Amex additional cardholders on select premium cards typically receive their own Priority Pass membership with lounge access included.
The Priority Pass Benefit on American Express Cards
American Express has long been a favorite among travelers for its premium credit cards that offer generous travel perks. One of the most coveted benefits is access to Priority Pass lounges worldwide, providing a haven of comfort away from busy terminals. But the question often arises: do Amex additional cardholders get Priority Pass access as well?
For many premium Amex cards, such as the Platinum Card® from American Express and the Business Platinum Card®, the answer is yes. The primary cardholder receives complimentary Priority Pass membership, which includes unlimited lounge visits or a set number of free visits depending on the card’s terms. Importantly, additional cardholders added to these accounts often receive their own separate Priority Pass membership at no extra cost.
This means that each authorized user can enjoy lounge access independently, without needing to piggyback off the primary cardholder’s membership. However, this benefit varies by card type and issuing region, so it’s essential to know exactly which cards qualify and what the terms are.
Which Amex Cards Include Priority Pass for Additional Cardholders?
Not every American Express card grants Priority Pass access to additional cardholders. The feature is generally reserved for premium products designed for frequent travelers. Here’s a breakdown of popular cards and how they handle this perk:
- Platinum Card® from American Express: Both primary and additional cardholders receive complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with unlimited lounge visits.
- Business Platinum Card®: Additional business cardholders also get their own Priority Pass membership with similar lounge privileges as the primary account holder.
- Amex Gold Card and other mid-tier cards: These generally do not include Priority Pass memberships for either primary or additional users.
This selective availability ensures that only those paying premium annual fees enjoy these exclusive benefits. It’s worth noting that adding authorized users to eligible cards often comes with an added fee but provides significant value through lounge access alone.
How Additional Cardholder Access Works
When you add an authorized user to a qualifying Amex Platinum or Business Platinum account, they typically receive a physical or digital Priority Pass membership card mailed separately. This allows them to enter participating airport lounges worldwide independently of the primary member.
This setup is ideal for families or business partners traveling together but flying separately or at different times. Each member can relax in lounges without restrictions tied to the main account holder’s visits.
However, it’s important to register each authorized user’s details with Priority Pass after receiving their membership information. This step activates their individual access and smooths entry at lounges.
Understanding Limitations and Exceptions
While many additional cardholders on premium Amex cards do get Priority Pass memberships, there are some nuances:
- Guest Access: Some cards limit how many guests an additional cardholder can bring into lounges for free. Typically one guest is allowed; others may incur fees.
- Lounge Network Variations: Not all airport lounges accept Priority Pass universally, so availability depends on location.
- Regional Differences: In some countries, American Express may offer different benefits packages, possibly excluding authorized users from receiving full lounge access.
- Additional User Fees: While authorized users gain valuable perks like lounge access, there may be annual fees ranging from $175-$300 per user depending on the card.
Knowing these details helps set realistic expectations when adding authorized users specifically for lounge privileges.
The Impact of Guest Policies on Lounge Visits
Priority Pass members usually receive guest privileges based on their membership type or issuing bank’s policies. For Amex Platinum additional cardholders, bringing guests into lounges is generally allowed but limited.
If you travel with family or colleagues frequently, understanding guest policies can save you unexpected costs at lounges enforcing strict guest fees. Some lounges charge $27-$32 per guest visit outside included allowances.
Therefore, planning who will use your or your authorized user’s pass and how many guests will accompany them keeps travel budgets in check while maximizing comfort.
A Closer Look: Comparing Primary vs Additional Cardholder Lounge Benefits
Both primary and additional Amex Platinum holders enjoy similar core benefits regarding Priority Pass:
| Benefit Aspect | Primary Cardholder | Additional Cardholder |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge Access Type | Unlimited visits during membership period | Unlimited visits during membership period |
| Guest Policy | Generally allows one free guest per visit; fees apply afterward | Usually same as primary; one free guest allowed per visit |
| Annual Fee Impact | $695 (Platinum) plus taxes & fees (2024 rates) | $175-$300 per user depending on issuer & region |
The key takeaway: authorized users get nearly identical lounge privileges but come at an extra cost. Yet for frequent travelers who want multiple people covered under one account umbrella, this remains a compelling value proposition.
The Enrollment Process for Additional Cardholders’ Priority Pass Memberships
Once you add an authorized user to your eligible Amex Platinum or Business Platinum account, here’s how they typically gain their own Priority Pass credentials:
- Add Authorized User: Log into your American Express account online or call customer service to add an additional cardholder.
- User Approval: The new user must accept terms and conditions related to being an authorized user.
- Priority Pass Activation: Within weeks—usually two to four—the new member receives a separate physical or digital Priority Pass Select card by mail or email.
- User Registration: The new member registers their details with the official Priority Pass website or app if required.
- Lounge Access Begins: Once activated, they can start using their own membership independently of the primary member.
