Best Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India [ Update for 2026]
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Will your credit card still give you access to lounges in 2026? Let's look at which cards are still useful after Dreamfolks went away.
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If there’s one question I’m constantly asked as someone who has been visiting many airports and lounges, it is: “Which credit card will get me into an airport lounge in 2026?”
That’s become a surprisingly tricky question, especially after DreamFolks shut down operations. That has flipped the lounge access landscape overnight.
Across social groups and Reddit discussions, seasoned travelers are suddenly swapping hacks on the Adani One app, sharing screenshots of new guest passes, or just expressing outright frustration: “Did my card really stop working again?”
Personally, I field-tested several cards last year, and watched the rules shift with each quarterly update. One month, my ICICI credit card would grant me access to domestic lounges. Next month, I’d be at a GMR airport, only to realize my reliable card now isn’t eligible for lounge access. And that old way of just showing up with any premium-looking card (with Priority Pass and QR scans)? It’s a hit or miss now.
So here’s my goal for this guide: to give you, the everyday traveler or points enthusiast, a first-hand, continuously updated, and no-nonsense roadmap to lounge access in India right now, backed by authentic stories, Reddit buzz, and hands-on experience.
Ready? Let’s open those lounge doors together.
Top Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India
Here are some of the top credit cards with decent lounge access benefits currently:
[Use the search bar to find credit card lounge access availability and limits/spend criteria for your favorite card]
Out of all of the cards, here are my personal favorites, in terms of lounge access benefits:
Card Name | Issuer | Complimentary Lounge Visits | Guest Access | Additional Benefits |
HDFC Infinia | HDFC Bank | Unlimited domestic & international | Usually 1 guest free | Priority Pass, no milestone spend |
Times Black Credit Card | ICICI Bank | Unlimited domestic & international | Guest access for add-ons | Priority Pass included |
Axis Bank Magnus | Axis Bank | Unlimited domestic & international | 1 guest free | Priority Pass, premium perks |
SBI Card PRIME | SBI | 2 visits per quarter | Limited guest access | Priority Pass for international lounges |
Kotak Royale Signature | Kotak Bank | 2 visits per quarter | Usually 1 guest free | Priority Pass included |
IDFC First Private | IDFC First | Unlimited domestic & international | Varies | — |
Amex Platinum Card | American Express | Unlimited domestic & international | 1-2 guests free | Centurion Lounge access |
RBL World Safari | RBL Bank | 2 visits per quarter | 1 guest free | Premium Priority Pass |
Axis Bank Primus | Axis Bank | Unlimited domestic & Vistara lounges | As per lounge policies | — |
HDFC Regalia Gold | HDFC Bank | 12 domestic free visits yearly | Varies from lounge to lounge. | Requires milestone spend post June 2025 |
HDFC Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India
HDFC Bank has traditionally been the king for airport lounge access among Indian credit cards. In 2025, the game changed: most lounge access benefits are now milestone-based, no longer a blind swipe at the airport, especially after the recent devaluations.
Here’s are some of the most popular cards from HDFC with lounge access benefits:
No of Lounge Visits | Spend Criteria | |
HDFC Bank BizPower Credit Card | 4 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card | 12 Per Year | No Spend Criteria |
HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card | 12 Per Year | No Spend Criteria |
Harley Davidson Diners Club Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹1,00,000 in a Quarter |
Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in a Quarter |
HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Metal Edition Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
HDFC Corporate Platinum Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in a Quarter |
HDFC Corporate Premium Credit Card | 5 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
HDFC Bank Diners Club Premium Credit Card | 6 Per Year | No Spend Criteria |
HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Shoppers Stop Black HDFC Bank Credit Card | 4 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
HDFC Bank BizBlack Metal Edition Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
6E Rewards Indigo HDFC Bank Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
Paytm HDFC Bank Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Paytm HDFC Select Credit Card | 3 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
HDFC Bank Diners Club Miles Credit Card | 6 Per Year | No Spend Criteria |
HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹1,00,000 in a Quarter |
HDFC Doctors Regalia Credit Card | 12 Per Year | No Spend Criteria |
ICICI Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India
ICICI Bank credit cards are a popular choice for young folks and digitally savvy people seeking lounge access benefits in India.
