Airport lounge access is a luxurious amenity that credit cardholders in India can take advantage of. These exclusive lounges offer travellers a convenient and comfortable sanctuary with complimentary refreshments, snacks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. However, many cardholders may not be aware that certain credit cards provide access to airport lounges. This article will explore India’s most prestigious credit cards that offer this desirable perk.
Top 10 Credit Cards with Airport Lounges- Feb’24
HSBC Cashback Credit Card
The HSBC Cashback Credit Card offers airport lounge access and cashback rewards. You can enjoy a relaxed pre-flight experience at various lounges throughout India with four complimentary visits to domestic lounges annually. The card also offers cashback rewards on different spending categories, fuel surcharge waivers, and zero liability on lost cards as additional benefits.
Airport Lounge Access: You get four complimentary domestic lounge visits per year.
Joining & Annual Fees: The joining fee for the card is Rs. 999+Taxes.
Additional Benefits: The card offers cashback rewards on various spending categories, fuel surcharge waivers, and zero liability on lost cards.
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
The Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card is a premium card that offers exclusive benefits for those who love to travel overseas. With this card, you can earn accelerated reward points on every purchase, complimentary access to domestic lounges, and Vistara flight vouchers, among other perks.
Airport Lounge Access: 8 complimentary domestic lounge accesses per year.
Joining and Annual Fees: Rs. 3000+Taxes.
Additional Benefits: In addition to this, you’ll also receive Vistara flight vouchers, milestone benefits, accelerated reward points, and complimentary Club Vistara Silver membership.
Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card
Experience the thrill of travelling with the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card. This high-end credit card offers you several benefits, like complimentary domestic lounge access, welcome vouchers, milestone benefits, accelerated reward points, and exclusive privileges.
Airport Lounge Access: This credit card annually provides eight complimentary domestic lounge visits.
Joining and Annual Fees: Rs. 1500+Taxes.
Additional Benefits: Apart from this, you will also receive welcome vouchers, milestone benefits, accelerated reward points, and complimentary Club Vistara Base membership.
Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
Frequent travellers seeking unparalleled convenience and luxury can use the Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card. This credit card offers numerous benefits, including unlimited access to domestic and international lounges, premium privileges, travel insurance, and exclusive lifestyle perks.
Airport Lounge Access: Benefits of the Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card include unlimited complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges.
Joining and Annual Fees: Rs. 10000+ taxes and an annual fee are also applicable.
Additional Benefits: The card provides high reward earning potential, milestone benefits, travel insurance, golf privileges, and concierge services. The joining fee for the card is Rs. 10000+ taxes, and an annual fee is also applicable.
HDFC Bank Tata Neu Infinity Credit Card
The HDFC Bank Tata Neu Infinity Credit Card is designed to complement your lifestyle and offers a range of perks and rewards. If you’re a Tata Group spender, you’ll be eligible for complimentary access to airport lounges, milestone benefits, and accelerated reward points.
Airport Lounge Access: 8 domestic and four international airport lounges every year.
Joining and Annual Fees: Rs. 1499+ taxes and an annual fee.
Additional Benefits: Besides airport lounge access, there are other benefits to consider, such as welcome vouchers, accelerated reward points on Tata group spends, milestone benefits, and fuel surcharge waiver.
AU Bank Zenith Credit Card
Frequent travellers who value convenience and luxury should consider applying for the AU Bank Zenith Credit Card. This card provides an extensive selection of complimentary airport lounge access domestically and internationally, exclusive travel vouchers, accelerated reward points, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Airport Lounge Access: 16 complimentary domestic and eight international airport lounge accesses.
Joining and Annual Fees: are Rs. 7999+Taxes.
Additional Benefits: Other benefits of this card include milestone benefits, accelerated reward points, airport assistance services, and insurance coverage.
American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card
Attention, discerning travellers! The American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card offers a plethora of exclusive privileges and rewards. You can enjoy exquisite dining experiences at high-end hotels, access to exclusive airport facilities, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Airport Lounge Access: 12 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year, limited to 3 per quarter; you can enjoy the airport lounge access.
Joining and Annual Fees: Rs. 5000 + GST and an annual fee of Rs. 10000 + GST.
Additional Benefits: Along with the airport lounge access, you will receive extra benefits such as Membership Rewards points, dining privileges, hotel benefits, travel insurance, and concierge services.
American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent travellers who seek exceptional perks and incentives. You can enjoy numerous benefits, including complimentary access to domestic lounges, travel vouchers, accelerated reward points, and unique dining and hotel privileges.
Airport Lounge Access: 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year, limited to 2 per quarter.
