Airport layovers don't have to be miserable. With the right credit card offering Priority Pass membership, you can transform those dreaded terminal waits into relaxing lounge experiences. Here's your guide to the best credit cards that include Priority Pass Select access—and why getting it through a credit card beats paying for membership directly.

Why Get Priority Pass Through a Credit Card?

Buying Priority Pass membership outright costs $469 annually for Select membership. Smart travelers know there's a better way: premium travel rewards credit cards that include Priority Pass as a benefit.

The math is simple: Most premium cards with Priority Pass cost less than standalone membership while throwing in valuable travel perks like statement credits, bonus points, and travel insurance. You're essentially getting Priority Pass for free when you maximize the card's other benefits.

Best Credit Cards with Priority Pass in 2025

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the gold standard for Priority Pass benefits. You'll get unlimited lounge visits with no guest fees when you're present—a perk worth hundreds annually for frequent travelers.

Key Benefits:

• Unlimited Priority Pass Select visits
• $300 annual travel credit
• 3x points on travel and dining
• Comprehensive travel insurance

This card pairs perfectly with the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, giving you maximum flexibility for award travel redemptions.

Best for: Frequent travelers who want comprehensive travel benefits and don't mind the $550 annual fee.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum Card doesn't just give you Priority Pass—it provides access to the most exclusive airport lounges worldwide, including Amex Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta.

Key Benefits:

• Priority Pass Select membership
• Exclusive Centurion Lounge access
• Multiple statement credits (Uber, airline incidental fees)
• Hotel elite status benefits

Learn more about maximizing Amex benefits to offset the premium annual fee.

Best for: Luxury travelers who value exclusive experiences and premium perks.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X offers unlimited Priority Pass visits at a more accessible price point. With its $300 annual travel credit, the effective annual fee drops significantly.

Key Benefits:

• Unlimited Priority Pass visits
• $300 annual travel credit
• 2x miles on every purchase
• Access to Capital One Lounges

This card works exceptionally well with Capital One's transfer partners for award travel redemptions.

Best for: Travelers wanting premium perks without the highest annual fees.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred provides an entry point into Priority Pass with a more modest annual fee. You'll get limited visits, but it's perfect for occasional travelers.

Key Benefits:

• Priority Pass Select with limited visits
• 2x points on travel and dining
• No foreign transaction fees
• Solid travel protections

Best for: Occasional travelers who want Priority Pass without premium card costs.

How to Maximize Your Priority Pass Benefits

Download the Priority Pass app before your next trip. It shows real-time lounge availability, amenities, and operating hours at over 1,300 locations worldwide.

Know your guest policies. Some cards include free guests, while others charge $32 per guest. If you frequently travel with companions, factor this into your card choice.

Explore restaurant partnerships. When lounges are full or unavailable, many Priority Pass cards offer dining credits at airport restaurants.

Time your visits strategically. Lounges get crowded during peak travel times. Arrive early for the best experience, or consider visiting during off-peak hours.

Priority Pass vs. Other Lounge Programs

While Priority Pass offers the broadest network, don't overlook other lounge access programs. Many credit cards with airport lounge access provide multiple lounge memberships, giving you even more options.

Amex Centurion Lounges, for example, often provide superior food and amenities compared to standard Priority Pass lounges. Delta Sky Clubs offer excellent domestic coverage if you frequently fly Delta.

Making the Smart Choice

The best Priority Pass credit card depends on your travel patterns:

• Heavy travelers (10+ trips annually): Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum
• Moderate travelers (4-8 trips annually): Capital One Venture X
• Light travelers (2-4 trips annually): Chase Sapphire Preferred

Remember to factor in all card benefits, not just Priority Pass. The most valuable card maximizes your everyday spending while providing travel perks you'll actually use.

Getting Priority Pass through a credit card is one of the smartest travel hacking strategies available. You'll save money compared to buying membership directly while unlocking additional travel benefits that can transform your entire travel experience. Choose wisely, and those airport delays might become the best part of your trip.

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