Here are the most popular ICICI credit cards with lounge access benefits:
No of Lounge Visits | Spend Criteria | |
ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
Adani One ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Adani One Signature Credit Card | 4 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
Chennai Super Kings ICICI Bank Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
ICICI Manchester United Signature Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card | 2-4 Per Quarter (4 for Visa Cards) | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
Accelero ICICI Bank Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
ICICI Bank Manchester United Platinum Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
ICICI Bank Ferrari Signature Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
ICICI Bank Expressions Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
ICICI Bank Diamant Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
ICICI Bank Parakram Select Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
ICICI Bank Parakram Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
ICICI Bank Visa Signature Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
Intermiles ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card | 4 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
InterMiles ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
InterMiles ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
Also Read:
- All Cards by ICICI Bank with Airport Lounge Access
- ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card Lounge Access List
- ICICI Coral Credit Card Lounge Access List
SBI Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India
SBI Card offers several cards with complimentary lounge visits for domestic cards and Priority Pass membership for international lounges.
Here are the most popular credit cards by SBI Card with lounge access benefits:
No of Lounge Visits | Spend Criteria | |
SBI Card Pulse Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Reliance SBI Prime Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Krisflyer SBI Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Etihad Guest SBI Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
BPCL SBI Card Octane | 1 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
SBI Card Miles Prime | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
SBI Card Miles Elite | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Phonepe SBI Select Black Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Krisflyer SBI Card Apex | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
SBI Prime Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Shaurya Select SBI Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
SBI Elite Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Doctors IMA SBI Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Club Vistara SBI Card Prime | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Etihad Guest SBI Premier Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Apollo SBI Card SELECT | 1 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Tata Neu Infinity SBI Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
SBI Miles Credit Card | 4 Per Year | No Spend Criteria |
Titan SBI Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
SBI Lifestyle Home Centre Prime | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Paytm SBI Credit Card Select | 1 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
TATA Neu Plus SBI Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in Previous Quarter |
Air India SBI Signature Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Club Vistara SBI Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Also Read: All SBI Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India
RBL Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India
RBL Bank caters to the needs of young professionals mostly and their credit cards portfolio offers competitive lounge access benefits.
Some of the most promising credit cards with lounge access by RBL Bank include:
No of Lounge Visits | Spend Criteria | |
RBL Bank Platinum Maxima Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹35,000 in Previous Quarter |
RBL Bank Insignia Prefered Banking World Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
RBL World Prime Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹35,000 in Previous Quarter |
RBL World Safari Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹35,000 in Previous Quarter |
RBL Bank Icon Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹35,000 in Previous Quarter |
RBL Bank iGlobe Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
RBL Bank Patanjali Swarn Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in Previous Quarter |
Standard Chartered Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India
Standard Chartered has a limited credit card portfolio in India but offers logical lounge access limits based on spending tiers.
Here are some of the cards with lounge access benefits by Standard Chartered Bank:
Name of Card | No of Lounge Visits | Spend Criteria |
Standard Chartered Easemytrip Credit Card | 2 Per Year | No Spend Criteria |
Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card | 4 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Card | 4 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Standard Chartered Rewards Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
AU Bank Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India
AU Bank offers many cards with rewards and benefits like airport lounge access across domestic airports in India.
Here are the most common cards by AU Small Finance Bank with airport lounge access benefits:
No of Lounge Visits | Spend Criteria | |
Xcite Ace Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹20,000 in Current Quarter |
Zenith Plus Credit Card | 4 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
AU Bank LIT Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹20,000 in Current Quarter |
ixigo AU Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹20,000 in Current Quarter |
AU Bank Xcite Ultra Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹20,000 in Current Quarter |
AU Nomo Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹20,000 in Current Quarter |
AU Bank Vetta Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹20,000 in Current Quarter |
AU Bank Spont Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹20,000 in Current Quarter |
AU Bank Zenith Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹20,000 in Current Quarter |
HSBC Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India
HSBC’s credit card portfolio targets affluent professionals and offers a select few credit cards with attractive lounge access benefits.
Here is the range of cards by HSBC with lounge access benefits:
No of Lounge Visits | Spend Criteria | |
HSBC Taj Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
HSBC Premier Mastercard Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
HSBC TravelOne Credit Card | 6 Per Year | No Spend Criteria |
HSBC Rupay Cashback Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
HSBC Live+ Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
American Express Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India
Amex cards are renowned globally for exceptional travel and lounge privileges. In India, American Express offers great lounge access benefits with even special lounges at Delhi and Mumbai airports for American Express users.
