Authorized users on the Chase Sapphire Preferred for Business can access airport lounges, but only if the primary cardholder pays for the membership separately

The Chase Sapphire Preferred for Business does not include complimentary lounge access as a card benefit. If you want lounge access as an authorized user, the primary cardholder must purchase a membership to Priority Pass Select, Lounge Club, or another lounge network independently — the card itself does not grant it.

This is a meaningful difference from some competing business cards. The American Express Business Platinum, for example, includes Centurion Lounge access for the primary cardholder and up to two authorized users at no extra cost. The Sapphire Preferred for Business does not bundle lounge access into the card benefits at all, which means authorized users cannot inherit access through the card relationship.

If lounge access is important to your team, you will need to budget for a separate membership. The primary cardholder can purchase Priority Pass Select (which costs around $469 per year and typically includes 10 free visits plus discounted visits) or choose a different lounge network, but this is an out-of-pocket expense beyond the card's annual fee.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sapphire Preferred for Business does not include lounge access as a card benefit, so authorized users cannot use lounges through the card.
  • The primary cardholder can purchase Priority Pass Select or another lounge membership separately if airport lounge access is needed.
  • Authorized users can access lounges only if they are named on the primary cardholder's separate lounge membership account.
  • Competing business cards like the American Express Business Platinum include lounge access for the primary cardholder and authorized users at no extra cost.
  • Lounge memberships purchased separately from the card are not reimbursed by the Sapphire Preferred for Business.

How authorized user lounge access works with business cards

When a business card includes lounge access as a benefit, the primary cardholder typically receives a membership or pass that covers them and sometimes their authorized users. The card issuer either provides direct access (like Centurion Lounges for American Express) or includes a membership to a third-party network like Priority Pass.

With the Sapphire Preferred for Business, there is no card-level lounge benefit, so authorized users have no automatic access. If the primary cardholder buys a Priority Pass membership out of pocket, they can add authorized users to that membership account directly through Priority Pass — but this is a separate transaction from the card and may incur additional fees depending on the membership tier.

Some business card issuers allow the primary cardholder to add authorized users to a card-included lounge benefit at no extra charge. Others charge per authorized user. Since the Sapphire Preferred for Business does not include lounge access at all, this question does not explore — the primary cardholder would be managing a separate membership and its own rules.

What other benefits authorized users receive on the Sapphire Preferred for Business

Authorized users on the Sapphire Preferred for Business do receive most of the card's core benefits, including travel and purchase protections. They can earn the same cash back or points on purchases (currently 2x points on travel and dining, 1x on other purchases), and they are covered by the card's trip cancellation insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and lost luggage reimbursement.

Authorized users also have access to the card's travel protections, such as emergency medical and dental coverage while traveling internationally and emergency evacuation and transportation. These protections explore to any authorized user who is traveling, regardless of whether they are the one who booked the trip.

What authorized users do not receive includes the primary cardholder's exclusive benefits like the annual travel credit (which is tied to the primary account) or any lounge access. The primary cardholder can use the travel credit to cover airfare, hotels, or other travel purchases, but authorized users cannot claim a separate credit.

Comparing lounge access across business card options

If airport lounge access is a priority for your business team, comparing cards before explore makes sense. The American Express Business Platinum includes Centurion Lounge access for the primary cardholder and up to two authorized users at no extra cost. It also includes Priority Pass Select membership, which covers additional lounges worldwide.

The Capital One Spark Business Elite includes Priority Pass Select for the primary cardholder and authorized users. The Ink Business Preferred from Chase does not include lounge access, similar to the Sapphire Preferred for Business.

The trade-off is usually annual fee versus included benefits. Cards with lounge access built in typically charge higher annual fees ($550 or more for American Express Business Platinum) to offset the cost of the benefit. The Sapphire Preferred for Business has a lower annual fee ($95), but you pay separately if you want lounge access.

Adding and removing authorized users on the Sapphire Preferred for Business

You can add authorized users to the Sapphire Preferred for Business through Chase's online portal or by calling the customer service number on the back of the card. There is no limit to the number of authorized users you can add, though Chase may charge a fee per authorized user (typically $0 for the first authorized user and $0 for additional ones, though this varies by account).

When you add an authorized user, they receive their own card in the mail and can make purchases when ready. They are not responsible for the bill — the primary cardholder is. You can remove an authorized user at any time through the same channels, and their card will no longer work.

If you are adding an authorized user specifically for lounge access, remember that the Sapphire Preferred for Business does not provide it. You would need to add them to a separate Priority Pass or lounge membership account after they receive their card.

Priority Pass membership as an alternative for authorized users

If you want lounge access for your authorized users, purchasing Priority Pass Select directly is the most straightforward option. Priority Pass is a third-party network that provides access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. The membership costs around $469 per year and includes 10 free lounge visits plus discounted visits after that.

You can add authorized users to your Priority Pass account for an additional fee, typically around $69 per person per year. This gives them their own Priority Pass card and login, and they can use lounges independently. Some Priority Pass lounges also allow you to bring a guest for a fee (usually $25 to $35 per guest).

Priority Pass is not reimbursed by the Sapphire Preferred for Business, so the full cost comes out of pocket. However, if you are already paying for a Priority Pass membership for business travel, adding authorized users is relatively inexpensive compared to other lounge networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can authorized users access airport lounges with the Sapphire Preferred for Business?

No. The Sapphire Preferred for Business does not include lounge access as a card benefit. Authorized users cannot use lounges through the card. If you want lounge access for authorized users, the primary cardholder must purchase a separate membership like Priority Pass Select.

Does the card reimburse Priority Pass membership fees?

No. The Sapphire Preferred for Business does not reimburse lounge memberships or fees. If the primary cardholder purchases Priority Pass or another lounge network, that cost is not covered by the card and does not count toward the annual travel credit.

How much does it cost to add an authorized user to Priority Pass?

Priority Pass typically charges around $69 per year to add an authorized user to an existing membership. This gives them their own card and access to the same lounges as the primary member. Some lounges also allow authorized users to bring a guest for an additional fee.

What lounge benefits do I get as the primary cardholder?

The Sapphire Preferred for Business does not include any lounge access for the primary cardholder either. You would need to purchase a separate membership. Other Chase business cards like the Ink Business Preferred also do not include lounge access, but some competitors like American Express Business Platinum do.

Can I use the annual travel credit to pay for a Priority Pass membership?

No. The annual travel credit on the Sapphire Preferred for Business covers airfare, hotels, rental cars, and other travel purchases — not lounge memberships. Lounge memberships must be paid separately and do not may have access to for the credit.