In today’s increased travel and frequent flying age, access to airport lounges has become a sought-after feature among credit card users. It provides comfort, relaxation, and amenities while waiting for flights. Several banks in India offer credit cards that grant access to airport lounges, catering to domestic and international travelers. This article explores the top credit cards in India that provide airport lounge access, detailing their benefits, fees, and more.
The convenience of airport lounges cannot be overstated. From complimentary refreshments to comfortable seating and charging stations, lounges significantly enhance the travel experience. However, accessing these lounges often requires a high-tier credit card or a paid membership. Fortunately, many credit cards in India now offer lounge access as a standard benefit, making travel more enjoyable for cardholders.
This article reviews the top credit cards with airport lounge access in India, comparing their features, fees, and specific lounge access benefits.
Comparison Table of Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access
| Credit Card | Lounge Access Details | Annual Fee | Complimentary Access | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card | 8 domestic lounges/year | ₹1,000 + GST | 2 lounges/quarter | Waiver on annual fee after ₹1,00,000 spent |
| HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Edition | Unlimited domestic & international lounges | ₹12,500 + GST | Unlimited via Priority Pass | Premium benefits, including welcome gifts |
| Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Credit Card | 8 domestic, 4 international lounges/year | ₹1,499 + GST | 2 domestic, 1 international lounge/quarter | Renewal fee waiver after ₹3,00,000 spend |
| InterMiles HDFC Platinum Credit Card | 8 domestic lounges/year | ₹1,499 + GST | 2 lounges/quarter | Earn InterMiles reward points |
| SBI Elite Credit Card | 2 domestic + 2 international lounges/quarter | ₹4,999 + GST | 2 domestic + 2 international lounges/quarter | ₹5,000 welcome gift |
| SBI Card MILES | 4 domestic lounges/year | ₹1,499 + GST | 2 lounges/quarter | Priority Pass membership |
| SBI Card Aurum | 4 domestic lounges/quarter | ₹9,999 + GST | 2 lounges/quarter | ₹10,000 welcome gift |
| Club Vistara SBI Card PRIME | 8 domestic lounges/year | ₹2,999 + GST | 2 lounges/quarter | Earn Vistara points on spends |
| ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card | 2 international lounges/year | ₹3,500 + GST | 2 international lounges/year | Complimentary spa sessions |
| IDFC First Wealth Credit Card | 2 domestic + 2 international lounges/month | No annual fee | 2 domestic + 2 international lounges/month | Lifetime free credit card |
Detailed Information on Each Card:
1. HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card
– Airport Lounge Access: Cardholders enjoy access to 8 complimentary domestic lounges per calendar year (2 visits per quarter) for a nominal fee of ₹2 or ₹25 (depending on the card type) for each lounge visit.
– Fees: The joining and renewal membership fees are ₹1,000 + applicable taxes. However, the renewal fee can be waived if you spend ₹1,00,000 or more in a year.
– Additional Benefits: Earn reward points on every transaction, cashback offers and online shopping discounts.
2. HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Edition
– Airport Lounge Access: Priority Pass provides unlimited access to over 1,000 lounges globally, which also extends to add-on cardholders.
– Fees: The joining and renewal fee is ₹12,500 + applicable taxes, often waived through spending.
– Additional Benefits: Comprehensive travel insurance, concierge services, and exclusive discounts at luxury hotels and restaurants.
3. Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card
– Airport Lounge Access: Through Priority Pass, cardholders receive 8 complimentary domestic lounge accesses (2 per quarter) and 4 international lounge accesses (1 per quarter).
– Fees: The joining and renewal fee is ₹1,499 + applicable taxes, waived with a spend of ₹3,00,000 annually.
– Additional Benefits: Rewards are available in various categories, and cashback is available on bookings through Tata Neu.
4. InterMiles HDFC Bank Platinum Credit Card
– Airport Lounge Access: Access to 8 domestic lounges per year (2 per quarter).
– Fees: The annual fee is ₹1,499 + applicable taxes.
– Additional Benefits: Accrue InterMiles on every transaction, redeemable for flights, hotels, and more.
5. SBI Elite Credit Card
– Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits every quarter and 2 international lounge visits per quarter.
Fees: There is a one-time annual fee of ₹4,999 + applicable taxes. A welcome gift worth ₹5,000 is included.
– Additional Benefits: Access to exclusive offers, reward points on purchases, and insurance coverage.
Sure, here are the details of some credit cards with airport lounge access:
6. SBI Card MILES
 "Top Credit Cards with Lounge Access India")
– Airport Lounge Access: 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year and a complimentary Priority Pass membership for international lounge access.
– Fees: The annual fee is ₹1,499 + applicable taxes.
– Additional Benefits: Earn reward points on spends and redeem them for flight tickets.
7. SBI Card Aururm
– Airport Lounge Access: Cardholders receive 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter, with add-on cardholders receiving up to 2 visits.
– Fees: The annual fee is ₹9,999 + applicable taxes, with a welcome gift worth ₹10,000.
– Additional Benefits: Premium rewards program and insurance coverage.
8. Club Vistara SBI Card PRIME
– Airport Lounge Access: 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (2 per quarter).
– Fees: The annual fee is ₹2,999 + applicable taxes.
– Additional Benefits: Earn Vistara points on every spend, which applies to flight bookings and upgrades.
9. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
– Airport Lounge Access: 2 complimentary international lounge visits yearly and complimentary spa sessions at select airports.
– Fees: The annual fee is ₹3,500 + applicable taxes.
– Additional Benefits: Comprehensive insurance coverage, airport concierge services, and spending rewards.
10. IDFC First Wealth Credit Card
– Airport Lounge Access: Access to 2 domestic and 2 international lounges monthly.
– Fees: This is a lifetime free credit card with no annual fees.
– Additional Benefits: Other features include high reward points, cashback offers, and no minimum spend criteria.
Selecting the right credit card with airport lounge access can significantly improve your travel experience. Whether you travel frequently or occasionally, these credit cards offer benefits beyond lounge access. When choosing the best credit card for your needs, consider your travel habits, spending patterns, and lifestyle requirements.
The market provides many options, from premium cards with extensive lounge access to no annual fees. Each card comes with unique features, fees, and rewards, so it’s essential to evaluate them based on your preferences and usage.
FAQs:
Q. How do I access airport lounges using my credit card?
A. Most credit cards have specific guidelines for lounge access, which usually involve presenting your credit card and boarding pass at the lounge entrance. Some cards may also require prior registration with the lounge program.
Q. Are there any charges for using airport lounges?
A. While many credit cards offer complimentary lounge access, some may charge a nominal fee for each visit, significantly if you exceed the allotted number of complimentary visits. Check the terms and conditions of your specific card for details.
Q. Can add-on cardholders access lounges?
A. Yes, many credit cards allow add-on cardholders to access airport lounges. However, the number of complimentary visits and specific terms may vary by card. Always check with your card issuer for details.
Q. Do all credit cards offer airport lounge access?
A. No, not all credit cards come with lounge access benefits. It is usually found in premium or travel-focused credit cards. Make sure to review the benefits when applying for a credit card.
Q. How often can I use the airport lounges with my credit card?
A. The frequency of lounge access varies by credit card. Some cards allow access to lounges multiple times yearly, while others may limit it to a specific number of visits per quarter or annually. Always refer to the particular card’s terms for details.
Q. What should I consider when choosing a credit card with lounge access?
A. When choosing a credit card with lounge access, consider the number of complimentary visits, associated fees, additional benefits (like reward points), and travel frequency.
