10 best credit cards for airport lounge access in India

Traveling can be exhausting, especially when you have long layovers or unexpected delays. Airport lounges provide a haven where you can relax, freshen up, and even get some work done in a quiet environment. Having access to these lounges can significantly enhance your travel experience, turning a stressful situation into a more pleasant one.

Benefits of Having a Credit Card with Lounge Access

While some airport lounges require a membership or a hefty fee for entry, many credit cards offer complimentary access as a perk. This benefit is especially valuable for frequent travelers, providing savings on lounge entry fees and ensuring that you have a comfortable place to wait for your flight.

1. HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card

Overview

The HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card is a premium offering that caters to high-net-worth individuals. This card is well-known for its extensive range of benefits, including unlimited complimentary access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide.

Lounge Access Benefits

• Unlimited access to lounges across India and globally.
• Complimentary access for primary and add-on cardholders.

Other Key Features

• Earn 5X reward points on dining, airfare, and hotel bookings.
• Comprehensive insurance cover.
• Exclusive lifestyle privileges, including golf course access and luxury hotel stays.

2. SBI Card ELITE

Overview

The SBI Card ELITE is designed for those who enjoy the finer things in life. It offers a range of premium benefits, including airport lounge access, which makes it a popular choice among travelers.

Lounge Access Benefits

• Access to over 900 airport lounges worldwide.
• 6 complimentary international lounge visits per year through Priority Pass.
• 2 domestic lounge visits per quarter.

Other Key Features

• Welcome e-gift voucher worth ₹5,000.
• 10,000 bonus reward points on annual spends of ₹3 lakh.
• Complimentary movie tickets every month.

3. Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card

Overview

The Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card is perfect for frequent flyers, particularly those who often fly with Vistara. The card offers a range of travel benefits, including complimentary lounge access.

Lounge Access Benefits

• Complimentary lounge access at select domestic airports.
• Access to Vistara’s Silver membership tier, which includes additional lounge benefits.

Other Key Features

• Complimentary business class ticket on joining.
• Earn 6 Club Vistara points per ₹200 spent.
• Discounted rates on hotel bookings through partner platforms.

4. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

Overview

The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is a traveler’s dream, offering a range of travel-related benefits, including airport lounge access.

Lounge Access Benefits

• Complimentary access to domestic lounges through the American Express Lounge program.
• Additional lounge access through Priority Pass (membership fees apply).

Other Key Features

• Earn 5,000 bonus membership reward points on the first transaction.
• Travel vouchers worth ₹7,700 on spending ₹1.9 lakh in a year.
• Comprehensive travel insurance cover.

5. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card

Overview

The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card offers dual benefits through both Visa and MasterCard variants, giving users extensive lounge access options.

Lounge Access Benefits

• 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter.
• Complimentary international lounge access through DreamFolks membership.

Other Key Features

• Complimentary rounds of golf every month.
• 2X reward points on international transactions.
• Travel and movie vouchers worth ₹10,000 as a joining benefit.

6. YES FIRST Exclusive Credit Card

Overview

The YES FIRST Exclusive Credit Card is tailored for high-end users who seek exclusive privileges, including airport lounge access.

Lounge Access Benefits

• Unlimited international lounge access through Priority Pass.
• Complimentary domestic lounge access at major airports.

Other Key Features

• Reward points on all purchases, with accelerated points on dining and international spends.
• Complimentary rounds of golf.
• Concierge services available 24/7.

7. IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card

Overview

The IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card is a premium credit card offering various lifestyle benefits, including airport lounge access.

Lounge Access Benefits

• Complimentary access to over 600 airport lounges globally.
• Domestic lounge access at select airports.

Other Key Features

• 1.5 reward points per ₹100 spent on weekdays and 2 points per ₹100 on weekends.
• Complimentary travel insurance cover.
• Exclusive dining and shopping discounts.

8. Kotak Privy League Signature Credit Card

Overview

The Kotak Privy League Signature Credit Card offers an array of premium benefits, making it a great option for frequent travelers.

Lounge Access Benefits

• Access to domestic lounges across major airports in India.
• Complimentary Priority Pass membership with limited international lounge access.

Other Key Features

• Reward points on all spends with higher points on travel and dining.
• Complimentary golf sessions.
• Fuel surcharge waiver.

9. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card

Overview

The Citi PremierMiles Credit Card is designed for the avid traveler, offering benefits like airline miles and airport lounge access.

Lounge Access Benefits

• Complimentary access to select domestic lounges.
• 2 complimentary international lounge visits per quarter with Priority Pass.

Other Key Features

• Earn 10 miles per ₹100 spent on airline bookings.
• Miles never expire and can be redeemed across various airlines.
• Comprehensive travel insurance cover.

10. Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card

Overview

The Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card is a top-tier card offering premium benefits, including unlimited lounge access.

Lounge Access Benefits

• Unlimited complimentary access to over 1,000 lounges globally.
• Complimentary access to domestic lounges in India.

Other Key Features

• Earn 5 reward points per ₹150 spent.
• Welcome benefit of 6,000 reward points.
• Concierge services and luxury hotel benefits.

How to Choose the Best Credit Card for Lounge Access

Factors to Consider

When choosing a credit card for airport lounge access, it’s essential to evaluate how well the card aligns with your travel habits. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Number of Lounge Visits: For instance, the HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card offers unlimited lounge access, making it ideal for frequent travelers. On the other hand, the SBI Card ELITE provides 6 complimentary international lounge visits per year, which might be more suitable for those who travel internationally a few times a year.
• Domestic vs. International Access: If you mostly travel within India, the ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card could be a good choice, offering 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter. For those who travel internationally more often, the YES FIRST Exclusive Credit Card is a strong contender with unlimited international lounge access through Priority Pass.
• Additional Travel Benefits: The Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card not only provides lounge access but also offers a complimentary business class ticket and Vistara’s Silver membership, making it a great option for those who frequently fly with Vistara. Similarly, the Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card offers extensive lounge access along with a welcome benefit of 6,000 reward points, appealing to those who value both travel perks and rewards.

Tips for Maximizing Lounge Access Benefits

To get the most out of your credit card’s lounge access benefits, here are some practical tips:

• Understand the Terms: For example, the Citi PremierMiles Credit Card offers 2 complimentary international lounge visits per quarter, but these are only available with the Priority Pass. Make sure to check if your card requires membership activation or has conditions tied to the benefits.
• Combine with Other Travel Benefits: Cards like the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card offer lounge access along with significant travel-related perks, such as travel vouchers and bonus reward points. By combining these benefits, you can maximize your overall travel experience.
• Check Airport Coverage: Before traveling, ensure that the airports you frequent have lounges accessible with your card. For instance, the IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card provides access to over 600 lounges globally, which is beneficial if you often travel to major international hubs. If your travels are more regional, a card like the Kotak Privy League Signature Credit Card with extensive domestic lounge coverage might be more suitable.

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Author - Abhishek Sonawane

Abhishek Sonawane, an MBA graduate from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIMV), brings over ten years of experience in the finance domain. His extensive background includes various roles in financial management and strategy, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape. Abhishek’s expertise and dedication to financial education make him an authoritative voice in personal finance, helping readers make informed financial decisions.