In contemporary society, many individuals engage in frequent business or leisure travel due to the persistent expansion of global connectivity. Airport lounges offer frequent travellers a comfortable sanctuary where they can relax and experience a sense of tranquillity. Conspicuous dining options and cosy seating arrangements will augment these facilities’ practicality and solace. They can convert extended periods of delay or layover into a tranquil and productive experience. Frequent travellers will find access to international terminals with a credit card, which is a precious benefit. Peruse our exhaustive manual to ascertain the most esteemed credit cards in India that provide this sought-after perk and obtain comprehensive application guidelines for every card. Unlock luxury travel perks with international lounge access benefits credit cards. Find out about lounge access, rewards, fee waivers, and more for frequent travellers.
About International Lounge Access Credit Cards
Imagine a world where you can enter airport lounges worldwide, free of charge or at a reduced fee. This is the realm of a particular type of credit card designed exclusively for those who frequently travel and appreciate the finer things in life. With this card, you unlock a realm of airport lounge privileges that are not available to the average traveller:
Top 10 International Lounge Access Credit Cards 2024
Here are the top 10 credit cards in India that offer international lounge access along with their key features:
American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹60000 + taxes
Welcome Bonus: 100,000 Membership Rewards points
Lounge Access: Complimentary Priority Pass membership with unlimited access to 1,200 plus airport lounges globally.
Fee Waiver: No spend-based waiver
Eligibility: Salaried Annual Income of ₹ 25 Lakhs or Self-Employed Annual Income of ₹ 15 Lakhs
HDFC Bank INFINIA Credit Card Metal Edition
Annual Fee: By invitation only, ₹12,500 + taxes
Welcome Bonus: Complimentary Club Marriott membership for the first year and 12500 reward points.
Lounge Access: Unlimited airport lounge access worldwide for Primary and Add-on members.
Fee Waiver: Annual fee waiver for ₹10 Lakhs spend in the preceding 12 months
Eligibility: Membership by invitation only
ICICI Emerald Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹12,000 + taxes
Welcome Bonus: NA
Lounge Access: Unlimited complimentary access to international airport lounges under the Dreamfolks Membership Programme
Fee Waiver: No spend-based waiver
Eligibility: ₹3,00,000+ monthly salary or Annual Income Tax Returns of ₹ 30 Lakhs
HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹10000 + taxes
Welcome Bonus: Complimentary annual memberships from Marriott and other rewards.
Lounge Access: Unlimited access to around 1300 lounges in India and worldwide for primary and add-on Cardholders.
Fee Waiver: Annual fee waiver for ₹5 Lakhs spend in 12 Months
Eligibility: Monthly salary of ₹ 1.75 Lakhs or an annual income of 21 Lakhs
Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹ 10,000 + Taxes
Welcome Bonus: Choose from 1 complimentary economy class flight ticket across any domestic location OR a Tata CLiQ voucher worth Rs.10000
Lounge Access: Unlimited complimentary international lounge visits and eight accompanied guest visits per year with Priority Pass.
Fee Waiver: Annual fee waiver for ₹15 Lakhs spent in the preceding year.
Eligibility: Annual Salary of ₹18 Lakhs or Income Tax Return filed for ₹18 Lakhs
Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹ 3,000 + Taxes
Welcome Bonus: Amazon voucher worth ₹ 2,000
Lounge Access: 12 complimentary International Airport Lounge access through Priority Pass Membership.
Fee Waiver: Waived for Axis Bank Burgundy Account Holders
Eligibility: Net income of ₹ 6 Lakhs per annum.
SBI Card Elite
Annual Fee: ₹ 4,999 + Taxes
Welcome Bonus: ₹ 5,000 e-vouchers of your choice (Pantaloons, Shoppers Stop, Hush Puppies / Bata, Yatra, Aditya Birla Fashion etc.)
Lounge Access: Complimentary Priority Pass membership with 6 visits per calendar year outside India.
