Updated on - 05 November 2024
Credit cards are a great way to build your credit score and make cashless payments. You can also get attractive offers and reward points on every spend. !
Learn which are the best domestic and international lounge access credit cards.
Latest News
According to an article by Business Standard, ICICI Bank will change its credit card rules from November 15, 2024. As per the new rules, cardholders will have to spend ~75,000 in the preceding calendar quarter to be eligible for complimentary airport lounge access.
(As reported by Financialexpress on 10 October 2024)
Air travel is more common now than it was a decade before. Given the convenience and the affordability, most people prefer this mode over others. Airport lounges are luxurious spaces to relax and rejuvenate during a layover or if you have extra time before your boarding.
Major airports have lounges that charge a minimum amount for accessing them. You can use them for resting, relaxing, and enjoying quality food and beverages after paying the initial fees.
The amount charged by various airport lounges depends on factors like the company managing the lounge, and if the lounge is in the domestic or international terminal. Free lounge access credit cards are an option that helps you skip the initial fee and enjoy the benefits.
Also Read: Top-Rated Credit Cards in India for 2024
All banks offer credit cards with lounge access - both domestic and international. If you are someone who flies frequently, one of these cards can be a good choice for you -
| Name of Credit Card and Bank | Joining Fee | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| SBI Card Elite | Rs.4,999 + taxes | Rs.4,999 + taxes |
| SBI Card PRIME | Rs.2,999 + taxes | Rs.2,999 + taxes |
| SBI Platinum Corporate Card | Nil | Nil |
| MAX SBI Card PRIME | Rs.2,999 + taxes | Rs.2,999 + taxes |
| HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Metal Edition Credit Card | Rs.10,000 + taxes | Rs.10,000 + taxes |
| HDFC Bank Tata Neu Infinity Credit Card | Rs.1,499 + taxes | Rs.1,499 + taxes |
| HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card | Rs.2,500 + taxes | Rs.2,500 + taxes |
| ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card | Rs.6,500 | Rs.3,500 |
| ICICI Bank Manchester United Platinum Credit Card | Rs.499 + GST | Rs.499 + GST |
| ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card | Nil | Nil |
| Axis Bank MAGNUS Credit Card | Rs.12,500 | Rs.12,500 |
| Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card | Rs.500 | Rs.500 |
| IDFC First Select Credit Card | Nil | Nil |
| Kotak Mahindra Bank White Credit Card | Rs.3,000 + taxes | Rs.3,000 |
| Kotak Mahindra Bank Zen Signature Credit Card | Rs.1,500 | Rs.1,500 |
| Bank of Baroda Premier Credit Card | Rs.1,000 + taxes | Rs.1,000 + taxes |
Now that you have a list of the top free lounge access credit cards, let us look at their details. We will look at the number of complimentary airport lounge visits each of these cards offers.
Offered by the State Bank India, the SBI Card Elite is a versatile credit card for shoppers, movie buffs, and people who fly frequently. With hoards of milestone privileges and rewards, you will save a lot of money with this card. The SBI Card Elite also offers Club Vistara Silver and Trident Privilege Red Tier memberships.
Here are the major details of the card -
| Joining Fee | Rs.4,999 + taxes |
| Annual Fee | Rs.4,999 + taxes; second year onwards |
| Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (Domestic) | 2 visits every quarter |
| Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (International) | 6 visits per calendar year; maximum 2 visits per quarter |
| Other Benefits & Features |
|
Our Take: If you are a movie and shopping buff, this card can be a great choice for you. As far as airport lounges are concerned, you can access over 1000 airport lounges worldwide using this card. Offered by SBI at affordable rates, this can be your go-to credit card!
The State Bank of India’s SBI Card PRIME is another domestic and international lounge access credit card that you can get at an affordable fee. You get Prime rewards for every spend and milestone benefits on spending Rs.50,000 in a year. You can also enjoy complimentary Trident Privilege Red Tier and Club Vistara Silver memberships.
| Joining Fee | Rs.2,999 + taxes |
| Annual Fee | Rs.2,999 + taxes; second year onwards |
| Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (Domestic) | 8 visits per calendar year; maximum 2 visits per quarter |
| Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (International) | 4 visits per calendar year to International Priority Pass Lounges; maximum 2 visits per quarter |
| Other Benefits & Features |
|
Our Take: This card offers the maximum number of complimentary airport lounge visits in a year as compared to other SBI cards in this range. Additionally, getting extra reward points on your birthday is an added benefit!
