Priority Pass, a program managed by Collinson Group, is streamlining the airport lounge experience for travelers with its 'Access on Payment Card' (AoPC) feature. This system allows holders of select credit cards to gain entry into participating airport lounges by simply presenting their credit card, eliminating the need for a separate membership card or mobile app.
Launched in 2022, the feature integrates a traveler's lounge access privileges directly into their payment card. While the technology is gaining traction, its adoption among card issuers in Singapore remains selective, with only a few banks currently offering this convenience.
Key Takeaways
- Direct Access: The 'Access on Payment Card' (AoPC) feature lets eligible cardholders use their credit card as their Priority Pass membership card.
- Simplified Process: Travelers no longer need to carry a physical Priority Pass card or use the mobile app for entry at participating lounges.
- Singapore Adoption: A limited number of Singapore-issued credit cards, including those from HSBC, Standard Chartered, and UOB, currently support the AoPC feature.
- Variable Activation: Some cards offer immediate access ('show and go'), while others require a one-time online registration before the feature is activated.
A New Method for Airport Lounge Entry
The traditional method for accessing Priority Pass lounges involves presenting a dedicated membership card or a digital QR code from the mobile app. The AoPC system was developed to reduce this friction, making the process faster and more convenient for frequent flyers.
When a traveler presents an AoPC-enabled credit card at a lounge, the system automatically verifies their membership status and eligibility. Any applicable guest fees are charged directly to the same card, creating a single-step transaction.
This approach benefits both consumers and financial institutions. Cardholders enjoy a more seamless experience, especially if they carry multiple credit cards with different lounge access benefits. For banks, it reduces the operational overhead associated with issuing and managing separate lounge membership cards.
Background on Priority Pass
Priority Pass is the world's largest independent airport lounge access program, providing entry to over 1,500 lounges and airport experiences globally. Membership is often included as a premium perk with certain credit cards, offering a valuable benefit to travelers regardless of the airline they fly or the class of their ticket.
How Different Credit Cards Implement AoPC
The activation and usage process for Access on Payment Card varies depending on the issuing bank and the specific card. This distinction is important for cardholders to understand before arriving at the airport.
Cards with Immediate Access
Certain high-tier credit cards offer a 'show and go' experience. Cardholders do not need to perform any prior registration to use the AoPC feature. This is the most straightforward implementation of the technology.
- HSBC Premier Mastercard & HSBC Prive Card: Holders of these cards can present their physical card and a valid boarding pass at the lounge reception. Staff verify eligibility on-site for immediate entry.
- Standard Chartered Beyond Card: This card also functions without pre-registration. The physical card acts as the sole credential needed for lounge access.
These cards typically offer unlimited lounge visits, which simplifies the verification process as there is no need to track a remaining visit quota.
Cards Requiring One-Time Registration
Other cards require a one-time setup to link the credit card to the Priority Pass system. This process is necessary to activate the AoPC functionality and is typically required for cards that have a limited number of free lounge visits per year.
- UOB PRVI Miles Visa & Mastercard: Cardholders must first register their card on the official Priority Pass website. According to Priority Pass, the activation can take up to 12 hours. Once complete, the physical credit card can be used for lounge entry. This card offers four complimentary visits per year.
This registration step ensures that visits are accurately tracked against the card's annual allowance. The AoPC feature for the UOB PRVI Miles card does not apply to the American Express version.
Guest Policy and Fees
For all AoPC-enabled cards, guest access is subject to the lounge's policy. If guests are permitted, the standard fee, which is typically US$35 per person, will be automatically billed to the credit card used for entry.
Supported Cards in the Singapore Market
While many premium credit cards in Singapore offer Priority Pass membership, only a select few have enabled the more convenient AoPC feature. It is crucial for travelers to know which system their card uses.
Cards Currently Supporting AoPC
- HSBC Premier Mastercard: Unlimited visits for the primary cardholder. No registration required.
- HSBC Prive Card: Unlimited visits for the primary cardholder and up to three supplementary cardholders. No registration required.
- Standard Chartered Beyond Card: Unlimited visits for the primary cardholder and up to four supplementary cardholders. No registration required.
- UOB PRVI Miles (Visa & Mastercard only): Four complimentary visits per year. One-time online registration is mandatory.
Cards with Standard Priority Pass Membership
The majority of cards still rely on the traditional Priority Pass membership card or digital app for access. These cards do not support the AoPC feature, and attempting to use the credit card directly for entry will be unsuccessful.
Examples include the Citi PremierMiles Card, DBS Altitude Visa, and the American Express Platinum Charge card. Holders of these cards must continue to use their separate Priority Pass credentials.
Benefits and Limitations for Travelers
The primary advantage of AoPC is convenience. It reduces the number of cards a traveler needs to carry and simplifies the lounge entry process, which is especially helpful during stressful travel days. For those with unlimited access, it removes the need to interact with the Priority Pass app entirely.
"This approach reduces operational friction for banks and enhances convenience for cardholders," as noted by travel rewards website Milelion, highlighting the dual benefits of the system.
However, the system has limitations. The most significant is the limited adoption by banks in Singapore and other markets. Many travelers may hold premium cards that have not yet enabled this feature.
Furthermore, for cards with visit caps like the UOB PRVI Miles, travelers must remember to register their card well in advance of their trip. The potential 12-hour activation delay could prevent last-minute access.
The Future of Lounge Access Technology
The move toward integrated access solutions like AoPC reflects a broader trend in the financial and travel industries to create more seamless digital experiences. As more consumers demand frictionless services, it is likely that more credit card issuers will adopt AoPC or similar technologies.
For now, travelers should verify their card's specific access method before heading to the airport. Checking the bank's website or the Priority Pass portal can clarify whether their card is AoPC-enabled and if any registration steps are required.
As the program expands, it could become a standard feature for premium travel credit cards, making airport lounge access simpler and more accessible for eligible passengers worldwide.
