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11 Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards in India 2024
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Credit cards provide various advantages that can make your travels more affordable and convenient. One key benefit is complimentary airport lounge access, which allows you to enjoy free entry to selected lounges at both domestic and international airports. This perk is not exclusive to Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards; many other credit cards also offer free lounge access as an added feature. However, the number of free lounge visits you receive each year can differ depending on the credit card. Continue reading to discover the top credit cards in India that can offer you premium airport lounge access.
What are Airport Lounge Access Credit Card?
Airport Lounge Credit Cards are designed to give cardholders exclusive access to airport lounges. While these premium cards used to come with a high annual fee, some companies now offer them as lifetime free. In addition to lounge access, these cards provide benefits like travel insurance, concierge services, and reward points. Frequent flyers can use these cards to enjoy a comfortable and relaxing environment before their flights, with complimentary food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and other amenities.
Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards
| Credit Card | Joining Fees | Annual Fee | Welcome Benefits | Features & Rewards |
| Indusind Tiger Credit Card | ₹0 | ₹0 | None | – One complimentary movie ticket up to ₹500 in every 6 months – Avail 2 complimentary domestic lounge accesses each quarter. 2 International Lounge Access in a year via Priority Pass |
| Axis ATLAS Credit Card | ₹5000 | ₹5000 | – 2500 Edge Miles on your first transaction within 37 days from your card issue date. | – Earn 5 Edge Miles per 100 spent on travel. – 4 International Lounge Access and 8 Domestic Lounge Access. |
| AU Ixigo Credit Card | ₹0 | ₹0 | – ₹1000 in your Ixigo wallet. 1000 Reward Points on your first transaction. | – 1 International Lounge Access via Priority Pass coupled with 16 Domestic Airport and Railway Lounge Access |
| Kotak IndiGo Ka-ching 6E Rewards XL Credit Card | ₹2500 | ₹2500 | – Receive an IndiGo air ticket worth ₹3000 along with 6E add-ons worth ₹1099 after making 3 purchases each month for 3 months post card activation. | – Enjoy 8 complimentary lounge accesses per year, 2 each quarter. – Earn 6 reward points for every ₹100 spent on IndiGo bookings. |
| SBI Elite Credit Card | ₹4999 | ₹4999 | – Receive an e-gift voucher worth ₹5000 from popular brands. – Enjoy free movie tickets worth ₹6,000 annually. | – Get the lowest forex mark-up of 1.99% on international spends. – Earn up to 50,000 bonus points worth ₹12,500 based on yearly spends. – Complimentary domestic and international lounge visits. |
| HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card | ₹2500 | ₹2500 | – Welcome benefits include a ₹2500 gift voucher and complimentary memberships, especially the Club Vistara Silver Tier. | – Enjoy 6 complimentary airport lounge visits outside India per year. – Benefit from 12 complimentary airport lounge visits within India annually. |
| HSBC Cashback Credit Card | None | None | – Receive an Amazon voucher worth ₹250 on transactions of ₹500 or more. – Get 3 complimentary airport lounge accesses or meal vouchers. | – Get 20% off on Swiggy orders above ₹400. – Enjoy 5% discount on Amazon purchases over ₹1,000. – Up to 15% off at over 1,000 restaurants. |
| Standard Chartered Bank EaseMyTrip Credit Card | ₹350 | Spend ₹50,000 or more in a year to waive off the renewal fee. | – No joining perks. | – Flat 20% instant discount on hotel bookings via EaseMyTrip website/app. – 1 complimentary domestic lounge visit per quarter. – 2 international lounge visits per year with Priority Pass. |
| AU Zenith+ Credit Card | ₹4999 | ₹4999 | – Get luxury brand vouchers or reward points worth ₹5,000 upon activation. | – Enjoy 16 complimentary domestic and international lounge visits. – Earn 2X reward points on international spends. – Avail complimentary VIP airport services. |
| ICICI Bank Coral Rupay Credit Card | None | None | – No specific welcome benefits. | – One complimentary domestic lounge on spending ₹35,000 in the previous quarter. |
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Features & Advantages of Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards
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01
Indusind Bank Tiger Credit Card
The annual maintenance fee is the most common type of credit card charge that most banks include on their credit cards. This annual fee includes charges such as joining fees and the maintenance fee charged at the end of the year. But when these charges are waived off, for example, being provided a credit card by your company, it may mean that you don’t have to pay joining and annual fees for one year. However, after the completion of one year, if you wish to continue with the credit card, you will have to pay the annual fees. Hence, it’s important to know beforehand about the existence of these annual fees.
Cardholders enjoy two complimentary domestic lounge accesses per quarter and two international lounge accesses annually through Priority Pass. This means you can relax and recharge in style before your flights. Adding to its appeal, the card also offers a complimentary movie ticket worth up to Rs. 500 every six months on BookMyShow, making it a perfect companion for entertainment enthusiasts.