Here are the cards + their lounge access benefits by American Express:
No of Lounge Visits | Spend Criteria | |
American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card | 3 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
American Express Platinum Corporate Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
American Express Platinum Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
Yes Bank Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India
Yes Bank has some great cards in its kitty with exclusive lounge access benefits and great usage limits. The most promising credit cards by Yes Bank with lounge access benefits include:
Name of Card | No of Lounge Visits | Spend Criteria |
Yes Private Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
YES Bank Wellness Plus Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in Previous Quarter |
Yes FIRST Preferred Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
Yes Prosperity Business Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in Previous Quarter |
YES Bank Marquee Credit Card | 6 Per Quarter | ₹1,00,000 in Previous Quarter |
YES BANK BYOC Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in Previous Quarter |
IDFC First Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India
IDFC First Bank credit cards offer lounge access benefits, but some threads I read told me about disruptions caused by the DreamFolks exit. Since then, they’ve started ‘Elite Assist’ as a replacement lounge access service.
Here are the IDFC credit cards with lounge access benefits:
Name of Card | No of Lounge Visits | Spend Criteria |
LIC IDFC Select Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹20000 in Previous Month |
IDFC First Wealth Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹20000 in Previous Month |
IDFC First Ashva Credit Card | 4 Per Quarter | ₹20000 in Previous Month |
IDFC FIRST Private Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
IDFC HPCL FIRST POWER PLUS Credit Card | - | ₹20000 in Previous Month |
Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹20000 in Previous Month |
Bank of Baroda Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India
Bank of Baroda has a lounge access benefits program that might appear less beneficial compared to major banks, but it provides consistent value with moderate annual fees.
Here are the cards by Bank of Baroda that you should look at for lounge access benefits:
Name of Card | No of Lounge Visits | Spend Criteria |
Bank of Baroda Varunah Credit Card | Unlimited (Premium) | 3 Per Qtr (Plus) | ₹40,000 Previous Quarter (Premium) | ₹20,000 (Plus) |
Bank of Baroda Premier Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹20,000 in Previous Quarter |
Indian Army Yoddha BoB Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹20,000 in Previous Quarter |
Bank Of Baroda Sentinel Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹20,000 in Previous Quarter |
ICAI Exclusive Bank of Baroda Credit Card | 3 Per Quarter | ₹40,000 in Previous Quarter |
Bank of Baroda Eterna Credit Card | Unlimited | ₹40,000 in Previous Quarter |
Bank of Baroda ICSI Diamond Credit Card | 3 Per Quarter | ₹40,000 in Previous Quarter |
HPCL Bank of Baroda Energie Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹20,000 in Previous Quarter |
BoBcard Tiara Credit Card | Unlimited | ₹40,000 in Previous Quarter |
Bank Of Baroda Corporate Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹20,000 in Previous Quarter |
Kotak Mahindra Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India
Kotak Mahindra Bank caters to different traveler segments looking for domestic and international lounge access benefits.
Post-DreamFolks transition, Kotak has integrated its lounge access benefits with the Adani One app, ensuring a relatively smooth but evolving user experience.
Here are the cards by Kotak Bank with lounge access privileges:
No of Lounge Visits | Spend Criteria | |
Kotak Solitaire Business Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Kotak Mojo Platinum Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria (For Paid Customers), ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter (For LTF) |
Kotak Solitaire Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria (For Paid Customers), ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter (For LTF) |
6e Rewards XL Indigo Kotak Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria (For Paid Customers), ₹60,000 in Previous Quarter (For LTF) |
Kotak Biz Business Credit Card | See Document | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
Kotak Privy League Signature Credit Card | - | No Spend Criteria (For Paid Customers), ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter (For LTF) |
Kotak Royal Signature Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹75,000 in Previous Quarter |
Axis Bank Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India
Axis Bank has a diverse range of credit cards for airport travellers. From premium cards boasting unlimited visits to mid-tier cards offering a limited quota of complimentary lounges annually, Axis Bank’s portfolio is traveler-friendly but milestone-based.
