{"id":239816,"date":"2025-12-16T18:00:08","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T18:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=239816\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T14:30:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:30:03","slug":"ritz-card-lounge-access","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/ritz-card-lounge-access\/","title":{"rendered":"Chase Ritz-Carlton Cardholders: Say Goodbye To Unlimited Guest Access at Airport Lounges"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you are a cardholder of <a data-ccid=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/marriott-bonvoy\/ritz-carlton-card\/\" target=_blank>The Ritz-Carlton\u2122 Credit Card<\/a> (no longer open to new applicants), we have some disappointing news. Effective <strong>January 15, 2026<\/strong>, you will no longer be able to bring an unlimited number of guests to airport lounges worldwide. Here's what you need to know.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Chase_Ritz-Carlton_Card_Losing_Unlimited_Guest_Access\">Chase Ritz-Carlton Card Losing Unlimited Guest Access<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Under the current policy, cardholders and authorized users of the Ritz-Carlton Card can bring unlimited guests to <a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/travel\/priority-pass-lounges-guide\/\">Priority Pass lounges<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-sapphire-lounges\/\">Chase Sapphire Lounges<\/a> worldwide. It was one of the few premium credit cards left with this feature, making it incredibly valuable. If you frequently traveled in large groups, all of your companions could enter the lounge with you.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, this policy will change beginning <strong>January 15, 2026<\/strong>. You'll still be able to bring two guests free of charge, but additional guests will be charged $27 per visit.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_239824\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/396\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-239824 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-1.png\" alt=\"Screenshot of a secure message from Chase regarding the lounge guest access update. \" width=\"750\" height=\"396\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-1.png 1183w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-1-750x396.png 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-1-900x475.png 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-1-768x406.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Chase secure message captured by JT Genter \/ AwardWallet<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>As you can see in the screenshot above, cardholders were notified of this change on December 12, 2025. If you don't normally travel in big groups, this update won't impact you. However, for families or large groups of friends, this is an expensive change.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Which_Cards_Still_Have_Unlimited_Guest_Access\">Which Cards Still Have Unlimited Guest Access?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are only a few cards left that offer Priority Pass memberships with unlimited guest access:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"3006107\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/MastercardBlackCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Black Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a>:\u00a0<\/strong>Unlimited guests, including at airport restaurants that participate in Priority Pass.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"152\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/BankOfAmericaPremiumRewardsEliteCreditCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Bank of America<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Premium Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Elite Credit Card<\/a>:\u00a0<\/strong>Receive four complimentary Priority Pass Select memberships. Each membership allows the member to bring unlimited guests.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UBSVisaInfinitecreditcard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">UBS Visa Infinite credit card<\/a>:\u00a0<\/strong>Primary cardholders and authorized users each receive a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with the option to bring unlimited guests. Authorized users are free to add.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you're looking for the most comprehensive Priority Pass memberships, including unlimited guests and access to <a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/travel\/priority-pass-benefits\/\">Priority Pass restaurants<\/a>, these are the cards to have in your wallet. However, each card comes with a hefty annual fee, so you'll need to weigh whether the unlimited guest access is worth the cost.<\/p>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"3006107\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Black Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/CardArt-MastercardBlack.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Mastercard&lt;sup&gt;\u00ae&lt;\/sup&gt; Black Card&lt;sup&gt;\u00ae&lt;\/sup&gt;\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Mastercard&lt;sup&gt;\u00ae&lt;\/sup&gt; Black Card&lt;sup&gt;\u00ae&lt;\/sup&gt;' data-ccid=\"3006107\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/MastercardBlackCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Featured Benefit<\/strong>\r\nEnjoy automatic enrollment in Priority Pass\u2122 Select with access to over 1,800 airport lounges worldwide with no guest or lounge limits. Includes credits at select airport restaurants for cardholder and one guest.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Black Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Featured Benefit<\/strong>\r\nEnjoy automatic enrollment in Priority Pass\u2122 Select with access to over 1,800 airport lounges worldwide with no guest or lounge limits. Includes credits at select airport restaurants for cardholder and one guest.