Priority Pass Credit Cards

Compare credit cards with Priority Pass lounge access for a more relaxing airport experience.

By   |   Updated 9 Oct 2024

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Comparing of 5 Priority Pass credit cards

American Express Platinum Business Card

FeaturedApply by 5 November 2024

American Express Platinum Business Card

Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Points per $1 spent

2.25 points

Sign up bonus

350,000 points

Annual fee

$1,750.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Get 350,000 bonus Membership Rewards points by applying before 5 November 2024, getting approved, and spending $12,000 on your card within the initial 3 months. Exclusive to New American Express Card Members.
  • Earn up to 2.25 pts per $1 spent.
  • Enjoy exclusive Platinum travel, experience, and dining privileges.

Pros

  • The offer of 350,000 bonus Membership Rewards points when you meet the criteria.
  • Earn up to 2.25 pts per $1 spent and 1 point per $1 spent at the ATO.
  • Access to more than 1,400 lounges globally, including The Centurion® Lounge.
  • Gold status match at Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and Premium status at Radisson Hotel Group.
  • Get the Amex Experiences App to access information on Platinum benefits, travel offers, events and recommended merchants.

Cons

  • The annual fee of $1,750 p.a.
  • Since this is a charge card, the balance must be cleared every statement.
  • No balance transfer facility.
Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard

On Bankwest's website

Rewards program

N/A

Points per $1 spent

N/A

Sign up bonus

N/A

Annual fee

$0.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Annual fee waived.
  • 0% p.a. interest for 28 months on transferred balances (with a 3% balance transfer fee). Returns to 14.99% p.a. thereafter.
  • No charges for foreign transactions.
  • Offer valid for new customers within a specified timeframe. Additional fees and terms and conditions apply.

Pros

  • No annual fee to pay — ever.
  • Very long interest-free balance transfer offer.
  • No fees on purchases in a foreign currency.

Cons

  • There is a 3% fee on balance transfers.
  • You can't earn rewards points.
St.George Amplify Signature Credit Card (Amplify)

On St.George's website

Rewards program

Amplify Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1.5 points

Sign up bonus

150,000 points

Annual fee

$199.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Up to 150,000 Bonus Amplify Rewards Points earned upon spending $12,000 on eligible purchases within the first 12 months from card approval.
  • Initial card fee of $199 for the first year ($295 p.a. thereafter).
  • Comes with complimentary overseas travel insurance coverage for up to 6 months.

Pros

  • The 150,000 bonus Amplify Rewards Points.
  • Save $96 with the $199 card fee for the first year.
  • Enjoy 2 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits each year when you enroll in Priority Pass.
  • Comes with concierge services.

Cons

  • After the initial year, the annual fee is $295 p.a.
  • There is no promotional balance transfer offer at the moment.
Westpac Altitude Black Credit Card (Altitude)

On Westpac's website

Rewards program

Altitude Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1.25 points

Sign up bonus

100,000 points

Annual fee

$150.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Earn up to 150,000 bonus Altitude Points. Receive 100,000 Altitude bonus points by spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within 120 days of card approval. Additionally, get 50,000 points after your first eligible purchase in year 2. Exclusions apply.
  • Initial $150 p.a. annual fee ($295 p.a. thereafter), applicable to new cardholders only.
  • Earn 6 Altitude points per $1 on Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates flights bought in Australia, subject to eligibility criteria.

Pros

  • Earn up to 150,000 bonus Altitude Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Additional savings with the $150 first-year annual fee ($295 p.a. thereafter).
  • Earn 1.25 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
  • Get 2 complimentary lounge passes each year with Priority Pass.

Cons

  • The high annual fee of $295 p.a. after the initial year.
BankSA Amplify Signature Credit Card (Amplify)

On BankSA's website

Rewards program

Amplify Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1.5 points

Sign up bonus

150,000 points

Annual fee

$199.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Earn up to 150,000 Bonus Amplify Rewards Points over 2 years when you spend $12,000 on eligible purchases within the first 12 months from card approval.
  • $199 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($295 p.a. annual fee thereafter).
  • Includes complimentary overseas travel insurance for up to 6 months

Pros

  • Enjoy 2 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits each year when you enroll in Priority Pass.
  • The 150,000 bonus Amplify Rewards Points.
  • $199 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($295 p.a. annual fee thereafter).
  • Includes complimentary overseas travel insurance for up to 6 months

Cons

  • There is no promotional balance transfer offer at the moment.
  • The annual fee reverts to $295 p.a. after the initial year.

Priority Pass is a global airport lounge program that offers members access to over 1,300 lounges in more than 500 cities worldwide. Holding a credit card with Priority Pass membership unlocks a world of airport lounges, providing a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the airport terminal, wherever you are in the world.

Membership not only affords you lounge access but also extends to exclusive experiences and amenities. From fresh food to refreshing spa treatments available at some lounges, Priority Pass makes travel that less stressful and more enjoyable.

There are two classifications of Priority Pass credit card: those with unlimited access and those with a specified number of passes. The Priority Pass membership fee is included in the annual fee of the card.

