Perks and privileges have become synonymous with consumer acquisition in the credit card industry. Access to airport lounges is a highly sought-after amenity among frequent travellers and individuals seeking a luxurious experience throughout their journeys. In India, where travel plays a substantial role in the lives of many individuals, choosing a credit card that provides complimentary access to airport lounges can significantly enhance the journey. Here are some credit cards competing to offer complimentary airport lounge access benefits in India:
Axis Bank MY ZONE Credit Card
Fees: Joining Fee – Rs. 500 + GST, Renewal Fee – Rs. 500 + GST
Best Suited For: Movies
Reward Type: Reward Points
Domestic Lounge Access: 1 Complimentary Lounge Access Every Quarter (4 Each Year)
The Bank of Axis offers the MY ZONE Credit Card, an entry-level card designed for cinema enthusiasts. This card provides lounge access, dining, and amusement privileges, making it an excellent choice for those prioritising entertainment.
AU Bank LIT Credit Card
Fees: Joining Fee – Nil, Renewal Fee – Nil
Best Suited For: Movies
Reward Type: Reward Points
Domestic Lounge Access: 2 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Every Quarter (8 Each Year)
The AU Bank LIT Credit Card is a cost-effective option with no joining or renewal fees. It provides multiple lounge visits per quarter, making it ideal for frequent travellers who want to balance benefits and costs.
IndusInd Legend Credit Card
Fees: Joining Fee – Nil, Renewal Fee – Nil
Best Suited For: Travel
Reward Type: Reward Points
Domestic Lounge Access: 1 Free Domestic Airport Lounge Access Every Quarter (4 Each Year)
The IndusInd Legend Credit Card is designed for travel enthusiasts and offers Priority Pass Programme access to domestic and international lounges. With a comprehensive rewards system, it enhances the overall travel experience.
IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Card
Fees: Joining Fee – Rs. 499 + GST, Renewal Fee – Rs. 499 + GST
Best Suited For: Fuel
Reward Type: Reward Points
Domestic Lounge Access: 1 Complimentary Domestic Lounge Access Every Quarter (4 Each Year)
The IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Card offers benefits specifically designed for fuel and utility bill payments. This card provides quarterly lounge access and general rewards that emphasise petroleum savings.
Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card
Fees: Joining Fee – Rs. 500 + GST, Renewal Fee – Rs. 500 + GST
Best Suited For: Shopping
Reward Type: Cashback
Domestic Lounge Access: 1 Free Domestic Airport Lounge Access Every Quarter (4 Each Year)
Designed for frequent online shoppers, the Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card offers a favourable combination of cashback benefits and complimentary lounge access, making it an appealing option.
ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card
Fees: Joining Fee – Rs. 500 + GST, Renewal Fee – Rs. 500 + GST
Best Suited For: Movies
Reward Type: Reward Points
Domestic Lounge Access: 1 Domestic Lounge Access Every Quarter (4 Each Year)
The entertainment-oriented perks of the ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card—such as lounge access, movie ticket discounts, and reward points on spending—are attractive to movie enthusiasts.
HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card
Fees: Joining Fee – Rs. 1,000 + GST, Renewal Fee – Rs. 1,000 + GST
Best Suited For: Shopping
Reward Type: Reward Points
Domestic Lounge Access: 1 Domestic Airport Lounge Access Every Quarter (4 Each Year)
To attract a younger demographic, the HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card provides occasional lounge access and cashback on purchases, emphasising online transactions.
American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
Fees: Joining Fee – Nil, Renewal Fee – Rs. 5,000 + GST
Best Suited For: Travel
Reward Type: Reward Points
Domestic Lounge Access: 2 Domestic Lounge Access Every Quarter (8 Each Year)
The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card highlights travel benefits, including complimentary lounge access, membership rewards, and milestone incentives. Therefore, it is a premium option for frequent travellers.
ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card
Fees: Joining Fee – Rs. 3,000 + GST, Renewal Fee – Rs. 2,000 + GST
Best Suited For: Travel
Reward Type: Reward Points
Domestic Lounge Access: 1 complimentary domestic airport lounge access per quarter (MasterCard variant) and two domestic airport lounge access per quarter on the Visa variant
The ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card is the first of its kind in India, providing many advantages in the dining, travel, and other domains. These benefits include access to multiple lounges and concierge services.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card in India that offers complimentary access to airport lounges depends on various factors such as personal preferences, spending habits, and travel frequency. Some credit cards offer benefits tailored to specific sectors like fuel, cinema, or retail, while others provide more general advantages such as cashback, reward points, and travel perks. Consumers need to assess their needs and match them with the features offered by each credit card to make an informed decision that maximises their expenses and travel experiences.
