Priority Pass is included with several premium credit cards, but the specific card and benefit level depend on which issuer you choose

Priority Pass is a membership program that gives you access to airport lounges around the world. Some credit card issuers include Priority Pass membership as a cardholder benefit, meaning you get lounge access as part of your card benefits rather than paying for it separately. The cards that offer it, and what level of access you receive, vary by card and issuer.

The most common cards offering Priority Pass are premium travel cards from American Express, Chase, and Visa Signature programs. However, not every premium card includes it, and the membership tier you receive (which determines how many guests you can bring and how many visits you get per year) differs by card.

Key Takeaways

  • American Express Platinum and certain other premium Amex cards include Priority Pass Select membership, which is the highest tier with unlimited lounge visits.
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve includes Priority Pass Select, while Chase Sapphire Preferred does not.
  • Visa Signature cards from various banks may include Priority Pass, but the tier and terms vary — you need to check your specific card's benefits guide.
  • Priority Pass membership through a credit card is typically included at no extra cost as long as you hold the card and keep it active.
  • You access lounges by downloading the Priority Pass app or showing your membership card at participating locations.

American Express cards with Priority Pass

American Express Platinum includes Priority Pass Select, the highest membership tier. This gives you unlimited lounge visits at over 1,400 locations worldwide, plus the ability to bring up to two guests per visit at no additional charge. The benefit is included as long as your card is active.

American Express also offers Priority Pass with some of its other premium cards, though the tier and terms may differ. Check your card's benefits guide or contact Amex directly to confirm what your specific card includes, since benefit levels can change and vary by card product.

Chase cards with Priority Pass

Chase Sapphire Reserve includes Priority Pass Select membership. Like the Amex Platinum benefit, this gives you unlimited visits and the ability to bring two guests per visit. The membership is included as a cardholder benefit.

Chase Sapphire Preferred does not include Priority Pass. If you hold a different Chase card, check your benefits guide or log into your online account to see whether Priority Pass is listed. Chase also offers some business cards with Priority Pass, though the tier varies.

Visa Signature and other bank cards with Priority Pass

Many banks issue Visa Signature cards that include Priority Pass as a benefit. However, the membership tier, number of guest passes, and visit limits vary widely depending on the bank and the specific card product. Some cards include Priority Pass Select (unlimited visits), while others include a lower tier with a limited number of visits per year.

If you hold a Visa Signature card or a premium card from a regional or online bank, the best way to find out whether it includes Priority Pass is to check your benefits guide (usually available on the bank's website or in your account portal) or call the bank's customer service line. The benefits guide will tell you exactly what tier you have and how to set up it.

How to set up and use Priority Pass from your credit card

Once you confirm your card includes Priority Pass, you typically need to set up the membership before you can use it. Most issuers let you set up through their website or mobile app — look for a "benefits" or "perks" section. You may also be able to set up by calling the number on the back of your card.

After set up, you receive a Priority Pass membership number and can read the Priority Pass app to find lounges near you and make reservations (some lounges require advance booking). You can also show your physical Priority Pass card at the lounge entrance. The membership is valid as long as you keep your credit card active and in good standing.

What Priority Pass membership tier means for you

Priority Pass has three membership tiers: Standard, Plus, and Select. The tier included with your card determines how many lounge visits you get per year and whether you can bring guests for free.

Priority Pass Select (the highest tier) gives unlimited visits and two complimentary guest passes per visit. Priority Pass Plus typically gives 10 visits per year plus two guest passes per visit. Priority Pass Standard gives fewer visits and may charge for guests. Most premium credit cards that include Priority Pass offer Select or Plus, but always check your benefits guide to confirm which tier your card provides.

What happens if your card doesn't include Priority Pass

If your credit card does not include Priority Pass, you can purchase a membership directly from Priority Pass. You can also explore other lounge access options, such as lounge memberships offered by your airline, or cards from other issuers that do include Priority Pass as a benefit.

Some cards include other lounge access benefits instead — for example, certain American Express cards include Centurion Lounge access, and some cards include access to specific airline lounges. Check what your current card offers before assuming you need to switch cards for lounge access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra for Priority Pass if my card includes it?

No. If your credit card includes Priority Pass as a benefit, the membership is included at no extra cost as long as you hold the card. You do not pay an additional annual fee for the Priority Pass membership itself. However, some lounges may charge a per-visit fee if you do not have a membership tier that covers unlimited visits.

Can I bring my family into the lounge with Priority Pass?

Yes, if your membership tier includes guest passes. Priority Pass Select allows two complimentary guests per visit. Lower tiers may allow fewer guests or charge per guest. Check your membership tier in the Priority Pass app to see how many guests you can bring.

What if I lose my Priority Pass card or membership number?

You can retrieve your membership number through the Priority Pass app or website using your login credentials. If you need a replacement physical card, contact Priority Pass directly through their website or app. Your credit card issuer can also help you reactivate or retrieve your membership information.

Does Priority Pass work at every airport lounge?

Priority Pass is accepted at over 1,400 lounges worldwide, but not every airport lounge accepts it. Some lounges are exclusive to specific airlines or memberships. Use the Priority Pass app to search for participating lounges at your airport before you travel.

What if I switch to a different credit card — do I keep Priority Pass?

Your Priority Pass membership is tied to your credit card benefit, not to you personally. If you close the card or downgrade to a card that does not include Priority Pass, your membership ends. If you switch to another card that includes Priority Pass, you will need to set up the new membership through that card's issuer.