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Don't Get That Groupon For Priority Pass, You Can Do Better

April 15, 2019
3 min read
Don't Get That Groupon For Priority Pass, You Can Do Better
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Groupon is currently offering a couple of deals for Priority Pass, but we think that you could do better.

If you're unfamiliar, Priority Pass is a lounge membership program that offers access to more than 1,200 lounges and restaurants in airports worldwide. Membership plans range from a variety of prices and levels of accessibility.

While the Groupon deals do offer discounts on these plans, if you're seeking a good bargain on a Priority Pass, this is definitely not your best option. Here's a little breakdown of why this is the case:

If you were to buy the $7 package, you'd receive $76 toward Standard Plus Membership which includes 10 free lounge visits per year (it's not even worth considering the Standard Membership). After those 10 visits you'd have to pay $32 per visit, and any guest you want to bring with you will cost another $32. With this Groupon deal, you'd be getting the Priority Pass' Standard Plus membership for $230, while $299 is the normal going rate.

However, there are plenty of other ways to get significantly cheaper access to the Priority Pass network.

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Many credit cards offer complimentary Priority Pass membership just for being a cardholder. And even though some of those cards come with a high annual fee, you're likely better off with them than going through Groupon.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with a Priority Pass Select membership and gets you unlimited visits and allows you to bring two guests in for free, every time. The Chase Sapphire Reserve does have an annual fee of $450, but that big number is easily offset by the card's $300 annual travel credit (which is quite easy to redeem). If you say the effective annual fee of the Reserve is $150, then it's fair to say you're getting a much better Priority Pass membership at a significantly lower price tag than what you'd get on Groupon.

The Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card also offers customers a free Priority Pass Select membership sans the unlimited access to the lounge network. Rather, Ascend cardholders receive 10 free lounge visits per year (and a pass can be used for guests too) with all additional passes for $27. It also has a reasonable annual fee of just $95 (see rates & fees), and when considering that the membership Ascend offers is nearly identical as the Standard Plus Membership that would cost $230 with Groupon, you'll be significantly ahead if you go through Ascend. Plus, you'll have some Hilton perks to boot (think complimentary Gold Status).

There are other cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Citi Prestige® Card, that offer better Priority Pass membership as well (enrollment required). For an in-depth guide to the Priority Pass program, click here and check out our stories on how How to Enroll in Priority Pass (With Eligible Credit Cards) and The Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access in 2019.

For rates and fees of Hilton Ascend card, click here.

Featured image by (Photo courtesy of The Points Guy)
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
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  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

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  • Annual Fee

    $125
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.