Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of airports and need a break before your flight? Airport lounges provide a comfortable and convenient sanctuary for travelers. They offer premium amenities such as complimentary food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating, which enhance the travel experience and make long waits more bearable. Many credit card providers in India offer their cardholders lounge access as a perk. This article highlights the top 10 credit cards that provide airport lounge access in India, helping frequent travelers enjoy the best services without hassle.
Why Choose a Credit Card with Lounge Access?
Airport lounge access is one of the most sought-after perks of premium credit cards in India. These lounges provide a peaceful, relaxing environment before your flight and offer services such as showers, business centers, and private sleeping pods at select locations. For frequent flyers, these amenities can significantly enhance the travel experience. Having the right credit card can grant you access to these lounges at little or no cost.
| S.No. | Credit Card | Annual Fee | Lounge Access | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SBI Platinum Corporate Card | None | Visa lounges at major Indian airports | Travel insurance, fraud protection up to ₹20,00,000 |
| 2 | ICICI Bank Coral Rupay Credit Card | None | Airport & railway lounges (minimum spend ₹35,000) | Milestone rewards, movie ticket discounts |
| 3 | HDFC Visa Signature Credit Card | Purchases required | Free Priority Pass, 6 free global lounge visits | Accidental insurance up to ₹50,00,000, purchase protection |
| 4 | Tata Neu Plus HDFC Bank Credit Card | ₹499 (Lifetime free) | 4 free domestic lounge visits/year | 2% cashback on Tata Neu spends, 1% on UPI spends |
| 5 | ICICI Bank Manchester United Credit Card | ₹499 | 4 free domestic lounge visits/quarter | Discounts on Manchester United merchandise, movie offers |
| 6 | Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card | ₹500 (waivable) | 4 free domestic lounge visits/year (minimum spend ₹50,000) | 5% cashback on Flipkart & Myntra, 20% off at select restaurants |
| 7 | Cashback SBI Card | ₹999 (reversible) | 4 free domestic lounge visits/year | 5% cashback on online purchases, 1% fuel surcharge waiver |
| 8 | Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card | ₹1,500 | Lounge access (minimum spend ₹50,000 in 3 months) | Travel insurance, purchase protection, baggage loss insurance |
| 9 | SBI Advantage Platinum Credit Card | ₹2,999 | Priority Pass, global lounge access | Interest-free credit period, fuel surcharge waiver |
| 10 | Axis Bank Signature Credit Card | ₹3,000 | Domestic & global lounge access | Exclusive Indigo Airlines vouchers, flexible spending limits |
SBI Platinum Corporate Card
The SBI Platinum Corporate Card is designed for corporate travelers and provides Visa Lounge access at major airports in India and abroad. The card offers travel insurance and fraud protection up to Rs20,00,000.
Annual Fee: None
Lounge Benefits: Complimentary access to Visa Lounges at major Indian airports.
Other Benefits:
– Fraud protection up to Rs20,00,000
– Travel insurance covers air accidents, lost baggage, and emergency card replacement.
ICICI Bank Coral Rupay Credit Card
The ICICI Bank Coral Rupay Credit Card is an excellent choice for those who wish to enjoy complimentary airport and railway lounge access. Cardholders must have spent Rs35,000 in the previous three months to access the lounge.
Annual Fee: None
Lounge Benefits: Complimentary access to airport and railway lounges.
Other Benefits:
– 2,000 PAYBACK points for every Rs2,00,000 spent annually
– Special offers on movie tickets.
HDFC Visa Signature Credit Card
The HDFC Visa Signature Credit Card offers six complimentary lounge visits annually across global airports with a Priority Pass Membership. This card is ideal for travelers seeking international lounge access.
Annual Fee: Purchases worth Rs15,000 within 90 days for the first-year membership fee waiver.
Lounge Benefits: 6 free global lounge visits with Priority Pass.
Other Benefits:
– Accidental death insurance up to Rs50,00,000
– Purchase protection for personal assets up to Rs2,00,000.
Tata Neu Plus HDFC Bank Credit Card
The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Bank Credit Card offers Tata Neu app users complimentary airport lounge access and cashback rewards on Tata group purchases.
Annual Fee: Rs499 (Lifetime free for select customers).
