If you’re considering a new credit card, frequent travelers may benefit from choosing one that includes Priority Pass™ membership. Depending on the airport you’re traveling through, this perk could unlock access to lounges and travel experiences that make waiting for a flight far more comfortable. Instead of sitting at the gate, you may be able to relax, work, game, eat, or even sleep in a dedicated space.
Because credit cards offer different levels of Priority Pass™ access, it’s important to understand exactly what the benefit includes and whether it fits your travel habits. Choosing the right credit card involves weighing annual fees, perks, and travel frequently — so it pays to know what you’re getting.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• Priority Pass™ is a global airport lounge membership offering access to over 1,800 lounges and travel experiences worldwide.
• Many premium travel credit cards include a Priority Pass™ membership as a valuable built-in perk for frequent travelers.
• Membership grants access to amenities like complimentary food, drinks, wifi, and sometimes spas or private rest suites, regardless of the airline or ticket class.
• Premium travel credit cards with Priority Pass™ often come with high annual fees, making them best suited for frequent flyers.
• Getting Priority Pass™ membership through a credit card can be a better value than buying it directly since cards typically offer travel credits and other perks.
What Is Priority Pass™?
Priority Pass™ is a global airport lounge membership that offers access to over 1,800 lounges and travel experiences worldwide. Amenities vary by location but often include complimentary food and drinks, wifi, quiet seating or sleeping areas, and even spa services.
Travelers can purchase a Priority Pass™ membership directly, but many premium travel credit cards include membership as a built-in perk. When bundled with a credit card, the value can be significant — especially for people who travel frequently.
Benefits of Priority Pass™
Priority Pass™ membership is popular because it provides lounge access regardless of which airline you fly, the class of your ticket, or your frequent-flyer status. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect.
Airport Lounges
Priority Pass™ grants access to a large international network of airport lounges and, in some airports, restaurants or rest spaces. These lounges typically provide complimentary snacks and drinks, comfortable seating, free wifi, and sometimes showers. For travelers facing long layovers or delays, a lounge can offer a calm and productive alternative to a crowded terminal.
Some lounges even allow advance reservations so you can guarantee entry before you arrive.
Recommended: Guide to Choosing a Rewards Credit Card
Private Suites
Select airports offer Minute Suites or similar private rooms where travelers can nap, work, or relax between flights. These suites typically include a daybed sofa, white noise machine, and smart TV. Priority Pass™ members may recessive a complimentary hour and discounted rates on additional time.
Game Lounges
Certain airports now feature gaming lounges. Members can usually access a gaming station equipped with an Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, or a high-end gaming PC, along with noise-canceling headphones and a specialized gaming chair. Many locations include one snack and one non-alcoholic drink (or one alcoholic drink for those 21+ without a snack).
Spa Treatments
At participating airports, Priority Pass™ partners with Be Relax spas to offer eligible members complimentary, pre-flight wellness services. Options may include oxygen aromatherapy, back or foot massages, manicures, and mini facials — which can be a welcome perk before a long flight.
Free Guests
Many Priority Pass™ memberships through credit cards allow you to bring guests into lounges. The number of free guests depends on the card. Many premium cards include free access for immediate family or up to two guests, while others charge fees for guests.
Examples of Credit Cards that Offer Priority Pass™ Membership
Credit card perks change frequently, but cards that commonly include Priority Pass™ membership include:
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Reserve®
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card
• U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
Is It Better to Just Pay for Priority Pass™
Priority Pass™ can be purchased directly, but the math doesn’t always favor buying it outright. Here’s a look at the costs:
• A Standard membership is $99, entitling you to a $35 per visit fee and a $35 guest fee.
• A Standard Plus membership is $329 per year with 10 free visits, then $35 per visit; guests cost $35 each.
• A Prestige membership is $469 per year with unlimited visits; guests cost $35 each.
If a credit card offers complementary membership at a similar annual fee, the card may provide value because it often includes additional travel benefits, such as annual statement credits, free checked bags, insurance protections, and no foreign transaction fees.
