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Check the comparison of notable credit cards in India that provide airport lounge access.
Check Details About Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards. (Representative image)
Gaining access to airport lounges is a valuable privilege that allows travellers to spend several hours comfortably before their flights. In India, many credit cards offer this facility in some or the other way with certain charges, regulations, and privileges.
Understanding Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards
Credit cards that offer airport lounge access are primarily marketed to business travellers. They typically provide complementary lounge privileges, enhancing the travel experience with amenities such as food and beverages, internet access, and comfortable seating areas. These cards can be categorised into two main types:
Premium Travel Cards: These cards are tailored for business professionals and come with extensive travel benefits, enhancing the overall travel experience.
General Purpose Cards: Many standard credit cards also provide the benefit of lounge access, allowing cardholders to enjoy this service as part of their regular credit card offerings.
Key Benefits of Airport Lounge Access
Complimentary Access: This means cardholders are allowed free access to domestic and international lounges.
Amenities: You are given beverages, internet access, relaxation zones and periodically, shower facilities too.
Bonus Air Miles: Users can accumulate air miles that may result in a lower price the next time a flyer purchases a ticket.
Travel Insurance: Different cards have options for insurance such as travel accidents.
Waivers on Costs: Some cards completely exempt you from ground-related costs such as fuel surcharges.
Popular Credit Cards Offering Lounge Access
Here’s a comparison of notable credit cards in India that provide airport lounge access:
| Credit Card | Joining Fee | Annual Fee | Lounge Access Benefits |
| HDFC Bank Diners Club Black | Rs 10,000 | Rs 10,000 | Unlimited access to 1000+ lounges worldwide |
| HDFC Regalia Gold | Rs 2,500 | Rs 2,500 | 12 domestic & 6 international visits per year |
| SBI Elite Card | Rs 4,999 | Rs 4,999 | 6 international & 8 domestic visits per year |
| Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card | Rs 3,000 | Rs 3,000 | 16 international & 16 domestic visits per year |
| Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Card | Rs 1,499 | Rs 1,499 | 8 domestic & 4 international visits per year |
Detailed Features of Selected Cards
HDFC Bank Diners Club Black
Complimentary lounge access for primary and add-on cardholders, anywhere in the world.
You need to at least spend Rs 5 lakhs in one year to avoid the renewal fee.
SBI Elite Card
Has International lounge visit privilege, six times, and Domestic lounge visits privilege eight times for free.
Offers a complimentary coupon worth Rs 5,000 on sign-up up along with additional incentive reward points on transactions.
Axis Bank SELECT
It offers you access to a free lounge that has no restrictions on the number of times you can visit within the year.
The card comes with extra benefits such as free movie tickets and being allowed to check in at the airport Business class.
Rules and Conditions
- Registration Requirement: Some cards have additional conditions that oblige cardholders to enrol individually for the possibility to utilise lounges through, for instance, Priority Pass or Lounge Key.
- Guest Policy: Usually has the policy of accommodating one or more guest(s); although charges may be incurred for visitors over a particular limit.
- Exceeding Visits: Cardholders are, however, allowed visits more than two within a given quarter; though these will attract some charges of about $27 plus GST per visit.
Application Process
To apply for these credit cards offering lounge access:
- Upload documents such as PAN-card, Aadhaar-card.
- Attach proof of income such as salary slips or bank statements.
- Fill up the application form provided by the bank.
