I'd say the Capital One Venture X is the "cheapest" as it gives you Priority Pass and also any AUs you put on the card (no fee for AUs either). The net fee on the card is -$5, meaning you actually make $5/year through the $300 annual travel credit (which is now more of a discount than a credit) and the 10k miles which are worth $100
I've got a few options for you, @drewricomakeubu.
- As mentioned above, buy a "Day Pass" if they are available. However, I do know that both American and Delta as well as American Express have been addressing overcrowding in their lounges and finding ways to limit admission to a more selected group of clients.
- Ticket type (business or first) may give automatic access to that airline's lounge.
- Credit cards can give either limited or unlimited access to lounges, either by airline-branded cards or general travel cards. Airline-branded cards may only grant access to that airline's lounge or lounges of airlines that are a member of that world alliance (One World, Sky Team, Star.) The general travel cards may give access to Priority Pass lounges. In some airports, this might be discounted food otions, a lounge area, or access to private resting quarters like the Minute Suites. Specialty lounges run by lenders (AMEX Platinum, Chase Sapphire, or Capital One Lounge) are only in selected locations and are a benefit of certain cards offered by those lenders. Depending on where you travel, they may or may not suit your needs.
- One thing to remember is that if you're not a frequent flier but you do travel and stay in hotels, there are some *hotel* credit cards that give Priority Pass Lounge access. The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant gives unlimited PP access and with the credits, you may be able to offset the high $650 AF. AMEX Hilton Surpass gives 10 annual PP visits for the $95 AF and the AMEX Hilton Aspire gives unlimited PP visits for the $450 AF. These hotel cards pack a lot of value for hotel chain loyalty without having to step on an airplane, but also deliver the airport lounge experience.
- You can also buy a Priority Pass membership outright. Their Standard membership is $99 plus $35 per lounge visit. Standard PLUS is $329 but includes 10 free annual visits, then additional ones at $35. (All guests are $35.) The Prestige Membership is $469 with unlimited visits for member and $35 for each guest.
For Priority Pass in Nashville, the options are:
- EAT: 400 degrees Hot Chicken in Terminal C
- REST: Minute Suites in Terminal D
For Priority Pass in Chicago/Ohare, the options are:
- Terminal 5: Swissport Lounge
- Terminal 2: Retail Offer at Headphone Hub
- (edited to add Chicago/Ohare)
For Priority Pass in Amsterdam/Schiphol, the options are:
- Terminal 1: Aspire Lounge
- Terminal 2: Aspire Lounge
See www.prioritypass.com to check other airport Priority Pass options.
@NoMoreE46 wrote:
@Aim_High wrote:
- As mentioned above, buy a "Day Pass" if they are available. However, I do know that both American and Delta as well as American Express have been addressing overcrowding in their lounges and finding ways to limit admission to a more selected group of clients.
For Priority Pass in Nashville, the options are:
- EAT: 400 degrees Hot Chicken in Terminal C
- REST: Minute Suites in Terminal D
For Priority Pass in Amsterdam/Schiphol, the options are:
- Terminal 1: Aspire Lounge
- Terminal 2: Aspire Lounge
When I used to fly 10 years ago, the lounges were already too crowded. I can't imagine what they're like now. I totally understand why the airlines are addressing the craziness now.
PS he is flying out of O'Hare.
Oops, good catch @NoMoreE46, although he said home airport is Nashville but flying (via) Chicago to Amsterdam. I edited my post to include Priority Pass at all three airports.
@drewricomakeubu wrote:
From what I understand Amex offers a version of the Hilton card with PP passes as a business card as well that offers the same PP access.
My only worry with getting the Hilton Amex, which would fit my needs perfectly at this point, is that it would use up one of my 5/24 spots. With the business card I know that won't do that so I think I'll prob do the business version once I'm done with my SUB on my CIC. I can probably get some good use out of a Hilton card since I'm a tour manager for a nationally touring band and we often times need rooms while traveling.
Thanks everybody.
It sounds like that AMEX Hilton Business card might be an excellent choice for your situation, @drewricomakeubu!
@h2oeng wrote:Amex Platinum is a great choice. Yes, it's AF is high ($695) but run the numbers. You may be surprised how much you can save with the benefits. $240 in streaming is an easy one to pick up, $200 Uber credit is another easy one (use if for UberEats if you don't use Uber much), $200 misc flight credit, $100 credit ($25 / year) on TSA Precheck, $180 credit on Clear, etc, etc. Don't forget about cell phone insurance if you pay your bill with the Platinum card. That only saves me $576 / year. Plus, you have free PP and access to the Centurion Louge and Delta Sky lounge (when flying Delta). I've recevied $672 in statement credits plus 393,146 MR points so far this year.
It sounds like AMEX Platinum is working great for you, @h2oeng! Congrats! 
Unfortunately, there are many of us who can't/won't be able to use their credits to offset that high AF, and it ends up being the proverbial hole-in-the-pocket. It's all about the differences in our lifestyles, so I don't find any of those credits easy. I don't have streaming charges, I avoid ride shares or food delivery with few exceptions (UBER/UBER Eats), my home airport doesn't have CLEAR at the terminals I use, and I don't pay anything for cellphone insurance. (You didn't mention the other major credits of Equinox, Walmart+, or Saks but I also find those of little value.) From my experience, it seems that the Platinum credits work VERY well for some consumers, and but there are also many of us who find little use for them.
So yes, for those readers considering the AMEX charge cards, definitely run the numbers. If the credits are for things you are already spending money, it's a no-brainer! If they are for things you find value in (even if you're not spending money on it now) and you're willing to adapt, then maybe it would be a good fit. Otherwise, an honest assessment may find that the card just will not work for you outside of the upfront SUB value. I was in that middle category with the Gold card, but even that one was of negligible value to me.