In India, several credit cards offer free or discounted access to airport lounges as a key benefit. If you’re someone who travels often, having the right credit card can save you significant money and elevate your travel experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best credit cards in India for airport lounge access and how to choose the one that suits you best.
Features to Look for in a Credit Card for Lounge Access
Before diving into the best options, here are some factors you should consider when choosing a card:
Number of Complimentary Visits: Some cards limit the number of free visits per quarter or year. Choose a card that matches your travel frequency.
Domestic vs. International Lounges: Check if the card provides access to both domestic and international lounges, depending on your travel pattern.
Eligibility and Fees: Some premium cards require a high income or charge significant annual fees. Ensure the benefits outweigh the costs.
Other Perks: Many cards bundle lounge access with travel benefits like free air miles, dining discounts, or travel insurance.
Credit Cards With Complimentary Airport Lounge
1. HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹2,500 (waived on annual spends above ₹3 lakh)
Lounge Access: Unlimited access to domestic lounges and select international lounges through the Diners Club network.
Key Benefits:
2x reward points on dining, travel, and shopping
Complimentary golf sessions and lifestyle privileges
Air accident cover of ₹1 crore
Best For: High-frequency domestic and international travelers.
2. SBI Elite Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹4,999
Lounge Access: 6 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year and 2 international lounge visits via Priority Pass.
Key Benefits:
₹5,000 welcome e-gift voucher
Up to 10x rewards on dining and entertainment
Movie ticket discounts up to ₹6,000 annually
Best For: People who enjoy a mix of travel and lifestyle benefits.
3. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹3,000
Lounge Access: Complimentary access to select domestic lounges.
Key Benefits:
Free premium economy ticket on joining
Earn Club Vistara points for every ₹200 spent
Discounted fares on Vistara flights
Best For: Travelers loyal to Vistara Airlines.
4. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹6,500 (₹3,500 for subsequent years)
Lounge Access: 4 complimentary international lounge visits via Priority Pass and 2 complimentary domestic visits per quarter.
Key Benefits:
Complimentary rounds of golf
Exclusive dining privileges
Travel insurance for lost baggage or flight delays
Best For: International travelers seeking premium benefits.
5. IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹10,000 (one-time joining fee)
Lounge Access: Unlimited access to domestic lounges and international lounges via Priority Pass.
Key Benefits:
Concierge services
Comprehensive travel insurance
1% fuel surcharge waiver
Best For: Premium users looking for seamless travel perks.
6. YES FIRST Preferred Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹2,499 (waived on spends above ₹3 lakh annually)
Lounge Access: 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter.
Key Benefits:
2 reward points per ₹100 spent
Golf privileges
Low foreign currency mark-up fee of 1.75%
Best For: Frequent domestic travelers with mid-range spending.
Credit Card
Joining Fees
Annual Fees
Complimentary Spa Access Limit
Conditions
HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card
₹2,500
₹2,500 (waived on spends of ₹3 lakh)
Unlimited
Access limited to specific lounges under the Diners Club network.
SBI Elite Credit Card
₹4,999
₹4,999
Not Applicable
6 domestic lounge visits; 2 international lounge visits via Priority Pass.
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
₹3,000
₹3,000
Not Applicable
Domestic lounge access limited to partnered airports.
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
₹6,500 (₹3,500 renewal)
₹3,500
Not Applicable
4 international lounge visits and 2 domestic visits per quarter.
IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card
₹10,000
Nil
Unlimited
Lounge access available through Priority Pass network.
YES FIRST Preferred Credit Card
₹2,499 (waived on ₹3 lakh spends)
₹2,499
Not Applicable
4 domestic lounge visits per quarter; international access not included.
How to Choose the Best Card for Your Needs
Choosing the right card depends on your travel habits and financial situation. Here are some tips:
Frequent Flyers: If you travel frequently, opt for cards with unlimited lounge access.
Occasional Travelers: For occasional flyers, a card with limited complimentary visits and a low annual fee will suffice.
Travel Goals: Cards like the Axis Bank Vistara Signature or HDFC Diners Club Privilege are ideal for earning rewards and air miles.
Budget: Assess whether the annual fees and spending requirements align with your budget.
Benefits Beyond Lounge Access
Many of these cards come with additional benefits that make them worth considering:
Travel Insurance: Covers flight delays, lost luggage, and more.
Reward Points: Earn points on every transaction, redeemable for flights, hotel stays, or shopping.
Dining Discounts: Special deals and cashback on dining at partner restaurants.
Global Acceptance: Access to international payment networks like Visa, MasterCard, and Diners Club.
Bottomline
Investing in a credit card with airport lounge access can transform the way you travel. Not only do you get to enjoy a relaxed pre-flight experience, but you also gain access to several other perks like reward points and travel insurance. While the cards listed above are some of the best options available in India, make sure to evaluate your personal needs before making a decision.
