The Airport Oasis You Didn’t Know You Needed

A typical Priority Pass lounge offering comfortable seating and amenities

Let’s be honest – airports can be stressful, chaotic places. Long lines, delayed flights, overpriced food, and the constant search for an outlet to charge your phone. But what if I told you there’s a better way to experience air travel?

Airport lounges are like finding an oasis in the desert. Comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, reliable Wi-Fi, and best of all – a quiet space away from the terminal chaos. And the best part? You don’t need to fly first class or have elite status to enjoy them.

That’s where Priority Pass credit cards come in. These premium travel cards can transform your entire travel experience by giving you access to over 1,600 airport lounges worldwide. But with annual fees ranging from $395 to $695, choosing the right card requires some careful consideration.

Did you know? A standalone Priority Pass membership with unlimited visits costs $469 annually, but many premium credit cards include this benefit while offering additional perks that can offset their annual fees.

What is Priority Pass and Why Should You Care?

Priority Pass is the world’s largest independent airport lounge access program with more than 1,600 lounges across 148 countries. The network includes not just lounges but also restaurants and even spas in some locations.

When you have a Priority Pass membership through a credit card, you typically get:

• A quiet, comfortable place to relax before your flight
• Complimentary food and beverages (including alcoholic drinks at most locations)
• Free Wi-Fi and plenty of charging outlets
• Clean restrooms away from the terminal crowds
• Business facilities like printers and conference rooms at select locations
• Sometimes even shower facilities to freshen up between flights

For frequent travelers, this access can be truly game-changing. Imagine turning a 3-hour layover from a dreaded experience into a productive or relaxing break. That’s the power of having the right Priority Pass credit card in your wallet.

“I’m spoiled. I find it difficult to travel without lounge access! Lounge access makes it so I actually want to arrive at the airport early, removing any stress that unforeseen delays might cause me to miss my flight.”

The Best Priority Pass Credit Cards of 2025

Let’s dive into the premium credit cards that offer the best Priority Pass benefits. I’ll break down what each card offers, who it’s best for, and help you determine which provides the best value for your specific travel habits.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Annual Fee: $395

Priority Pass & Lounge Benefits:

• Unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges for cardholder and up to 2 guests
• Access to Capital One’s own premium airport lounges
• Access to Plaza Premium lounges

Additional Key Benefits:

• $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
• 10,000 bonus miles anniversary bonus (worth $100+ toward travel)
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on all other purchases

What I Love:

• Lowest annual fee among premium travel cards
• Easy-to-use $300 travel credit effectively reduces annual fee to $95
• Capital One lounges offer premium experience beyond typical Priority Pass lounges
• No foreign transaction fees
• Ability to add up to 4 authorized users for free (with full lounge access)

Potential Drawbacks:

• Limited number of Capital One lounges currently (growing but still small network)
• Travel credit only applies to bookings through Capital One Travel portal
• May not be as valuable for travelers loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain

Perfect For:

Travelers looking for premium lounge access at a more reasonable annual fee who value simplicity and flexibility in their rewards program. This card offers the best overall value for most travelers who want lounge access without paying $500+ annually.

“I use my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card for lounge access. It not only comes with access to Priority Pass lounges, but also to Capital One lounges across the U.S. The food options at the Capital One Lounge are great. I like that there are a bunch of small plates, so you don’t have to commit to a heavy meal before a flight. You can even grab food to take with you from their to-go section.”

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Annual Fee: $550

Priority Pass & Lounge Benefits:

• Unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges for cardholder and up to 2 guests
• Access to Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club
• Access to Sapphire Terrace at Austin Airport (AUS)
• Access to Etihad Lounge at Dulles Airport (IAD)

Additional Key Benefits:

• $300 annual travel credit (applies to virtually any travel purchase)
• 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel
• 5x points on flights booked through Chase Travel
• 3x points on other travel and dining worldwide
• 1x points on all other purchases

What I Love:

• Incredibly flexible $300 travel credit that’s easy to use
• Chase Sapphire Lounges are high-quality with excellent food options
• Excellent travel insurance benefits (trip cancellation, car rental, etc.)
• Chase Ultimate Rewards points are among the most valuable and flexible
• Strong transfer partners including United, Hyatt, and Southwest

Potential Drawbacks:

• Higher annual fee than the Venture X
• Limited number of Chase Sapphire Lounges currently open
• Removed Priority Pass restaurant access as of June 2024
• Recently removed Lyft and DoorDash benefits

Perfect For:

Travelers who highly value travel insurance benefits and flexibility in redeeming points, particularly those who are already in the Chase ecosystem. This card is also great for frequent diners due to the 3x points on dining worldwide.

