The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is our top pick for Priority Pass membership — it offers unlimited Priority Pass lounge access to cardholders.
For travelers who value airport lounge access, it’s worth opening a credit card with complimentary access to Priority Pass. Without the complimentary benefit, standard Priority Pass membership plans start at $99 per year, plus $35 per visit. The top-tier plan offered by Priority Pass (called Prestige) costs $469 per year, with all-inclusive visits and guest passes at $35 each.
| Annual fee | Member visit fee | Guest visit fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $99 | $35 | $35 |
| Standard Plus | $329 | 10 visits free, then $35 thereafter | $35 |
| Prestige | $469 | Free | $35 |
For a credit card with a $550 annual fee to beat the cost of a Standard membership, you’ll need to visit a Priority Pass lounge 13 times within a year. However, don’t forget that opening a rewards credit card comes with a variety of other benefits beyond airport lounge access — like rewards and travel credits — that help justify the annual fee. For example, most travel credit cards with airport lounge access offer generous welcome bonuses worth $500 or more the first year, plus points or miles for every dollar you spend.
Still, if you’re looking for lounge access, keep in mind that there are more ways to get free airline lounge access than through Priority Pass. For example, on a business-class ticket, the airline will most likely include access to their lounge in the fare. In addition, most airlines offer co-branded credit cards that give you free access to the airline’s lounges, with comparable annual fees to other premium travel cards. This can be a good option if you frequently travel with a major airline with convenient lounge locations.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | Priority Pass access | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
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2X Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 10X Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5X Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel | $395 | See terms | ||
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
 Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. | $550 | You and 2 guests |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
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The Platinum Card® from American Express
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5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®. Terms apply. | $695 | You (enrollment required; see lounge terms for guest access) | ||
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
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Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. | $650 | You, your supplementary cardholder and 1 guest (enrollment required) | ||
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Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card*
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Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members
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Unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases, and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases | $550 | ||
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
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Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight + hotel packages booked at AmexTravel.com. 1X points on other eligible purchases. Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus. | $695 | Eligible card members |
To bring you the list of best credit cards for Priority Pass lounge access, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 cards from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on numbers from LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics.
Note that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best Priority Pass credit card. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories and which benefits you value most to choose the best card for you.
We calculate the value of rewards and perks for the average cardholder using Bureau of Labor Statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes the card’s sign-up bonus, annual bonus (including free night certificates) and travel perks like lounge access and travel credits. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
We consider how easy the rewards are to use, looking at factors like expiration dates, minimum thresholds to redeem, blackout dates and the availability of flexible redemption options like travel statement credits and cash back.
We also compare a card’s benefits, such as purchase protections, travel protections and elite status benefits against benefits from other cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Free Priority Pass lounge access for you, and authorized users get their own Priority Pass membership.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is our top contender, as it offers unlimited complimentary Priority Pass access. Not only that, but authorized users on the card are free, and each authorized user also gets their own Priority Pass membership. Beyond that, members get access to Capital One Lounges in select airports.
This card also comes with a valuable sign-up bonus that lets you earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel, as well as a high rewards rate on hotels, rental cars and flights booked through Capital One Travel.
The card does charge an annual fee of $395 — however, benefits like its annual travel credit (up to $300) and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit (up to $120) can help offset that amount. Cardholders also get 10,000 anniversary bonus miles every year they renew the card.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Free Priority Pass lounge access for you and two accompanying guests. Additional guests are $27 each per visit.
Along with Priority Pass lounge access, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a high rewards rate on worldwide travel and dining. Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase TravelSM and can also be transferred to 14 different airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio.
As well as Priority Pass Select, this credit card also comes with valuable travel benefits and protections, including a $300 annual travel credit, a fee credit toward Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS membership and reimbursements for trip delay and lost luggage.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Complimentary Priority Pass lounge access (enrollment required) for eligible card members. See lounge terms and conditions for guest access.
On top of Priority Pass lounge access (enrollment required), The Platinum Card® from American Express offers Delta Sky Club (10 visits per year) when flying Delta and American Express Centurion Lounge access when flying any airline. The card is ideal for booking flights, as you’ll earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®. Terms apply.
