Ultimate Guide to Priority Pass: Benefits and Lounges

⌛ Last updated on May 30th, 2025 by James Corbin

What is Priority Pass?

Priority Pass is a global airport lounge membership program that gives travelers access to more than 1,700 lounges and in-airport experiences across 600 cities and 145 countries. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, Priority Pass provides a quiet, comfortable space to relax, recharge, or get work done before your flight.

Lounge Access and More

Priority Pass lounges offer complimentary snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi, along with charging stations, quiet zones, and business services. But it goes beyond traditional lounges. Members can also enjoy:

  • Pre-bookable lounges at select airports
  • Discounts at airport restaurants and cafés
  • Access to spa services and wellness packages
  • Gaming lounges for entertainment on the go
  • Takeout options through the Priority Pass app
  • On-demand workspaces in over 80 countries
  • Airport transfers and car rentals at preferred rates
  • Meet and Assist services for easier navigation through busy airports
  • Complimentary fitness memberships (selected plans)

Membership Tiers

Priority Pass offers three main membership tiers to suit different types of travelers:

Priority Pass Membership Tiers

Standard Standard Plus
Recommended
Prestige
Annual Fee $99
~$8.25/month
$329
~$27.42/month
$469
~$39.08/month
Included Visits None 10 Free Visits Unlimited
Member Visit Fee $35 $35 (after 10) Free
Guest Visit Fee $35 $35 $35
Best For Occasional Travelers Regular Travelers Frequent Flyers

Best way to get a FREE Priority Pass

Credit Cards

One of the easiest and most cost effective ways to enjoy Priority Pass lounge access is by holding a credit card that includes a complimentary membership. Many premium travel credit cards offer this benefit as part of their rewards package, giving cardholders access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, often with added perks like guest access, restaurant credits, and spa services. Rather than paying an annual membership fee directly to Priority Pass, travelers can unlock lounge access simply by choosing the right credit card. Below is a breakdown of which cards offer this benefit and what kind of access they include.

Major Credit Cards That Include Priority Pass Lounge Access

Credit Card Guest Policy Annual Fee
Chase Sapphire Reserve Unlimited visits; 2 guests free $550
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Unlimited visits; 2 guests free $395
The Platinum Card from American Express Unlimited visits; 2 guests free $695
The Business Platinum Card from American Express Unlimited visits; 2 guests free $695
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card Unlimited visits; 2 guests free $650
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card 8 visits per year (includes guests) $400
Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card Unlimited visits; guest policy varies $550
Citi Prestige Card (Not available to new applicants) Unlimited visits; up to 2 guests $495
JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard Unlimited visits; guest policy varies $499
UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card Unlimited visits; guest policy varies $495
View Our Dedicated Posts!

Our Recommended Card For Priority Pass

American Express Platinum Card
Amex Platinum Card

American Express Platinum Card

Editor rating ★★★★★ 5.0
Read The Full Review!
Best for: Luxury Travel & Exclusive Perks (Annual Fee Waived for Military)
Annual Fee: $695 (waived for eligible military members)
Recommended Credit Score:
700+ (Good to Excellent)
Rewards Rate 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel
Key Perks & Benefits
  • Complimentary access to 1,400+ airport lounges (Centurion, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Clubs)
  • Hilton Honors Gold & Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • $200 airline fee credit per year (for incidental fees like checked bags)
  • $240 digital entertainment credit (Disney+, Hulu, The New York Times)
  • $200 Uber credit per year
  • TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee reimbursement
Variable APR 19.99% – 29.24% on eligible charges (like Pay Over Time balances)
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Cards That Include Restaurant Access For Free

In addition to providing Priority Pass membership, some credit cards offer enhanced benefits that make the travel experience even more valuable. For example, certain cards include restaurant access as part of the Priority Pass program, allowing cardholders to receive dining credits at participating airport eateries for up to $28 per person. Others may offer unlimited lounge visits, guest access at no extra charge, or even multiple Priority Pass memberships for authorized users. These premium cards often come with additional travel perks as well, such as Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits, annual travel credits, complimentary hotel elite status, trip protection, and access to luxury hotel and airline programs.

Credit Cards That Include Priority Pass Restaurant Access

Credit Card Annual Fee: 1st Year/2nd Year # of Visits Per Year Cost per Visit
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect $0 / $0 4 $0
U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect $0 / $95 4 $24
UNFCU Elite Credit Card $50 5 $10
Diners Club Card Premier $95 Unlimited N/A
Diners Club Card Elite $300 Unlimited N/A
Atlantic Union Reserve Rewards+ $390 8 $49
Capital One Venture X Business (MC only) $395 Unlimited N/A
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve $400 8 $50
U.S. Bank Skypass Select $450 4 $113
Barclays Mastercard Black Card $495 Unlimited N/A
UBS Visa Infinite $495 Unlimited N/A
HSBC Elite $495 Unlimited N/A
Citi Prestige $495 Unlimited N/A
Barclays JetBlue Premier $499 Unlimited N/A
Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite $550 Unlimited N/A

Key Notes:

  • Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card: Offers up to four complimentary Priority Pass Select memberships per account, each with unlimited guest access.
  • Citi Prestige Card: Still includes restaurant access but is not available for new applicants.
  • UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card: Provides restaurant access; however, specific guest policy details are not publicly disclosed.
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve: Removed restaurant access from Priority Pass benefits as of July 1, 2024.
  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Removed restaurant access from Priority Pass benefits as of January 1, 2023.
  • American Express Cards: Exclude all non-lounge options, including restaurants, from Priority Pass benefits.

Military

U.S. military service members may be eligible to receive premium travel credit cards at no cost thanks to protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA). Major issuers like American Express and Chase often waive annual fees for active duty members, which means service members can access high-end cards that include complimentary Priority Pass membership without paying the typical $400 to $700 annual fees. These cards not only offer lounge access but also include other valuable travel perks such as Global Entry credits, hotel elite status, and trip insurance. To take advantage of this benefit, military members should apply for a qualifying card and request SCRA or MLA fee waivers through the card issuer.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, having a credit card that includes Priority Pass can significantly improve your airport experience. From comfortable lounges to added travel perks, these cards offer more than just convenience, they offer value, flexibility, and comfort. By choosing the right card, especially if you’re eligible for waived fees as a military member, you can unlock premium travel benefits at little to no cost. Explore the options, consider your travel habits, and take advantage of the access and amenities that Priority Pass credit cards make possible.

Resources

James Corbin
James Corbin
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