Airport lounge access credit cards are specifically designed for frequent travellers and offer a range of benefits. These perks include complimentary access to priority pass membership for dozens of airport lounges, complimentary snacks, and a host of other premium services. You can also earn air miles using these credit cards, which you can later redeem to get discounts on flight tickets and other benefits.
You can enjoy all the perks these credit cards offer by paying the joining and renewal charges. However, these charges can vary according to the benefits extended by the credit card. Thus, it is crucial that you review the credit card fees and lounge access benefits while selecting a credit card with lounge access.
Apart from complimentary lounge access and free lounge access program memberships, you should also consider the other benefits the card offers. For instance, several credit cards with lounge access come with travel insurance, dining, lifestyle, and fuel surcharge waivers.
To make sure you pick a card that optimises benefits, you can shortlist one from the following list of the top lounge access credit cards in India:
Credit Card Name |
Joining and Annual Fees |
Lounge Access Benefits |
Other Credit Card Benefits |
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card |
₹3,000 + GST |
|
|
SBI Elite Credit Card |
₹4,999 + GST |
|
|
Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card |
₹10,000 + GST |
|
|
Club Vistara SBI Card Prime |
₹2,999 + GST |
|
|
Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card |
₹10,000 + GST |
|
|
HSBC Platinum VISA Credit Card |
Nil |
|
|
While it's quite easy to find credit cards with lounge access benefits, choosing the right one is a bit tricky. To make the selection process easy, you should keep the following things in mind when choosing an airport lounge access credit card:
Verify if the credit card offers complimentary lounge access benefits.
Some credit cards offer only domestic airport lounge access benefits, while others also include international airport lounge access benefits. Review these specifics to make domestic and foreign travels luxurious.
Your credit card’s lounge access benefits may not be applicable at all airports and cities. Check the list of airports and participating lounges (domestic and international) where you can claim these benefits.
Most credit cards place yearly or quarterly caps on lounge access visits. However, you can unlock unlimited visit benefits with some super-premium lounge access credit cards.
Check to see if complimentary lounge access benefits are linked to a milestone spend. Some cards offer these benefits only if you spend a certain amount within a pre-given time window.
Certain credit cards may give you free membership to lounge access programs like Priority Pass and others. Check these details carefully, since they may not necessarily provide free visits along with this membership.
Review the specifics of the lounge access policy, since most credit cards offer it solely to the primary cardholder. In this case, your co-passenger will have to pay to enjoy lounge access benefits.
The top five free airport lounge access credit cards in India in 2023 are:
HDFC Bank VISA Signature Credit Card
SBI Yatra Credit Card
Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card
IndusInd Bank Platinum Select Credit Card
Wondering how to access airport lounges with a credit card? Lounge access benefits are limited to select airports. In other words, you can only claim these benefits when at the right airport. Here’s a list of cities and airports where you can claim your credit
City |
Airport |
Terminal |
Lounge Name |
Ahmedabad |
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport |
Domestic |
|
Amritsar |
Shri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport |
Domestic and International |
|
Bangalore |
Kempegowda International Airport |
Domestic and International |
|
Bhubaneswar |
Biju Patnaik International Airport |
Domestic |
|
Chandigarh |
Chandigarh International Airport |
Domestic and International |
|
Chennai |
Chennai International Airport |
Domestic and International |
|
Cochin |
Cochin International Airport |
Domestic and International |
|
Coimbatore |
Coimbatore International Airport |
Domestic |
|
Dehradun |
Jolly Grant Airport |
Domestic |
|
Delhi |
Indira Gandhi International Airport |
Domestic and International |
Domestic -
International -
Domestic and International -
|
Goa |
Dabolim Airport |
Domestic |
|
Guwahati |
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport |
Domestic |
|
Hyderabad |
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport |
Domestic and International |
|
Indore |
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport |
Domestic |
|
Jaipur |
Jaipur International Airport |
Domestic |
|
Kannur |
Kannur International Airport |
Domestic and International |
|
Kolkata |
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport |
Domestic and International |
|
Lucknow |
Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport |
Domestic |
|
Madurai |
Madurai Airport |
Domestic |
|
Mumbai |
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport |
Domestic and International |
Domestic -
International -
Domestic and International -
|
Nagpur |
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport |
Domestic |
|
Patna |
Jaiprakash Narayan International Airport |
Domestic |
|
Pune |
Lohegaon Airport |
Domestic |
|
Ranchi |
Birsa Munda Airport |
Domestic |
|
Trivandrum |
Trivandrum International Airport |
Domestic |
|
Vadodara |
Vadodara International Airport |
Domestic |
|
Varanasi |
LBSI Airport |
Domestic |
|
Vijayawada |
Vijayawada International Airport |
Domestic |
|
Udaipur |
Maharana Pratap International Airport |
Domestic |
|
You can follow these quick and simple steps to apply for free airport lounge access credit cards at Bajaj Markets -
Step 1: Download the Bajaj Markets app on your device
Step 2: Create a new account or log into your account using credentials
Step 3: Under ‘credit cards’ options, select the ideal airport lounge access credit card according to your goals and budget
Step 4: Enter mandatory details and attach supporting documents
Step 5: Check credit card eligibility and click on ‘Apply’
Step 6: Your application for an airport lounge access credit card is submitted.
