Accessing Priority Pass with Chase Sapphire Reserve as an Authorized User

A Comprehensive Guide for New Authorized Users

Key Takeaways for Authorized Users

Automatic Enrollment is Not Guaranteed: While some authorized users may be automatically enrolled in Priority Pass, it's often necessary to manually activate your membership.
Separate Membership: As an authorized user, you receive your own Priority Pass membership, distinct from the primary cardholder's. This allows you to access lounges independently.
Physical Card and Digital Access: You'll receive a physical Priority Pass card, but you can also use the Priority Pass app for digital access.

Detailed Steps to Activate Your Priority Pass Membership

Congratulations on receiving your Chase Sapphire Reserve authorized user card! To fully utilize your Priority Pass benefits, follow these detailed steps. It's important to note that the process for authorized users is slightly different from that of primary cardholders.

1. Verify Authorized User Status and Fees

Before proceeding, ensure that the primary cardholder has successfully added you as an authorized user to their Chase Sapphire Reserve account. Also, confirm that the $75 annual fee for authorized users has been paid. This fee is essential for accessing the Priority Pass benefit.

2. Check if the Primary Cardholder Has Activated Their Priority Pass

If the primary cardholder has already activated their Priority Pass membership before you were added as an authorized user, your membership will likely not be automatically activated. In this case, the primary cardholder will need to contact Chase to initiate the activation of your Priority Pass membership separately.

3. Initiate Priority Pass Activation

There are a few ways to activate your Priority Pass membership. If the primary cardholder has not yet activated their own Priority Pass, they can do so through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, which may activate memberships for all cardmembers on the account, including you. However, if the primary cardholder has already activated their membership, you will likely need to contact Chase customer service directly to request activation of your Priority Pass Select membership. This is a separate process for authorized users and won't happen automatically in many cases.

4. Contact Chase Customer Service

If you are unsure about the activation status, or if you haven't received your Priority Pass card within 7-10 business days after being added as an authorized user, contact Chase customer service. You can find the phone number on the back of your authorized user card. Explain that you are an authorized user and need to activate your Priority Pass membership. Chase may need to trigger an additional activation separately for your card. Be prepared to provide your card details and any other information they may require.

5. Wait for Your Physical Priority Pass Card

After activation, a physical Priority Pass membership card will be mailed to your address. This card is required for lounge access at most locations. The card may arrive in a separate mailing from your credit card. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. If you do not receive your card within this timeframe, contact Chase customer service again to request a replacement.

6. Access Your Digital Membership Card

While waiting for your physical card, you can also download the Priority Pass app. Once Chase confirms your activation, you can create a digital account and generate an e-card. This digital card can be used for immediate lounge access at most participating locations. This is a convenient option if you are traveling soon and haven't received your physical card yet.

7. Using Your Priority Pass Benefits

Once you have your Priority Pass membership activated and your card (physical or digital) in hand, you can start enjoying the benefits. Present your Priority Pass card at participating lounges worldwide to gain entry. As an authorized user, you are entitled to the same lounge access benefits as the primary cardholder.

Priority Pass Benefits for Authorized Users

As an authorized user of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you receive a full Priority Pass Select membership, which includes:

Lounge Access

You have access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. This allows you to relax and enjoy amenities such as comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and more, regardless of the airline you are flying with or your class of ticket.

Guest Privileges

You are allowed to bring up to 2 guests for free per visit. Any additional guests beyond the first two will incur a fee of $27 per person per visit. This fee will be charged to the primary cardholder's account.

Unlimited Visits

There is no limit on the number of visits you can make to Priority Pass lounges. You can use your membership as often as you travel, making it a valuable benefit for frequent flyers.

Independent Access

You do not need to travel with the primary cardholder to use your Priority Pass membership. Your membership is separate and allows you to access lounges independently.

Important Considerations for Authorized Users

While you receive many of the same benefits as the primary cardholder, there are some key differences to keep in mind:

Annual Fee

The annual fee for adding an authorized user is $75, which is significantly lower than the primary cardholder's annual fee. This fee grants you access to the Priority Pass benefit and other travel protections.

Travel Credits

As an authorized user, you will not have access to the primary cardholder’s $300 annual travel credit or Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit. These benefits are exclusive to the primary cardholder.

Separate Membership

Your Priority Pass membership is separate from the primary cardholder's membership. You must use your own physical or digital Priority Pass card for lounge access. The primary cardholder's Priority Pass card cannot be used by authorized users.

Maintaining Authorized User Status

Your Priority Pass benefit remains active as long as you maintain your authorized user status on the Chase Sapphire Reserve account. If the primary cardholder removes you as an authorized user, your Priority Pass membership will be terminated.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Here are some common questions and troubleshooting tips for authorized users:

What if I lose my Priority Pass card?

If you lose your physical Priority Pass card, you can request a replacement card by contacting Chase or Priority Pass directly. You can also continue to use the digital card in the Priority Pass app while you wait for the replacement.

What if my Priority Pass membership is not activated?

If you have followed the steps above and your Priority Pass membership is still not activated, contact Chase customer service immediately. They will be able to assist you in resolving any issues and ensuring that your membership is properly activated.

Can I use my authorized user card for lounge access?

No, you cannot use your authorized user credit card for lounge access. You must use your separate Priority Pass membership card (physical or digital) to gain entry to Priority Pass lounges.

Summary

As a new authorized user of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, accessing your Priority Pass benefits requires a few specific steps. While some users may be automatically enrolled, it's often necessary to manually activate your membership through Chase customer service. Once activated, you'll receive a physical Priority Pass card and can also use the digital card in the Priority Pass app. You'll enjoy access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, the ability to bring up to two guests for free, and unlimited visits. Remember that your membership is separate from the primary cardholder's and that you must use your own Priority Pass card for lounge access. By following these steps, you can fully enjoy the valuable Priority Pass benefits that come with your Chase Sapphire Reserve authorized user card.