Basic Guide to Credit Cards that Offer Priority Pass Lounge Access (Updated 2021)

Lounge access is by far one of my favorite Basic Travel Strategies. I sure don’t miss those days of packing snacks and getting ripped off on overpriced airport beers. Nowadays, food and drinks are typically complimentary for me and my guests. Instead of dreading time spent at the airport I’m planning in extra time on layovers. The best part is that membership to lounge networks is a free perk. Learn about all of the options in the basic guide to credit cards that offer Priority Pass Lounge Access. 

In this Basic Guide you’ll find:

• Priority Pass Lounges
• Capital One Venture X
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Amex Platinum
• Amex Hilton Honors
• Amex Bonvoy Brilliant
• Citi Prestige
• U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
• Basic Breakdown

Priority Pass Lounges

The Priority Pass Lounge Network is made up of over 1,300 airport lounges spread across the world. These private spaces are home to relaxing seats, complimentary refreshments (including alcohol), and appetizers. You’ll also find each lounge equipped with high-speed Wifi and some even offer showers (like The Club Lounge in New Orleans). A priority pass membership can cost over $400 a year but thankfully many credit cards offer a complimentary membership.

Below you’ll find all of the different credit cards that offer a priority pass membership!

Capital One Venture X

The Capital One Venture X offers the cardholder a Priority Pass Select Membership. With this membership, the cardholder receives unlimited access while the Venture X is open. The cardholder can also bring two guests for free into each lounge.

Capital One Venture X Authorized users also receive their own priority pass select membership. Up to four authorized users can be added for no additional cost.  

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Earn 75,000 welcome miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. This is equal to $750 in travel. Other perks include:

• Receive up to $300 in annual credits for bookings made on Capital One Travel
• 10,000 bonus miles every anniversary year
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and 2 guests to 1,400+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and our Partner Lounge Network
• Earn unlimited 10xmiles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One travel and 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2x miles on all other purchases

Basic Thoughts: Capital One Venture X is Capital One’s First Premium credit card and packs a ton of great perks. You can read our full review here.

Learn More Here.

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As an added benefit, Capital One Venture X Holders also have access to special credits at priority pass restaurants. Show the membership card to the host at any of the restaurants included in order to receive credit towards a meal (Average $28 in credit per person). 

Capital One Venture X Lounge Basics 

• Priority Pass Restaurant Credit 
• Can bring 2 Guests into a lounge for free
• Unlimited Priority Pass Lounge Access
• Authorized users receive their own Priority Pass Membership

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers the cardholder a Priority Pass Select Membership. With this membership, the cardholder receives unlimited access while the Sapphire Reserve is open. The cardholder can also bring two guests for free into each lounge. As you can see, this membership alone can certainly add up savings quickly for frequent travelers. 

Chase Sapphire Reserve Authorized users also receive their own priority pass select membership. It costs $75 to add an AU to the Reserve but the value can be earned back after only a few lounge visits.  

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Earn 60,000 Ultimate Rewards Points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases each account anniversary year
• Priority Pass Airport Lounge Access
• $100 application fee credit for Global Entry/TSA Pre Check
• 3x points on travel & dining after earning $300 in travel credits; 1x everything else
• Earn 5x on airfare and 10x total points on hotel and car rentals booked through the Chase Travel Portal immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.

Basic Travel Tips: This is one of our favorite travel cards as it has some of the best travel protection, as well as priority pass lounge access, rental car reimbursement, and more. Learn more here.

As an added benefit, Chase Sapphire Reserve Holders also have access to special credits at priority pass restaurants. Show the membership card to the host at any of the restaurants included to received credit towards a meal (Average $28 in credit per person). 

Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Basics 

• Unlimited Priority Pass Lounge Access
• Can bring 2 Guests into a lounge for free
• Priority Pass Restaurant Credit  
• Authorized users receive their own Priority Pass Membership

American Express Platinum (Or Business Platinum)

The American Express Platinum (And Business Platinum) offers the cardholder a Priority Pass Select Membership. With this membership, the cardholder receives unlimited access while the American Express Platinum card is open. The cardholder can also bring two guests for free into each lounge. As you can see, this membership alone can certainly add up savings for frequent travelers. 

Amex Platinum Authorized users also receive their own priority pass select membership. It costs $175 to add up to 3 AU’s to the Platinum card but the value can be earned back after only a few lounge visits.  

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The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earn 100,000 membership rewards once you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

• $200 Hotel Credit: Each year you can get $200 back in statement credits on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM and The New York Times. Enrollment Required.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash available to Basic Card Member Only
• Enjoy complimentary access to the Global Lounge Collection, including our Centurion Lounge access
• $695 Annual Fee. (Rates & Fees)
• Terms Apply.
• Learn More Here.

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As an added benefit, the Amex Platinum card also provides access to other airport lounges like the Centurion and Escape lounges. Unfortunately, the Amex Platinum Priority Pass membership discontinued restaurant credits which is a major difference between this option and the Chase Sapphire Reserve. 

