9 Best Credit Cards with Priority Pass Lounge Access
If you're a frequent traveler, having access to airport lounges can be a game changer. Not only do they provide a quiet and comfortable place to rest, but they also offer amenities like free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. One way to get access to airport lounges is by using a credit card that includes a Priority Pass membership. Priority Pass is a network of more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, and many credit cards offer free or discounted membership as a benefit. In this article, we'll highlight the 9 best credit cards with Priority Pass lounge access.
9 best credit cards with Priority Pass lounge access
1. Best overall credit card with Priority Pass: The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express is widely regarded as one of the best overall credit cards with Priority Pass lounge access. In addition to offering a generous sign-up bonus and rewards on everyday spending, this card also includes a membership to the Priority Pass network for three authorized users. With this membership, cardholders can access the Centurion lounges as well as Priority Pass lounges and enjoy amenities like free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. Additionally, The Platinum Card from American Express offers a host of other travel perks, including access to a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs, a $200 annual airline fee credit, and concierge service.
Annual fee: $695
Reward rates and perks: 5x points on flights purchased directly with airlines, 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. You also get complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, discounts on Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts, up to $240 digital entertainment credit per year, $200 savings on Uber rides in the US, and CLEAR security lane access at over 100 venues and airports.
Pros: 80,000 membership points when you spend $6,000 in the first six months of membership and zero foreign transaction fees
Cons: Hefty annual fee
2. Best affordable credit card with Priority Pass: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a great option for those looking for an affordable credit card with the added benefit of access to Priority Pass lounges. This card offers a generous rewards program, with 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, similar to other cards in the Venture family. And by booking travel through Capital One Travel, you have the opportunity to earn additional miles. You can earn 10x miles on hotel and rental car bookings, and 5x miles on flights. Other perks of this credit card include a $300 annual travel credit, a $100 statement credit if you use the card to pay for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and an anniversary bonus of 10,000 miles (which is worth about $100).
Annual fee: $395
Reward rates and perks: 10x points when you book hotels or rent cars through Capital One Travel, 10x points with Turo car hire, 5x points on flights booked with Capital One Travel, and 2x points on all other purchases. 10,000 bonus miles each year, access to Capital One, Plaza Premium, and Priority Pass lounges, up to $300 annual credit on bookings through Capital One Travel.
Pros: spend $4000 in your first three months of membership and earn 75,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $750 in travel), cell phone insurance, the ability to add authorized users free of charge, no foreign transaction fees, and car rental insurance.
Cons: No bonuses for flights/hotel bookings made directly with the airline or hotel.
3. Best Chase Credit Card with Priority Pass: Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is a top choice for those looking for a Chase credit card with access to the Priority Pass network. This premium travel card offers a range of valuable benefits, including a generous rewards program that earns 3x points on travel and dining purchases, and 1x points on all other purchases. The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card also includes a $300 annual travel credit, access to the Priority Pass network, and a host of other travel-related perks.
Annual fee: $550
Reward rates and perks: 10x points on hotels, car rental, and dining plus 5x points on flights when booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, 3x points on all other dining/travel, and 1x points on all other purchases.
Pros: No fees on foreign transactions, receive 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months of membership, free unlimited priority pass lounge access for cardholders plus two additional guests, $300 annual travel credit, travel insurance, elite car rental with Avis and National.
Cons: High annual fee, plus an additional $75 fee for each authorized user.
4. Best Hilton credit card with Priority Pass: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
The Hilton Honors AMEX Aspire credit card is a great option for those who frequently stay at Hilton properties. In addition to the generous rewards program which includes 14 points for every dollar spent in participating Hilton hotels and resorts, this card also includes access to the Priority Pass network, as well as annual hotel credits that can be used towards eligible charges at participating hotels and resorts, and airline fee credits that can be used towards incidental fees such as checked baggage fees and in-flight refreshments.
Annual fee: $450
Reward rates and perks: 14x points at participating Hilton resorts, 7x points on select flights, car rental, and US restaurants, and 3x points on all other eligible purchases. Priority Pass Select membership, complimentary Hilton Diamond status, one free night in Hilton Hotels per year, $250 credit annually when you stay at select Hilton resorts, and $250 airline fee credit.
Pros: Get 150,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months and zero foreign transaction fees. An overall great option if you frequent Hilton hotels.
Cons: Higher annual fee, airport restaurants not included with Priority Pass membership.
5. Best Marriott credit card with Priority Pass: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant AMEX Card offers cardholders six points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and two points per dollar on all other purchases. In addition to these rewards, the card also offers a free night award every year on your card anniversary and Priority Pass airport lounge access. Overall, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card is an excellent choice for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott hotels and want to enjoy the convenience of Priority Pass airport lounge access.
Annual fee: $650
Reward rates and perks: 6x points at select Marriott hotels, 3x points on directly booked flights and worldwide restaurants, and 2x points on other eligible purchases. Unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges with two guests after enrollment and annual free hotel night at select Marriott Bonvoy Hotels.
