Priority Pass Credit Cards

Updated 24 October 2023

Pauline Hatch     

Airport lounges used to be for high flyers, but a Priority Pass membership means anyone can chill out before a flight now - and these credit cards include it as a free perk.

Priority Pass is an independent program that gives customers access to 1,400 airport lounges across 600 cities, in 148 countries around the world. Lounges offer free Wi-Fi, charging points, and complimentary drinks (sometimes alcohol), and sometimes conference facilities, showers and sleep pods. There are three membership levels available, which anyone can purchase directly, or you might want to choose a credit card that comes with Priority Pass membership included as a perk. You could get two single-visit passes to Priority Pass lounges each year, or unlimited lounge access with Prestige Priority Pass membership - it all depends on the membership level offered on your credit card. Time to compare your options? Check out the range of credit cards offering Priority Pass here on this page, making use of our handy comparison tool to see how each card weighs up in terms of its annual fee, earn rate, bonus points offer and more.
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Compare Cards With Priority Pass

Want more from your airport experience? With lounge access from Priority Pass you can. Offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the airport, Priority Pass lounges provide a comfortable space to relax, unwind or get work done, with complimentary Wi-Fi, refreshments and more. Check out this range of credit cards with Priority Pass as a perk to see where your card could take you.

Credit Cards with Priority Pass

As the world’s largest independent airport lounge access plan, Priority Pass has come a long way since its launch in 1992. Now providing access to more than 1,300 airport lounges across the world, Priority Pass offers you a premium experience, regardless of what airline you're flying with or the class that you're travelling.

Working well for those who fly on a range of airlines, primarily in Economy or Premium Economy, Priority Pass offers an alternative way for travellers to spend their pre-flight time, away from the noise and chaos of the airport. And as Priority Pass lounges are independently run, each lounge offers something different. With that being said, all provide comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and charging stations, and a range of complimentary refreshments.

How Does Priority Pass Work?

As its own independent program, Priority Pass offers three levels of membership that can be purchased on an annual basis.

With Standard membership, you would pay a US$99 annual fee. Then, each time you visit one of the Priority Pass lounges, you would pay a US$32 fee. If you want to invite a guest into the lounge with you, this comes with a fee of US$32. Given its per-visit fee, this option tends to work best for those who would want to visit one of the lounges up to five times per year.

With Standard Plus membership, you would pay a US$329 annual fee. This allows you 10 lounge visits within the year. Any lounge visits after that point – or any guest visits – would come with a US$32 fee. With the fee structure in place, this option would work best for those who would use the lounges between six and 13 times per year.

With Prestige membership, you would pay a US$469 annual fee. This provides you unlimited access to lounges throughout the year, with guest visits charged at US$32. This option would be best suited to those who would use the lounges at least 14 times per year.

So, what about Priority Pass as a credit card feature? While there are a number of credit cards that offer Priority Pass as an extra, not all are equal.

Example:

Jesse has a Westpac Altitude Black Card. His card provides him two single-entry Priority Pass lounge visits every year. This has a value of US$163 ($99 + $32 + $32) per year. If Jesse decides to visit a Priority Pass lounge again within the year, he will pay US$32 per visit.

Tahlia has a Citi Prestige Card. Her card provides unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges for her and a guest. This has a value of US$429.

Fred has an American Express Platinum Card. Among many other perks, his card provides unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges for both Fred as the primary cardholder, and to one nominated additional cardholder as well. Each cardholder may bring a guest into the lounge at no extra cost. The overall value of this feature is $858.

While Fred’s card certainly sounds more appealing, it does come with a much higher annual fee at $1,450 (compared to the Westpac Altitude Black Card’s $250 annual fee). As with any card comparison, cardholders must choose the card that suits them. Fred may need the incredible array of extras on his card, getting more back in value than he’s paying out in annual fees.

Jesse, on the other hand may only travel once a year, and is happy to use his single-visit lounge passes on that trip. He wouldn’t get value from unlimited lounge visits, so there would be no point in him paying extra in annual fees for that feature, and all the other travel-related perks the American Express Platinum Card provides.

 

What Does Priority Pass Offer?

Time to dig a little deeper into what Priority Pass actually provides.

