How to Check Your Credit Cards for Lounge Access in India [Oct 2025 Update]?

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 a lounge in 2025?” 

That’s become a surprisingly tricky question this October, especially after DreamFolks shutting operations. That has flipped the lounge access landscape overnight. 

Across social groups, forums 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’ve field-tested several cards this year alone, and watched the rules shift with each quarterly update. One month, my Amazon Pay ICICI card would grant me access to domestic lounges. Next month, I am at a GMR airport, only to realize my reliable card isn’t eligible for lounge access. And that old trick of just showing up with any premium-looking card (with Priority Pass and QR scans)? It’s officially over.

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.

Bye Bye! Dreamfolks

In September 2025, DreamFolks, long considered the silent backbone behind countless credit card lounge swipes, abruptly exited the Indian market—leaving both banks and travelers in the lurch overnight. 

I saw the shockwaves in real-time: overnight,  many credit cards, especially co-branded or mid-tier ones, simply stopped working at lounges across the country. Many early-morning flyers learned the hard way, turned away at the entrance despite being “eligible” only the week before. 

Bank helplines were swamped, lounge staff confused, and frequent flyers took to Reddit and Telegram to vent in disbelief.

What’s wild is how central DreamFolks was to the entire system. Many banks, IDFC First, Federal Bank, YES Bank, and a raft of co-branded partners, relied almost entirely on their backend network to power domestic lounge access. 

If you’ve ever wondered why your “guaranteed” lounge card was suddenly declined despite being in perfect standing, DreamFolks’ sudden shutdown is the main culprit. 

For now, every cardholder needs to check (and double-check) access status, because authority lists, bank app screens, and even third-party tools may not yet be up to date. 

As for the broader landscape, the DreamFolks debacle has made clear: even the biggest travel perks can disappear overnight. Always keep a Plan B, and check the latest before heading to the airport. 

How to Check Your Credit Card for Lounge Access in Oct 2025? 

Checking whether a credit card actually gets lounge access in October 2025 is now a multi-step process. 

The days of flashing a card and walking in are gone. Thanks to the fragmented landscape left by DreamFolks’ exit, there are now three official apps, each working with different airports and operating partners. 

Here are the most common apps you can use to check for lounge access across different airports: 

• Adani One App: The go-to for all Adani-managed airports (Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, and more). 
• Hoi App: Handles lounge access for GMR-operated airports, including Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa. 
• TFS Lounge Options: For select other airports (usually where neither Adani nor GMR operates lounges).

Here’s the step-by-step process for checking credit card lounge access at different airports in India: 

1. Download the relevant app before your trip: There’s no single place anymore; users now will have to download all three apps to cover major airports.
2. Add your card details: The apps require card linking, usually with a small authorization charge for verification. This step is crucial for real-time eligibility checking.
3. Confirm available lounge visits: The app will show how many complimentary visits remain this cycle and whether your card supports the lounge at your chosen airport.
4. Generate a QR code or booking voucher (select apps): Present this at the lounge entrance instead of just swiping your cards. 

My personal experience as well as discussions with pro travellers brought me to some conclusions: 

• Policies and supported cards vary week on week; So, always check eligibility in-app before arriving.
• Some banks (ICICI, Axis) are better integrated with Adani now, while coverage for SBI, IDFC First, and IndusInd is still patchy or unavailable
• If a lounge isn’t listed in any app, check if the standard card “swipe” still works or consider paid access options.

Top Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India

Here are some of the top credit cards with decent lounge access benefits currently: 

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: 

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.

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.

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 has changed: most lounge access is now milestone-based, no longer a blind swipe at the airport—especially after the recent devaluations. Here’s the new landscape for HDFC lounge benefits, based on latest rules and hands-on community feedback:

Which HDFC Credit Cards Offer Lounge Access?

