The short answer: No, not all Priority Pass benefits are the same across credit cards. While every card offers access to the same network of 1,700+ lounges worldwide, the guest policies, visit limits, restaurant access, and additional perks vary significantly between issuers.

If you've been wondering whether to stick with your Chase Sapphire Preferred or switch to that new Citi Strata card for Priority Pass access, you're asking the right question. The differences might surprise you—and could save or cost you hundreds of dollars annually.

What Is Priority Pass and Why It Matters

Priority Pass is the world's largest independent airport lounge access program, giving members entry to over 1,700 lounges across 650+ cities worldwide. Think comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and often showers and quiet spaces—regardless of which airline you're flying or what class ticket you bought.

Most premium credit cards offer Priority Pass Select membership as a benefit, which is typically superior to memberships you'd buy directly from Priority Pass. But here's where it gets interesting: while all Priority Pass Select memberships access the same lounges, your credit card determines exactly what you get once you're there.

The Credit Card Priority Pass Breakdown

Let's examine the major players and their specific Priority Pass benefits:

Chase Sapphire Cards

Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795 annual fee)

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers unlimited Priority Pass visits for the cardholder plus up to two guests included per visit. Authorized users receive their own Priority Pass membership at no additional cost. Restaurant access through Priority Pass was removed in recent years, but cardholders gain access to Chase Sapphire Lounges, which currently includes seven premium locations worldwide. Both digital and physical Priority Pass cards are available.

Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95 annual fee)

The Chase Sapphire Preferred provides identical Priority Pass benefits to the Reserve despite the $700 annual fee difference. This includes unlimited visits for the cardholder, up to two guests per visit, Priority Pass memberships for authorized users, and access to Chase Sapphire Lounges.

Chase's Advantage: Both Sapphire cards offer identical Priority Pass benefits despite the massive annual fee difference. You also get access to Chase's own premium lounges, which are generally higher quality than typical Priority Pass locations. For comprehensive details on maximizing these benefits, check out our Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Preferred comparison.

Citi Strata Cards

Citi Strata Elite ($695 annual fee)

The Citi Strata Elite provides unlimited Priority Pass visits for the cardholder with up to two guests included per visit. Authorized user benefits aren't clearly specified yet since this is a new card launch. Restaurant access through Priority Pass is no longer available, but cardholders receive four American Airlines Admirals Club passes annually—a unique benefit in the credit card space.

Citi Strata Premier ($95 annual fee)

The Citi Strata Premier doesn't include Priority Pass benefits despite being Citi's mid-tier travel card.

Citi's Unique Angle: The Strata Elite is one of the few cards offering both Priority Pass access AND American Airlines Admirals Club passes, giving you access to two different lounge networks. This is particularly valuable for travelers who frequently use American Airlines hubs.

American Express Cards

The Platinum Card ($695 annual fee)

The Platinum Card from American Express offers unlimited Priority Pass visits for the cardholder plus up to two guests per visit. Authorized users receive their own Priority Pass membership with enrollment required. Restaurant access is no longer available, but cardholders get access to an extensive network including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta, Plaza Premium lounges, and more.

The Business Platinum Card ($695 annual fee)

The Business Platinum Card includes identical Priority Pass benefits to the personal Platinum, with unlimited visits for the cardholder, up to two guests per visit, and separate memberships for authorized users.

Amex's Strength: While Priority Pass is just one part of their lounge access strategy, Amex cardholders get the most comprehensive lounge access overall through multiple networks. Their Centurion Lounges alone often justify the annual fee for frequent travelers.

Capital One Venture X ($395 annual fee)

The Capital One Venture X currently offers unlimited Priority Pass visits for the cardholder with up to two guests included per visit. However, significant changes are coming in February 2026: guests will cost $35 each, and authorized users will need to pay $125 annually for Priority Pass access. Restaurant access was eliminated in 2023, but cardholders can access Capital One Lounges, which are limited in number but high in quality.

The Key Differences That Actually Matter

1. Guest Policies Are Changing

Currently, most cards include two guests per visit at no charge. However, Capital One Venture X will start charging $35 per guest beginning February 2026, breaking from the industry standard. If you frequently travel with family or colleagues, the free guest policy could save you $70+ per lounge visit.