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02
Axis ATLAS Credit Card
Axis ATLAS Credit Card is a super-premium offering designed for frequent travellers. This card rewards you with Edge Miles, which has an impressive conversion ratio on platforms like Accor, making it easy to book hotels while helping you save a significant amount of money. You earn 5 Edge Miles for every Rs. 100 spent on travel, and 2 Edge Miles for every Rs. 100 spent on other purchases. While it comes with an annual fee of Rs. 5000 + GST, the card offers 8 complimentary domestic lounge accesses and 4 international lounge accesses through its Dreamfolks lounge program, making it a compelling choice for frequent flyers who value luxury and convenience.
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03
AU Ixigo Credit Card
If you’re not a frequent flyer but still appreciate the luxury of airport lounges, the AU Ixigo Credit Card might be your perfect match. This card caters to the casual traveller who wants lounge access benefits without breaking the bank. Offering you a generous 16 domestic airport and railway lounge access, plus one international lounge access through Priority Pass, it ensures you can relax in comfort during your journeys.
The card sweetens the deal with zero forex markup fees, allowing you to save on international transactions. As a cherry on top, new cardholders receive a Rs. 1000 bonus in their Ixigo money wallet. Being a co-branded card, it also offers exclusive discounts on your travel bookings through Ixigo, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious explorers.
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04
Kotak IndiGo Ka-ching 6E Rewards XL Credit Card
Kotak IndiGo Ka-ching 6E Rewards XL Credit Card is a dream come true for frequent IndiGo flyers. This co-branded card packs a punch with a welcome bonus of a free IndiGo flight ticket worth Rs. 3,000, along with 6E Prime add-ons for priority check-in, seat selection, and meal assistance. But the perks don’t stop there. Cardholders enjoy 8 domestic airport lounge accesses per year, making layovers super comfortable and rewarding.
Additionally, the card offers a generous 6% rewards rate on IndiGo spending and a decent 3% on dining, entertainment, and grocery purchases. With its combination of travel benefits, reward points, and exclusive offers, the Kotak IndiGo Ka-ching 6E Rewards XL Credit Card is a solid choice for those seeking to maximise their travel experiences.
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05
IDFC First Select Credit Card
IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card offers a more budget-friendly option for lounge access. While it doesn’t boast unlimited visits like some premium cards, it provides a decent perk for frequent travellers. Cardholders can enjoy two complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter, provided they maintain a minimum monthly spend of Rs. 20,000. Additionally, the card offers four complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter, making it a suitable choice for those who frequently travel by train as well.
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06
SBI Elite Credit Card
SBI Elite Credit Card is another premium card designed for frequent travellers. With complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges worldwide, cardholders can enjoy good food and comfort during layovers or before flights. The card’s low foreign exchange markup fee also makes it a suitable choice for international spending, allowing you to save on currency conversion charges. Additionally, its reward points structure and other perks like free movie tickets and discounts at partner establishments add to its overall value, making it a strong contender for those seeking a premium travel credit card.
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07
HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is a strong contender for frequent flyers seeking airport lounge access. It offers a generous 12 domestic and 6 international lounge visits annually, ensuring a relaxing experience during layovers. Cardholders also benefit from complimentary gift vouchers upon reaching specific spending milestones, adding further value to their travel experiences. While it may have a slightly higher annual fee compared to some other options, the combination of lounge access, rewards, and travel benefits makes it a perfect choice for those who prioritise convenience and luxury during their journeys.
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08
HSBC Cashback Credit Card
HSBC Cashback Credit Card offers a decent lounge access benefit for its cardholders. You get to enjoy four complimentary domestic lounge visits per year, with a limit of one visit per quarter. While this might not be as interesting as some other premium cards, it still provides a convenient perk for frequent domestic travellers. It’s a good option for those who prioritise cashback rewards but also occasionally need a comfortable space to relax in between flights.
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09
Standard Chartered Bank EaseMyTrip Credit Card
Standard Chartered Bank EaseMyTrip Credit Card is a co-branded card offering a perfect blend of discounts and rewards for frequent travellers. Cardholders enjoy substantial savings on domestic and international flights and hotel bookings through EaseMyTrip. Additionally, the card rewards you with 10x reward points on every ₹100 spent on standalone airline and hotel websites, providing excellent value for your travel expenses.
Moreover, the complimentary lounge access, though limited to one domestic lounge per quarter and two international lounges per year, adds a touch of luxury to your journeys. While it might not be the most rewarding lounge access compared to other premium cards, it still provides a valuable perk for those occasional moments of relaxation at the airport.
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10
AU Zenith+ Credit Card
AU Zenith+ Credit Card comes with a fee of 4999 INR + GST and is targeted towards heavy spenders. As a premium metal card, it boasts a host of exclusive benefits, including complimentary access to16 domestic and international airport lounges, making your travel experience smoother. Beyond lounge access, cardholders can enjoy perks like a low forex markup fee, complimentary movie tickets, and even golf access. While it carries a hefty annual fee, the card’s rewards program, coupled with its travel-centric features, makes it a strong contender for those who prioritise premium experiences and are willing to invest in a high-end card.
