
If you're looking to upgrade your airport experience, you're in luck because many credit cards offer Priority Pass and airport lounge access.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers Priority Pass membership, which grants access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
The Citi Prestige card also offers Priority Pass membership, allowing cardholders to enjoy airport lounge access.
Cardholders of the American Express Platinum card can enjoy Priority Pass membership, along with other perks like airport lounge access and a $200 airline fee credit.
Additional reading: American Express Platinum Card Priority Pass
Credit Cards with Priority Pass
The United Club℠ Infinite Card offers Priority Pass membership as part of its benefits, granting access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide.
The card provides a statement credit of up to $120 every four years to cover your membership with Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS, which can also be used for airport lounge access.
Many card issuers offer access to proprietary lounges, such as Capital One Lounges, Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club locations, and Amex Centurion Lounges, which can be used in addition to Priority Pass.
A unique perspective: Delta Lounge Platinum Card
If you fly with United Airlines, the United Club℠ Infinite Card is one of the best options for getting unlimited United Club lounge access, including access to participating Star Alliance airport lounges.
Here are some of the credit cards that offer Priority Pass membership:
Citi
Citi offers a Priority Pass membership through the Citi Prestige Card, although it's no longer accepting new applications.
The Citi Prestige Card had the most customer-friendly policy regarding Priority Pass enrollment, automatically enrolling cardholders so they could wait for their card to arrive in the mail.
Enrollment was required for select benefits.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Citicard Balance Transfer
United MileagePlus Club
The United MileagePlus Club Card is a top pick for travelers who want access to a wide range of lounges around the world. It grants entry into every Star Alliance business lounge and United Club lounge, as well as Amtrak Acela lounges.
This card comes with a $450 annual fee, which might seem steep, but considering the benefits, it's a worthwhile investment. You'll earn 1.5 United Miles for every dollar spent and double your miles on all United Airlines purchases.
Suggestion: United Credit Cards
One of the standout perks of the United MileagePlus Club Card is the 50,000 bonus miles you'll receive if you spend $3,000 in the first three months. This is a great incentive to start using the card for your daily purchases.
In addition to lounge access and bonus miles, this card also offers two free checked bags for two people per flight, waivers for certain fees, and priority boarding. These benefits can save you time and money on your travels.
Here are some key benefits of the United MileagePlus Club Card at a glance:
Highlights
The American Express Platinum Card offers Priority Pass Select membership, which grants access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. The card also comes with a comprehensive lounge access program, including access to Amex Centurion lounges and Delta SkyClubs when flying Delta.
To enroll in Priority Pass, cardholders must call the number on the back of their card. Authorized users must also call the number on the back of their card to enroll themselves in Priority Pass, as well as other benefits like Marriott Gold Elite and Hilton Gold.
Readers also liked: How Do I Do a Balance Transfer between Credit Cards
The United MileagePlus Club Card offers access to every Star Alliance business lounge and United Club lounge around the world, as well as Amtrak Acela lounges. This card is a great choice for frequent flyers, with benefits including two free checked bags, waivers for certain fees, and priority boarding.
Enrolling in Priority Pass with the Citi Prestige Card was a breeze, as cardholders were automatically enrolled when they received their card in the mail. However, this card is no longer available for new applications.
If you're looking to speed up your airport experience, consider enrolling in an expedited security clearance program like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or CLEAR. These programs can help you skip long security lines and get to your gate faster.
Additional reading: Secured Credit Card Bad Credit with No Security Deposit
Airport Lounge Access
Airport lounge access is a game-changer for frequent travelers. Many rewards credit cards offer airport lounge access, making it easier to avoid large crowds in the airport terminal.
Airport lounges provide many benefits, including complimentary food and beverages. They're especially worthwhile if you want to save money instead of having to purchase expensive airport food. Some lounges even offer unique amenities like cycling rooms, showers, and complimentary massages.
Priority Pass membership is a common airport lounge benefit, granting access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide. Many card issuers also offer access to proprietary lounges, such as Capital One Lounges, Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club locations, and Amex Centurion Lounges.
Some credit cards provide unlimited lounge access for the cardholder and up to two guests, while others offer a set number of free passes to use each year.
