Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards in India for Travelers

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Silhouette of a man working on laptop at airport lounge with planes outside.
Credit: pexels.com, Silhouette of a man working on laptop at airport lounge with planes outside.

If you're a frequent flyer in India, you know how annoying airport lines can be. Many credit cards offer lounge access, which can be a game-changer for travelers.

Some of the best airport lounge access credit cards in India include the HDFC Diners Club Black card, which offers access to over 600 lounges worldwide, including many in India.

For a more budget-friendly option, consider the ICICI Bank Coral Super Saver card, which offers lounge access at select airports in India for a lower annual fee of ₹2,499.

Travelers can also consider the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card, which offers access to over 1,200 lounges worldwide, including many in India, for an annual fee of ₹12,000.

Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards in India

If you're looking for the best airport lounge access credit cards in India, you're in luck. The HDFC Infinia Credit Card (Metal Edition) offers unlimited complimentary domestic lounge access for a annual fee of Rs 12,500.

People at an Airport Lounge Wearing Face Masks
Credit: pexels.com, People at an Airport Lounge Wearing Face Masks

The HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card provides 12 complimentary domestic and international airports lounge access for a annual fee of Rs 2,500 + Taxes.

The HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card is another top contender, offering 2 complimentary airports lounge every quarter (worldwide) for a annual fee of Rs 10,000.

For those who prefer SBI credit cards, the SBI Advantage Platinum Credit Card offers 8 complimentary lounge access for domestic travels for a annual fee of Rs 2,999.

If you're looking for more options, here are some other credit cards with great airport lounge access benefits:

Credit Card Options

If you're looking for credit cards that offer airport lounge access in India, you've got several options to consider.

The HDFC Infinia Credit Card (Metal Edition) offers unlimited complimentary domestic lounge access, making it a great choice for frequent flyers.

You can also consider the HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card, which provides 12 complimentary domestic and international airports lounge access per year.

A cheerful man holds a credit card indoors, providing ample copy space for text.
Credit: pexels.com, A cheerful man holds a credit card indoors, providing ample copy space for text.

Another option is the HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card, which offers 2 complimentary airports lounge every quarter worldwide.

Here's a comparison of some popular credit cards that offer airport lounge access in India:

The Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card offers 8 domestic and 4 international lounge access for primary card holders and accompanying guests.

It's worth noting that some credit cards may have additional requirements or restrictions for lounge access, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before applying.

Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards with Features

Airport lounge access credit cards in India offer a range of benefits, including free internet, phone facilities, refreshments, shower facilities, and more.

Some credit cards provide unlimited complimentary domestic lounge access, while others offer a limited number of free visits. For example, the HDFC Infinia Credit Card (Metal Edition) comes with unlimited complimentary lounge access in India through its Infinia Credit Card Lounge Access Program.

A man with glasses working in a spacious modern airport lounge with large windows.
Credit: pexels.com, A man with glasses working in a spacious modern airport lounge with large windows.

The annual fees for these credit cards vary, with some cards charging as low as Rs 500, while others require a one-time payment of Rs 4,999 plus taxes. The HDFC Infinia Credit Card (Metal Edition), for instance, has a yearly charge of Rs 12,500.

Cardholders can also enjoy guest access to airport lounges, although this may incur a fee. The HDFC Infinia Credit Card (Metal Edition) charges USD 27 + GST per entry per guest.

Here are some credit cards that offer airport lounge access in India:

Some credit cards also offer unlimited free access to airport lounges, such as the Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card, Emeralde Credit Card, Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card, and Diamant Credit Card.

Elite Credit Cards

If you're looking for a credit card that offers elite benefits, consider the American Express Platinum Card, which offers lounge access at over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.

This card also offers a $200 annual airline fee credit, which can be used to offset the cost of lounge access.

The American Express Platinum Card has a high annual fee of ₹13,000, but its benefits make it a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers.