With more than 1,300 Priority Pass lounges around the world, each one looks a little different to the next – and has something different to offer. However, you can usually expect the following benefits no matter which lounge you happen to visit.

Peace amid the chaos: Visiting a Priority Pass lounge, you can escape the noise and commotion of the airport to either relax and unwind, or get some work done. You can find comfortable seating, with the option to watch TV, or use your own device while accessing the lounge’s charging stations.

Complimentary meals and beverages: As you wait for your flight, you can enjoy a range of complimentary snacks and meals, with some options perhaps reflecting the local culture and flavours of your location. Hot beverages such as barista-made coffee, as well as soft drinks and alcoholic options are also usually available.

Connectivity and conferencing: Most Priority Pass lounges offer free access to high-speed Wi-Fi. If you’re travelling for business, you may be able to access meeting rooms and conferencing facilities, depending on the lounge.

Aside from providing access to lounges around the world, Priority Pass membership also offers access to a range of food and beverage discounts outside of its lounge network. So, instead of hitting the lounge, you could benefit from a discount while eating or drinking at one of the participating food and beverage outlets in the airport.

It’s worth noting that each ‘discount’ used counts as one ‘lounge visit’, so if your membership only allows for a certain number of lounge visits per year, think about whether the discounted bill provides more value than a lounge visit. In addition to this, American Express cards offering Priority Pass as a perk no longer provide food and beverage discounts – only lounge access.

What Should You Look For In A Priority Pass Credit Card?

Level of Access: As you compare credit cards with Priority Pass, check what level of access each card offers. Some will only offer two single-visit lounge passes each year, while others will provide unlimited access throughout the year. Find out if the card provides a discount on higher level membership if you choose to upgrade after using your single-visit passes.

Complementary Features: Look at the card’s other features that may complement your Priority Pass perk. With unlimited Priority Pass access, for example, you may look for other travel-related features such as travel credit and hotel loyalty program membership that will work well for you as a frequent traveller.

Annual Fee: Credit cards offering extras such as lounge access typically have a higher annual fee. There’s nothing wrong with paying a higher annual fee, as long as you can afford it – and the card’s features provide sufficient value in return.

How To Make Priority Pass Work For You

You’ve decided Priority Pass is a perk you want on your credit card. So, what do you need to do to make that perk work for you?

Get Maximum Value

Think about what your level of Priority Pass access offers you. If you have just two-single visit passes each year, you need to make the most of them. Use your lounge visits on a special trip perhaps, or when you know you’ll have a long layover. Find out where the best Priority Pass lounges are in the world, and aim to hit those as you travel.

On the other hand, with unlimited lounge access, you can really use your Priority Pass as you please. You could pop into the lounge for an hour or so, then step out to one of the participating Priority Pass restaurants to enjoy a discounted meal, perhaps with friends or family who are travelling with you but don’t want to access the lounge. It’s really up to you.

Research & Plan Ahead

If you want to make the most of your Priority Pass access, it’s a good idea to find out more about the lounges within the network, so you can see which ones you want to visit before you leave home. You can use the Priority Pass app to scope out the options before you go, or to find a lounge within the airport you’re already in.

The app will also tell you which participating food and beverage outlets offer discounts in each airport you’re passing through.

Want to find the best of the best? There are plenty of articles online that rate airport lounges around the world, so take some time to find out which lounges are a must-see – and which aren’t worth your time.

Enjoy!

When you arrive in the lounge, don’t forget to enjoy the experience! And as you sit back and relax in your perfectly comfortable armchair, sipping a glass of something cold and enjoying the peace and tranquility – think about all the unfortunates outside those sliding doors, surrounded by all the chaos and noise airports are known for. Then smile, knowing for once you’re not one of them.

Before you visit a Priority Pass lounge for the first time, you will need to activate your membership. You may need to do this via your credit card’s website, as well as with Priority Pass direct.

Do you need to book ahead before visiting a Priority Pass lounge?

No, you don’t need to book ahead. All you need to do is present your single-entry pass or Priority Pass membership card, either on your phone or the physical card itself, when you arrive at the reception desk.