How to Apply for Credit Cards with Free Airport Lounge Access Benefits in India
You must complete an application process to apply for credit cards that provide complimentary access to airport lounges in India. Follow these steps to apply:
1. Research and Compare: Start by researching and comparing various credit cards that offer complimentary access to airport lounges. When comparing credit cards, consider membership and yearly due dates, rewards, benefits, and eligibility requirements.
2. Check Eligibility: Verify that you meet the eligibility requirements for the credit card you want to apply for. Eligibility requirements may include age, income, employment status, credit score, and income.
3. Online Application: Most financial institutions and banks allow you to apply for credit cards online through their official websites or mobile applications. Fill out the online application form with accurate information about your personal, financial, and contact details.
4. Upload Documents: In addition to the application form, you will also need to submit supporting documents such as proof of identity (such as an Aadhar card, passport, or driver’s license), proof of address (such as utility bills or rental agreements), evidence of income (such as salary receipts or IT returns), and passport-sized photographs. Ensure you provide all the necessary information and documents to increase your chances of getting approved for the credit card.
5. Verification Process: Once you have submitted your application and the necessary supporting documents, the bank will audit the information you provide. Sometimes, the bank may require physical evidence of your address and employment.
6. Credit Limit: Apart from evaluating your income and credit history, the bank will set your credit limit after your application is approved. You will receive the terms and conditions of your credit card and the card itself.
7. Activate Your Card: Follow the instructions after receiving your credit card. This process usually involves accessing the bank’s portal or dialling a specific number.
8. Enjoy Lounge Access: Once you have activated your credit card, you will be eligible for free access to airport lounges, subject to the terms and conditions of the card.
Eligibility Criteria for Credit Cards with Free Airport Lounge Access Benefits
The eligibility criteria for credit cards that offer free access to airport lounges in India may vary depending on the issuing bank and the credit card. However, there are specific standard prerequisites that applicants must meet, which are as follows:
- Age: The minimum age requirement for credit card applications is typically 18, although some premium cards may require higher age criteria.
- Income: Financial institutions usually require credit card applicants to meet a minimum income threshold to ensure they can handle credit card payments effectively.
- Credit Score: A high credit score is essential for credit card approval, and financial institutions generally prefer applicants with a credit score of 750 or higher, which indicates a responsible credit usage track record.
- Employment Status: Applicants must be stable-income salaried or self-employed individuals, and the employment status and duration may vary from bank to bank.
- Residency Status: Applicants must be residents of India or non-resident Indians (NRIs) who meet the bank’s residency requirements.
Benefits of Credit Cards with Free Airport Lounge Access Benefits in India
Credit cards that offer complimentary access to airport lounges have several benefits that can improve the overall travel experience:
Luxurious Airport Experience: Besides providing Wi-Fi, refreshments, and comfortable seating, airport lounges offer a relaxed atmosphere for travellers before or between flights.
Cost Savings: Cardholders can save on lounge fees by taking advantage of complimentary lounge access instead of purchasing it separately.
Travel Convenience: Airport lounges also eliminate waiting in crowded airport terminals by providing a private and calm space to work, relax, or freshen up before a flight.
Global Network: Some high-end credit cards even give customers access to an international network of lounges, allowing them to enjoy similar benefits worldwide.
Additional Perks: Credit cards may also offer rewards points, reimbursements, travel discounts, insurance, concierge services, travel-related benefits, and lounge access.
Overall, credit cards that provide complimentary access to airport lounges enhance the travel experience and offer additional benefits that cater to the preferences of frequent and luxury travellers.
FAQs
How do I qualify for complimentary airport lounge access benefits with a credit card?
You must meet specific eligibility criteria for complimentary airport lounge access. The issuing bank sets these criteria: income level, credit score, employment status, and residency. Additionally, the bank may have particular requirements based on the credit card type and its benefits.
Can I apply for multiple credit cards with complimentary airport lounge access?
It is possible to apply for multiple credit cards that offer complimentary airport lounge access. However, you must consider your spending habits, the annual fees of each card, and how well the benefits align with your travel preferences. Multiple cards can give you flexibility and access to a broader network of lounges.
Are there any additional fees or charges associated with using the airport lounge access benefit?
It is crucial to check for additional fees or charges for using the airport lounge access benefit. Although credit cards offer complimentary airport lounge access, some cards may have a usage fee beyond the complimentary visits allotted for each lounge visit. Moreover, premium lounges or services within lounges may require payment even with complimentary access. Always review the terms and conditions of your credit card to understand any associated fees.