Air India Signature

Glass Panels in the Airport Lounge
Credit: pexels.com, Glass Panels in the Airport Lounge

Air India Signature offers a generous joining incentive of 20,000 Reward points on payment of the joining fee. This is a great way to get started with the card and earn some valuable rewards.

Complimentary lost card liability cover of ₹1 lakh is also provided, which can give you peace of mind when traveling.

You'll get 8 Complimentary access to domestic airport lounges per quarter, which can be a huge perk for frequent flyers. Note that a usage fee of $27 will be charged on accessing the priority pass member lounge.

International Lounges are also accessible with a priority member pass, but be aware of the usage fee.

A 1% fuel surcharge waiver is offered across all petrol stations on transactions between ₹500 and ₹4,000, with a maximum waiver of ₹250 per statement cycle.

Here's a breakdown of the bonus Reward Points you can earn based on your annual retail spend:

You'll also earn 4 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent, up to 1,00,000 bonus reward points annually. Additionally, 5,000 reward points are awarded on the card anniversary. The reward rate is 1.5% to 4%.

Elite

Close-up of a person holding a credit card in a hand, wearing a button-up shirt.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a person holding a credit card in a hand, wearing a button-up shirt.

The SBI Elite Credit Card is a premium offering with a one-time annual fee of Rs 4,999 plus taxes. This card comes with impressive lounge benefits, including USD 99 worth of membership to the Priority Pass Program, which grants 6 free visits to international airport lounges per year.

You'll get 2 free visits to domestic airport lounges per quarter, making it a great option for frequent travelers. The lounge access benefits are a major perk of this card.

The card's lounge access benefits include 6 free visits to international airport lounges per year, and 2 free visits to domestic airport lounges per quarter.

Platinum Corporate

The Platinum Corporate credit card is a top-notch option for business owners. It offers a Visa Lounge Access program that grants complimentary entry to premium lounges at major airports across India.

You'll have access to over 600 international airport lounges worldwide with this card. This means you can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing experience before your flight.

Sun Loungers On The Deck
Credit: pexels.com, Sun Loungers On The Deck

The card provides comprehensive protection for your business with insurance coverage up to Rs20,00,000 against fraudulent transactions. This is a significant amount that can give you peace of mind when making transactions.

Travel insurance coverage is also included, which covers air accidental death, lost card, lost/stolen baggage, and emergency card replacement worldwide at no extra cost. This is a huge perk that can save you a lot of money in case of an emergency.

Here's a breakdown of the insurance coverage:

This card is a great option for business owners who want to enjoy the benefits of a premium credit card while having the security of comprehensive insurance coverage.

Limited Time Offers

Here's the deal, getting airport lounge access can be a game-changer for frequent flyers in India.

Many credit cards offer limited time offers on lounge access, such as the HDFC Regalia Credit Card, which provides 6 complimentary lounge visits per year.

Smiling woman in an airport lounge seat, bathed in warm evening light.
Credit: pexels.com, Smiling woman in an airport lounge seat, bathed in warm evening light.

You can also get lounge access with the American Express Platinum Credit Card, which offers 4 complimentary lounge visits per year.

The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card offers 2 complimentary lounge visits per year, making it a great option for those who want to try out lounge access without committing to a higher-end card.

Limited time offers can also include discounts on lounge membership fees, such as the Priority Pass Membership, which can be purchased at a discounted rate with some credit cards.

Some credit cards even offer free lounge access for a year, like the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card, which provides 1 year of free lounge access for primary cardholders.

How to Apply and Facilities

To apply for an airport lounge access credit card in India, you can start by visiting the official website of the card issuer. The website will guide you through the application process. You can also check if you're eligible for a travel card by going to the 'Cards' section.

Hands using a contactless credit card on a payment terminal with a stylish minimal background.
Credit: pexels.com, Hands using a contactless credit card on a payment terminal with a stylish minimal background.

The application process is straightforward, and you can choose a card that offers airport lounge access and click on 'Apply'. If you're eligible, your credit card application will be approved, and the bank will dispatch the credit card to your registered address within two to three working days.

