How Priority Pass enrollment works with your American Express card
Priority Pass is a lounge access program that comes with certain American Express cards. When you enroll, you receive a membership card that lets you visit airport lounges worldwide — both American Express lounges and partner lounges run by other networks. Enrollment is free if your card includes the benefit; you straightforward register your membership through the American Express website or mobile app.
The specific lounges you can visit depend on which American Express card you hold. Some cards include unlimited visits to participating lounges, while others include a set number of visits per year or per card member. Your card's benefits guide will tell you exactly what lounge access comes with your particular card.
Key Takeaways
- Priority Pass enrollment is free and happens through your American Express online account or the Amex mobile app under the benefits section.
- You will receive a physical Priority Pass membership card by mail within 7 to 10 business days of enrollment.
- Lounge access rules vary by card — some offer unlimited visits while others limit you to a certain number per year, so check your card's benefits guide.
- You can bring authorized users on your account, and they can enroll in Priority Pass separately to receive their own membership cards.
- Once enrolled, you use your Priority Pass card or digital membership to enter lounges at the airport — no separate reservation needed for most locations.
Steps to enroll through your American Express account
Log into your American Express account online or open the Amex mobile app. Navigate to the "Benefits" or "My Benefits" section — the exact name varies slightly depending on your card type. Look for "Priority Pass" or "Lounge Access" in the list of available benefits.
Click on the Priority Pass option and select "Enroll" or "set up." You will be asked to confirm your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and mailing address. American Express uses this information to print your membership card. Review the information for accuracy before submitting, because errors on the card will make it invalid at lounge entrances.
After you submit your enrollment, you will see a confirmation message on screen. Your physical Priority Pass membership card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use a digital membership number to enter lounges — the confirmation page will display this number, and you can also find it in your Amex app under Benefits.
What to do if Priority Pass does not appear in your benefits
Not all American Express cards include Priority Pass. If you do not see it listed in your Benefits section, your card does not come with this lounge access program. Check your card's benefits guide — this is usually available as a PDF read in your account or was included with your card when it arrived.
If you believe your card should include Priority Pass but you do not see it in your account, contact American Express customer service. They can confirm what benefits are attached to your specific card and explain whether Priority Pass is available to you. You can reach them by calling the number on the back of your card.
Adding Priority Pass for authorized users
If you have added authorized users to your American Express account, they can enroll in Priority Pass separately. Each authorized user will need to log into their own American Express account (or have you add them as a user on your account) and follow the same enrollment steps in the Benefits section.
Each authorized user receives their own physical Priority Pass membership card with their name printed on it. This card is required to enter lounges — lounge staff will check the name on the card against the person presenting it. Authorized users cannot use your card to access lounges.
Using your Priority Pass membership at the airport
When you arrive at an airport with a participating lounge, look for the Priority Pass logo or ask an airport information desk for lounge locations. Present your Priority Pass membership card at the lounge entrance, or show the digital membership number from your Amex app if you have not yet received your physical card.
Most lounges do not require advance reservations for Priority Pass members. However, some premium or high-traffic lounges may have capacity limits and ask you to book a time slot through the Priority Pass app or website. Check the lounge details before you arrive at the airport to see if a reservation is needed.
Lounge amenities typically include complimentary food and beverages, seating, Wi-Fi, and restrooms. Specific offerings vary by lounge location. Your Priority Pass membership usually allows you to bring one guest free of charge, though some lounges charge a guest fee — the lounge staff will let you know when you arrive.
Tracking your lounge visits and remaining benefits
If your card limits you to a certain number of lounge visits per year, you can track your usage through the Priority Pass app or website. Log in with your Priority Pass membership number to see how many visits you have used and how many remain in your benefit year.
Your benefit year typically runs from the month you enrolled through the same month the following year. Once you reach your visit limit, you will not be able to enter lounges using Priority Pass until your benefit year resets. Some cards allow you to purchase additional visits at a per-visit rate if you exceed your annual limit.
What happens if you lose your Priority Pass card
If your physical Priority Pass card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement through your American Express account. Go to the Benefits section, find Priority Pass, and look for a "Request Replacement Card" or similar option. A new card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Until your replacement arrives, use the digital membership number in your Amex app to enter lounges. This number is always available in your account and works the same way as your physical card at lounge entrances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive my Priority Pass card after I enroll?
Your physical membership card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of enrollment. You can use your digital membership number from your Amex app to enter lounges when ready while you wait for the card to arrive.
Can I use my Priority Pass at any airport lounge?
Priority Pass works at thousands of lounges worldwide, but not every airport lounge accepts it. Use the Priority Pass app or website to search for participating lounges at your destination airport before you travel. Some lounges may have different rules or guest policies.
What if I have multiple American Express cards?
If more than one of your cards includes Priority Pass, you typically enroll once and receive one membership card. The enrollment covers all may be able to access cards on your account. Check your card benefits guide or contact American Express if you are unsure whether each card has separate lounge benefits.
Do I need to pay anything to use Priority Pass once I am enrolled?
No. If your American Express card includes Priority Pass, enrollment and lounge visits are free. Some lounges may charge a fee for additional guests beyond your included guest, but this is the lounge's policy, not an American Express charge.
Can I cancel my Priority Pass enrollment?
Yes. You can unenroll from Priority Pass through your American Express account in the Benefits section. Once you cancel, you will no longer be able to use your membership card at lounges. You can re-enroll at any time if your card still includes the benefit.