, and trip delay and trip cancellation insurance.
What is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is an expansive program that offers members access to a global network of airport lounges, providing a tranquil space away from the hustle and bustle of airport terminals. With a membership, travelers can enjoy amenities such as comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and sometimes additional services like showers and sleeping areas.
The program, which is often included as a benefit with select premium credit cards, aims to enhance the travel experience by offering a haven of relaxation and convenience at airports around the world.
Pros and Cons of Priority Pass
Pros of Priority Pass:
- Access to Over 1,300 Lounges: Members can unwind in any of the Priority Pass network lounges worldwide, providing a consistent comfort experience during travels.
- Complimentary Amenities: Lounges typically offer free food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even showers and sleeping areas.
- Convenience: Having a Priority Pass can make layovers more enjoyable and productive, especially when facing long waits or delays.
- Guest Access: Depending on the membership level, guests may be allowed access to lounges, often for an additional fee.
- Diverse Locations: With lounges in over 600 cities, members are likely to find a lounge at most major airports around the globe.
Cons of Priority Pass:
- Cost: Membership can be expensive if not included as a benefit through a credit card, with annual fees and guest charges that can add up.
- Inconsistency in Quality: The quality and services of lounges can vary widely, with some offering luxurious experiences and others providing just basic amenities.
- Access Limitations: Some lounges may have restrictions on access during peak times, and overcrowding can be an issue, limiting the availability of the service.
- Additional Charges: Some services within the lounge, like premium food or spa services, may come with additional costs not covered by the membership.
- Limited Lounges in Certain Regions: While extensive, the network might not comprehensively cover smaller airports or certain regions.
How To Choose a Priority Pass Credit Card
When selecting a credit card that offers Priority Pass as a perk, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the best option for your travel needs:
- Annual Fee: Assess whether the benefits provided by the card, including Priority Pass access, justify the card’s annual fee.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Look for a card that not only offers lounge access but also provides additional travel benefits such as travel credits, elite status with hotels or airlines, and high rewards earning rates on travel purchases.
- Guest Policy: Understand the card’s policy on lounge access for guests. Some cards allow free guest entries, while others may charge a fee per visit.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Consider cards that offer a substantial sign-up bonus, which can offset the cost of the annual fee and provide immediate value.
- Travel Credits: Some cards offer annual travel credits that can be used for a variety of travel-related expenses, including baggage fees and in-flight purchases, which can add to the overall value proposition of the card.
- Earning Rates: Evaluate the points or miles earning rates for each card to ensure you’re maximizing rewards on your spending habits.
- International Acceptance: If you travel internationally, ensure the card has broad acceptance and no foreign transaction fees.
By carefully weighing these factors, you can choose a Priority Pass credit card that not only enhances your travel experience but also offers valuable rewards and benefits that align with your lifestyle and spending patterns.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here. 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.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here. 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.
For the rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please click here. 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.
For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, please click here. 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.
