Can you access Priority Pass lounges just by showing your Amex Platinum card?
Signing up for credit cards through partner links earns us a commission. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Here’s our full advertising policy: How we make money.
One of the things I enjoy the most about airport lounges is how they make the entire experience waiting at the airport so much better. They’re a great spot to relax in between flights and enjoy snacks and drinks in a comfortable place. And there are many great credit cards with airport lounge access as a complimentary perk.
A common question upon receiving The Platinum Card® from American Express is exactly how you use it to access fancy airport lounges. Can you just wave your Amex Platinum card at the front desk? The answer is, it depends on which lounge you’re trying to enter. Although there are some lounges, like American Express owned Centurion lounges, which only require you to show the card. However, Priority Pass requires a separate registration and enrollment.
How to access Priority Pass lounges with the Amex Platinum Card
With The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll be able to access a variety of lounges worldwide, such as:
- Centurion lounges
- International American Express Lounges
- Delta Sky Club
- Priority Pass lounges
- Airspace
- Escape Lounges
- Plaza Premium Lounges
Each offers different amenities, but you can generally expect things like snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and sometimes showers. If you ever have a long layover or travel frequently, having airport lounge access can be well worth it. You’ll have to register separately to gain access to Priority Pass lounges. You’ll get a physical Priority Pass membership card and you can also access a digital card in the Priority Pass app. But because some lounges still require the physical card for access, it’s a good idea to carry the membership card with you just in case.
I’ll walk you through the steps needed to register your Amex Platinum or Amex Business Platinum card for Priority Pass lounge access.
Benefits of Priority Pass Select
You’ll have access to Priority Pass lounges as long as you have a same day boarding pass and valid ID. With over 1,300 locations worldwide, the specific amenities will vary based on the location, but you can generally expect the following:
- Complimentary beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor
- Snacks and meals
- Wi-Fi
- Showers to refresh before or after a flight in some lounges
How to register for Priority Pass Select Membership
To activate your Priority Pass Select membership, you can either call the number on the back of your card or do it online through your account. Here’s how to do it online in just a few easy steps:
Sign-in to your Amex account
Log into your American Express account then find the “Membership Benefits” link.
Find the enrollment button
You’ll want to find the box for “The American Express Global Lounge Collection,” then click the “Enroll” button as pictured below.
Complete your registration
The last step is to double-check you are enrolling the correct card, click the box to indicate you agree to the terms, and then hit “Enroll.”
Priority Pass Select rules
The Priority Pass Select membership with the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cards gets you bring in two guests for no additional charge. Each card issuer has different rules on how many guests are allowed though, so if you have a Priority Pass Select membership through other cards, it’s important to keep your cards organized so that you don’t end up using the wrong card.
There are many other cards that offer Priority Pass Select access, like:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Unlimited free visits for the cardholder and up to two guests
- U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card – First four visits per year free for the cardholder and one guest
Some travel credit cards will also offer authorized user lounge access, as well – even if you’re not traveling with them. Each card has its own policy on this though, so you’ll want to check to see if there are any restrictions or fees before you start adding authorized users.The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card has been collected independently by Million Mile Secrets. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bottom line
Frequent travelers will love the amenities offered by many airport lounges, because you’ll usually get Wi-Fi, snacks and beverages, showers, and more. One of the benefits for the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cardmembers receive complimentary Priority Pass Select membership as a perk. You’ll need a membership card to enter the lounges, which you can get by enrolling through your Amex account or by calling Amex. You cannot access Priority Pass lounges just by showing your Amex Platinum card. Priority Pass membership through Amex Platinum cards gives you and two guests free access to the lounge. However, other card issuers that offer lounge access have different rules on how many guests are allowed, so it’s important to keep your membership cards organized so that you don’t use the wrong one.
What’s your favorite credit card that gives you airport lounge access? Let us know in the comments below.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. And if you fly, you can receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year after you select a qualifying airline and incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
$300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
$189 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $189 back per year on your CLEAR® membership. CLEAR® is available at select airports and stadiums.
$695 annual fee.
Terms Apply.
Intro APR on purchases
N/A
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Annual Fee
$695
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Rates & Fees
Other
MORE INFO
Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)
Join the Discussion!