Top Credit Cards for Lounge Access

These days, having a credit card that lets you glide into exclusive airport lounges is practically a must-have for the modern traveler. No more pacing the airport terminal like a lost tourist. Instead, you can chill like a VIP. Among the many options, Priority Pass lounges are pretty much the go-to choice for lounge aficionados in the US. So, let’s dive in and see which credit cards give you the golden ticket to lounge serenity.

What is Priority Pass?

Priority Pass is the granddaddy of independent airport lounge networks, boasting a staggering 1,300 lounges worldwide. They’re like Switzerland; neutral, impartial, not tied to any airline, which is what makes them so widely available. You can get a membership by paying up or (and this is what most savvy folks do) snagging one through a premium credit card.

The myth that lounge access is only for the ultra-wealthy is just that – a myth. Thanks to these cards, you could be sipping coffee in serene surroundings for next to nothing.

The Best Cards for Priority Pass

Now, let’s zoom in on the cards that truly make lounge access a breeze. Here’s what we’re looking at:

• The card’s annual fee and what you get back in return.
• If the card showers you with unlimited Priority Pass visits.
• Just how many people you can drag into the lounge with you.
• If your friends or family (authorized users) can enjoy the same perk.
• What you’ll fork out to add those friends and family as authorized users.
• Whether the card dishes out goodies at Priority Pass restaurants (spoiler: not many do).

1. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Annual fee: $395
• Unlimited Priority Pass visits: Yes
• Guests: Two
• Restaurant credits: Nope
• Access for authorized users: Sweet deal, yes
• Authorized users fee: Free for up to four, but brace yourself for a change come 2026 when it’ll cost $125 per user.

The Venture X might make you flinch with its $395 fee, but then it hands you a $300 travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles, making the lounge pass practically a freebie. Oh, and until 2026, adding users won’t cost you a dime – after that, there’s a fee. The perks don’t stop there; Capital One Lounges and Landings are also yours.

2. Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

• Annual fee: $595
• Unlimited visits: Yes
• Guests: Two
• Restaurant credits: No joy here
• Access for authorized users: Yes
• Authorized users fee: $75 per person, which isn’t half bad these days.

The Strata Elite demands a tall fee, but it’s worth its weight in perks. A steal at $75 for extra users, who all get the Priority Pass treatment. Plus, you get some American Admirals Club passes tossed in – not too shabby.

3. Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

• Annual fee: $795
• Unlimited visits: Yes
• Guests: Two
• Restaurant credits: Nada
• Access for authorized users: Yes
• Authorized users fee: $195 a head

Okay, $795 isn’t chump change, but Chase Sapphire Reserve’s credits for travel and dining ease the pain. Authorized user fees are steeper, though, at $195. Still, Chase Sapphire Lounge and select Air Canada Lounge access offer a nice add-on.

4. The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Annual fee: $695
• Unlimited visits: Yes
• Guests: Two
• Restaurant credits: Disappointingly no
• Access for authorized users: Definitely yes
• Authorized users fee: $195 each

The Amex Platinum might be pricey, but it’s packed with perks. A bit of everything on the lounge front, with Centurion Lounge access being a standout. Even with its cost, it remains a popular choice.

5. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

• Annual fee: $650
• Unlimited visits: Yes
• Guests: Two
• Restaurant credits: Nope
• Access for authorized users: Sorry, no
• Authorized users fee: Free, but no lounge access

The Bonvoy Brilliant lets you bask in lounge glory but not for your buddies. It’s a clever pick for Bonvoy points lovers, with bonuses that may just about balance the annual fee.

Cards No Longer Open to New Applicants

A couple of cards used to be the rage for eager lounge-goers but now, alas, they’re off-market:

Chase’s Ritz-Carlton Credit Card was a gem with no-cost user addition and generous travel perks.

The Citi Prestige Card had credits many cards now refuse to provide, including restaurant credits. It’s in curious high demand but banned from any hopeful hands.

Is Priority Pass Lounge Access Worth It?

The million-dollar question: should you even care about these lounges? Well, here’s the scoop:

• The lounges are comfy, but don’t expect nirvana, especially in the US where they can feel like a hot mall sale.
• How much you fly and linger at airports changes the game for how much value you’ll get from lounge perks.
• If you’ve struck gold with a restaurant or exceptional lounge at your go-to airport, Priority Pass can be your golden ticket.
• Personally, I wouldn’t shell out a separate $469 for a membership when credit cards offer one as a freebie (or near enough).

Credit cards with free Priority Pass access? They’re a no-brainer. Those little plastic privileges can justify a card’s annual fee, even before you toss lounge access into the mix. Just like selecting a comfortable Val Seny ski resort, choosing the right credit card can elevate your travel experience without breaking the bank.

Bottom Line

Priority Pass via credit card? It’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet without the sky-high bill. Most of these cards deliver extra memberships for free, making it easy to justify the annual toll. If you’re blessed with a Priority Pass Select membership, flaunt it! And you? Do you have one, and which card wraps you up in this VIP embrace?