Credit Cards That Offer Free Priority Pass, And How to Use It

Credit Cards with Free Priority Pass Membership

Priority Pass is a  network of airport lounges, bars, restaurants and even mini-suites around the world. The have over 1,300 locations in 629 airports in more than 140 countries and more lounges are coming soon. The company was created in 1992 and it claims to be the largest airport lounge network in the world.

The company sells three classes of memberships directly from its website, including Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige, which each provide different levels of access. A fourth class of membership, Select, is included with certain credit cards. That’s the part we’ll focus on in this article, since many readers will already have, or plan to get a card that will already give you Priority Pass for free.

If you have a membership, you can utilize each participating lounge regardless of what airline you’re flying or the class of your ticket. there might be limitations due to overcrowding though. You can also bring guests, but whether they come in for free, if they have to pay, or if they’re allowed in at all could vary. That’s depending on location, or what credit card you have. There’s also a new benefit included, discount offers at some airport stores. Priority Pass members get access to the new Chase Sapphire Lounge and Capital One Lounge networks.

Priority Pass Lounges

Here’s what to expect at most Priority Pass lounges:

• Access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide
• Complimentary drinks, refreshments & pre-flight bites including alcohol (in most lounges)
• Space to work or relax in a place that feels like home
• Free Wi-Fi in most lounges
• Comfortable seats & quiet spaces
• The latest magazines & newspapers
• Power sockets to give your devices a boost
• Conference rooms, showers, beds & spa facilities in select lounges

You can find a full list of all the lounges here, or download the Priority Pass app. Just search for a specific airport of city and you will get a list of all the lounges at that airport. For each lounge you can see hours, location and if there are any access limitations.

Priority Pass Restaurants in US

One of the best additions recently have been new restaurants at airports. Some of these are outside of United States, but there’s currently a total of 26 within the country. You can usually get a credit of $28 for the primary membership holder and one guest, for a total of $56. But check details for each restaurants.

1. Boston (BOS): Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar and Grill
2. Boston (BOS): Stephanie’s
3. Cleveland (CLE): Bar Symon
4. Fort Lauderdale (FLL): Kafe Kalik
5. Houston Intercontinental (IAH): Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar
6. Houston Intercontinental (IAH): Landry’s Seafood
7. Indianapolis (IND): The Fan Zone
8. Lexington (LEX): Kentucky Ale Taproom
9. Los Angeles (LAX): Barney’s Beanery
10. Los Angeles (LAX): P.F. Chang’s
11. Miami (MIA): Corona Beach House
12. New York Kennedy (JFK): Bobby Van’s Steakhouse
13. Portland (PDX): Capers Cafe Le Bar
14. Portland (PDX): Capers Market
15. Portland (PDX): Westward Whiskey
16. Providence (PVD): Providence Provisions Kitchen & Bar
17. San Francisco (SFO): San Francisco Giants Clubhouse
18. San Francisco (SFO): Lark Creek Grill
19. San Francisco (SFO): Yankee Pier
20. St. Louis (STL): The Pasta House (Terminal 1 and 2)
21. Syracuse (SYR): Johnny Rockets
22. Tampa (TPA): The Café by Mise en Place
23. Tucson (TUS): Noble Hops
24. Washington DC Dulles (IAD): Chef Geoff’s
25. Washington DC National (DCA): Bracket Room
26. Washington DC National (DCA): American Tap Room

More restaurants are available are airports worldwide. But, keep in mind that the complimentary Priority Pass from American Express doesn’t include restaurants.

Credit Cards with Free Priority Pass

• American Express

  • – The card gets you access to 1,200 airport lounges across 130 countries and counting. That’s through their own network, The Centurion Lounge and The International American Express lounges, as well as partner networks, Delta Sky Club and Priority Pass Select lounges. At any visit to a Priority Pass Select lounge, you may bring in two guests at no extra charge. You will be charged $27 for any additional guests. This card has an annual fee of $695.
  • – The card gets you access to 1,200 airport lounges across 130 countries and counting. That’s through their own network, The Centurion Lounge and The International American Express lounges, as well as partner networks, Delta Sky Club and Priority Pass Select lounges. At any visit to a Priority Pass Select lounge, you may bring in two guests for no charge. You will be charged $27 for any additional guests. This card has an annual fee of $695.
  • – The card provides free Priority Pass Select membership for the primary cardholders. It also gets free access for up to two guests. This card has an annual fee of $450.
  • – 10 free Priority Pass Lounge passes and no free guests. The card has a $95 annual fee.
  • Amex Hilton Business – 10 free Priority Pass Lounge passes and no free guests. The card has a $95 annual fee.
  • – The card provides free Priority Pass Select membership for the primary cardholders which includes unlimited lounge visits for you and up to two guests per visit. You will be charged $27 for any additional guests. This card has an annual fee of $450.

• Capital One 

  • – You get free Priority Pass Select membership for the primary cardholders which includes unlimited lounge visits for you and up to two guests per visit. You can also add free additional users and they get the same benefit.

• Chase

  • – The card provides free Priority Pass Select membership for the primary cardholders. It also gets free access for up to two guests. The card has a $550 annual fee for this card, and each additional authorized user will cost $75 per year. But authorized users receive their own Priority Pass Select membership.
  • Chase Ritz-Carlton – The card offers free Priority Pass Select membership with no limit to the number of free guests. Authorized users will also receive their own Priority Pass Select membership. The card is no longer available.

• Citi

  • – This card offers free Priority Pass Select membership for the primary account holder and authorized users. It provides free entry for immediate family members (spouse/domestic partner and/or children under the age of 18) or up to two guests. The card is not currently available, but will be open for sing-ups again after a revamp. Annual fee will be increased to $495.

• City National Bank

  • CNB Crystal Visa Infinite – Priority Pass Select – The card provides free Priority Pass Select membership for up to two (2) of the Crystal Visa Infinite Cardholders and their accompanying guests. Additional users are free to add, but the card has an annual fee of $400.

• Luxury Cards

  • Mastercard Black Card – Automatically enrolled in the Priority Pass Select program.

• PenFed

  • PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa – Complimentary Priority Pass Airport Lounge Annual Select Membership. This card has a $95 annual fee.

• UBS

  • • UBS Visa Infinite Card –  Free unlimited Priority Pass Select. This card has a $495 annual fee.

• US Bank

  • US Bank Altitude Reserve – Only one Priority Pass Select membership card per account, and only first 4 accesses are complimentary with one additional guest. The card has a $400 annual fee.

How to Use the Free Priority Pass Membership

When you apply and are approved for a card that gives you free Priority Pass Select membership, you must enroll in the program. You will usually be provided with a link. Once enrolled, you will receive a Priority Pass Select membership card. If you need to use the new membership right away, you can do so through the e-card that’s available in the Priority Pass app. It’s accepted at most lounges, but not all.

It’s a good idea to label Priority Pass cards based on the credit card the offered it. That way you can know exactly how many guests you can bring along or any other restrictions such as restaurants for Amex issued cards.