Here are the best Axis credit cards with lounge access benefits:
No of Lounge Visits | Spend Criteria | |
Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card | Unlimited | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card | 8/12/18 Per Year | No Spend Criteria |
Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
Axis Bank Primus Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
Samsung Axis Bank Signature Credit Card | 4 Per Year | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
LIC Signature Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
Axis Bank Select Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
Axis Bank Pride Signature Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
SpiceJet Axis Bank Voyage Black Credit Card | 1-2 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
Axis Bank Rewards Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
Fibe Axis Bank Rupay Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card | 4 Per Year | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
Axis Bank Ace Credit Card | 4 Per Year | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
Axis Bank Olympus Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card | 2 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card | 8 Per Quarter | No Spend Criteria |
Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card | Unlimited | No Spend Criteria |
Axis Bank My Wings Credit Card | 1 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
Axis Bank Miles & More Credit Card | 4 Per Quarter | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card | 8 Per Year | ₹50,000 in the previous 3 calender months |
Popular Lounges to Explore using Credit Cards in India
Curious about what lounges you can access? Here are some most common ones across major airports in India:
Airport | Lounge Name | Operator | Popularity Reasons |
Mumbai (BOM) | GVK Lounge (International & Domestic) | GMR / Adani | Central hub, high traffic, excellent amenities |
Delhi (DEL) | Plaza Premium Lounge | Delhi Airport | Premium services, central location |
Bengaluru (BLR) | GVK Lounge | GMR | Spacious, good food and WiFi |
Hyderabad (HYD) | GMR Lounge | GMR | Clean, good food, priority for premium cards |
Chennai (MAA) | Travel Food Services (TFS) Lounge | TFS | Professional services, good seating |
Ahmedabad (AMD) | Adani Lounge | Adani | Newer lounge, preferential access with Adani One app |
Kolkata (CCU) | ITC Green Lounge | Airport operator | Best amenities in eastern India |
Goa (GOI) | GMR Lounge | GMR | Popular for tourists, good access policies |
Pune (PNQ) | Adani Lounge | Adani | Smaller but well maintained |
Lucknow (LKO) | Adani Lounge | Adani | Growing airport, new lounge |
FAQs
How can I check if my credit card offers airport lounge access in India?
Today, you need to use specific apps linked to the airport operator—Adani One for Adani airports, Hoi for GMR airports, and TFS Lounge Options for others. Download the relevant app, add your card details (an authorization charge may apply), and you can see your lounge visit balance and eligibility. This step ensures you have real-time confirmation before heading to the lounge. Here's how to check lounge access for all your credit cards in detail.
Have there been any major changes to lounge access in India recently?
Yes. In September 2025, DreamFolks, the largest lounge access provider, abruptly shut operations in India. This move forced banks and lounges to shift to multiple new platforms, resulting in more app-based validations, milestone spends to unlock visits, and an increased need to check app eligibility prior to travel. Lounge access is no longer guaranteed purely by holding a card.
Which credit cards in India offer the best lounge access?
Premium cards like HDFC Infinia, ICICI Sapphiro, and Axis Magnus typically offer unlimited domestic and international lounge access. However, many popular mid-tier cards offer limited complimentary visits, typically capped quarterly or annually, and require milestone spend criteria to unlock vouchers. Choice depends on travel frequency and spending patterns.
Can I bring guests to the lounge with my credit card access?
Guest policies vary widely by bank and card variant, and have tightened since late 2024. While some premium cards still allow guest access (often one guest free), most cards require guests to pay or use their own eligible card for entry. Always check the specific card terms and app notes before visiting.
What should I do if my credit card is declined at the lounge despite showing eligibility?
Double-check your lounge visit balance in the relevant app, verify that the lounge has is covered in your network, and talk to your RM. If declined persistently, contact your bank helpline and lodge a formal complaint. Lounge staff can rarely override system restrictions.
Are lounge visits free or charged on these credit cards?
Complimentary visits are typically included as part of the card benefits, but beyond the free visits limit, additional visits may incur a charge. Also, app-based validation processes may levy a small authorization charge during card linking. Always check limits and fees on your specific credit card.
Has the DreamFolks exit affected all credit cards?
Many cards, especially from banks like IDFC First, Federal Bank, and co-branded cards relying on DreamFolks, were impacted. They had to quickly switch to alternative platforms such as Elite Assist or the airport operator’s official apps, causing temporary disruptions. Cards from bigger banks like HDFC, ICICI, Axis adapted faster, although all travelers must verify their eligibility regularly now.
Are all airport lounges in India accessible with credit card lounge benefits?
Not necessarily. Lounge access is limited to certain lounges at specific terminals and airports, as defined by the bank’s agreements or lounge program (e.g., Priority Pass, LoungeKey). Additionally, some premium lounges may restrict access during peak hours or require advance booking through the app.
Can I use debit cards for lounge access in India?
Few debit cards offer complimentary lounge access, and those are generally limited to premium or tied to specific programs. Credit cards remain the primary and more reliable option for consistent lounge access benefits.
How often do lounge access policies change for credit cards in India?
Quite frequently, especially in 2025. Banks update rules quarterly or semi-annually, cards get devalued or upgraded, and new apps or shifts in partnerships can affect access in real time. Staying updated through bank communications, travel forums, and dedicated blogs is essential to avoid surprises.
About the Author
Anmol
Anmol writes detailed blogs and content about credit cards available in India and how to take full advantage of credit cards while avoiding marketing noise.