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FAQs on Credit Card Lounge Access
Which credit card is best for airport lounge access?
Banks and financial institutions offer a wide variety of credit cards with access to airport lounges, however, the ideal credit card depends upon the needs, goals, and budget of an individual.
Which credit card has unlimited lounge access?
HDFC Diners Black, CitiBank Prestige, and Yes Preferred Exclusive are some of the top credit cards that offer unlimited international and domestic lounge access to their cardholders.
What is the best credit card for lounge access in India in 2023?
A few of the top credit cards in the country that extend airport lounge access include the Citi PremierMiles credit card, American Express Platinum Travel credit card, and SBI ELITE credit card. Other credit cards with lounge access include the HDFC Regalia First credit card, Standard Chartered Ultimate credit card, and the HDFC Superia credit card.
Which Indian credit cards allow access to international airports lounge access?
Many Indian credit cards allow complimentary access to international airports lounge access like ICICI Bank Rubyx credit card, SBI Prime credit card, Axis Bank Select credit card, etc.
How do I know if my credit card is eligible for lounge access?
You can find out whether your credit card issuer offers complimentary access to airport lounges by logging into the mobile app. You can find the details under the “Complimentary Visit” section under the “My Information” tab on the app. Alternatively, you can visit your card issuer’s website, log in, go to “My Account”, and find the relevant details under the “Complimentary Visit” section.
If you cannot find this section, it implies that your card issuer does not provide complimentary lounge access.
Why should I have a credit card that provides lounge access?
Opting for a credit card with lounge access will offer you a wide range of benefits while you are at the airport, like top-notch food and liquor, free wifi, fast internet, shower access and many other premium services. With airports becoming more and more crowded, you can have a luxury experience with select facilities while you wait to board your flight.
How can I register with MasterCard Airport Experiences?
You can register with Mastercard Airport Experiences by visiting the LoungeKey website or mobile application. There, you can click on ‘register now’. The webpage or mobile app will then guide you through a seamless and easy-to-follow registration process.
How are the MasterCard Airport Experiences better than Priority Pass?
Mastercard Airport Experiences provides a wider range of benefits to customers compared to Priority Pass, even though both are offered by LoungeKey. Mastercard Airport Experiences not only offers simple airport lounge access, but also includes several luxury perks like dining, offers of retail outlets as well as spa services.
What is it about having unlimited access to airport lounges with a credit card?
Unlimited Airport Lounge access allows a traveller to enjoy drinks, food, wifi and comfort at a range of airports. Compared to limited access, unlimited access often covers more airports and more facilities for the customer to enjoy, making it a favourable choice.
Why do I need a credit card with lounge access?
Credit cards with lounge access offer a wide range of benefits that can make your travel experience more comfortable. One of the main benefits is the ability to access airport lounges at no additional cost. These lounges typically offer a range of amenities such as comfortable seating, free WiFi, refreshments, and sometimes even shower facilities. This can be especially beneficial if you have long layovers or delays, since you can relax and rejuvenate in the meantime.
Credit cards with lounge access may also offer a range of other perks. These include priority check-in and baggage handling, which can save you time and make your travel experience less of a hassle.