With that being said, your pass or your membership doesn’t guarantee entry to the lounge. Some lounges place restrictions on the number of guests, and some have restricted hours. The info on each lounge within the Priority Pass app will detail this information.

Yes, you can invite guests to join you in a lounge. There may be a fee, depending on your level of membership.

Many Priority Pass lounges allow children. While most charge children at an adult guest rate, some lounges allow children under a certain age to enter for free. To find out more about this, check the details of the lounge you want to visit using the Priority Pass app.

Pauline Hatch

Pauline Hatch is a personal finance expert at Creditcard.com.au with 8 years of finance writing under her belt. She loves turning complex money concepts into simple, practical actions so you can win financially. You can ask Pauline any questions by submitting a comment below and get a personal reply.

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20 questions (showing the latest 10 Q&As)

pam

pam

6 November 2023
I have citi rewards platinum credit card. Will I have airport lounge access?
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    15 November 2023
    Hi Pam, there isn’t a Citi card in Australia called Citi Rewards Platinum, so I’m not sure which one you have. I can tell you that the only Citi cards with lounge access are the Citi Premier Cards. These cards have a few separate promotional offers, including a balance transfer offer, bonus points with Qantas or Velocity, and a cashback offer. Thanks Pam!
Heather Thompson

Heather Thompson

4 November 2023
How to find what level your priority pass is
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    15 November 2023
    Hi Heather, if you've signed up for your online account, you can see your membership details, including your Priority Pass membership level, in the account section. Alternatively, you can give Priority Pass a call at +1 800 352 2834.
Narasimhan

Narasimhan

4 October 2023
I have Indian bank visa credit card. Will I have airport lounge access?
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    6 October 2023
    Hi Narasimhan, we only review Australian credit cards. I strongly recommend contacting your bank issuer directly about this.
Ram

Ram

16 September 2023
How can I get a free lounge pass?
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    19 September 2023
    Hi Ram, some credit cards, like the ones on this page, offer complimentary lounge access. Check what card you have, and read your welcome booklet to discover if you have access. Happy travels!
Peter Yeo

Peter Yeo

19 July 2023
Does my Platinum Awards visa give me access to airport lounges.
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    20 July 2023
    Hi Peter, I see that you may be referring to the CommBank Platinum Awards card which has been discontinued earlier this year. This card doesn’t give you access to airport lounges unfortunately..
Nam

Nam

17 July 2023
Hi, I am a priority pass member, I had lost my card , can I apply for a replace new card?
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    19 July 2023
    Hi Nam, I’m sorry to hear that. You can send Priority Pass an email at [email protected] for your replacement card request.
Clive & Jill Hawkes

Clive & Jill Hawkes

15 July 2023
I have an amex Rewards card. Can I have access to any airport lounges
May

May

7 July 2023
Hi Pauline, I have an Altitude Black World MasterCard with Westpac. Was wondering how they charge a family of 4 to use the lounge. Will it be ($32 x 2) for the two teenagers? 2 x complimentary passes for my wife and me?
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    11 July 2023
    Hi May, good question! Indeed the Westpac Altitude Black card includes two complimentary visits within a 12-month period. However, for any additional guest, a fee of $32 is charged per person per visit. Since you mentioned a total of four people, during the first lounge visit, there would be a charge of $32 multiplied by two guests. After using the two complimentary passes, subsequent visits would incur a fee of $32 per guest, resulting in a total charge of $128 for all four guests. Hope this makes sense!
Rebecca

Rebecca

3 July 2023
Hi Pauline, i have a David Jones American Express. Can I paid to enteringto the American Express Centurion Lounge?
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    4 July 2023
    Hi Rebecca, if you have the Platinum card you should have unlimited access to The Centurion Lounge. If not, I'm afraid there is no way to pay your way in - you must hold an Amex card with the lounge membership as a feature. Sorry Rebecca!
CLAIRE

CLAIRE

26 June 2023
I HAVE A QANTAS CREDIT CARD DOES IT ALLOW ME INTO ANY LOUNGES? IM TRAVELLING THROUGH DOHA SO INTERESTED TO KNOW IF LI HAVE ANY PRIVELEDGES?
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    27 June 2023
    Hi Claire, it actually depends on what Qantas card you have. I suggest contacting your card issuer directly to get specific information about what’s included with your card.
Piyanuch

