SINGAPORE- Priority Pass, managed by Collinson Group, simplifies airport lounge access with its “Access on Payment Card” (AoPC) feature. Travelers can now enter lounges using select credit cards, avoiding the need for a separate Priority Pass card or app login.
Frequent flyers at major hubs like Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) or Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) benefit from streamlined access. Several Singapore-issued cards already support AoPC, though the feature remains relatively rare.
Credit Card Priority Pass Lounge Access
Launched in 2022, AoPC allows eligible credit cards to function as the traveler’s Priority Pass membership.
Instead of carrying multiple physical cards or managing digital memberships in the app, travelers simply present their card at a participating lounge.
The system automatically verifies eligibility and charges any applicable guest fees directly to the card.
According to Milelion, this approach reduces operational friction for banks and enhances convenience for cardholders.
It is particularly useful for those holding multiple cards with separate Priority Pass memberships, minimizing confusion and eliminating expired card issues.
How Access on Payment Card Works
AoPC connects participating banks with Collinson’s verification system. Depending on the card:
- UOB PRVI Miles Visa & Mastercard require one-time registration on the Priority Pass website. After registration, access is activated within 12 hours. Travelers can then use the physical card at lounges without the app.
- HSBC Premier Mastercard, HSBC Prive Card, and StanChart Beyond Card work immediately. Cardholders simply present the physical card along with a boarding pass, and entry is granted; no prior registration is needed.
This system also allows cardholders to redeem other airport experiences, such as restaurant meals or spa treatments, directly with their AoPC-enabled card.
Singapore Credit Cards Supporting AoPC
The following Singapore issued credit cards currently support AoPC:
| Credit Card | Free Visits (Main) | Free Visits (Supp.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi PremierMiles Card | 2 | N/A | Standard Priority Pass |
| DBS Altitude Visa | 2 | N/A | Standard Priority Pass |
| SC Journey Card | 2 | N/A | Standard Priority Pass |
| Maybank Visa Infinite | 4 | N/A | Standard Priority Pass |
| UOB PRVI Miles Card* | 4 | N/A | AoPC only for Visa & Mastercard |
| StanChart Visa Infinite | 6 | N/A | Standard Priority Pass |
| DBS Vantage Card | 10 | N/A | Standard Priority Pass |
| SC Priority Banking Visa Infinite | 12^ | N/A | 2x if AUM |
| Citi Prestige Card | 12 | N/A | Standard Priority Pass |
| AMEX Platinum Charge | ∞ +1 guest | 8 | Max 1x supp. card |
| HSBC Premier Mastercard | ∞ | ∞ | AoPC enabled |
| SC Beyond Card | ∞ | ∞ | AoPC enabled, max 4 supp. cards |
| Citi ULTIMA Card | ∞ | ∞ | Standard Priority Pass |
| UOB Reserve Card | ∞ +1 guest | ∞ | Standard Priority Pass |
| HSBC Prive Card | ∞ | ∞ | AoPC enabled, max 3 supp. cards |
^With minimum AUM S$200K; otherwise 2x visits.
Card Specific Usage Details
- UOB PRVI Miles Visa & Mastercard: Requires registration on the Priority Pass website. After activation, cardholders can access lounges directly; max 4 visits per year.
- HSBC Premier Mastercard & Prive Card: Cardholders simply quote “Priority Pass access with HSBC Premier Mastercard” and show the card plus boarding pass at a lounge.
- StanChart Beyond Card: Works as a “show and go” card, no registration required.
Unlimited access cards remove the need for app verification entirely, while capped cards like UOB PRVI Miles may require occasional app checks to track remaining visits.
Enrollment and Activation Processes
Activation differs by card, balancing simplicity with security. For HSBC Premier Mastercard and HSBC Prive Card holders, entry requires no prior enrollment.
Present the physical card and boarding pass at the lounge desk, quoting “Priority Pass access with HSBC Premier Mastercard.” Staff verify details on-site, granting immediate entry.
Standard Chartered Beyond Card follows a similar “show and go” approach. The physical card serves as the membership, with no app registration needed.
This suits spontaneous travelers departing from Singapore Changi (SIN), where lounges like Plaza Premium accept it directly.
UOB PRVI Miles Visa and Mastercard demand a one-time setup. Register online at prioritypass.com using card details, then confirm activation via a pop-up. Processing takes up to 12 hours, after which the physical card enables entry.
This step links visits to the card’s annual cap of four, helping users monitor usage through statements. Once activated, it applies globally, including at Dubai International (DXB).
For all cards, carry a valid boarding pass for a departing flight from the same day. Guest fees, typically US$35 per person, bill to the primary card.
Unlimited visit cards like HSBC and Standard Chartered minimize app reliance, though checking remaining quotas via the Priority Pass portal aids capped plans.
Benefits for Frequent Travelers
AoPC elevates airport waits into productive respites, offering showers, Wi-Fi, and meals in quiet spaces. At Singapore Changi (SIN), it unlocks SATS Premier Lounges with local cuisine or the Ambassador Transit Lounge for showers.
Globally, it connects to networks at Tokyo Narita (NRT) or New York JFK (JFK), reducing stress for long-haul flights on airlines like Singapore Airlines (SQ).
This feature cuts administrative burdens, freeing focus for work or relaxation. It also integrates with card perks like travel insurance or miles multipliers, creating a cohesive rewards ecosystem.
As adoption grows, it promises broader issuer participation, smoothing transitions for economy-class passengers seeking premium comfort.
Limitations
- Not all credit cards support AoPC
- Some cards limit annual lounge visits
- Certain cards require one-time registration for activation
Future Outlook
While AoPC adoption is currently limited in Singapore, its convenience suggests a strong case for wider integration.
As more issuers recognize traveler demand for frictionless airport experiences, AoPC may become standard across premium credit cards.
For now, travelers with supported cards can enjoy a simplified lounge entry process at airports like Singapore Changi (SIN) or London Heathrow (LHR).
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Source: Credit Cards That Provide Direct Priority Pass Lounge Access
