Priority Pass is included with several premium credit cards, but the coverage level varies
Priority Pass is a membership program that gives you access to airport lounges worldwide. Some credit cards bundle it in as a cardholder benefit, though not all cards offer the same tier. The highest tier — Priority Pass Select — includes access to thousands of lounges globally. Lower tiers cover fewer lounges or charge per visit. Which card you hold determines which tier you get, if any.
The cards that include Priority Pass are mostly in the premium category, meaning they carry annual fees starting around $95 and going up to $550 or more. The lounge access is meant to offset that cost for frequent travelers. If you rarely fly or don't value lounge time, the annual fee may not be worth it regardless of the Priority Pass benefit.
Key Takeaways
- Priority Pass Select (the full membership) comes with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, and a handful of other premium cards, but each card's terms differ on guest policies and renewal credits.
- Some cards offer a lower tier of Priority Pass that covers fewer lounges or charges a fee per visit, so check the specific card's benefit guide before assuming you get full Select access.
- Priority Pass membership is tied to your card — if you close the card or it's not renewed, your membership ends, though some cards let you keep it if you downgrade to a different product.
- Guest policies vary by card: some let you bring companions free, others charge per guest, and a few restrict guests entirely, so read the cardholder agreement for the specific card you're considering.
- Lounge access is only valuable if you actually use it; the annual fee is not offset by the benefit unless you visit lounges regularly enough to justify the cost.
Cards that include Priority Pass Select
The Chase Sapphire Reserve includes Priority Pass Select at no additional cost. You can bring up to two companions per visit, and they enter free with you. The membership renews automatically each year as long as your card remains open.
The American Express Platinum Card also includes Priority Pass Select. Amex allows you to bring one companion free; additional guests are charged by the lounge. The membership is active as long as your card is active.
The Citi Prestige Card (if still available in your market) included Priority Pass Select, though Citi has been narrowing this card's availability. Check Citi's current offerings to see if this card is open to new cardholders in your area.
A few other premium cards from smaller issuers or regional banks may include Priority Pass, but these three are the most widely available. Always confirm the exact tier and guest policy in the card's benefits guide before opening an account, because terms change and vary by card version.
Cards with lower-tier Priority Pass or limited access
Not every card that mentions Priority Pass includes the full Select membership. Some cards come with Priority Pass Standard or Priority Pass Plus, which cover fewer lounges or charge per visit. The difference matters: Select gives you access to nearly all Priority Pass lounges worldwide at no per-visit fee, while lower tiers may exclude premium lounges or charge $27 to $32 per entry.
Business cards and co-branded cards sometimes include a limited version of Priority Pass. Read the benefits guide carefully — the word "Priority Pass" in the marketing materials does not mean you get the full Select tier. The specific tier name will be stated in the official benefits document.
How Priority Pass membership works with your card
When you open a card that includes Priority Pass Select, the issuer typically enrolls you automatically. You will receive login credentials by email within a few days. You then download the Priority Pass app or visit their website to find lounges, make reservations (required at some lounges), and manage your account.
Your membership is active only while your card is open and in good standing. If you close the card, your Priority Pass membership ends immediately. If your card is not renewed, the membership lapses. Some issuers allow you to downgrade to a different card product and keep the Priority Pass benefit, but this is not standard — ask before closing or downgrading.
Guest policies are set by your card issuer, not by Priority Pass itself. The Chase Sapphire Reserve allows two free companions per visit. American Express Platinum allows one free companion. Other cards may have different rules. Check your cardholder agreement or call the issuer to confirm before bringing someone with you.
What Priority Pass lounges actually offer
Priority Pass lounges vary widely in quality and amenities. Most offer free food and beverages, seating, Wi-Fi, and restrooms. Some have showers, nap rooms, or business centers. A few are premium lounges with higher-end food and service. Others are basic airport cafes with a Priority Pass partnership.
Not every airport has a Priority Pass lounge. If you fly out of a small or regional airport, you may find no Priority Pass option there. The Priority Pass app shows you which lounges are available at each airport you use, so check before you book a card based on this benefit alone.
Lounge access is not may provide at every visit. Some lounges have capacity limits and may turn away members during peak hours. A few lounges require advance reservations and may be fully booked. The benefit is real, but it is not unlimited access in all circumstances.
Whether Priority Pass justifies the annual fee
The annual fee for a card with Priority Pass Select ranges from $95 to $550, depending on the card. To justify that cost, you need to use the lounge benefit regularly. If you fly four times a year and use a lounge each time, you are getting roughly $24 to $137 per visit in value — which may or may not feel worth it depending on what you value in airport time.
Many premium card issuers offer other benefits alongside Priority Pass: travel credits, statement credits, points multipliers on dining or travel, or insurance coverage. The lounge access is one piece of the total value. If you are considering a card primarily for Priority Pass, calculate whether the other benefits make the annual fee worthwhile for your spending patterns.
If you rarely fly or prefer to stay in the airport terminal rather than a lounge, Priority Pass is not a reason to pay a high annual fee. There is no shame in choosing a card with a lower fee and no lounge access — it may be the better financial choice for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Priority Pass if I'm flying on a basic economy ticket?
Yes. Priority Pass access is based on your card membership, not your ticket class. You can enter the lounge whether you are flying first class or economy. Some lounges may have capacity limits during peak times, but ticket class does not determine your entry.
What happens to my Priority Pass if I downgrade my card?
It depends on the card issuer and the card you downgrade to. Some issuers let you keep Priority Pass if you move to a different premium card in their lineup. Others end the benefit immediately. Contact your issuer before downgrading to confirm what happens to your membership.
Do I have to pay for my companion's lounge access?
That depends on your card. Chase Sapphire Reserve includes two free companions per visit. American Express Platinum includes one free companion; additional guests pay the lounge's guest fee. Other cards have different policies. Check your card's benefits guide or call the issuer to confirm the guest policy.
Can I use Priority Pass at restaurants or hotels, or only at airport lounges?
Priority Pass Select includes access to some airport restaurants and hotel lounges in addition to airport lounges, but not all. The app shows you all available locations, including non-airport venues. The exact restaurants and hotels available varies by region and changes over time.
What if there's no Priority Pass lounge at my departure airport?
You can use the Priority Pass app to find the nearest lounge or alternative location. Some airports have partner lounges that are not branded as Priority Pass but are included in the membership. If no option exists at your airport, you simply don't use the benefit that trip — there is no refund or credit.