Getting access to airport lounges isn’t just for frequent flyers anymore. With the right credit card, you can relax in comfort at lounges across India and other countries. Here’s an easy guide to help you enjoy your lounge benefits:
Pick the Right Credit Card
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Not every credit card gives you unlimited lounge access. Some cards have limits, like:
- Only a certain number of visits each year.
- Meeting a minimum spending requirement to qualify.
Before your trip, check what your card offers. Find out which lounges you can use and if they include domestic, international, or both.
Sign Up for Lounge Programmes
Many cards, like those from RuPay and Visa, ask you to register for their lounge programmes. Without signing up, you might not be allowed into the lounge even if your card offers it.
Adhil Shetty, CEO of Bankbazaar.com, says, “Lounge access is usually tied to your physical credit card. Always carry your card when traveling. Virtual or digital cards might not work at lounges.”
Check for Extra Charges
Some cards let you visit lounges for free but only up to a certain number of times. After that, they might charge you. Always check if your visit is free or if there’s a fee. If there’s a cost, decide if it’s worth it.
Plan Your Lounge Visits
Lounges can get crowded, especially during busy travel times. To enjoy your visit:
- Get there early to find a good spot.
- Keep in mind that some lounges stop letting people in close to flight departure times.
Use the Extras
Lounges aren’t just about comfy chairs and free snacks. Many offer:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Workspaces
- Showers
- Spa services (sometimes at a discount)
These extras can make your trip much better.
Don’t Let Benefits Expire
Most lounge benefits reset every year. If you don’t use them, you lose them. Check your card’s terms and plan your trips to use up your visits before they expire.
Follow the Rules
Lounges usually have rules about how often you can visit or how many guests you can bring.If you don’t follow the rules, your lounge access might be taken away. Make sure to stick to the guidelines to keep using the perks.
Spend Smartly
Some credit cards only offer lounge access if you spend a certain amount.
Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access in India in 2025
| Credit Card Name | Joining Fee | Annual Fee | Airport Lounge |
| HDFC Visa Signature Credit Card | None | Free first-year membership on spending ₹15,000 within 90 days. Free renewal on spending ₹75,000/year. | Enjoy airport lounge access across the globe. |
| HDFC Bank Diners Club Black | ₹10,000 + taxes | Renewal fee waived on spending ₹5 lakhs/year. | Unlimited free access to lounges across the globe for primary and add-on cardholders |
| HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card | ₹1,000 + taxes | ₹1,000. Waived on spending ₹1 lakh/year. | Dreamfolks airport lounge access |
| HDFC Bank Tata Neu Infinity | ₹1,499 + taxes | ₹1,499 + taxes. Waived on spending ₹3 lakhs/year. | 8 Complimentary Domestic Lounge Access per calendar year. Using Priority Pass, you and your add on member can together avail up to 4 Complimentary Lounge Access per calendar year (1 per Quarter), outside India. |
| SBI Elite Credit Card | None | ₹4,999 annually from the second year onwards. | Enjoy 2 complimentary Domestic Airport Lounge visits every quarter in India. 6 complimentary Airport Lounge visits per calendar year, outside India |
| SBI Prime Credit Card | None | ₹2,999 annually from the second year onwards. | 4 complimentary visits per calendar year to International Priority Pass Lounges, outside India. 8 complimentary visits per calendar year to Domestic Lounges in India. |
| SBI Club Vistara Prime Credit Card | None | ₹2,999 annually from the second year onwards. | Enjoy 8 complimentary visits per year to Domestic Airport lounges. 4 complimentary visits per calendar year to International Priority Pass Lounges, outside India |
| Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card | ₹12,500 + taxes | Renewal fee waived on spending ₹25 lakhs/year. | Unlimited domestic and international airport lounge acess. |
| Axis Vistara Signature Credit Card | ₹ 3,000 | Visit bank’s official website. | 2 complimentary lounge access at select airport within India subject to spends criteria |
| AU Bank Zenith Credit Card | None | ₹7,999 + taxes. Waived on spending ₹1.25 lakhs in 90 days (first year). ₹5 lakhs/year (subsequent years). | 2 complimentary lounge access per calendar quarter within India, using your AU Credit Card. |
| HSBC Live+ Credit Card | ₹ 999 | ₹999. Waived on spending ₹2 lakhs/year. | 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year – one per quarter |
| Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Card | ₹350 + GST | ₹350 + GST. Waived on spending ₹50,000/year. | Complimentary domestic lounge access – 2 per year |
| IDFC First Bank Select Credit Card | None | None. | 2 complimentary visits to domestic airport lounges every quarter |
| Note: Fees and conditions are subject to change. Please confirm the latest details with the respective card issuers. Compiled by Bankbazaar.com | |||
Final Thoughts
Airport lounge access can make your travels more comfortable and stress-free. By understanding how your credit card benefits work, you can make the most of them. Enjoy your trips!