The SBI Platinum Corporate Card is a card that is globally accepted by over 38 million outlets across the world. It is accepted by over 3 million outlets in India as well.
To be eligible, you must be between the ages of 18 and 70, and you must be an Indian citizen. For add-on card eligibility, you must be at least 15 years of age.
| Joining Fee | Nil |
| Annual Fee | Nil |
| Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (Domestic) | 8 visits per calendar year; maximum 2 visits per quarter |
| Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (International) | Nil |
| Other Benefits & Features |
|
Our Take: The SBI Platinum Corporate Card is a great corporate card with affordable charges. It has attractive benefits and allows up to 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits in a year.
The SBI Max Card PRIME is another credit card by the State Bank of India that offers 8 complimentary visits to any domestic airport lounges. The card also gives you freedom from paying the 1% fuel surcharge across all petrol pumps in India.
| Joining Fee | Rs.2,999 + taxes |
| Annual Fee | Rs.2,999 + taxes; second year onwards |
| Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (Domestic) | 8 complimentary visits per year; maximum 2 visits per quarter |
| Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (International) | Nil |
| Other Benefits & Features |
|
Our Take: This card lets you enjoy cumulative milestone benefits of up to 58,000 reward points that are worth Rs.14,500. The only drawback is that even though it has 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits, it doesn’t offer any international lounge visits.
The Diners Club Black Metal Edition Credit Card is a premium metal card that is one of the top options if you are searching for ‘airport lounge access credit cards India’. This card offers unlimited airport lounge access. Here are some other details about the card -
|
Joining Fee |
Rs.10,000 + taxes |
|
Annual Fee |
Rs.10,000 + taxes; spend Rs.8 Lakh in 12 months and get the renewal fee waived for the next renewal year |
|
Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (Domestic) |
Unlimited |
|
Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (International) |
Unlimited |
|
Other Benefits & Features |
|
Our Take: This HDFC credit card is one of the most premium metal cards in the country offering unlimited airport lounge visits. It even has golfing, dining, welcome, and milestone benefits that help you enjoy a luxurious lifestyle.
The HDFC Bank Tata Neu Infinity Credit Card is an affordable card perfect for global citizens. You get the welcome benefits of 1,499 NeuCoins on the Tata Neu App. It is applicable on the first transaction made within 30 days of card issuance. You can claim it in the Tata Neu App within 60 days.
To be eligible, salaried individuals should have an monthly income of at least Rs.1 Lakh. The eligibility criteria for self-employed Indian nationals is an ITR of a minimum of Rs.12 Lakh per annum.
| Joining Fee | Rs.1,499 + taxes |
| Annual Fee | Rs.1,499 + taxes; spend Rs.3 Lakh in 12 months and get the renewal fee waived for the next year |
| Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (Domestic) | For VISA/Rupay cards, get 8 complimentary visits per year; 2 every quarter |
| Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (International) |
|
| Other Benefits & Features |
|
Our Take: This card is great for people who travel overseas and enjoy benefits on regularly used apps. The reward points that you get can be claimed in Air India Express, Bigbasket, Westside, TATA 1 MG, and many other brands.
The Regalia Gold Credit Card by HDFC Bank offers complimentary lounge access to over 1000 airports, both domestic and international. You also get additional benefits under the Good Food Trail program. Here are some details of the card -
|
Joining Fee |
Rs.2,500 + taxes |
|
Annual Fee |
Rs.2,500 + taxes; spend Rs.4 Lakh in an anniversary year and get the renewal fee waived for the next renewal year |
|
Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (Domestic) |
12 complimentary access within India, both at domestic and international terminals |
|
Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (International) |
6 visits per year using Priority Pass for you and add-on member. To get Priority Pass, you have to complete minimum 4 retail transactions on your credit card. |
|
Other Benefits & Features |
|
Our Take: The HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is an affordable card with an affordable joining fee which is also repaid in gift vouchers of the equivalent amount. Enjoy milestone benefits, accidental insurance, reward points with this card too. The number of airport visits makes it a good budget credit card option!
