Who are Priority Pass credit cards suitable for?
- Frequent flyers. If you're a regular traveller, having a Priority Pass credit card can make your journeys that much smoother and pleasant. You'll really appreciate it on longer stopovers. And with 1,400+ lounges, coverage is expansive.
- Business travellers. Work from the comfortable and convenient lounge environment (rather than slum it out in the main terminal lounge with everyone else). Some credit cards for businesses have Priority Pass access as a benefit.
- Luxury enthusiasts. It's hard to beat free champagne and food in a stylish environment.
- Simplifiers. If you already have Priority Pass membership, you could cancel it and use the access granted with your new credit card instead or use the card's free passes instead of paying for higher tier membership.
Who Priority Pass credit cards aren't suitable for
- If you want to access for family. Families travelling together are unlikely to get lounge access simultaneously, at least not without incurring a per person charge for anyone not covered by membership (which is generally everyone except the cardholder and a single guest).
- Frequent flyers with status. If you have status that gets you into an airline's lounges even when flying economy, having Priority Pass will only really come in useful when you fly with an airline you have no status with.
- Infrequent flyers. Though it's still nice to have lounge access when flying, the cost of membership — either standalone or as part of a credit card's annual fee — may outweigh the benefits for those who rarely find themselves in airports.
What to compare for Priority Pass credit cards
Whether you know you want a Priority Pass credit card or are just in the market for a new credit card, there are several factors you should consider:
- Annual fees. How much does the card charge annually? Do the benefits offset the fees?
- Interest rates. What would it cost to keep a balance on the card? Is there an introductory offer?
- Lounge access. What are the specific benefits and limitations of the lounge access the card offers? Does the card offer access to other airport lounges besides those in the Priority Pass program?
- Additional perks. What other travel-related benefits are included, such as complimentary insurance, earning rewards points on spend, and fee-free foreign currency transactions?
- Eligibility. Being a higher level of credit card offer, the minimum criteria for who can be accepted is typically higher.
How to compare Priority Pass credit cards
- List your travel needs, including frequency, destinations, preferred airline and alliance (most likely Singapore Airlines and KrisFlyer for most in Singapore).
- Note their annual fees, lounge access details, and any additional perks offered. Important things to consider include how many passes you get and how many companions you can take with you.
- Compare cards side-by-side to decide which one fits your needs best.
- Decide and apply for the card that suits you best.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Access to airport lounges worldwide. Relax in the comfort of the lounge before flights with complimentary food, drinks, internet, showers, etc.
- Bring someone else. Priority Pass membership may mean you can bring a friend or family member into the lounge with you (subject to terms, conditions, and limits).
- Added benefits. Many Priority Pass cards offer travel insurance, rewards, and other benefits.
Cons
- Annual fees may be higher. Be sure to use the lounge access benefit enough to justify the expense.
- Lounge access may be limited. Some cards may have a cap on how many visits can be made per year.
- Higher minimum criteria. May require a higher minimum income to be approved.
FAQs
Can a guest get into the lounge with my credit card Priority Pass membership?
This depends on the specific terms and conditions of the Priority Pass membership associated with your credit card. Some memberships do include guest privileges, while others require an additional fee for each guest entry.
