4 Credit Cards Offering Airport Lounge Access for Additional Cardholders (and More)

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The cost of adding authorized users (also known as extra cardholders) to your main credit card account has recently surged. As of August 17, the fee for the first three authorized users on The Platinum Card® from American Express skyrocketed by 230 percent. Additionally, in July, the fee for authorized users on the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® changed from free for up to 10 additional users to $175 for up to 3 cardholders.

Generally, many of these fees are balanced out by the travel perks they offer, such as airport lounge access for authorized users, elite status with certain hotel programs, and a TSA/Global Entry credit for each cardholder. Moreover, implicit travel insurance and shopping protections (like trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay coverage, and extended warranties—varying by card) also apply to purchases made by authorized users.

Fortunately, one top-tier travel credit card, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, still allows up to four additional users at no cost, each receiving their own Priority Pass membership (and free access to over 1,300 lounges) along with entry to Capital One’s expanding network of exclusive airport lounges.

Here’s all you need to know about the essentials of adding authorized users to your account in the ever-evolving credit card world, along with the four top credit cards that provide fantastic benefits for extra cardholders.

The fundamentals of having authorized users on your credit card

Adding authorized users to your primary credit card account comes with both risks and rewards. The risk involves entrusting your credit limit to someone else. The reward is the potential for many more points for you, the primary cardholder, along with extensive travel benefits for both you and your additional cardholders.

For couples or families managing shared finances, or employers who trust their employees, having a single primary account with multiple authorized users can be a savvy and budget-friendly credit card option. You control the points balance, while your team enjoys top-notch travel perks without each person facing an annual fee exceeding $500. It's a win-win for everyone!

When you apply for a credit card in your name, you become the primary cardholder and account owner. Under this line of credit, you can add authorized users—also known as extra cardholders—to your main account. However, you are ultimately responsible for all charges and payments, should your authorized users fail to pay on time. Additionally, the primary cardholder's credit score is affected by timely (or missed) payments across all accounts. The credit of additional cardholders may also be influenced by the overall health of the primary account since it appears on their credit reports. Regarding points and miles, the primary cardholder earns all points and miles from their own purchases and those made by authorized users.

Married couples, parents with children, and employers frequently utilize this model of a primary account with authorized users, especially now that credit card companies have streamlined the process of managing spending limits on sub-accounts via their apps or websites. It's also appealing that the annual fees for extra cardholders are significantly lower than those for the primary cardholder.

Four Credit Cards with Excellent Benefits for Authorized Users, Ranked

While few credit cards stand out for their additional cardholder benefits, there are four notable exceptions. Here, we outline the fees and key perks for authorized users of these cards, starting with the top choice:

1. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (annual fee: $395) stands out as the only premium travel credit card that offers additional cardholders at no extra charge. After factoring in the $300 annual travel credit, the effective annual fee drops to just $95, making it an outstanding deal for a total of five cardholders—the primary cardholder plus four others—who enjoy highly sought-after lounge access and Priority Pass membership.

Additional cardholder fee: $0 for each, up to four users

Airport lounge access: Enjoy access to Capital One lounges with two guests. Each user also receives a Priority Pass membership, granting entry to over 1,300 lounges worldwide along with two guests. Note that this membership does not cover credits at Priority Pass restaurants.

Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits: None available

Hotel benefits: Gain access to Capital One Travel’s Premier Collection, a meticulously curated selection of top-tier hotels and resorts worldwide, as well as its boutique-focused Lifestyle Collection, both of which offer cardholders perks such as experience credits and room upgrades based on availability.

2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (annual fee: $550) imposes a modest $75 fee for adding additional cardholders. Chase’s new lounges are regarded as some of the finest, and Reserve cardholders can access them whenever they travel. Additionally, the Priority Pass membership that comes with the Reserve allows dining discounts at Priority Pass restaurant partners, typically offering $56 to $64 off the bill ($28–$32 for the cardholder plus the same for one guest).

Additional cardholder fee: $75 each

Airport lounge access: Enjoy access to Chase lounges with two guests. Each cardholder also receives a Priority Pass membership, granting access to over 1,300 lounges globally along with two guests. This membership includes credits at Priority Pass restaurants.

Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits: None available

Hotel benefits: None available

3. The Platinum Card® from American Express

As of August 2023, The Platinum Card® from American Express (annual fee: $695, see rates and fees) has increased its additional cardholder fee to $195 per user. Previously, the fee was only $175 total for the first three users (less than $60 each), with $175 for any additional users thereafter. While additional Platinum cardholders enjoy more benefits than authorized users of other premium cards, at $195 each, it's wise to assess the cost-effectiveness of adding multiple users.

Additional cardholder fee: $195 each

Airport lounge access: Enjoy access to over 40 Centurion Lounges and Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner for cardholders and up to two guests. Cardholders also have entry to Delta Sky Club airline lounges. Each member receives a Priority Pass membership, providing access to more than 1,300 lounges globally, along with two guests. Note that this membership does not include credits at Priority Pass restaurants.

Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits: Yes, up to $100 per user every four years.

Hotel benefits: Hold Gold status in Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, plus access to Fine Hotels & Resorts and the Hotel Collection from American Express, offering cardholders travel perks like dining credits, late checkouts, and upgrades based on availability.

4. Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Before July 2023, the standout benefit of the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (annual fee: $595) was the ability to add up to 10 additional users at no cost. This perk seemed too good to last, and it eventually came to an end. The increased fee is still reasonable, particularly for frequent American Airlines travelers.

Additional cardholder fee: You can add up to three cardholders for a total fee of $175 (under $60 each). Any additional cardholders beyond the first three will cost $175 each.

Airport lounge access: Each user gains entry to American Airlines Admirals Club lounges with two guests, although access to oneworld partner lounges is not included.

Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits: None available

Hotel benefits: None available

Key Takeaways

While airport lounge access can be quite pricey, some premium credit cards offer it almost for free to additional cardholders. A Priority Pass Select membership alone costs $469 annually. Access to American Express’s lounge network (including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass membership) is even more valuable, which is reflected in the new pricing for additional cardholders. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card uniquely allows extra cardholders at no extra cost, but it's uncertain how long this fantastic perk will last.

For families, close friends, or work teams who travel—sometimes separately—it makes financial sense to consolidate efforts for card membership. Designate a primary account holder and choose additional cardholders to fully leverage premium travel benefits at minimal expense.

This article was originally published in April 2022; it was updated on August 25, 2023, with the latest information. While the offers mentioned above were accurate at the time of publication, they are subject to change at any time and may have been altered or may no longer be available.