“The Chase Sapphire Reserve has been my go-to card for lounge access since 2018. You get a Priority Pass Select membership that allows unlimited lounge visits for you and up to two guests, and you can access Chase Sapphire lounges in New York and Boston. The food options in the Chase lounge are much better than most lounges, and the decor is modern and pleasant. It’s a great place to relax or get some work done outside of the terminal.”

The Platinum Card from American Express

Annual Fee: $695

Priority Pass & Lounge Benefits:

• Unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges for cardholder and up to 2 guests (enrollment required)
• Access to Amex Centurion Lounges (up to 2 guests for $50 each unless you spend $75,000+ per year)
• 10 complimentary visits to Delta Sky Clubs per year when flying Delta
• Access to Plaza Premium Lounges
• Access to Escape Lounges
• Access to select Lufthansa Lounges

Additional Key Benefits:

• $200 annual airline fee credit with one selected airline
• $200 annual hotel credit for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings
• $240 annual digital entertainment credit ($20/month) for select subscriptions
• $200 annual Uber cash ($15/month, plus $20 in December)
• $189 annual CLEAR® credit
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year)
• 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
• Automatic Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status

What I Love:

• Unmatched airport lounge access (the most comprehensive of any card)
• Centurion Lounges offer a premium experience with chef-designed menus
• Extensive credits that can offset the annual fee if you can maximize them
• Elite hotel status with both Hilton and Marriott
• Premium concierge service and exclusive event access

Potential Drawbacks:

• Highest annual fee of the major travel cards
• Credits are divided into many categories and can be difficult to fully utilize
• Airline fee credit is limited to one selected airline and doesn’t cover tickets
• No longer includes Priority Pass restaurant access
• Guest access to Centurion Lounges requires payment unless you spend $75,000+ annually

Perfect For:

Frequent travelers who value premium experiences and can take advantage of the numerous statement credits. The Platinum Card is best for those who prioritize lounge access above all else and travel through airports with Centurion Lounges regularly.

“I’m spoiled. I find it difficult to travel without lounge access! Lounge access makes it so I actually want to arrive at the airport early, removing any stress that unforeseen delays might cause me to miss my flight. Of course, some lounges are better than others. The Platinum Card from American Express gets me into Centurion Lounges, which are all better than any Priority Pass lounge I’ve been to.”

Credit Card Lounge Benefits Comparison

Let’s break down the key differences in lounge access between these premium cards side by side:

The Value Perspective: While the Amex Platinum offers the most comprehensive lounge access, the Capital One Venture X provides the best value for most travelers with its lower annual fee and straightforward benefits. It all depends on your travel patterns and which airports you frequent most often.

Airport Lounge Quality: Not All Lounges Are Created Equal

The Turkish Airlines Lounge at Miami International Airport – a Priority Pass option

When choosing a credit card for lounge access, it’s important to understand that there can be significant quality differences between lounges. Here’s my honest assessment:

Priority Pass Lounges

These vary dramatically in quality depending on location. Some are fantastic with full buffets, premium beverages, and comfortable seating. Others might be small, crowded, and offer limited food options. Before selecting a card solely for Priority Pass access, research the specific lounges at your most frequently visited airports.

Centurion Lounges (Amex)

Generally considered the gold standard of credit card lounges in the U.S. They feature chef-designed menus, premium cocktails, and high-end amenities like shower suites in some locations. The downside? They can get very crowded during peak travel times.

Capital One Lounges

Though there are only a few locations currently, the existing Capital One Lounges receive excellent reviews. They offer premium food and beverage options, relaxation areas, and even grab-and-go food for those in a hurry. The quality rivals or even exceeds some Centurion Lounges.

Chase Sapphire Lounges

These newer lounges are also high-quality with excellent food options and modern design elements. With only four currently open, their network is still developing, but the early reviews are very positive.

My advice? Don’t just look at the number of lounges a card gives you access to – consider the quality and locations of those lounges relative to your travel patterns.

How to Choose the Right Priority Pass Credit Card for YOU

Selecting the best Priority Pass credit card isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Here are the key factors to consider:

1. Your Home Airport and Frequent Destinations

This is perhaps the most important factor. Check which card’s proprietary lounges (Centurion, Capital One, Chase Sapphire) are available at your home airport and frequent destinations. A card with a Centurion Lounge at your home airport might be worth the higher annual fee of the Amex Platinum.

2. Your Travel Companions

Consider who you typically travel with. If you frequently travel with family, the Venture X’s free authorized users (who get their own Priority Pass membership) might provide better value than paying for guests at a Centurion Lounge with the Amex Platinum.

3. Your Ability to Maximize Credits

The true “cost” of these cards depends on how many of the included credits you can realistically use. Be honest with yourself – if you’re unlikely to use all the Amex Platinum’s various credits, its effective annual fee might be higher for you than the Venture X or Sapphire Reserve.

