Will Authorized Users Get Their Own Priority Pass Membership?

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Million Mile Secrets reader, Vicki, commented:

If I add my spouse as an authorized user on my Chase Ritz-Carlton Card, does he get his own Priority Pass Select membership?  I am still getting the card because it’s a great deal, but just curious.  Thanks!

Vicki, your spouse will receive his own Priority Pass Select membership when you add him as an authorized user!  This is a big discount for a Priority Pass Select membership!  But it isn’t always a good idea.

I’ll help you decide if adding an authorized user for Priority Pass Select membership makes sense!

Is It Worth Adding an Authorized User for Additional Priority Pass Memberships?

Link:   Priority Pass Select

Priority Pass Select membership gives you access to over 900 airport lounges worldwide.  And some are fantastic, like the Airport Wellness Oasis in Singapore or the Air China First Class Lounge in Beijing.  Million Mile Secrets team member Harlan was impressed with the Air France Lounge at New York-JFK airport.

When you add an authorized user to a card that offers free Priority Pass membership, like the Chase Ritz-Carlton card, your authorized user will receive a membership, too!  That’s an incredible deal, considering that purchasing a top-tier Priority Pass membership costs ~$400!

That said, you won’t find very many Priority Pass-accessible lounges in the US.  You’ll generally only find them in major US cities.  Before you add an authorized user, check out the lounge map to make sure you’ll get your money’s worth.

And if you travel with your potential authorized user, it may not be a wise decision to add them to your card.  That’s because most of the cards with complimentary Priority Pass Select membership also allow you to bring at least 2 guests at no additional charge.  Your travel partner will receive lounge access as long as you are with them.

When It’s Worth Paying the Fee

Adding an authorized user is free with the Chase Ritz-Carlton card.  But there are other cards that pass along the primary cardholder’s Priority Pass membership for a fee to add an authorized user, including:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve – $75 per authorized user
• Citi Prestige Card – $50 per authorized user
• The Platinum Card® from American Express – $175 for up to 3 authorized users, $175 per authorized user after that

If your potential authorized user travels apart from you, it can be an excellent value to add them to your card!  Especially if they travel often outside the US.

The one exception might be the AMEX Platinum, which charges $27 per guest per visit.  If you foresee yourself paying at least 7 guest fees, it’s worth adding an authorized user, even if they travel with you ($27 x 7 = $189, which is more than the $175 fee to add an authorized user).

So it’s only a good deal if you’ll get a lot of use from it.  As always, run the numbers to make sure it’s worth it for your situation.

Bottom Line

If you’re an international traveler, you’ll get a lot of use from Priority Pass Select!  There are over 900 lounges around the world.  Just keep in mind they don’t have a lot of options within the US.  Check out the lounge map to get an idea of which lounges you can enjoy.

Paying an authorized user fee to give another person is a steal when compared to buying a top-tier Priority Pass membership.  But if your authorized user tends to travel with you, it might be a better idea to not add them to your card.  Because most cards with Priority Pass also admit at least 2 guests for free.

Thank you for the question, Vicki!