Mastercard is the latest player to jump into the airport lounge arms race, and it’s taking a different angle than most. Instead of buffets and crowded seating, the new Taste by Priceless (or Taste of Priceless, depending on the location) concept centers on à la carte dining, chef-curated tasting menus, and signature cocktails.
Two locations are now open, and there’s a third on the way.
There’s a catch, though: Free access is limited to a small slice of cardholders, and the paid entry fee isn’t cheap.
Here’s how to get in and where to find these lounges.
Mastercard’s ‘Taste by Priceless’ Lounge Locations
There are already 2 Taste by Priceless locations open, with 1 more confirmed, as first reported by Doctor of Credit.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is home to the first Asian location, sitting on the Level 7 mezzanine near gate 40/41 in Terminal 1. The space previously housed the Chase Sapphire Lounge, which was split into 2. Half became Taste by Priceless, the other half is now the Kyra Lounge. Hours run from 6 a.m. to midnight daily.
São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) has Taste of Priceless in Terminal 3, which houses most international flights. It’s just past passport control on the right side. This was the first location to open globally.
Mexico City (MEX) is up next, according to Mastercard’s own FAQ, though no opening date has been announced yet.
The food and drink program is the real draw here. Rather than a simple buffet, the lounges offer sit-down dining with locally inspired menus, signature desserts, and Mastercard-branded cocktails — the Priceless Passion and Priceless Optimism. There are also workspaces with nearby power outlets if you want to be productive during your visit.
How To Get In (And Which Cards Qualify)
Access tiers are tied to where your Mastercard sits in the issuer’s hierarchy, and the gap between tiers is significant.
Mastercard World Legend cardholders get unlimited complimentary access plus 3 guests. Additional guests can enter at a reduced rate of $85 per person in Hong Kong.
Mastercard World Elite and World cardholders don’t get free access. However, they can buy in at $85 per person in Hong Kong (or a promotional $70 rate through August 31, 2026) and roughly $100 per person in São Paulo. Kids 2 and under enter free with any qualifying cardholder.
The U.S. World Legend lineup is short but growing. Right now, it includes the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card, the Bilt Palladium Card, and the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard®. Notably absent is the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, which is currently a World Elite product — an odd setup where the mid-tier American Airlines card outranks the top-tier one for Mastercard benefits.
Citi has said the AAdvantage Executive World Elite card carries World Legend benefits, so a formal upgrade seems likely down the road.
Outside the U.S., World Legend cards are even harder to come by. However, products are available in Hong Kong (by invitation only), Brazil, and Canada. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye are reportedly getting World Legend products, but nothing has launched yet.
There are a few logistical items to be aware of before you show up. You’ll need a physical Mastercard, a same-day boarding pass for departure within 3 hours, and a passport with matching name. Connecting passengers need both inbound and outbound boarding passes. Mastercard says it doesn’t retain any of that documentation. Desk agents only check it for verification.
Final Thoughts
Lounges are clearly the new battleground for premium card products, and Mastercard’s bet on sit-down dining over the traditional buffet model is one of the more interesting takes we’ve seen lately. The small pool of eligible World Legend cardholders should keep crowding manageable, at least for now — and the $85 per-person walk-in fee is steep enough to discourage casual visits from World and World Elite cardholders.
If you’re holding an eligible card and passing through Hong Kong or São Paulo, these lounges look like they’re worth a stop. For everyone else, it’s a pricey indulgence at best.