4. Your Point Redemption Preferences

Beyond lounge access, consider how you prefer to use your points. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable for transfers to airline and hotel partners as well as direct travel bookings. Capital One miles offer simplicity and flexibility, while Amex Membership Rewards excel for premium international flight redemptions.

My Personal Recommendation

For most travelers seeking lounge access, I recommend starting with the Capital One Venture X. With the lowest annual fee among premium cards, straightforward benefits, and the unique ability to add authorized users for free (with full lounge access), it provides exceptional value.

However, if you frequently travel through airports with Centurion Lounges or highly value the additional transfer partners and hotel statuses, the Amex Platinum could be worth the higher fee. And if you’re already invested in the Chase ecosystem, the Sapphire Reserve remains an excellent choice with its flexible travel credit and strong travel protections.

Maximizing Your Priority Pass Credit Card Benefits

Once you’ve chosen your Priority Pass credit card, here are my top tips to make sure you’re getting the most value from your investment:

1. Arrive at the Airport Earlier

When you have lounge access, arriving early isn’t a burden—it’s a benefit! I recommend arriving at least 2-3 hours before international flights to fully enjoy the lounge experience without feeling rushed.

2. Download the Priority Pass App

This is essential for finding available lounges quickly. The app will show you all accessible lounges in any airport, including operating hours and any temporary closures or restrictions.

3. Check Guest Policies Before Traveling

While most Priority Pass credit cards allow two guests, proprietary lounges like Centurion may have different policies or fees for guests. Confirm the current policy before your trip, especially if traveling with family.

4. Use Your Travel Credits Strategically

Make sure you’re using your card’s annual travel credits as early in your membership year as possible. Set calendar reminders if needed—these credits are essentially free money when used properly.

5. Consider Lounge Hopping at Larger Airports

At airports with multiple accessible lounges, don’t be afraid to visit more than one if time permits. Each might offer different amenities or food options worth experiencing.

6. Add Strategic Authorized Users

If you have a Capital One Venture X, adding authorized users who travel frequently (even without you) can provide tremendous value since they get their own Priority Pass membership at no additional cost.

“The real value of Priority Pass isn’t just saving money on airport food and drinks—it’s transforming stressful travel days into enjoyable experiences. When you calculate that value over multiple trips per year, even a $395 or $550 annual fee can become a bargain.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Priority Pass Credit Cards

Is Priority Pass worth it if I only travel a few times a year?

If you travel 3-4 times per year, Priority Pass access through a credit card can still provide good value, especially if you have longer layovers or tend to arrive early for flights. Even with just 4 lounge visits annually (plus guests), you could easily receive $200+ in value from food, drinks, and comfort.

Do all Priority Pass lounges accept credit card-provided memberships?

Generally yes, but there are some exceptions. Priority Pass memberships through credit cards are typically “Priority Pass Select” memberships, which may have slightly different terms than paid memberships. Most notably, American Express Priority Pass memberships no longer include access to Priority Pass restaurants, while Chase recently removed this benefit as well (effective June 2024).

Can I access lounges when arriving at my destination?

Most lounges are designed for departing passengers, and many will check your boarding pass to confirm you have an outbound flight. Some lounges do permit arriving passengers, but this varies by location and is less common in the U.S. than internationally.

What happens to my Priority Pass membership if I cancel my credit card?

Your Priority Pass membership is tied to your credit card account and will be canceled when you close your card. If you’re planning to switch cards, it’s best to activate your new card’s Priority Pass membership before canceling the old one to ensure continuity of benefits.

Are there any ways to try Priority Pass before committing to a premium credit card?

Some banks offer special promotions that include temporary Priority Pass memberships with certain new accounts. Additionally, you can purchase day passes to many lounges directly (typically $25-50 per visit) to experience them before committing to a premium card.

Final Thoughts: Is a Priority Pass Credit Card Right for You?

Airport lounge access is one of those travel perks that seems like a luxury until you experience it—then it quickly becomes a necessity. The comfort, convenience, and cost savings of lounges can dramatically improve your travel experience, especially during delays or long layovers.

The decision to invest in a premium credit card with Priority Pass access ultimately comes down to your personal travel patterns, preferences, and financial situation. If you travel even moderately throughout the year and value comfort and convenience, one of these cards can provide exceptional value despite the annual fee.

Remember that beyond lounge access, these cards offer substantial additional benefits like travel credits, enhanced rewards on travel purchases, and various travel protections. When you consider the full package, the value proposition becomes even more compelling.

My final advice? Start by identifying the airports you visit most frequently and research which card offers the best lounge options at those specific locations. That targeted approach will likely lead you to the card that provides the best real-world value for your particular travel life.

Safe travels, and enjoy those lounges!