Amex Platinum Card Lounge Basics 

• Unlimited Priority Pass Lounge Access
• Can bring 2 Guests into a lounge for free
• Authorized users receive their own Priority Pass Membership
• No Priority Pass Restaurant Credit  
• Same benefits for Amex Business Platinum Cardholders 

American Express Hilton Honors Credit Cards 

There are three American Express Hilton Honors credit cards that offer different versions of a priority pass membership. The personal Hilton Honors Aspire & Surpass cards, and the Hilton Honors Business Credit Card all provide lounge access. Let’s break down all three below:

Amex Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card

The American Express Hilton Honors Aspire is similar to the Sapphire Reserve and Platinum in that it offers unlimited priority pass visits plus two guests. One big difference is that authorized users of the Aspire do not receive their own priority pass membership. Additionally, there is no priority pass restaurant credit with any of the Amex Hilton Honors Credit Cards. However, it’s important to note that the Aspire does come with Hilton Honors Diamond status which can provide access to the hotel lounges.

Amex Hilton Honors Aspire Card Lounge Basics 

• Unlimited Priority Pass Lounge Access
• Can bring 2 Guests into a lounge for free
• No Priority Pass Restaurant Credit  
• Hilton Hotel Lounge Access (Only certain locations 

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Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Earn a 150,000 Welcome Bonus once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Hilton Aspire Card includes Complimentary Diamond Status, Annual Free Weekend Night Award, $250 Resort Credit, and a $250 Airline Incidentals Credit. $450 annual fee. (Rates & Fees). Terms Apply. Learn More Here.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by basictravelcouple.com

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Amex Hilton Honors Surpass Credit Card (And Business Version) 

The Hilton Surpass Card (And Hilton Business Card) offers a unique priority pass membership, not like the others. Surpass holders will receive 10 priority pass visits per year. Any guests brought into a lounge will be taken away from the 10 passes. After the 10 passes are gone, it will cost $32 per visit plus an additional $32 for each guest. This is a great option for folks who only travel a few times per year. 

Amex Hilton Honors Surpass Card Lounge Basics 

• 10 Priority Pass Lounge Access Visits 
• No free Guests (Can use a pass or pay $32) 
• No Priority Pass Restaurant Credit  
• Same benefits for Hilton Honors Business Cardholders 

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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Earn a 130,000 Welcome Bonus once you spend $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, you can earn up to $130 in Statement Credits on eligible purchases made on the Card at any of the Hilton family hotels in the first 12 months of Membership. $95 annual fee. (Rates & Fees). Terms apply.

Learn More Here.

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The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Earn up to 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Annual Fee. (Rates & Fees). Terms Apply.

Learn More Here.

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American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card 

The Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brillant Card is similar to the Sapphire Reserve and Platinum in that it offers unlimited priority pass visits plus two guests. One big difference is that authorized users of the Bonvoy Brilliant do not receive their own priority pass membership. Additionally, there is no priority pass restaurant credit.

Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Lounge Basics 

• Unlimited Priority Pass Lounge Access
• Can bring 2 Guests into a lounge for free
• No Priority Pass Restaurant Credit  

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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. This card is great for maximizing your value on Marriott Bonvoy properties. Some of our favorite features include:

• Earn 6 points per dollar at participating Marriott Hotels, 3 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2x points per dollar on all other purchases.
• Enjoy up to $300 in statement credits each year of card membership for eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
• $450 Annual Fee (Rates & Fees)
• Terms Apply.
• Learn More Here.

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Citi Prestige® Credit Card

The Citi Prestige Card offers unlimited priority pass visits plus two guests. One big difference between the Prestige and other options is that in lieu of two guests, the cardholder can bring in their whole immediate family into the lounge. This includes a spouse, domestic partner, and/or children under 18 years of age. In addition, authorized users of the Citi Prestige card will receive their own priority pass membership. 

To make the Citi Prestige even better, the priority pass membership also includes restaurant credits like the Chase Sapphire Reserve. 

Citi Prestige® Credit Card Card Lounge Basics 

• Unlimited Priority Pass Lounge Access
• Can bring 2 Guests into a lounge for free OR
• Can bring entire immediate family into the lounge for free
• Includes Priority Pass Restaurant Credit  
• Authorized users receive their own Priority Pass Membership

U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve comes with four complimentary priority pass lounge visits. Additionally, the cardholder can bring a complimentary guest with each of those four visits. It’s important to note that authorized users do not receive their own priority pass membership cards but restaurants are included (used in lieu of a lounge pass).  

U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Credit Card Lounge Basics

• 4 Visits to a Priority Pass Lounge 
• 4 Guest Passes to a Priority Pass Lounge 
• Restaurant Access can be used for the 4 Visits 
• Authorized users do not receive their own membership 

Basic Breakdown 

As you can see there are a lot of options that lead to priority pass lounge access. Depending on your situation the best one for you will vary. I’m a big fan of the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X as I get a lot of value from the lounges and restaurant credit. Other folks who don’t encounter many restaurants may opt for the Amex Platinum which includes more options for lounges. Folks who only travel a few times each year will benefit from Amex Hilton Honors Surpass card. Finally, families will find the best value from the Citi Prestige. 

What’s your favorite option for priority pass lounge access? Do you have a favorite lounge you tend to visit?

I’d love to hear down in the comments below or over in our 7,100+ Member Basic Travel Facebook Group!

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