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11
ICICI Bank Coral RuPay Credit Card
ICICI Bank Coral RuPay Credit Card offers a budget-friendly option for those seeking airport lounge access. While it provides one complimentary domestic airport lounge access per quarter, there’s a catch – you need to spend a minimum of Rs. 35,000 in the preceding quarter to unlock this benefit. This card might be suitable for occasional travellers with moderate spending habits, but frequent flyers might find the spending requirement restrictive. However, the card does offer other benefits like reward points, railway lounge access, and insurance coverage, making it a decent choice for those looking for a versatile card without hefty annual fees.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards?
Different credit cards have different requirements for airport lounge access, depending on the issuer and the specific card. Here are some common factors that credit card issuers may consider:
- A
Credit Score
Issuers look at your credit score to determine if you manage credit responsibly. Higher scores usually improve your chances of getting a card with lounge access.
- B
Income
Some cards require a minimum income to ensure you can handle the card’s fees and spending.
- C
Employment Status
Issuers may check your job status and income stability to assess your ability to make payments on time.
- D
Citizenship and Residency
Certain cards may require you to be a citizen or resident of a specific country or region due to regulatory reasons.
- E
Age
There are age requirements that vary by location, typically requiring you to be of legal age to apply.
- F
Existing Relationship with the Issuing Bank
Some issuers may prefer existing customers when approving lounge access cards.
These are general guidelines, and specific cards might have additional requirements. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee approval, as the final decision depends on the issuer’s assessment. Always check the specific eligibility criteria of the card before applying.
How Does the Airport Lounge Access Credit Card Work?
Airport lounge credit cards offer a convenient way to access the exclusive world of airport lounges. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
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Membership Programs
Most cards provide access through membership programs like Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Delta Sky Club. These programs offer a network of lounges worldwide. -
Complimentary Access
Many cards include a certain number of complimentary lounge visits each year. This is often sufficient for occasional travellers. -
Pay-Per-Visit
If you exceed your complimentary visits, you can usually pay a fee for additional access. -
Guest Access
Most cards allow you to bring guests into the lounge with you, often at an additional cost. -
Eligibility
To access a lounge, you typically need your credit card, a valid boarding pass for the same day, and a government-issued ID.
How to Choose Between Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards?
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01
Number of Free International Lounge Visits
The number of free international lounge visits offered by credit cards can change depending on the card and its benefits. Different cards have different lounge access programs with their own rules.
For example, the Regelia Gold Credit Card from HDFC gives you 6 free airport lounge visits outside India. Since this changes from card to card, it’s important to check the details of the card you want to use.
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02
Number of Partners the Provider Has
The number of airlines and lounges a credit card partners with is important for airport lounge access. Priority Pass and LoungeKey are the two main networks. Priority Pass connects to over 1,300 lounges worldwide, while LoungeKey offers access to more than 1,000.
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03
Other Services
Airport lounges offer a relaxing experience for travellers away from the busy terminal. They provide a calm space to work, or rest before your flight. While access to these lounges is usually reserved for premium passengers, some credit cards grant this benefit along with other valuable services:
Travel Insurance: Many credit cards that provide airport lounge access also include travel insurance. This insurance often covers trip cancellations, delays, lost baggage, and medical emergencies, offering peace of mind during your travels.
Concierge Services: Certain credit cards come with concierge services, assisting with tasks like booking flights, hotels, making restaurant reservations, and arranging transportation. These services are especially helpful when traveling to unfamiliar destinations.
Complimentary Priority Pass: As mentioned earlier, Priority Pass is a network of over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. Some credit cards offer a complimentary Priority Pass membership, allowing you to access these lounges regardless of the airline you’re flying with.
Closing Thoughts
Choosing the right airport lounge credit card can significantly enhance your travel experience. By carefully considering factors like the number of lounge visits, partner lounges, additional benefits, and annual fees, you can select a card that perfectly aligns with your travel needs and budget. Remember to compare multiple options and read the fine print to make an informed decision. Ultimately, the best credit card is the one that provides the most value and convenience for your specific travel habits.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why get a credit card with lounge access?
You can enjoy a relaxing and comfortable airport experience with complimentary lounge access. Escape the crowded terminals, indulge in refreshments, and take advantage of amenities like Wi-Fi, charging stations, and comfortable seating.
How much does airport lounge access cost?
Lounge access costs vary based on the airport, lounge, and method of entry. Typically, pay-per-use access ranges from INR 1,000 to INR 4,000 per visit. Credit cards often offer complimentary or discounted access.
Which credit card offers the best lounge access in India?
The HDFC Infinia Credit Card stands out with its unlimited lounge access, making it a top choice for frequent travellers. However, other premium cards from banks like Axis, IndusInd, and SBI also provide excellent lounge benefits.
Authors
Priyanka Rao
Priyanka Rao is a content strategist for Jupiter.Money, and specializes in writing on topics related to finance, banking, budgeting, salary & wages, and other financial matters. She has a passion for creating engaging content that resonates with audiences across various digital platforms. In her free time, Priyanka enjoys traveling and reading, which allows her to gain new perspectives and inspiration for her work. With a keen eye for detail and a creative mindset, Priyanka is committed to creating content that connects well with her readers, enhancing their digital experiences.
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