Pros and Cons of a Credit Card With Priority Pass™
Credit cards with Priority Pass™ have both benefits and drawbacks. Here are some to consider:
Pros
• Enhanced airport comfort: Lounge access can make travel significantly more enjoyable. Complimentary food, quiet seating, and reliable wifi can transform long layovers or delays into productive or relaxing time.
• Potential long-term savings: Food and drinks at airports can be expensive. Regular lounge visits can offset a credit card’s annual fee over time.
• Extra travel perks: Cards offering Priority Pass™ often include travel credits, trip insurance, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credits, and strong travel rewards programs.
Cons
• High annual fees: Previum travel cards often have annual charge fees of $395 to $895. If you don’t travel frequently, the value may not outweigh the cost.
• Lounge access limitations: Some lounges restrict entry during peak times, and not all airports have participating locations.
• Guest fees may apply: Not all cards include free guest access, so bringing family or travel companions may cost extra.
Priority Pass Tips
If you decide to get a credit card with Priority Pass™, here are some steps that can help you get the most out of your membership:
• Check the app: Download the Priority Pass™ app to easily locate participating lounges, restaurants, and other experiences in the airport you’re traveling through. The app also gives you a digital membership card.
• Prebook when possible: Some locations allow you to reserve a spot at an airport lounge in advance. If it’s during peak travel season or you want to guarantee a place, prebooking can be a good way to skip the line and guarantee your seat.
• Know the access rules: While some cards with Priority Pass™ grant unlimited visits, others may limit the number of free visits per year or restrict access to certain partners. Always check your specific card’s benefits guide.
• Verify your card’s guest policy: If you are traveling with family or friends, confirm how many guests, if any, are included for free with your credit card’s Priority Pass™ benefit to avoid unexpected charges.
• Use non-lounge experiences: Many members overlook spas, game rooms, work spaces, and sleep suites that participate in Priority Pass™. If included in your membership, they can offer excellent value, especially during long layovers.
• Track your visits: If your membership includes a limited number of visits, you’ll want to keep track so you don’t accidentally incur charges.
The Takeaway
A credit card with Priority Pass™ can be a valuable perk for frequent travelers, offering comfort, convenience, and potential savings at airports worldwide. If you travel often and can offset the annual fee with lounge visits and other card perks, a premium travel credit card with Priority Pass™ membership may be worth considering.
While SoFi does not currently offer credit cards with Priority Pass™, we do offer other credit cards that may suit your needs.
Looking for a new credit card? Consider credit card options that can make your money work for you. See if you're prequalified for a SoFi Credit Card.
FAQ
What is the advantage of having a Priority Pass™?
The main advantage of having a Priority Pass™ is gaining access to a global network of over 1,800 airport lounges and travel experiences, regardless of your airline, ticket class, or frequent-flyer status. This allows travelers to enjoy complimentary food and drinks, comfortable seating, free wifi, and a quiet, productive alternative to crowded airport terminals during layovers or delays.
Do you need your credit card with Priority Pass™?
You can use your credit card to access Priority Pass™ lounges or you can download the digital membership card via the Priority Pass™ app. Most participating lounges will scan the physical or digital membership card for entry, along with your boarding pass. The credit card itself is generally only needed if you are using it to pay for additional guest fees or other purchases.
You generally do not need to carry the physical credit card that provides your Priority Pass™ membership to access lounges. Instead, you can present your physical Priority Pass™ card (if you have one) or the Digital Membership Card found within the Priority Pass™ app. You typically must also present a valid same-day boarding pass.
Does Priority Pass™ give you free lounge access?
Yes, for members with an unlimited-visit membership (like the Prestige tier or those provided by certain premium credit cards), lounge access is free for the member. However, guests may incur a fee of $35 per person, depending on the specific membership or credit card benefit.
For those with a limited number of visits (like the Standard Plus membership), a certain number of visits are included annually, after which a $35 fee applies per visit for the member and each guest. It’s a good idea to check the specific terms of your membership or credit card benefit to understand exactly what is included.
Photo credit: iStock/jacoblund
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