The Sapphiro Credit Card offered by ICICI Bank is a great option if you are looking for free lounge access credit cards. Here are the number of visits this card offers -
|
Joining Fee |
Rs.6,500 |
|
Annual Fee |
Rs.3,500; spend Rs.6 Lakh in 12 months and get the renewal fee waived for the next renewal year |
|
Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (Domestic) |
2 airport spa visits per year; 4 visits to select airport lounges per quarter |
|
Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (International) |
2 visits per year |
|
Other Benefits & Features |
|
Our Take: This card has an added benefit of 2 complimentary domestic airport spa visits, apart from lounge visits. You also get discounts on movie tickets and complimentary rounds of golf. It can be a good choice under Rs.10,000.
The ICICI Bank Manchester United Platinum Credit Card is a great choice for people looking for an affordable credit card with good benefits and complimentary airport lounge access.
| Joining Fee | Rs.499 |
| Annual Fee | Rs.499; spend Rs.1,25,000 in 12 months and get the renewal fee waived for the next renewal year |
| Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (Domestic) | 4 complimentary airport lounge visits per year; 1 per quarter |
| Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (International) | Nil |
| Other Benefits & Features |
|
Our Take: With this card, you get attractive benefits and you can also stand a chance to win Manchester United merchandise.
The ICICI Bank Coral RuPay Credit Card belongs to the Gemstone Collection. You can get attractive offers and payback points on making specific spends. Lounge access is complimentary if you spend more than Rs.35,000 in the previous three months.
| Joining Fee | Nil |
| Annual Fee | Nil |
| Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits | On spending Rs.35,000 in the previous 3 months |
| Other Benefits & Features |
|
Our Take: The ICICI Bank Coral RuPay Credit Card is a great card if you use both airport and railway lounges and your spending is generally more than Rs.35,000 every 3 months.
Offered by the Axis Bank, here is a list of the airport lounge visits you can access on this card -
|
Joining Fee |
Rs.12,500 |
|
Annual Fee |
Rs.12,500; spend Rs.25 Lakh in 12 months and get the renewal fee waived for the next renewal year |
|
Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (Domestic) |
Unlimited visits to select lounges |
|
Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (International) |
Unlimited visits with 4 additional guest visits per year on Priority Pass Card |
|
Other Benefits & Features |
|
Our Take: This card offers unlimited complimentary airport lounge visits, which makes it a great choice if you fly frequently. You get a complimentary luxury brand voucher worth Rs.12,500. With insurance benefits, and discounts on domestic and international Oberoi and Trident Hotels, as well as over 4,000 Indian restaurants, it is a great card if you love a luxurious life!
The First Select Credit Card by IDFC First Bank is a lifetime-free card that has a host of benefits including complimentary lounge visits. As a cardholder, you can visit domestic airport lounges 2 times per quarter. The eligibility criteria for this card is an annual income of Rs.12 Lakh or more.
|
Joining Fee |
Nil |
|
Annual Fee |
Nil |
|
Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (Domestic) |
2 visits per quarter, on spending Rs.20,000 every month |
|
Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (International) |
Nil |
|
Other Benefits & Features |
|
Our Take: If you are eligible for this card, you can get it for no joining fee whatsoever. With welcome benefits, roadside assistance, movie & dining discounts, and complimentary golf rounds, this card can be a good choice!
Kotak Mahindra Bank offers the Kotak White Credit Card which allows you to experience luxury as you travel. Here are the number of complimentary airport lounge visits it offers -
|
Joining Fee |
Rs.3,000 + taxes |
|
Annual Fee |
Rs.3,000; spend Rs.5 Lakh in 12 months and get the renewal fee waived for the next renewal year |
|
Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (Domestic) |
8 Dream Folks lounge visits at select airports; maximum 2 per quarter |
|
Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (International) |
4 visits per year, powered by Priority Pass |
|
Other Benefits & Features |
|
Our Take: You are eligible for this card if you have an annual income of Rs.25 Lakh or more. It is only available to customers in select Indian cities and offers many benefits, including 8 domestic and 4 international airport lounge visits per year.