This process is fairly straightforward but requires patience due to mailing times and activation steps.
The Digital Advantage: Using Mobile Apps for Lounge Entry
Many travelers prefer using digital versions of their Priority Pass cards through apps rather than carrying physical plastic cards. American Express supports this by allowing both primary and additional users to download the official Priority Pass app.
Through the app, members can:
- Easily display digital membership credentials at lounge entrances.
- Search participating lounges worldwide with real-time updates.
- Keeps track of visit history and guest usage limits.
Digital cards reduce hassle during travel since losing a physical card won’t block entry if you have app access ready on your phone.
The Value Proposition: Is Adding Authorized Users Worth It?
Paying $175-$300 annually for each additional Amex Platinum user might seem steep upfront. But considering what you get in return—independent unlimited airport lounge access globally—it quickly balances out for those who:
- Travel frequently with family members: Kids, spouses, or adult children can relax in comfort without crowding one person’s pass.
- A business team travels separately: Multiple employees have independent lounge privileges when flying solo but under one billing account.
- Avoid sharing passes hassles: No need to coordinate timing since everyone has their own valid entry credentials.
The convenience factor alone justifies these fees if you value stress-free airport experiences regularly.
A Quick Cost-Benefit Table for Adding Authorized Users vs Buying Separate Cards
| Add Authorized User Fee (Annually) | Lounge Access Included? | |
|---|---|---|
| Add User on Amex Platinum Account | $175 – $300 (varies) | Yes (Priority Pass + other perks) |
| Bought Separate Basic Credit Card + Paid Lounge Membership Separately | $95 – $695 + $99+ (Priority Pass fee) | No (unless paid separately) |
For most travelers looking for seamless priority lounge entry across multiple people under one umbrella account, adding authorized users remains a smart move.
The Fine Print: What You Should Watch Out For With Additional Users’ Lounge Access
Even though adding extra users unlocks great benefits, keep these caveats in mind:
- The annual fee charged per added user can vary based on promotions or region; always verify current pricing before adding anyone.
- If your account is closed or downgraded below eligibility tiers (e.g., canceling your Platinum), all linked authorized users lose complementary lounge memberships immediately.
- Lounge rules change periodically—some airports may limit entries during peak times regardless of pass status; having multiple memberships doesn’t guarantee entry if capacity limits apply.
- You must ensure each added user registers promptly after receiving their pass; otherwise they might face delays trying to enter lounges abroad.
- If any misuse occurs—such as unauthorized sharing beyond allowed guests—American Express reserves rights to revoke privileges across all accounts involved.
- Your billing statement will show charges for each added user separately; budgeting accordingly avoids surprises when renewal time comes around yearly.
Key Takeaways: Do Amex Additional Cardholders Get Priority Pass?
➤ Additional cardholders may receive Priority Pass access benefits.
➤ Primary cardholder controls enrollment and Priority Pass privileges.
➤ Enrollment is often required for additional cardholders to access lounges.
➤ Access policies vary by Amex card type and region.
➤ Check terms before assuming automatic Priority Pass for add-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Amex additional cardholders get Priority Pass membership?
Yes, additional cardholders on select premium American Express cards, such as the Platinum Card® and Business Platinum Card®, typically receive their own Priority Pass membership. This allows them to access airport lounges independently without relying on the primary cardholder’s membership.
Which Amex cards provide Priority Pass access to additional cardholders?
The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Business Platinum Card® offer complimentary Priority Pass Select memberships to both primary and additional cardholders. Mid-tier cards like the Amex Gold Card generally do not include this benefit for any users.
Is there a cost for Priority Pass access for Amex additional cardholders?
While additional cardholders usually receive Priority Pass memberships at no extra cost, some cards may charge a fee to add authorized users. Despite this fee, the lounge access benefit often outweighs the added expense for frequent travelers.
How does Priority Pass access work for Amex additional cardholders?
When an authorized user is added to an eligible Amex Platinum or Business Platinum account, they receive a physical or digital Priority Pass membership. This grants them unlimited lounge visits or a set number of free visits depending on the specific card’s terms.
Are there regional differences in Priority Pass benefits for Amex additional cardholders?
Yes, Priority Pass benefits for additional Amex cardholders can vary by issuing region and card type. It’s important to verify the specific terms and eligibility based on your location and the particular American Express product you hold.
Conclusion – Do Amex Additional Cardholders Get Priority Pass?
Authorized users added to eligible American Express premium cards like the Platinum Card® almost always receive their own complimentary Priority Pass Select memberships. This grants independent airport lounge access worldwide under convenient terms mirroring those of the primary holder.
While there are associated annual fees per added user and some limitations around guest policies and regional variations exist, this benefit provides tremendous value for frequent travelers wanting multiple people covered by one credit account.
In short: yes—do Amex additional cardholders get Priority Pass? They do indeed, making it easier than ever for families and business teams alike to enjoy exclusive airport comforts without hassle or sharing headaches.