When it comes to enjoying airport lounge access, the right credit card can make all the difference.
In Malaysia, several credit cards offer complimentary memberships to Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or DragonPass, providing cardholders with a gateway to luxurious lounges around the world.
This guide lists the credit cards that offer these memberships, details on whether the membership is renewed annually, and whether supplementary cardholders also enjoy these benefits.
The Plaza Premium Connection
Most credit cards in Malaysia that offer lounge access are tied up with Plaza Premium, a private lounge operator renowned globally. Plaza Premium Lounges are popular for their consistent quality and amenities, making them a frequent choice for travelers.
Cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and DragonPass memberships generally include access to Plaza Premium Lounges, enhancing their value proposition.
Understanding Lounge Access Programs
Lounge access programs like Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and DragonPass operate on a membership basis. These programs partner with various lounges worldwide, allowing members to access these lounges regardless of the airline or class of service they are flying.
These lounge programs earn money primarily through membership fees paid by individuals and corporate clients, such as credit card companies. When a member uses their card to enter a lounge, the lounge operator is reimbursed a fixed amount by the membership program. This creates a win-win situation: lounges gain additional revenue from otherwise vacant seats, and travelers get access to premium facilities.
When a customer enters a lounge using one of these memberships, the lounge records the visit and submits the details to the membership program. The program then compensates the lounge operator based on pre-agreed rates. This system ensures that lounges maintain a high standard of service while managing capacity effectively.
LoungeKey and Priority Pass are run by the same parent company, Collinson Group. However, Priority Pass generally covers more lounges worldwide compared to LoungeKey.
In some ways, LoungeKey is seen as an inferior version of Priority Pass, offering fewer lounge options. On the other hand, DragonPass is a China-based competitor providing similar services and access to a large network of lounges globally.
Each of the three major lounge access programs boasts extensive global networks:
Priority Pass: Covers over 1,500 lounges in more than 500 cities across 140 countries
LoungeKey: Has access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide, often overlapping with the Priority Pass network.
DragonPass: Provides access to over 1,300 lounges in airports around the globe.
These extensive networks ensure that no matter where you travel, you can find a comfortable lounge to relax in before your flight.
Entry Rejections
Despite the extensive networks, there are instances where members face rejection at lounges. The primary reasons include:
Capacity Issues: Lounges prioritize first and business class passengers over membership program users. During peak times, lounges may be at full capacity, leading to entry refusals for membership cardholders.
Membership Tiers: Some lounges may limit the number of guests a member can bring or restrict access based on the membership tier.
To mitigate the risk of rejection, it's advisable to arrive at the lounge early and check for any restrictions using the membership program's app or website. Understanding these limitations can help in planning your airport experience better.
Which Credit Cards offer Priority Pass, DragonPass or LoungeKey memberships in Malaysia?
The Platinum Card, Maybank
Membership: Priority Pass
Renewal: Annually
Supplementary Cardholders: One included.
Although technically a charge card rather than a credit card, The Platinum Card from Maybank is included here due to its popularity among readers. With a significant annual fee of RM3,250, the lounge benefits are substantial.
The card offers Priority Pass membership to both the principal and one supplementary cardholder. The principal cardholder can also bring one guest, allowing a party of three to access a Priority Pass lounge.
While there are additional lounge access perks, this article focuses specifically on lounge memberships.
Hong Leong Bank P Visa Infinite
Membership: Priority Pass
Renewal: Annually
Supplementary Cardholders: Not included
The Hong Leong Bank P Visa Infinite card has no annual fees but provides a respectable lounge offering. Principal cardholders receive four complimentary visits to Priority Pass lounges each year. This benefit is not extended to supplementary cardholders. The four visits are granted upon card issuance and subsequently one month after each card anniversary date.
Standard Chartered Priority Banking Visa Infinite
Membership: LoungeKey
Renewal: Annually
Supplementary Cardholders: Not included
The Standard Chartered Priority Banking Visa Infinite card previously offered Priority Pass membership but has now switched to LoungeKey, which some may view as a downgrade.
LoungeKey membership is available only to principal cardholders who are Priority Banking members with a minimum of RM3,000,000 in Assets Under Management (AUM). Members with AUM between RM250,000 and RM2,999,999 receive eight complimentary visits per year, with additional visits and guest access charged at USD 29 per person.
If AUM falls below RM250,000 or the Priority Banking membership ends, all lounge access is charged at USD 29 per person per visit.
UOB Visa Infinite Metal Card
Membership: DragonPass
Renewal: Annually
Supplementary Cardholders: Not included
The UOB Visa Infinite Metal Card offers unlimited access to lounges worldwide via DragonPass, including one guest. Additional guests incur charges. Access to lounges is granted through the DragonPass app, not by swiping the card.
UOB Privilege Banking Visa Infinite
Membership: DragonPass
Renewal: Annually
Supplementary Cardholders: Not included
The UOB Privilege Banking Visa Infinite card provides 12 lounge visits per year via DragonPass. Access requires registration of a DragonPass membership and the use of the app, rather than the physical card. Once the 12 passes are used, additional visits are charged at the full access fee. Supplementary cardholders do not receive lounge access.
UOB Visa Infinite
Membership: DragonPass
Renewal: Annually
Supplementary Cardholders: Not included
This card offers the same benefits as the UOB Privilege Banking Visa Infinite, with the primary difference being that lounge access is limited to the Asia Pacific region. Check out my review of the UOB Visa Infinite here.
Ambank Signature Priority Banking "The Metal" Visa Infinite
Membership: LoungeKey
Renewal: Annually
Supplementary Cardholders: Included
LoungeKey access is available to both principal and supplementary cardholders of the Ambank Signature Priority Banking “The Metal” Visa Infinite card. Both cardholders must maintain an AUM of at least RM2,000,000 to enjoy unlimited LoungeKey access. If this requirement is not met, each access is charged at RM180.
Final Thoughts
Access to airport lounges can significantly enhance your travel experience, offering comfort and amenities that make waiting for flights more enjoyable.
In Malaysia, several credit cards provide complimentary memberships to Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or DragonPass, with varying policies on renewals and supplementary cardholders.
When choosing a credit card for lounge access, consider these factors to find the card that best suits your travel needs. By understanding the networks and potential limitations, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.
Be sure to check out my Ultimate Airport Lounge Guide to compare the best credit cards in Malaysia for airport lounge access.