2. Restaurant Access Has Largely Disappeared

Priority Pass used to offer $28-30 credits at airport restaurants and cafes through participating cards. Today, most issuers have eliminated this benefit, including Chase, Capital One, and American Express cards. This was valuable for quick meals between flights, especially in airports with limited Priority Pass lounges.

3. Authorized User Benefits Vary Significantly

Chase provides every authorized user with their own Priority Pass membership at no extra cost. American Express offers separate memberships for authorized users with enrollment required. Starting February 2026, Capital One will require authorized users to pay $125 annually for Priority Pass access. Citi's approach for the new Strata Elite card remains unclear.

4. Additional Lounge Networks Matter More

While all these cards offer Priority Pass access, your total lounge access depends on additional networks:

Most Comprehensive: American Express provides access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Plaza Premium lounges, plus Priority Pass.

Best Premium Experience: Chase offers Chase Sapphire Lounges plus Priority Pass access.

Unique Combo: Citi Strata Elite combines Priority Pass with Admirals Club passes.

Value Play: Capital One provides Priority Pass plus Capital One Lounges, despite limited locations.

Priority Pass Credit Card Comparison

Here's how the major cards stack up for Priority Pass benefits:

Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795 annual fee): Unlimited cardholder access, two free guests, authorized users get own memberships, plus Chase Sapphire Lounges access.

Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95 annual fee): Identical benefits to Reserve including unlimited access, two free guests, authorized user memberships, and Chase Sapphire Lounges.

Citi Strata Elite ($695 annual fee): Unlimited cardholder access, two free guests, unclear authorized user benefits, plus four Admirals Club passes annually.

Amex Platinum ($695 annual fee): Unlimited cardholder access, two free guests, authorized users get own memberships, plus extensive additional lounge networks.

Capital One Venture X ($395 annual fee): Unlimited access with two free guests until February 2026, then $35 per guest and $125 annual fee for authorized user access.

Which Card Is Best for Your Priorities?

Best Overall Value: Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred wins for overall value. You get identical Priority Pass benefits to the Reserve including unlimited access, two guests, authorized user memberships, and Chase lounge access for just $95 annually. That's extraordinary value compared to cards costing $600+ more annually.

Perfect for: Travelers who want premium lounge access without paying premium fees.

Consider if: You don't need the Reserve's other benefits like the $300 travel credit or higher earning rates.

Best Premium Experience: American Express Platinum

Priority Pass is just one part of an extensive lounge network with Amex. Centurion Lounges alone often justify this card for frequent travelers. The comprehensive lounge access through multiple networks provides the most options when traveling.

Perfect for: Frequent travelers who want access to the highest-quality lounges available.

Consider if: You can utilize the various Amex credits to offset the $695 annual fee.

Best for Families: Chase Sapphire Cards (Either One)

Both Chase Sapphire cards provide every authorized user with their own Priority Pass membership, making family travel much more flexible. This is particularly valuable when family members travel independently.

Perfect for: Families who travel together frequently and want independent lounge access.

Consider if: You have multiple family members who travel solo occasionally.

Best Unique Value: Citi Strata Elite

The combination of Priority Pass plus Admirals Club passes gives you access to two different lounge networks. This is particularly valuable in American Airlines hubs where Admirals Clubs are often superior to Priority Pass options.

Perfect for: American Airlines loyalists who also want broader lounge access.

Consider if: You frequently fly through American Airlines hubs like DFW, MIA, or LAX.

Most Concerning: Capital One Venture X

The upcoming changes to guest policies and authorized user benefits significantly reduce the card's value proposition. Solo travelers who primarily use Capital One's own lounges may still find value.

Still good for: Solo travelers who primarily use their own Capital One Lounges.

Avoid if: You regularly bring guests or have multiple authorized users.

Real-World Scenarios: How These Differences Play Out

Scenario 1: Family of Four Traveling to Europe

With Chase Sapphire cards, parents get main cards while kids are authorized users with their own Priority Pass memberships. Everyone accesses lounges freely. With Capital One Venture X after February 2026, parents would pay $35 × 2 kids = $70 per lounge visit, plus $125 × 2 for authorized user Priority Pass memberships annually. The annual difference could exceed $250 in authorized user fees, plus $140+ per round-trip family vacation.

