Best Credit Cards For Priority Pass

Many credit cards offer Priority Pass membership as a benefit. However, not all cards offer the same versions of this benefit. Guest limits, fees for additional guests, and restaurant access are some of the features to consider. Below, we break down the best credit cards for Priority Pass.

Updated 10/16/24

What Is Priority Pass?

Priority Pass is a program that provides members with access to airport lounges around the world. Members can visit lounges regardless of the cabin they’re flying in. This makes Priority Pass a great way to enjoy a finer experience even when traveling in the economy. Some versions of Priority Pass membership also offer access to additional services, including restaurants and airport hotels.

The program’s footprint includes over 1,300 lounges across the globe. The quality of lounges ranges dramatically. Some offer light snacks and beverages, while the nicer ones offer freshly-prepared warm dishes and great alcohol selections, as well as shower facilities.

Priority Pass offers three membership tiers: Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige. Annual fees range from $99 to $469. Members are charged $35 per guest under each of the tiers (up from $27).

Holders of credit cards offering Priority Pass as a benefit receive Priority Pass Select membership. This is a different form of membership than any of the three tiers.

Which Credit Cards Offer Priority Pass?

Several premium credit cards offer Priority Pass Select membership as a benefit. The following credit cards offer Priority Pass Select as a benefit:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Platinum Card from American Express 
• Business Platinum Card from American Express
• Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
• Capital One Venture X
• Capital One Venture X Business
• Citi Prestige
• The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
• The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card from Chase
• U.S. Bank Reserve Visa Infinite

Differences among Priority Pass Benefits

Although all of the cards listed above come with Priority Pass Select membership, not all of the memberships are equal. Here is a breakdown of how the benefits differ:

1. Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Card

This card flies deep under the radar when it comes to Priority Pass access. The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite card offers Priority Pass membership that includes restaurant access, which is a good start. But this card also lets you gift a full Priority Pass membership to up to 4 people without adding them as an authorized user! This is highly unusual as all the other cards on this list will only grant membership to the primary cardholder and authorized users. For more information about the Premium Rewards Elite Priority Pass membership, check out this post.

2. Citi Prestige

The Citi Prestige allows the cardholder to bring two guests or their immediate family into the lounge at no extra fee. This makes the Prestige a great card for travelers who have more than two children. Immediate family is defined as “spouse, domestic partner, and/or children under 18.” Tough luck for your parents and in-laws! Additional guests are $27 each. Cardholders are also eligible to enjoy Priority Pass restaurant benefits. Unfortunately, the Citi Prestige is not available for new applications, nor is it available as a product change option from other Citi cards.

3. Capital One Venture X

This card used to offer access for unlimited free guests at launch, but the terms now state a maximum of 2 guests. Although, cardholders can add up to 4 authorized users at no cost too, and authorized users can bring their own guests as well. Unlike the Venture X Business, the Venture X does not have Priority Pass restaurant benefits (at least for some), which is why this card is not ranked higher on this list.

4. Capital One Venture X Business

The business version of the Venture X no longer offers restaurant access with its Priority Pass membership for new card applicants as of May 2024. Those with the old Mastercard version of the Venture X Business still have restaurant access for now, but should expect to lose it when you receive the updated Visa version of the card. More more information about these changes to the Venture X Business' Priority Pass membership, check out this post.

This card also offers complimentary guest access to Priority Pass lounges. But Authorized users (also known as employee cards for business cards like this one) do not receive their own Priority Pass membership, unlike with the personal version of the Venture X.

5. Ritz-Carlton Card

The Ritz-Carlton card will lose Priority Pass restaurant benefits starting July 1, 2024, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve. What still makes this card good for Priority Pass membership is that authorized users are free and they each get their own Priority Pass membership. According to the terms & conditions, the primary cardholder and each authorized user are allowed a maximum of two guests each, and additional guests cost $27 each. However, we have seen reports of folks bringing in more than two guests into lounges without being charged. The Ritz-Carlton card is only available via a product change from a Chase Marriott Bonvoy card.

6. Chase Sapphire Reserve

The CSR offers access for up to two free guests. Additional guests cost $27 each. Starting July 1, 2024, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders will no longer have access to Priority Pass restaurant benefits.

7. Platinum Card / Business Platinum Card from American Express

Both Platinum cards offer access for up to two free guests. Additional guests cost $32 each. Memberships do not include Priority Pass restaurant benefits, but do include Minute Suites.

8. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

This card offers access for up to two free guests. Additional guests cost $32 each. As with the other American Express cards, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant credit card does not include Priority Pass restaurant benefits.

9. U.S. Bank Reserve Visa Infinite

The primary cardholder receives complimentary access for the first four visits, as well as four individual guest visits. After the free visits are used, a $27 entry fee will apply to cardholders and guests.

Best Cards for Priority Pass Lounge Access: ToP Thoughts

Not all credit cards offer the same form of Priority Pass membership. Be sure to double check your card's Priority Pass membership benefits before using it at a lounge or restaurant, or before bringing a guest.

Which card or cards do you rely on for your Priority Pass Select membership? What is your favorite Priority Pass lounge? Come share your thoughts in our Facebook group!