• HDFC InfiniaUnlimited complimentary domestic and international lounge access for both primary and add-on cardholders. No spend criteria, direct Priority Pass or lounge program entry. 
• HDFC Diners Club BlackUnlimited complimentary domestic and international lounge access, both for primary and add-on users. Direct entry via card or Priority Pass.
• HDFC Regalia/Regalia GoldUp to 12 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually (3 per quarter). Limited international lounge visits via Priority Pass. No spend-based milestone yet, but program details often evolve.
• Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit CardSpend ₹50,000 per calendar quarter to unlock 2 domestic lounge access vouchers for that quarter (maximum 8 per year). No direct swipe post-June 10, 2025—voucher-based only.
• Tata Neu Plus HDFC Bank Credit CardSpend ₹50,000 per calendar quarter to unlock 1 domestic lounge voucher (maximum 4 per year); again, entry only via voucher from June 10, 2025.
• Other HDFC Cards (Millennia, IndianOil, MoneyBack+, Business Regalia, etc.)Most now require milestone spending to unlock lounge access vouchers. Example: Spend ₹50,000 in the quarter for a voucher, but check the latest card-specific terms as benefits and eligibility change frequently.

Reddit User Experience & Recent Devaluation:

HDFC’s shift to milestone-based lounge access has frustrated long-time users: “Regalia Gold’s devaluation hit hard—now need to track quarterly spends, and simple direct swipe just stopped working.” (See Reddit)

Official HDFC Bank Lounge Access Policies (PDFs):

• Tata Neu Plus Milestone Lounge Access (June 2025 update)
• HDFC Regalia Activ & Regalia Gold Lounge Access 
• Tata Neu Infinity Milestone Lounge Access
• Regalia Lounge Access Policy
• HDFC Bank Indigo 6E Rewards XL Credit Card Lounge Access

SBI Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India 

SBI offers a solid range of credit cards with airport lounge access that cater to both occasional travelers and frequent flyers. 

While many cards provide 4 to 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually, some premium cards also include Priority Pass membership for international lounges. Several cards have spend-based limits or quarterly caps, making it important to plan usage carefully.

Which SBI Credit Cards Offer Lounge Access?

• SBI Card PRIME8 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually (max 2 per quarter), plus 4 international lounge visits under Priority Pass per year. Joining fee around ₹2,999.
• SBI Card ELITE8 domestic lounge visits yearly (2 per quarter), along with 6 international Priority Pass lounge visits. Premium card with annual fee ₹4,999.
• SBI Card Pulse8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (max 2 per quarter), plus Priority Pass membership for the first two years.
• SBI PAYTM SELECT4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (1 per quarter). Entry-level with a joining fee.
• BPCL SBI Card Octane4 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually (1 per quarter), targeting fuel spenders.
• SBI Doctors IMA Card8 domestic plus 4 international lounge visits with Priority Pass. Special card for medical professionals.

Reddit User Comments & Recent Trends:

Many users on Reddit note that while SBI cards generally provide required lounge access, there have been recent spend-based restrictions and occasional minor devaluations. 

One common thread is the increased emphasis on quarterly caps and minimum spends; however, SBI cards tend to be reliable for casual travelers who don’t exceed visit limits (community discussion here).

Official SBI Lounge Access Policy PDFs:

• SBI Card Pulse Lounge Benefits – Basic Terms & Conditions
• SBI Prime Card Amex Lounge Access Benefits
• SBI Card Elite — Lounge Access List
• SBI Tata Neu Card Lounge Access List

ICICI Credit Cards with Lounge Access in India

ICICI Bank credit cards continue to be a popular choice for travelers seeking reliable lounge access across India. 

The bank offers a diverse portfolio, from premium credit cards with unlimited lounge privileges to mid-tier options with restricted complimentary visits. The key here is integration with the new lounge access ecosystem—many ICICI cards now require app-based validation before entry.

ICICI Credit Cards Offering Lounge Access:

• ICICI Sapphiro Credit CardUnlimited complimentary domestic and international lounge access for both primary and add-on cardholders.
• ICICI Coral Credit Card4 domestic complimentary lounge visits annually, with an option to purchase additional visits.
• ICICI Rubyx Credit Card6 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year, suitable for moderate travelers.
• ICICI Prestige Credit CardUnlimited complimentary visits worldwide plus Priority Pass membership.
• ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Cards (various tiers)Limited complimentary domestic lounge visits, often 2 to 6 annually depending on quarterly spend. Recent experiences hint at a devaluation. 

The recent experiences shared on Reddit and community forums praise ICICI’s handling of the DreamFolks transition, noting smoother adaptation compared to other banks through app integrations like Adani One and Hoi. However, some users report minor hiccups in app registrations or lounge eligibility confirmations, particularly at smaller airports.

For a comprehensive list, latest updates, and detailed analysis on ICICI credit card lounge access, visit:Full ICICI Credit Card Airport Lounge Access List & Benefits