Credit Card Guides
The Best Credit Cards That Offer Priority Pass
When traveling, it can be nice to take a break from the hustle and bustle. That’s why airport lounges have grown in popularity as they offer flyers a space to grab a drink, enjoy some food, do some work, and/or just relax. While these types of lounges may have once been ultra-exclusive and reserved for the most elite frequent flyers, rewards credit cards are making them more accessible than ever. On that note, one name you’ll see come up often when discussing airport lounges is Priority Pass.
Priority Pass is a service that offers access to more than 1,200 partner lounges around the world. Because of this, the passes have become a popular perk among premium travel credit cards.
So what are the best cards to get if you’re hoping to score a Priority Pass for yourself? Let’s look at some of the top options.
The Platinum Card from American Express
- Priority Pass perks: Unlimited visits
- Annual fee: $695
- Best perk/benefit (aside from Priority Pass): Access to Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta)
In my opinion, the American Express Platinum Card is the best rewards credit card for lounge access. That’s because it not only includes a Priority Pass with unlimited access but also enables cardholders to visit Amex’s own Centurion Lounge, as well as Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta. Granted, there are more restrictions on those lounge visits than on Priority Pass ones, but it’s still a step up from any other card on this list.
Of course, the biggest downside of the Platinum Card is the $695. That is offset by a long list of credits that cardholders can take advantage of — but it’s still a lot for some prospective cardholders to swallow. So, if that’s you, there are a few other lower annual fee options you may want to consider instead.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Priority Pass perks: Unlimited visits
- Annual fee: $550
- Best perk/benefit (aside from Priority Pass): Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for Chase Travel
Alongside the Amex Platinum, one of the most popular travel cards on the market continues to be the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Sure enough, there’s plenty to love about this card — from the $300 travel credit (which offsets the $550 annual fee) to the 1.5¢ per value cardholders can get on points when they redeem them toward Chase Travel bookings. Meanwhile, the card also earns 3x points on travel and 3x points on dining, making it easy to rack up those rewards.
As for the Priority Pass, the Chase Sapphire Reserve version does include unlimited visits. Plus, while regular Priority Pass members can check out the growing number of Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations, those with the Sapphire Reserve can visit these lounges as many times as they want (and bring along two guests each time).
With that, if you’re looking for a travel card with solid rewards, strong lounge access, and that doesn’t feel like as much of a “coupon book” as the Amex Platinum does, then perhaps it’s time to see why the Chase Sapphire Reserve has been a top pick since its debut.
Capital One Venture X
- Priority Pass perks: Unlimited visits
- Annual fee: $395
- Best perk/benefit (aside from Priority Pass): Earns 2x miles on purchases across the board.
A few years ago, Captial One threw its hat into the premium travel card ring with the debut of the Capital One Venture X. While this card does carry a $395 annual fee, it also has a $300 travel credit — bringing the effective fee down $95 to match the regular Venture card. The Venture X also has a simple rewards structure, earning 2x on all purchases plus even better rewards on Capital One Travel bookings.
Like Amex and Chase, Capital One has also been busy building out its own lounge network. As you might expect, in addition to your unlimited Priority Pass, you’ll also have complimentary access to these Capital One Lounges as a Venture X customer.
For those who want a slightly more affordable premium card with a simple rewards structure, the Capital One Venture X just might fit the bill.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
- Priority Pass perks: 8 free visits per year
- Annual fee: $400
- Best perk/benefit (aside from Priority Pass): Earn 3x points on all purchases made using mobile wallets.
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve is a card I’ve been eyeing for quite a while. That’s because there’s a lot to like about this unique premium option. For one, the card has an outstanding rewards category where cardholders can earn 3x points on purchases made using mobile wallets. Considering how quickly adoption of this technology is growing, this is pretty close to 3x across the board IMHO.
As for the $400 annual fee, that’s offset by a $325 annual credit that can be used for travel or dining purchases. What’s more, the points you earn are worth 50% more when redeemed for eligible travel purchases.
Sadly, however, one area where the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve is lacking happens to be in the topic of this article: Priority Pass. While the card does feature one as a perk, oddly, this version only entitles cardholders to eight complimentary visits per year. Still, if you’re someone who travels a few times a year (say, four, to max out the Priority Pass lounge visits along the way), this card could be a perfect fit.
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect
- Priority Pass perks: 4 free visits per year
- Annual fee: $95 (soon $0)
- Best perk/benefit (aside from Priority Pass): The lack of an annual fee
Don’t be fooled by the “U.S. Bank Altitude” part of this card’s name — it’s quite different from the Reserve card. What’s more, the Connect card is about to undergo a pretty significant overhaul. That includes lowering the card’s annual fee from $95 to $0. By the way, since U.S. Bank waives the Altitude Connect card’s annual fee for the first year, you can still get it now and not end up paying that $95 fee.
To be clear, there are some big trade-offs with this update, including the fact that the card’s points will only be valued at 0.8¢ each versus the current 1¢ once the revamp goes through in September. Yet, one perk that isn’t changing is the Priority Pass access.
With the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect, you can get a Priority Pass Select that’s good for four complimentary visits per year. This means that a card without an annual fee can get you airport lounge access! That instantly makes it one of the most interesting options on this list. So, if you’re curious about Priority Pass but don’t already have a premium card, this may be an easy entry pick.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- Priority Pass perks: Unlimited visits
- Annual fee: $650
- Best perk/benefit (aside from Priority Pass): Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status
Finally, we come to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. At a time when some other hotel-branded cards are removing Priority Pass perks (I’m looking at you, Hilton), the Brilliant’s remain intact for now.
Obviously, to make this one work, you’ll want to be a Marriott Bonvoy devotee — or at least be willing to pledge your loyalty going forward. That’s because the card earns Marriott Bonvoy points and includes complimentary Bonvoy Platinum status. Plus, when you renew the card, you’ll receive a Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points.
As for that $650 annual fee, it can be offset by up to $300 in dining credits. However, those credits are broken down into $25 per-month increments. That still makes for a pretty pricey effective annual fee — at least until your renewal when that Free Night Award kicks in. Because of that, this card might not be for everyone but is still worth mentioning.
The bottom line is that, if you’re looking to gain airport lounge access, you have plenty of credit card options to pick from. Of course, each of these choices does come with its own set of pros and cons. So, in addition to selecting a card because of its Priroty Pass perks, make sure that the rewards and benefits make sense for your situation and will give you positive value even after the (sometimes hefty) annual fees are factored in.
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