Here are some credit cards that offer Priority Pass lounge access:
- The Platinum Card from American Express
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- United Club Infinite Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
- U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
Credit Card Options
If you're looking for a credit card that offers Priority Pass, there are several options to consider. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a popular choice, offering unlimited Priority Pass memberships with enrollment required for select benefits. This card also comes with a high annual fee, but it's worth it for frequent travelers.
The American Express Platinum Card is another top option, providing access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. This card also comes with a high annual fee, but it offers many other valuable benefits like lounge access, complimentary food, and Wi-Fi. One of the best features of this card is that it includes guest access for two additional people.
For business travelers, the Business Platinum Card from American Express is a great option. It includes Priority Pass membership, as well as guest access for two additional people, and enrollment is required. This card also offers access to many other lounges, including Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs.
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card offers a 12-month Priority Pass Select membership. One cardmember per account can enroll, and their first four visits and four individual accompanying guest visits are waived during the first Priority Pass Select membership year. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Here are some key features of these cards:
Ultimately, the best credit card for Priority Pass will depend on your individual needs and travel habits. Be sure to consider the annual fee, Priority Pass access, and guest access when making your decision.
Pros and Cons
With a Priority Pass, you'll have access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide, offering a quiet space, free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
Many cards also include restaurant credits at participating airports, which can be a great perk if you're a foodie or have a large family.
Some cards extend the Priority Pass membership to your authorized users, making it a great option for families or business owners.
Pros
Access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide is a major perk, offering a quiet space, free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
Having restaurant credits at participating airports can also be a significant advantage.
Some cards extend the Priority Pass membership to your authorized users, which can be a convenient feature.
Having access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide can be a game-changer for frequent travelers, providing a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of airport life.
Consider reading: How Does Klover Cash Advance Work
Cons
You might be surprised to find out that not every airport or terminal has a Priority Pass lounge, so access might be hit or miss depending on where you're flying.
Some cards limit how many guests can enter with you, which can be a bummer if you're traveling with a big group.
Be aware that some lounges have capacity restrictions, which means you could get turned away during busy travel times, like holidays or peak summer months.
Specific Credit Cards
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card offers a 12-month Priority Pass Select membership, which waives the first four visits and four individual accompanying guest visits.
You can enroll in this benefit by logging in to the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Card Benefit site, but note that enrollment is required for select benefits.
The Allied Irish Bank (GB) Visa Gold Card offers Priority Pass access to over 600 executive airport lounges, but comes with a cost of 75 USD per annum.
Worth a look: Chase Sapphire Reserve Car Rental Status
U.S. Bank
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card offers a 12-month Priority Pass Select membership. One cardmember per account can enroll and their first four visits and four individual accompanying guest visits are waived during the first Priority Pass Select membership year.
To take advantage of this perk, you'll need to log in to the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Card Benefit site to enroll. Enrollment is required for select benefits, so be sure to check the site for more information.
Related reading: Is Credit One Bank Good
Coutts and Co
Coutts and Co offers a Silk Credit Card Visa that grants access to over 700 airport lounges worldwide through LoungeKey membership. This is a free airport lounge access credit card with no annual fee, but you'll be charged $15 per visit.
You'll also be charged $15 per visit to an airport lounge.
The Coutts and Co Silk Charge Mastercard is another option, offering Mastercard lounge access to 700 executive airport lounges in more than 350 major airports worldwide.
The HSBC Premier Credit Card Mastercard works the same way as the Coutts and Co Silk Credit Card Visa, making it a viable alternative if you don't want to pay an annual fee.
Curious to learn more? Check out: 0 Apr Visa Credit Cards
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get Priority Pass for free?
To get Priority Pass for free, you need to hold a premium credit card from banks like HDFC, ICICI, Axis, and SBI that offers it as a complimentary benefit. Examples of such cards include HDFC Regalia, ICICI Bank Sapphiro, and Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card.
What is the lowest annual fee for Priority Pass?
The lowest annual fee for Priority Pass is US$99, equivalent to $8.25/month. This is the Standard plan, ideal for occasional travelers.
Sources
- https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/how-to-enroll-in-priority-pass-with-eligible-credit-cards/
- https://www.dailydrop.com/ranked-credit-cards/priority-pass-cards
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/credit-cards-with-airport-lounge-expedited-security-access/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/what-credit-cards-can-get-me-into-priority-pass-lounges
- https://blog.blacklane.com/travel/airports/the-best-credit-cards-with-airport-lounge-access/
Featured Images: pexels.com