Scenario 2: Business Traveler with Colleagues

With Chase or Amex cards, you can bring two colleagues per visit at no charge. With Capital One Venture X after February 2026, you'd pay $35 × 2 = $70 per lounge visit for colleagues. If you entertain colleagues twice monthly, that's $140 monthly or $1,680 annually.

Scenario 3: Solo Frequent Traveler

All cards provide essentially identical Priority Pass experiences for solo travelers. The differentiator becomes additional lounge networks. Amex wins with Centurion Lounges, while Chase adds value with Sapphire Lounges.

What About Restaurant Access?

Most cards have eliminated Priority Pass restaurant access, which used to provide $28-30 credits at airport restaurants. This benefit was valuable for quick meals or when lounges were full.

Cards that removed restaurant access include all Chase Sapphire cards, Capital One Venture X (removed 2023), and most American Express cards. If you had restaurant access on an older card, you might notice this missing benefit when you upgrade or switch cards.

For travel dining and expenses, consider protecting your purchases with travel insurance from providers like Freely Travel Insurance, which offers customizable coverage for various trip types.

Travel Planning and Booking Considerations

When planning trips that involve extensive lounge usage, consider using comprehensive travel booking platforms like Expedia for flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. For international travel requiring data connectivity, eSIM providers like GlobalYo offer convenient international data plans.

For longer trips where you'll use multiple lounges, booking tools like Get Your Guide can help you plan activities between flights, while InsureMyTrip provides comprehensive travel insurance comparison to protect your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Priority Pass Select the same as regular Priority Pass?

No. Priority Pass Select (offered through credit cards) typically provides better benefits than paid memberships, including unlimited visits and guest privileges that would cost hundreds annually if purchased directly from Priority Pass.

Can I use multiple Priority Pass memberships from different cards?

Technically yes, but it's not practical. Each membership is tied to one credit card, and you can only use one membership per lounge visit.

Do Priority Pass benefits work internationally?

Yes, all Priority Pass benefits work at any participating lounge worldwide. However, individual lounges may have their own guest limits or policies that supersede your card's benefits.

What happens if a lounge is full?

Priority Pass lounges can reach capacity and turn away members. Having access to additional lounge networks (like Centurion or Chase Sapphire lounges) provides backup options.

Can I bring guests who aren't traveling with me?

Generally no. Most lounges require all guests to be traveling on the same day, and some require same-flight verification.

Are there any lounges that don't accept Priority Pass Select?

Very few. Some premium lounges (like United Polaris lounges) are exclusive to their own programs, but the vast majority of Priority Pass network lounges accept all Priority Pass memberships equally.

The Bottom Line: Your Priority Pass Strategy

The Reddit user who sparked this guide was absolutely right to question whether Priority Pass benefits are identical across cards. They're not, and the differences are becoming more pronounced as issuers modify their policies.

For most travelers, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers the best Priority Pass value. You get identical lounge access to cards costing $600+ more annually, plus access to Chase's premium Sapphire Lounges. Our detailed analysis in Chase Sapphire Reserve travel benefits shows why this card dominates 2025.

If you're already invested in the American Express ecosystem, the Platinum's Priority Pass benefit complements their superior Centurion Lounge network beautifully.

Avoid the Capital One Venture X if you frequently travel with guests or have multiple authorized users, given the upcoming policy changes that significantly reduce its value.

The new Citi Strata Elite presents an interesting option for American Airlines loyalists, though we need more clarity on authorized user benefits.

Remember, Priority Pass access is just one factor in choosing a travel credit card. Consider your overall spending patterns, preferred airlines, and which additional benefits you'll actually use. For comprehensive credit card guidance, explore our best credit cards for Priority Pass guide.

The lounge access game is changing rapidly, so stay informed about policy updates that could affect your benefits. After all, there's nothing worse than discovering your guest privileges disappeared right when you need them most.

When traveling internationally, don't forget to consider additional protections like travel medical insurance for international visitors, especially when using lounges during extended layovers or connections.

Looking for more credit card strategies? Check out our guides to maximizing travel rewards and explore additional travel planning resources including booking platforms for reviews and recommendations to enhance your Priority Pass lounge experiences.