Here's a quick rundown of the steps involved in the application process:

  1. Visit the official website of the card issuer.
  2. Check if you're eligible for a travel card.
  3. Choose a card with lounge access and click on 'Apply'.
  4. Wait for approval and delivery of your credit card.

How to Apply?

Applying for a credit card with lounge access is a straightforward process. You can start by visiting the official website of the card issuer.

To check if you're eligible, go to the 'Cards' section. If you are eligible, apply for the travel card. If not, you can move on to the next step.

Choose a card that offers airport lounge access and click on 'Apply'. This will initiate the application process.

The application process may take a few minutes to complete, and once you've submitted your application, the bank will review it. If your application is approved, the credit card will be dispatched to your registered address within two to three working days.

How to Facilities?

A modern laptop displaying flight schedules on a white table in an airport lounge.
Credit: pexels.com, A modern laptop displaying flight schedules on a white table in an airport lounge.

To access airport lounge facilities, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. First, visit the airport from where you're flying.

Give your credit card details and complete all the formalities to get your boarding pass stamped. You'll also need to make a convenience fee payment and collect a processing fee payment.

The convenience fee payment is a necessary step to enjoy the airport lounge benefits. You can ask about the complimentary lounge access at the reception to get the process started.

Here are the key steps to remember:

  1. Visit the airport from where you are going to fly.
  2. Ask about the complimentary lounge access at reception.
  3. Give your credit card details and complete all the formalities.
  4. Make the convenience fee payment and get your boarding pass stamped.
  5. Collect the processing fee payment and enjoy the airport lounge benefits.

International Eligibility

To be eligible for an International Lounge Access Credit Card, you'll need to provide some essential documents.

The credit card issuer will typically require KYC (Know Your Customer) documents, which can include your Aadhaar Card, voter's ID, passport, or driving license.

You may also be asked to provide proof of income, such as salary slips, Form 16, or ITR records.

A bank statement of your last 6 months is usually necessary to verify your financial stability.

Here's a quick rundown of the required documents:

  • Aadhaar Card, voter's ID, passport, or driving license
  • PAN Card or Form 60 (if PAN Card is unavailable)
  • Salary slips, Form 16, or ITR records
  • Bank statement of last 6 months

Vistara Credit Cards

Airport
Credit: pexels.com, Airport

If you're looking for a credit card that offers airport lounge access, the Club Vistara SBI card is a great option. It provides 4 complimentary access to domestic airport lounges, with a maximum of 1 per quarter.

You can earn 1,000 CV points on spending ₹50,000 within 90 days of card issuance, which can be redeemed for various rewards. The card also offers an air accidental cover of up to ₹50 lakhs and lost card liability cover of up to ₹1 lakh.

To get the most out of this card, aim to spend ₹50,000 within 90 days of issuance to earn those 1,000 CV points. This can be done by making regular purchases or paying bills on time.

Here are the different reward tiers for the Club Vistara SBI card:

Additionally, you can earn 3 CV points per ₹200 spent on all purchases, and the reward rate is 1.5%.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get free airport lounge in India?

To access free airport lounge in India, you can consider applying for premium debit cards such as HDFC Millennia Debit Card, InterMiles HDFC Signature Debit Card, or Kotak Privy League Signature Debit Card, which offer lounge access benefits. These cards often come with attractive rewards and perks, making them a great option for frequent travelers.

How do I know if my credit card has airport lounge access?

Check your credit card benefits guide or issuer's website for information on lounge access, as it's typically listed in the "benefits" section of your account. Log in to your account to see if your card offers airport lounge access and what perks come with it.

Forrest Schumm

Copy Editor

Forrest Schumm is a seasoned copy editor with a deep understanding of the financial sector, particularly in India. His expertise spans a variety of topics, including trade associations, banking institutions, and historical establishments. Forrest's work has shed light on the intricate landscape of Indian banking, from the Indian Banks' Association to the significant 1946 establishments that have shaped the industry.

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