Most credit card comparisons focus on what the primary cardholder gets. But there's a quieter angle worth knowing about: several premium US travel cards pass serious perks — especially airport lounge access — to authorized users, often at a fraction of what a standalone Priority Pass membership would cost. For families who travel together, the math can be surprisingly good.
The standout on price is the Citi Strata Elite. Adding an authorized user costs just $75, and that person gets a full Priority Pass membership with the ability to bring two guests per visit. The Bilt Palladium runs $95 per user with an identical Priority Pass setup, plus the appeal of earning Bilt rewards on their spending.
If you fly American Airlines, the Citi AAdvantage Executive card is arguably the best deal of the bunch. Three authorized users can be added for a flat $175 total — under $60 each — and each receives Admirals Club access, including the right to bring two guests or immediate family when flying American or an eligible partner the same day.
The pricier options bring broader networks. Chase Sapphire Reserve authorized users pay $195 each and get Priority Pass, unlimited Chase Sapphire Lounge access, and entry to select Air Canada Lounges. The Amex Platinum matches that $195 fee but loads on more: Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club, Priority Pass, hotel and rental car elite status, and even a personal Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit — though guesting rules now depend on total annual account spend.
Capital One Venture X takes a different route. Authorized users are free, but lounge access costs $125 extra per user (up to four), covering Priority Pass, Capital One Lounges and Landings. And nobody — primary or authorized — can bring guests unless the account spends $75,000 in a calendar year.
A few practical caveats before adding anyone. You're liable for every purchase an authorized user makes, and their spending affects your credit utilization. On the flip side, their spending earns rewards at the same rate and helps hit welcome-offer thresholds. Being an authorized user also doesn't block someone from later applying for the card themselves and earning the full welcome bonus.
Worth noting: business versions of these cards are often far weaker for this. The Venture X Business mirrors the personal card, but Chase's business card gives authorized users no lounge access at all, and Amex charges $400 per Business Platinum user.
The takeaway for travellers: if you already carry one of these premium cards and regularly fly with a partner or family, a $75–$95 add-on that includes lounge guesting can beat buying lounge access outright. For frequent American flyers, three Admirals Club memberships for $175 total is hard to beat.