Fee Waiver: Annual Fee waived off on spends of ₹ 10 Lakhs
Eligibility: Monthly income of ₹ 60,000+
Yes Bank’s Yes First Exclusive Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹1,999+ taxes
Welcome Bonus: Amazon vouchers
Lounge Access: Complimentary International Airport Lounge Access
Fee Waiver: 1st-year charge waived off on total retail spends of ₹ 40,000 done within 30 days. Renewal charges waiver on annual spend of ₹ 300,000
Eligibility: Minimum Net Salary of ₹ 2 Lakhs per month or Income Tax Return of ₹ 18 Lakhs and above
HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹2500 + taxes
Welcome Bonus: Gift Voucher equivalent to Fee Amount ₹ 2,500
Lounge Access: 12 complimentary airport lounges are available within India, and 6 are outside India.
Fee Waiver: No spend-based waiver
Eligibility: Monthly Income ₹ 1,00,000+ Or Self-employed, ITR ₹ 12 Lakhs +
AU Zenith Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹7,999 + taxes
Welcome Bonus: Vouchers worth ₹ 1,000 on the first POS retail transaction.
Lounge Access: 2 complimentary airport lounges are available through the Priority Pass every quarter.
Fee Waiver: No spend-based waiver
Eligibility: Indian citizen between 21 and 60 years old</p><h3&gt;<strong&gt;Features and Benefits of International Lounge Access Credit Cards
Accessing international lounges is just one of the many benefits that credit cards bearing this designation offer. A multitude of privileges are accessible to individuals who possess cards, including:
- Travel Rewards: With each transaction, you can accumulate points or miles to exchange for enticing benefits and accommodations that align with your personal preferences and requirements, including hotel stays, travel, and more.
- Cashback: One feature that can significantly improve your financial management is earning cash back on some expenses. It not only increases your financial gains but also helps you save more.
- Purchase Protection: Many credit cards offer supplementary safeguards against loss, theft, or damage.
- Insurance Coverage: Credit cards offer travel insurance, which can help with unforeseen medical costs, flight disruptions, and misplaced baggage.
- Concierge Services: Offer any support that you might require. From arranging the perfect vacation to reserving a table at a restaurant, our concierge service is at your disposal in every way.
Documents Required to Apply for an International Lounge Access Credit Card
The documents typically required to apply for an international lounge access credit card include:
- Proof of Identity: Passport, Aadhar card, PAN card, or driving license.
- Proof of Address: Recent utility bills, rental agreement, or Aadhar card.
- Income Proof: Salary slips, bank statements, or Income Tax Returns (ITR).
- Employment Proof: Employment certificate or business ownership proof for self-employed individuals.
- Photographs: Passport-sized photographs for card application.
How To Apply for International Lounge Access Credit Cards?
The usual steps for applying for a credit card that grants access to airport lounges abroad are as follows:
- Research: Compare credit cards before you commit to one for international lounge access to get the most out of your introductory deals, perks, and fees. Knowing the benefits of each feature may help you choose the best card for your needs and confidently make an educated selection.
- Eligibility Check: Ensuring your age, salary, and job status match the standards is essential in safeguarding your financial future.
- Documentation: You must gather all required documents before beginning the application process.
- Application: It is helpful to visit the bank’s website and branches so you can finish the application.
- Verification: Please attach relevant supplemental resources to your submission for review.
- Approval: The registration will be deemed official upon completion of the verification procedure. You’ll receive a welcome gift and a credit card if everything checks out.
Conclusion
The many perks with international lounge benefits and access to credit cards will make long trips much more bearable for regular fliers. These cards provide a range of benefits to suit different travel tastes, including access to lounges, travel incentives, and insurance coverage. To get the most out of a credit card, however, you must choose one that suits your spending patterns, travel preferences, and way of life. You may improve your trip with the correct credit card if you know what to look for, how to apply, and what available perks.