David Boyd of Credit Card Compare

David Boyd, the co-founder of Credit Card Compare, recalls, "I really value lounge access, especially on long haul flights with a stopover long enough for a proper lounge visit. The ability to get away from the crowd, maybe get caught up with some work, enjoy a good meal and a shower is a game changer for me."

Benefits of Priority Pass credit cards

  • Airport lounge access: Obviously, the key benefit of a Priority Pass credit card is access to airport lounges, where cardholders can relax, enjoy complimentary food and drinks, access Wi-Fi, and more.
  • Travel credits: Many Priority Pass credit cards come with annual travel credits that can be used for travel related expenses like airline fees, baggage fees, or general travel expenses.
  • Frequent flyer points or miles: Some Priority Pass credit cards also offer generous rewards programs, allowing cardholders to earn points or miles for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for travel, cashback, or other reward cards.

Comparing Priority Pass credit cards

When evaluating different Priority Pass credit cards, consider factors such as:

  • Lounge access: There are credit cards with unlimited access or a number of passes per annum. If you aren't a frequent flyer, unlimited access may be unnecessary. Find out and be clear about who can come into the lounge with you.
  • Annual fees: Priority Pass membership doesn't come free. If you want unlimited access, expect the annual fee to be higher than the average.
  • Rewards earn rate: Given the travel-focus, compare what the earn rate is per dollar spent and be clear on any caps and tiers there may be. A credit card with a higher annual fee generally has a higher earn rate.
  • Travel credits or vouchers: Does the card come with a voucher or credit towards a free flight? If so, is it limited to a specific airline?
  • Additional travel perks: For example, does the card come with any form of travel insurance or no foreign transaction fees?

How to benefit the most from your Priority Pass credit card

To maximise the benefits of your Priority Pass credit card, consider the following tips:

  1. Use lounge visits wisely: Make use of your complimentary lounge visits when travelling, especially during layovers or long waits at the airport.
  2. Understand card benefits: Familiarise yourself with all the benefits that come with your card, such as travel credits, reward programs, and travel insurance coverage.
  3. Don't forget partner lounges: Some Priority Pass credit cards offer access to partner lounges in addition to Priority Pass lounges such as, for example, those in Plaza Premium Be sure to explore all available options before you travel.
  4. Stay informed: Keep up to date with any changes to your card's benefits or terms and conditions to ensure you are making the most of your card.

Help choosing a Priority Pass credit card

Unlock the world of exclusive travel perks with expert guidance in choosing your ideal Priority Pass credit card.

  • FAQs

  • Pros & cons

  • Alternatives

Is a Priority Pass credit card worth it?

The value of a Priority Pass credit card depends on how frequently you travel and visit lounges. If you are a frequent traveller who values airport comfort and convenience, a Priority Pass could be well worth it.

Pros

Global lounge network

With Priority Pass, travellers enjoy access to an expansive network of over 1,500 airport lounges worldwide, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling airport environment. This coverage ensures that whether you're jetting off to major cities like New York or Singapore, lounge access is within reach.

Exclusive travel

Members benefit from more than just lounge access; Priority Pass also discounts dining, shopping, and spa services at select airports, adding a touch of luxury to your travel experience.

Enhanced travel comfort

The lounges offer a haven with amenities such as comfy seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, and refreshments, proving invaluable during extended layovers or unexpected delays.

Flexible membership options

Catering to a wide array of travel habits and budgets, Priority Pass presents various membership levels, including complimentary access through select credit cards, ensuring there's a fit for every type of traveler.

Guest privileges

Certain credit card benefits include bringing guests into lounges, either complimentary or at a nominal fee, making your travel more enjoyable when accompanied by friends or family.

Cons

Membership cost

The price tag for Priority Pass membership, particularly the tiers offering unlimited access, might be steep for those who travel infrequently. Credit cards offering this perk often come with high annual fees, which could offset the benefits for some users.

Inconsistent lounge quality

The standard of lounges within the network can vary widely; while some offer luxury amenities, others vary widely; while some offer luxury amenities, others might only provide basic facilities.

Risk of overcrowding

High-traffic lounges may experience overcrowding during peak periods, potentially compromising the comfort and exclusivity of the lounge experience.

Restricted lounge hours

Availability issues, such as limited operating hours or capacity constraints, can inconvenience travelers, especially those flying at less common times.

Coverage limitations

Despite its extensive network, Priority Pass has gaps in geographical coverage, with certain airports and regions lacking lounge presence, posing a disadvantage for travelers in those locales.

Qantas Club

Paid Qantas Club membership comes with access to Qantas Club lounges in Australia and internationally. It's a much smaller network than that of Priority Pass, but the quality of lounges are on average high.

LoungeBuddy

Unlike Priority Pass, which requires a membership for lounge access, LoungeBuddy allows travellers to purchase one-time access to a wide range of airport lounges around the world directly through their website or mobile app, without the need for a membership or long-term commitment.

LoungeKey

A popular alternative to Priority Pass with more than 1,000 airport lounges in its worldwide network.

DragonPass

One of the main competitors of Priority Pass with a large international network. Powers Mastercard Travel Pass.