Joining and Annual Fees: Rs 3,500 + GST and an annual fee of Rs 5,000 + GST is applicable.
Additional Benefits: Besides the above, you can enjoy membership rewards points, travel vouchers, dining discounts, hotel benefits, and fuel surcharge waivers.
SBI ELITE Credit Card
The SBI Elite Credit Card is the ideal choice for the discerning traveller, offering many benefits. You can enjoy complimentary access to domestic and international lounges, receive e-gift certificates as a token of appreciation, earn reward points at a faster rate, and receive comprehensive travel insurance.
Airport Lounge Access: 8 complimentary domestic lounge accesses and 6 international lounge accesses per year.
Joining and Annual Fees: Rs. 4999+Taxes.
Additional Benefits: In addition, you can also benefit from a welcome e-gift voucher, milestone benefits, accelerated reward points, fuel surcharge waiver, and travel insurance.
SBI Card PRIME
The SBI Card Prime offers a range of exclusive benefits and incentives for frequent travellers. You get complimentary access to airport lounges, welcome e-gift vouchers, comprehensive travel insurance, and accelerated reward points.
Airport Lounge Access: 8 complimentary visits per calendar year to domestic lounges and 4 complimentary visits to international Priority Pass lounges outside India.
Joining and Annual Fees: Variable.
Additional Benefits: Besides the above benefits, you also get milestone benefits, accelerated reward points, fuel surcharge waiver, and travel insurance.
Conclusion
Access to airport lounges, reward points, travel insurance, and lifestyle benefits are among the many privileges and advantages offered by credit cards. By choosing the right credit card based on personal preferences and lifestyle needs, travellers can enhance their overall travel experience and enjoy greater comfort and convenience at airports around India and the world.
How to Apply for Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access
If you’re interested in obtaining a credit card that provides access to airport lounges, you’ll need to follow a few steps. Here’s a general overview of what you’ll need to do:
1. Research and Compare: Conduct extensive research to find credit cards that offer access to airport lounges. Compare their eligibility criteria, features, benefits, and fees.
2. Check Eligibility: Typically, the issuing bank will have eligibility requirements based on age, income, employment status, and credit score. Make sure you meet these requirements before moving forward.
3. Gather Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documentation, including identification, proof of address, income statements, and any other documents required by the bank.
4. Online Application: Visit the credit card section of the financial institution’s website and choose the credit card you want to apply for.
Fill out the online application form, providing accurate personal and financial information.
5. Document Submission: Enclosed are scanned copies of the necessary documents and the application. These documents may include your PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport, pay stubs, bank statements, and others required for the application process.
6. Verification Process: The bank will review your application and supporting documents to evaluate your eligibility for the credit card. If necessary, they may conduct additional verification.
7. Approval: If your application meets the bank’s requirements and passes verification, you will receive approval for the credit card.
8. Receive Card: Once approved, the bank will issue the credit card and deliver it to your registered mailing address within a few business days.
9. Activation: After receiving the card, you must activate it through the bank’s website, mobile application, or customer service hotline.
Eligibility for Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access
Credit card eligibility criteria for airport lounge access may vary slightly among different banks. However, some standard requirements include:
Minimum age: Usually, the applicant must be at least 21 years old.
Maximum age: The maximum age limit varies by bank, but it is typically up to 65 years for salaried individuals and 60 years for self-employed individuals.
Income: Banks may have minimum income requirements based on employment status, whether salaried or self-employed.
Credit score: A good credit score, typically above 750, is preferred.
Benefits of Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounges
Airport lounge access, travel privileges, reward points/miles, dining and lifestyle benefits, concierge services, and special discounts and offers are some of the benefits offered by credit cards.
Complimentary Lounge Access: Complimentary lounge access allows you to enjoy domestic and international airport lounges, with amenities such as comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, refreshments, and more.
Travel Privileges: Travel privileges include exclusive benefits such as priority check-in, priority boarding, excess baggage allowance, and travel insurance coverage.
Reward Points/Miles: Earn reward points or miles on every transaction, which can be redeemed for flight tickets, hotel stays, merchandise, or cashback.
Dining and Lifestyle Benefits: Avail dining discounts, lifestyle privileges, and exclusive offers at partner restaurants, hotels, spas, and more.
Concierge Services: Access concierge services for assistance with travel bookings, restaurant reservations, event tickets, and other personalised services.
Special Discounts and Offers: Enjoy special discounts on movie tickets, shopping, dining, entertainment, and other lifestyle expenses.
By understanding the application process, eligibility criteria, and benefits associated with credit cards offering airport lounge access, individuals can make informed decisions and choose the card that best suits their needs and preferences.
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