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$699<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">The Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Black Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> delivers luxury perks and a robust fixed-value reward structure. Cardholders enjoy a generous 2% redemption value for airfare and 1.5% redemption value for cash back, paired with exclusive benefits such as 24\/7 concierge service, airport lounge access with Priority Pass\u2122, and a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre\u2713<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> fees. Its distinctive stainless steel design underscores its premium status.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><ul>\r\n    <li>Earn 2X points on Airfare and Hotel reservations booked through LuxuryCardTravel.com. One point for every one dollar you spend for all other categories, earning points every time you spend.<\/li>\r\n\r\n    <li>Redeem at 2% value for airfare and 1.5% for cash back. For example, when you redeem 50,000 points you will get $1,000 value for airfare or $750 value in cash back, issued as a direct deposit statement credit.<\/li>\r\n\r\n    <li><strong>$200 Annual Airline Credit:<\/strong> Receive up to $200 in annual statement credits toward flight-related purchases, including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more. No enrollment or airline designation required.<\/li>\r\n\r\n    <li><strong>$100 Annual Dining Credit:<\/strong> Receive up to $100 in annual statement credits when you use your Luxury Card for restaurant transactions. No enrollment, designated restaurant networks or third-party apps required.<\/li>\r\n\r\n    <li>Receive up to $120 reimbursement credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> application fee. Global Entry includes access to TSA PreCheck<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> with no additional application or fee required.<\/li>\r\n\r\n    <li>Your time is valuable and Luxury Card Concierge makes life easier. Agents are available to provide you with personal assistance, tailored to your specific request. Concierge can assist with travel planning, dining reservations, everyday tasks such as sending flowers or researching products and services. Available 24\/7: Call, email, text, or chat with agents.<\/li>\r\n\r\n    <li>Enjoy automatic complimentary access to over 1,800 airport lounges. Access includes participating airport restaurants, mini-suites and unlimited visits for yourself as well as your guests.<\/li>\r\n\r\n    <li>Made of Stainless Steel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>: A contactless, patented metal card design that raises the standard.<\/li>\r\n\r\n    <li>Exclusive Luxury Card Travel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> benefits\u2014average value of $750 per stay (e.g., resort credits, room upgrades, free wifi, breakfast for two and more) at over 3,000 properties. Receive protection benefits like trip cancellation and interruption, auto rental car collision waiver, travel accident and baggage delay. Cell phone protection for eligible claims of up to $1,000 each year. Plus additional World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> benefits.<\/li>\r\n\r\n    <li>Annual Fee: $699 ($249 for each Authorized User). <a data-ccid=\"3006107\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barclaycardus.com\/applycontent\/TnCs.jsp?tc48837\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Terms and conditions apply<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>Earn one point for every dollar spent<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/MCBlack\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-9-4a4970f3d#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Losing unlimited guests at airport lounges worldwide is a substantial blow to a popular feature of the Ritz-Carlton Card. Although there are a few other cards on the market that still allow you to bring as many guests as you want to Priority Pass lounges, the Ritz-Carlton Card was the only one to offer unlimited access to Chase Sapphire Lounges. The updated policy is in line with other top-tier Chase credit cards, like the <a data-ccid=\"4048084\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphireReserve\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Chase Sapphire Reserve<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ftoc\"><div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Chase_Ritz-Carlton_Card_Losing_Unlimited_Guest_Access\">Chase Ritz-Carlton Card Losing Unlimited Guest Access<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Which_Cards_Still_Have_Unlimited_Guest_Access\">Which Cards Still Have Unlimited Guest Access?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you are a cardholder of <a data-ccid=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/marriott-bonvoy\/ritz-carlton-card\/\" target=_blank>The Ritz-Carlton\u2122 Credit Card<\/a>, we have some disappointing news. Effective January 15, 2026, you will no longer be able to bring an unlimited number of guests to airport lounges worldwide. Here&#8217;s what you need to know.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":105,"featured_media":204210,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12069],"tags":[12520,12786],"coauthors":[36518],"class_list":["post-239816","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-card-benefits","tag-chase"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/239816","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/105"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=239816"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/239816\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":243063,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/239816\/revisions\/243063"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/204210"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=239816"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=239816"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=239816"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=239816"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}