I picked up an Ameriprise MC World Elite card earlier this year. The priority pass was the main reason among other things. It came with a 4.5% variable APR.

Me and the wife decided to do a trip to Germany and Prague. I've never used a travel agency (I prefer to do my own work) but I decided to utilize the Virtuoso service that came with the card. They connected me with a travel agency who has a lot of experience with Germany.

One "conflict" with the planning was that Virtuoso specializes in high-end luxury, and we were looking for a more culture-based experience. The agency (Cardoza Travel) was very helpful and put together a wonderful package. We exchanged the 5-star hotels in big cities to B&B's in the small towns (except for 2 nights in a 5-star in Munich). They arranged train tickets, car rental, etc and had everything at my door in 24 hours. The agency read my mind on exactly what we were looking for and it was a wonderful experience. Between flights, we used the priority pass which was really nice.

One thing to note was that using the World Elite, there were several complimentary upgrades for the rooms, the car-class, and some meals included where they would otherwise be charged. In one particular town, they booked us in this B&B on the base of the Alps near a castle miles away from the town. Every morning tourists would get bussed up to our area and have to leave by sunset, but we were staying right in the area that was really relaxing. It didn't even have a lobby - you checked in at the restaurant across the street. Was very charming. I never would have found this place.

Overall I would say the benefits you get for the World Elite pay for the annual fee ($150) if you book just one vacation with the card. I have a United Visa Signature Platinum as well but I prefer to use this card instead.

One final thing: The priority pass membership came with an expiration date after 1 year. I am assuming that we will get a renewed membership automatically as part of the service but we will see what happens. Also my wife is a joint member on the account, and the priority pass was in her name. I did not get one which is strange because I applied for the card. So I think it's one per account.

Hope this helps somebody.

The Priority Pass automatically renews each year. Also, if you're the primary cardholder and your wife is an authorized user or joint, each of you should receive a Priority Pass card in each of your names. If you haven't received, call Ameriprise CS.

I worked for a Virtuoso tour company for 5 years. Your summary of your Virtuoso travel agent experience is accurate. Virtuoso is a luxury consortium. Its the reason why its affliated with World Elite cards. And not just regular or World cards. You should never expect a bargain with any Virtuoso agency. However as you stated, Virtuoso agents are very good at what they do, and what they know. So if you are looking for a comprehensive luxury custom package, a Virtuoso agent can put it together alot better than you could on your own. Never mind other factors like saving the time of doing it yourself, and having someone who actually knows these destinations instead of people depending on Tripadvisor. Oh and yes, Virtuoso does have some sort of negotiated benefits such as free breakfasts, dinners, transfers, room upgrades, etc at all of the Virtuoso luxury properties.

One correction. I had an issue with my Priority Pass renewal with the Ameriprise WE MC. CS was not the way to do it, they just pass you off to Priority Pass, and then Priority Pass says, we don't handle membership issues with credit card benefit memberships.
THe answer is to call the concierge. They handled it immediately. I'm not a big CC concierge user, but my limited experiences so far have been outstanding.