Lounge Benefits: 4 free domestic lounge visits per year.
Other Benefits:
– 2% cashback on Tata Neu purchases
– 1% cashback on UPI spends through Tata Neu.
ICICI Bank Manchester United Platinum Credit Card
Manchester United fans will love the ICICI Bank Manchester United Credit Card, which offers lounge access and discounts on the club’s merchandise. Lounge access is available for Rs 35,000 per quarter.
Annual Fee: Rs499
Lounge Benefits: 4 free domestic lounge visits per quarter.
Other Benefits:
– 25% discount on movie tickets via BookMyShow
– Discounts on Manchester United merchandise.
Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card
The Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card provides lounge access and significant cashback benefits on Flipkart and Myntra purchases. This card also offers four free domestic lounge visits annually.
Annual Fee: Rs500 (Fee waivable if annual spends exceed Rs2,00,000).
Lounge Benefits: 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (with a minimum spend of Rs50,000 in 3 months).
Other Benefits:
– 5% cashback on Flipkart and Myntra
– 20% off at select restaurants.
Cashback SBI Card
The Cashback SBI Card offers excellent cashback deals on online purchases and comes with 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually. This card is perfect for those who frequently shop online.
Annual Fee: Rs999 (Reversible if spends exceed Rs1,00,000).
Lounge Benefits: 4 free domestic lounge visits annually.
Other Benefits:
– 5% cashback on online purchases
– 1% fuel surcharge waiver.
Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card
The Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card provides lounge access for frequent travelers who meet the minimum spend requirement. It also offers insurance coverage for both travel and purchases.
Annual Fee: Rs1,500
Lounge Benefits: Lounge access on minimum spend of Rs50,000 in 3 months.
Other Benefits:
– Travel and baggage loss insurance
– Exclusive lifestyle privileges.
SBI Advantage Platinum Credit Card
The SBI Advantage Platinum Credit Card provides global lounge access through its Priority Pass membership, making it ideal for international travelers.
Annual Fee: Rs2,999
Lounge Benefits: Access to global lounges through Priority Pass.
Other Benefits:
– Interest-free credit period
– Fuel surcharge waiver.
Axis Bank Signature Credit Card
The Axis Bank Signature Credit Card offers a luxurious experience with access to both domestic and international lounges. It also provides exclusive travel-related benefits like vouchers for Indigo Airlines.
Annual Fee: Rs3,000
Lounge Benefits: Complimentary domestic and global lounge access.
Other Benefits:
– Exclusive Indigo Airlines vouchers
– Flexible spending limits.
Conclusion
When choosing the perfect credit cards for airport lounge access in India, it’s essential to consider how it can elevate your travel experience. These featured cards are tailored to diverse needs, catering to the requirements of international jet-setters seeking worldwide lounge access and frequent domestic travelers seeking additional benefits like cashback and insurance perks. Whether you value complimentary lounge visits, cashback incentives, or exclusive lifestyle privileges, there’s a card designed to complement your travel habits and financial preferences. By carefully selecting a credit card that aligns with your travel frequency and spending patterns, you can unlock maximum benefits and enjoy a more tranquil and fulfilling journey.
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of having credit card access to airport lounges?
A. Airport lounges offer a calm and relaxing environment away from crowded terminals, with perks such as free Wi-Fi, refreshments, comfortable seating, showers, and business facilities. Lounge access through credit cards makes these amenities available at no additional cost or a discounted rate.
Q: How do I qualify for complimentary lounge access with my credit card?
A. Most credit cards with lounge access perks require a minimum spend or charge an annual fee. In some cases, cardholders are required to register for services like Priority Pass to avail of lounge access.
Q: Can I bring a guest to the lounge using my credit card?
A. Yes, many credit cards allow guests, but terms may vary. Some cards include guest access for free, while others may charge a fee for bringing additional guests.
Q: Do these credit cards offer global lounge access or only domestic?
A. Some cards, like the HDFC Visa Signature Credit Card and SBI Advantage Platinum Credit Card, offer global lounge access, while others focus primarily on domestic lounges.
Q: What other perks come with credit cards that offer lounge access?
A. Besides lounge access, these credit cards often include travel insurance, cashback rewards, discounts on dining and movies, purchase protection, and other lifestyle and travel-related benefits.