Its extensive travel benefits include:
The Platinum Card® from American Express also earns valuable American Express Membership Rewards points that can be used for travel through Amex or transferred to a range of airline and hotel partners.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Priority Pass lounge access for you and two accompanying guests (enrollment required). Additional guests require a per-guest charge set by the lounge.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the best card for travelers who frequently stay with Marriott — the world’s largest hotel brand. Cardholders receive Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite Status, an annual free night worth up to 85,000 points and Priority Pass visits for the cardholder and two companions (enrollment required).
The card also includes an annual dining credit of up to $300 (up to $25 monthly) that covers eligible restaurant purchases, whether you’re dining at home or on the road.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Free, unlimited access for you and two accompanying guests (enrollment required). Additional guests require an additional per-guest fee.
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card is ideal for Preferred Rewards members, since they earn 25% to 75% more rewards for every dollar they spend. Cardholders pay a $550 annual fee for this card, but it comes with a generous welcome offer, Priority Pass airport lounge membership, a $300 annual credit toward eligible airline incidental purchases, up to $150 annually toward streaming services and other lifestyle expenses, up to $120 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership every four years and more.
Members also earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases, and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. Rewards can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards or various options available through a Bank of America concierge.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Complimentary Priority Pass lounge access for eligible card members.
If you frequently travel for business, you can squeeze a lot of value out of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, which offers ultimate luxury benefits like access to the Global Lounge Collection. Not only can you visit Priority Pass* lounges while traveling, but The Business Platinum Card® from American Express also includes access to Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta (10 visits per year) and other independent lounges that are part of the collection.
Plus, cardholders can get a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit* and an annual CLEAR Plus membership credit* (up to $199) to get through airport security to enjoy the lounges quickly.
Other benefits that help make up for the annual fee include an annual credit of up to $400 toward Dell Technologies*, up to $360 in credits toward Indeed purchases each year*, up to $120 in statement credits toward eligible wireless purchases annually*, up to $150 in annual statement credits toward Adobe*, a $200 annual statement credit offer toward eligible airline incidental purchases* and more.
How beneficial is having a Priority Pass? For starters, you’ll have access to more than 1,600 airport lounges around the world. While airport lounges are designed to escape the buzz of loud airports, each lounge has unique amenities to allow travelers to have an enjoyable experience.
Most Priority Pass lounges offer the following complimentary perks:
Each lounge will vary in its amenities, so be sure to check ahead before you arrive. Some lounges will even offer exceptional amenities like spa treatments, massage rooms, sleeping areas, showers and conference rooms. In addition, if you become a Priority Pass member, you can save money with exclusive airport dining, retail and spa offers through the Priority Pass app or on your digital account.
Important Update: As of July 1, 2024, Priority Pass membership available through travel credit cards does not include entry into airport restaurants that partner with the platform.If you decide to get a credit card with Priority Pass, you’ll have to take a few steps before visiting your first lounge.
Once you have your membership card, the app downloaded or both, you can visit eligible lounges at the airport. You’ll need to show your membership card (or the app) for entry, as well as a same-day boarding pass in order to be eligible for a lounge visit. You can enter lounges before your departure from an airport or during a layover, but you typically won’t be able to use your membership for lounge entry after you arrive at your destination.
Priority Pass airport lounges have their share of advantages and disadvantages, which you should know about before you sign up for a credit card that offers membership. The following pros and cons may or may not apply in your case.
While most travel credit cards with Priority Pass membership used to let you enter airport restaurants affiliated with the program, this is no longer the case. American Express and Capital One eliminated this benefit as part of their Priority Pass offerings to cardmembers in recent years, and Chase cut this benefit for Reserve cardmembers as of July 1, 2024.
You may still be able to enter Priority Pass restaurants in airports with a Bank of America Priority Pass membership as of this writing. However, it is recommended that you check ahead of your trip.
The cost of Priority Pass membership ranges from $99 for a standard membership with a $35 fee for each entry to $469 for a Prestige membership with unlimited free lounge access.
The least expensive travel credit card with Priority Pass Select membership is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which has a $395 annual fee (see rates & fees).
Popular credit cards for consumers that offer Priority Pass include the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, The Platinum Card® from American Express*, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card*, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express*.
Priority Pass lounges can be crowded, but they can be relatively empty depending on the lounge location and time of the day. When lounges are crowded or overcrowded, Priority Pass membership has the right to limit new entries.
There are no limits on how many times you can use a lounge in a day, or even a year, as long as you have an eligible same-day boarding pass to prove you’re flying that day. However, how many free entries you receive will depend on your membership tier.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