This card from Kotak Mahindra Bank also allows you to convert any purchase above Rs.2,500 into easy EMIs, making it a very useful credit card.
The Zen Signature Credit Card is another domestic and international lounge access credit card by Kotak Mahindra Bank. Here are the details -
|
Joining Fee |
Rs.1,500 |
|
Annual Fee |
Rs.1,500; spend Rs.1,50,000 in 12 months and get the renewal fee waived for the next renewal year |
|
Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (Domestic) |
8 visits to select Dream Folks Lounges, maximum 2 every quarter |
|
Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (International) |
3 visits to Priority Pass International Lounges per year; 4 purchase transactions (Online/Retail) to be carried out each calendar year to be eligible |
|
Other Benefits & Features |
|
Our Take: At just Rs.1,500, this card offered by Kotak Mahindra Bank is one of the most affordable ones. In fact, you also get a welcome gift of 1500 reward points. An adequate number of complimentary airport lounge visits, fuel, and railway surcharge waiver make this an attractive card to possess.
The BoB Premier Credit Card is Bank of Baroda’s offering for travel enthusiasts who enjoy luxury. On this card, you get 4 complimentary airport lounge visits every year, a maximum of 1 every quarter.
|
Joining Fee |
Rs.1,000 + taxes; spend Rs.10,000 in first 60 days and get first-year fee reversal |
|
Annual Fee |
Rs.1,000 + taxes; spend Rs.1,20,000 in 12 months and get the renewal fee waived for the next renewal year |
|
Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (Domestic) |
1 visit every quarter |
|
Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits (International) |
Nil |
|
Other Benefits & Features |
|
Our Take: Even though this card from Bank of Baroda has only 1 domestic airport lounge visit per quarter, other benefits make it a mentionable credit card. You get a free add-on card and fuel surcharge waiver. It also offers free personal accidental death cover and you can convert any purchase of over Rs.2,500 into EMIs of 6 to 36 months.
You can easily check if your credit card has airport lounge access through online and offline methods. Let’s look into the methods one by one.
First, let’s learn how to check airport lounge access on a credit card using the online method. Here are some of them -
Your card might be a VISA, RuPay, or a Master Card, etc. You can go to their respective websites and log in to know the lounge programs your specific card offers.
You can visit your bank’s website and check the offers and benefits on your credit card.
You can also visit the website of the company managing the lounge that you are about to visit to check if your card has complimentary access.
Now let’s look at how to check airport lounge access on your credit card using the online method. The following are a few ways -
Go to your bank or credit card issuer’s office to check the benefits offered by them.
You can also visit the inquiry kiosk of the lounge you are visiting with your credit card. They will check and let you know if you have complimentary access.
If you are a frequent flyer, having credit cards with lounge access can make your travel more luxurious and comfortable. Airport lounges have internet access and ample charging stations for your devices.
You can also enjoy the complimentary food and beverages offered there. The showers and restrooms are well maintained and some lounges also have entertainment options and spas available.
Airport lounges also have flight information displays so you don’t miss the flight you were waiting for. All in all, spending extra time in the lounge can be a comfortable experience.
To know if your card has complimentary airport lounge access, you can visit your bank’s website or the specific lounge’s website. You can also go to the kiosk and check with the reception counter.
Major banks provide credit cards that offer complimentary domestic and international airport lounge visits. The best card for you will depend on your preferences, your bank, and the eligibility criteria.
You can check your bank’s website to know the benefits and features of your credit card, including the number of complimentary lounge visits allowed per year. You can also get in touch with your bank or visit the lounge website to check if your card has complimentary access.
Most Priority Pass credit cards allow you to bring a guest with you for a fee, but there is a limit to it.
All airport lounges have a reception or inquiry desk. All you have to do is present your card to the official and they will swipe it and let you use the lounge.
You can access the lounge 2-3 hours before your flight departure time. However, this depends on the lounge rules and regulations. Some lounges may have minimum stay requirements, which will be calculated based on your boarding time.
Thank you. Your feedback is important to us.