No, the U.S. American Express Gold Card does not offer complimentary Priority Pass Select membership; lounge access comes with premium Amex cards like the Platinum, but the Gold Card provides other travel perks, though international versions (like in the UK or Canada) may offer limited lounge passes or membership.
Short answer: No, the U.S. Amex Gold card includes no lounge benefits. There is no Priority Pass membership, no Plaza Premium access, no Centurion access, and no airline lounge privileges.
At any visit to a Priority Pass lounge, you may bring in one guest at no charge. You will be charged the prevailing retail rate for any additional guests.
Cardholders receive unlimited Priority Pass lounge access for themselves and up to two guests through January 2026. Starting in February 2026, additional guests will cost cardholders $35 per person.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card includes a Priority Pass Select membership, granting cardmembers access to lounges in the Priority Pass network for themselves and up to two guests; additional guests will cost a fee.
To activate your Amex Priority Pass, you first need to enroll via your American Express account (often through the app's benefits section or by calling the number on your card) to get your membership details; then, you go to the Priority Pass website or download the Priority Pass app and use your Priority Pass membership number (or sometimes the last 4 digits of your Amex card) and validation code to create an online account and access your digital card for lounge entry.
By enrolling in Priority Pass, you agree that you will be responsible for any additional accompanying guest visits and that your Card will be automatically charged after you have signed for the additional guest visit and it has been reported to Priority Pass by the participating lounge.
As a Platinum Card Member, you're entitled to a complimentary membership in Priority Pass™ with access to over 1,300 lounges in more than 600 cities across 148 countries, regardless of airline or class of travel. Enrol in Priority Pass™ in advance of your travel.
The Platinum Card®
With the American Express Platinum Card, access to Priority Pass Lounges is just a boarding pass away. Platinum Card Members get complimentary entry to Priority Pass Select, but they need to enroll first.
The Amex Gold Card offers strong rewards on dining and groceries (4x points), plus 3x on flights, alongside valuable monthly credits like a $10 dining credit and up to $120 annual Uber Cash, making it great for foodies and travelers, with benefits like points transfer partners and purchase protection, though it carries an annual fee.
Overcrowding at lounges
The growing number of Priority Pass members, combined with limited lounge spaces, has led to one common problem: overcrowding. During peak travel times, you might find yourself waiting in line just to get into a lounge.
No, Priority Pass memberships are non-transferable so your wife, husband or partner cannot use your membership without you. Only the named member can use the membership for lounge access. Additional eligible guests can accompany the member, typically for an extra fee.
Start Every Journey with Priority Pass
Priority Pass is an independent airport lounge access programme. You are entitled to two complimentary visits per Membership year. Any additional member and guests will be charged a fee at the prevailing rate per person, per visit, to your designated American Express Corporate Gold Card.
Lounge Pass and Priority Pass are both programs that offer access to airport lounges, but there are some important differences. Lounge Pass provides pay as you go access, whilst Priority Pass offers membership with various levels and benefits.
Priority Pass Select
Platinum Card Members and Additional Platinum Card Members must enroll in the Priority Pass™ Select program through the benefits section of their americanexpress.com account or by calling the number on the back of their Card to receive the benefit.