Pros: 150,000 bonus points in the first three months when you spend $5,000, no foreign transaction fees, and cell phone insurance. An overall great option if you frequent Marriott hotels.
Cons: Higher annual fee when compared to similar alternatives.
6. Best limited-lounge access credit card with Priority Pass: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
The Hilton Honors Surpass AMEX card combines a generous welcome incentive with a competitive annual fee. It also offers substantial benefits for guests at Hilton hotels. But before you apply, take note: the Hilton Honors Surpass Card only gives you ten priority pass visits per year. So if you only find yourself flying only a handful of times each year, then this card may be the best solution for you.
Annual fee: $95
Reward rates and perks: 12x points on Hilton hotels, 6x points at US supermarkets, restaurants, and gas stations, and 3x points on all other purchases. Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status including room upgrades and free breakfasts, Priority Pass lounge access, and a free night at select Hilton hotels (subject to $15,000 annual spend on card).
Pros: 130,000 points when you spend $2,000 in the first three months of membership, low annual fee, and no foreign transaction fees.
Cons: Lounge pass access is limited to ten free visits per year; thereafter, you pay $32 per visit, and airport restaurant credits are not included.
7. Best business credit card with Priority Pass: The Business Platinum Card from American Express
The American Express Business Platinum Card is suitable for frequent travelers who have a lot of business expenses. If you are a digital nomad working remotely with your company, this card is perfect for you! In addition to having access to a wide range of airport lounges (including Priority Pass lounges), you can also receive credits for Dell, Indeed, Adobe, and other companies. Check out this guide on how to apply for a business credit card to find out more.
Annual fee: $695
Reward rates and perks: 5x points on flights and hotels at Amex Travel, 1.5x points on select business purchases and purchases over $5,000, and 1x points on all other eligible purchases. $200 annual airline fee, access to Priority Pass and Centurion airport lounges, and earn over $1,000 in statement credits with select business purchases from Dell, Adobe, and Indeed.
Pros: Earn 120,000 points when you spend $15,000 in the first three months of membership and the ability to gain bonus points when you use Pay With Points.
Cons: Hefty annual fee, airline credit limited to one airline and does not cover airfares.
8. Best affordable hotel credit card with Priority Pass: The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is an excellent choice for business travelers who frequently stay at Hilton hotels. The card offers complimentary Hilton Gold status, which includes room upgrades and free breakfasts. While the annual fee for this card is very low, it only includes ten Priority Pass lounge visits per year.
Annual fee: $95
Reward rates and perks: 12x points at Hilton hotels and resorts, 6x points at US gas stations, restaurants, select car rental companies, and flights booked with Amex Travel or directly with airlines and 3x points on all other eligible purchases. Also, receive a free hotel night when you spend $15,000 in one calendar year and an additional free night after $60,000 spent.
Pros: Gain 130,000 points when you spend $5,000 in the first three months, and no foreign transaction fees.
Cons: Limit of ten complimentary Priority Pass visits per year; thereafter, you pay $32 per visit.
9. Best travel statement credit card with Priority Pass: US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card
The US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card provides a discount when you dine at airport restaurants, which means you don't have to eat exclusively in the lounge. This card also includes up to $325 worth of annual credits for dining and food delivery, as well as a credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. This means that you can save money on food and enjoy the convenience of expedited security screening or immigration services.
Annual fee: $400
Reward rates and perks: 5x points on prepaid car rentals and hotels, 3x points on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending. Up to $325 in annual travel statement credits and on dining, takeout, and food delivery purchases.
Pros: 50,000 points when you spend $4,500 in the first three months and lower annual fee compared to other cards
Cons: Members only receive four complimentary lounge visits per year plus four complimentary visits for guests. After that, you pay $32 per visit.
Credit cards with Priority Pass – common FAQs
What is the best credit card with Priority Pass?
The best credit card with Priority Pass access is highly subjective and depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some top contenders for the best credit card with Priority Pass include the Platinum Card from American Express, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, and the US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card. All of these cards offer access to the Priority Pass network of airport lounges, as well as a variety of other travel-related benefits. Ultimately, the best credit card for you will depend on your specific travel habits and priorities, so it is important to carefully consider all of the available options before making a decision.
How do I get a complimentary Priority Pass?
There are several ways to get a complimentary Priority Pass, which is a membership program that provides access to airport lounges around the world. One way to get a complimentary Priority Pass is to sign up for a credit card that includes this benefit as part of the rewards package. Many credit cards that are designed for travelers, such as the Platinum Card from American Express or the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, offer complimentary Priority Pass membership as a benefit. Another way to get a complimentary Priority Pass is to sign up for a membership through your frequent flyer program or your hotel loyalty program. Some airline and hotel loyalty programs offer Priority Pass membership as a benefit for their top tier members.
Is Priority Pass linked to a credit card?
Priority Pass is a membership program that provides access to airport lounges around the world. It is not directly linked to a credit card, but many credit cards offer complimentary Priority Pass membership as a benefit. If you have a credit card that includes this benefit, you will typically receive a membership card or digital card that you can use to access participating Priority Pass lounges.