Piyanuch

25 June 2023
What are credit cards that give priority pass?
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    26 June 2023
    Hi Piyanuch, the cards on this page all have Priority Pass perks included as a feature. If you click the "More Info" button you'll see our review that explains the Priority Pass extras for that card. I hope that helps!
Kelly

Kelly

18 May 2023
If I have the Citi Prestige which allows unlimited access for me and a guest. 1) If I'm flying with a friend today. Can I bring a friend into the lounge, and then after that go for a discounted meal on the same day in the same airport? 2) What about using PP with a friend in departing airport, and then using it again in arrival airport? 3) I understand it's $36 discount for food per pass. Does that mean that my friend and I can have a meal and have $72 off? Thanks.
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    19 May 2023
    Hi Kelly, it looks like you’ll get a $36USD charge to your card for the food with each person visiting. So if you and your friend are in, you’ll get a combined $72 credit to spend. According to the Citi website it reads “If you are a Citi Prestige primary cardholder, you are entitled to a complimentary Priority Pass™ Membership with unlimited airport lounge access for you and a guest.” For further specifics, I’d be giving Citi a call for information at 13 24 84 or by logging into your Priority Pass membership. Enjoy your travels!.
Edward

Edward

23 December 2022
I have lost my Priority card. How can I get a new one? Thank you.
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    3 January 2023
    Hi Edward, you’ve actually reached Creditcard.com.au. I strongly recommend reaching out to Priority Pass directly by sending an inquiry or giving them a call. You can go to their Contact Us page to do this.
Liz

Liz

21 December 2022
How many guest can Fred have per visit?
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    22 December 2022
    Hi Liz, it actually depends on what card Fred has. Most cards come with 2 x complimentary passes each year. However, it’s best that Fred reaches out to the card issuer directly about this.
Carolyn

Carolyn

10 December 2022
Which is a better card for unlimited airport lounge access, WBC or CBA? Do U know of any unlimited airport lounge access credit cards less than $400 aud. Thanks. Merry Christmas to you
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    12 December 2022
    Hi Carolyn, Merry Christmas to you too! The only two cards we know of that have unlimited airport lounge access are the Citi Prestige Credit Card and the American Express Platinum Charge Card. Both have pretty hefty annual fees and a higher minimum income requirement too. The two providers you mention only offer 2 complimentary passes each year. If you’re looking for unlimited lounge access, you could consider paying for a Priority Pass membership. Happy travels!
Hubert

Hubert

28 November 2022
Liking to get a priority credit card
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    29 November 2022
    Hi Hubert, you can view some of the priority pass credit cards on the list above for your options. If you’re confident you’ve met the card’s eligibility criteria, you can click the green Go to offer button to proceed with your application.
Brenda

Brenda

5 November 2022
Can I use my Canadian RBC avionics Visa card in Sydney airport lounges
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    7 November 2022
    Hi Brenda, if it’s branded Visa, there’s no reason why your card won’t work. You’ll be able to tap-and-pay for any purchases. As your card doesn’t come with lounge passes, you’ll need separate lounge passes to enter lounges at Australian Airports. Enjoy your time in Australia!
Rosa

Rosa

21 October 2022
How can I activate my Westpac Black Credit Card into Airport Lounge
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    24 October 2022
    Hi Rosa, you just need to register/enrol your Westpac Altitude Black card at prioritypass.com/westpacblack to have access to their participating airport lounges worldwide.
Annie

Annie

9 July 2022
How can I check how many free passes I have available?
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    11 July 2022
    Hi Annie, you can go to Priority Pass official page, then login using your username or membership number and password to view your passes. You can also reach out to your card issuer for extra help.
David APPLETON

David APPLETON

11 August 2021
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR TWO PASSES FOR LOUNGE
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    12 August 2021
    Hi David, thanks for your question! To be able to take advantage of the Priority Pass Lounge that’s included in your credit card, the first thing to do is to activate your membership by going to your credit card’s website and with the Priority Pass direct. Once activated, you just need to show your Priority Pass membership card when you arrive at the lounge’s reception desk.
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