Top 16 Credit Cards with Lounge Access that Travellers Prefer
A credit card with lounge access is a customised payment card issued by banks to extend convenience to the passengers, giving them added perks of accessing the airport lounge. The airport lounges are set with comfortable seating, lounge restrooms, complimentary beverages, etc.
In most airports, access to airport lounges is not free. This is where airport lounge access comes into the picture, giving passengers respite for their long haul flights or making their stopover comfortable. We have listed down 16 best credit cards for lounge access, international and domestic, and their added features and benefits.
16 Best Credit Cards with Lounge Access
There are numerous super-premium airport lounge access cards available. Here’s a list of the best credit cards with airport lounge access:
- HDFC Bank Infinia Credit card
- SBI ELITE credit card
- Citi Prestige Credit Card
- American Express Platinum Credit Card
- HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card
- Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
- Bank of Baroda Eterna credit card
- ICICI Bank Emerald Credit Card
- HDFC Regalia First Credit Card
- Pioneer Heritage Metal Credit Card
- Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card
- Yatra SBI Credit Card
- JetPrivilege HDFC Bank Platinum Credit Card
- Intermiles ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
- HDFC Superia Credit Card
- HDFC Miles and More World Credit Card
Top Credit Cards with Lounge Access
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | International Lounge Access | Domestic Lounge Access |
| HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card | ₹12,500 + Applicable Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| SBI ELITE Credit Card | ₹4,999 + taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Citi Prestige Credit Card | ₹20,000 + taxes | Yes | Yes |
| American Express Platinum Credit Card | ₹3,500 + taxes | Yes | Yes |
| HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card | ₹10,000 + taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card | ₹10,000 + taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Bank of Baroda Eterna Credit Card | ₹2,499 | Yes | Yes |
| ICICI Bank Emerald Credit Card | ₹12,000 | Yes | Yes |
| HDFC Regalia First Credit Card | ₹1,000 | Yes | Yes |
| Pioneer Heritage Metal Credit Card | ₹60,000 | Yes | Yes |
| Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card | ₹10,000 | No | Yes |
| Yatra SBI Credit Card | ₹499 + applicable taxes | Yes | Yes |
| JetPrivilege HDFC Bank Platinum Credit Card | ₹1,000 + applicable taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Intermiles ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card | ₹5,000 + taxes | Yes | Yes |
| HDFC Superia Credit Card | ₹75,000 | Yes | Yes |
| HDFC Miles and More World Credit Card | ₹1,00,000 | Yes | Yes |
Credit Cards with International Lounge Access
To make international journeys comfortable and premium, you can choose from this list of these credit cards:
1. HDFC Bank Infinia Credit card
- You can enjoy the MasterCard Lounge Access and Priority Pass programme.
- You can use the card in 1000 airport lounges across the world.
- The benefits of this credit card can be enjoyed by both the primary and add-on card holders.
- You will receive 5 reward points for spending Rs.150.
- As a part of the welcome benefit, you will receive 12,500 reward points. For the first year, you will receive an additional reward amount of Rs.10,000.
- If you report the loss of your credit card within 24 hours, you will be able to reap the benefits of zero cost liability and get coverage for fraudulent transactions made from your card.
- The Joining Fee is Rs.12,500 (Exclusive of applicable taxes).
2. SBI ELITE Credit Card
- As a welcome benefit, you will receive a gift voucher of Rs.5,000.
- It is a premium offering that includes both domestic and international complimentary lounge visits, discounted rates on hotel bookings, free movie tickets, shopping vouchers etc.
- You will receive 2 reward points for spending Rs.100 from the card (Not inclusive of fuel expenses). Moreover, 5X reward points are awarded for Rs. 100 spent on departmental stores, dining and grocery.
- The card comes with zero liability protection, giving a compensatory amount of Rs. 1 lakh for the loss of the card.
- Joining fees is Rs.4999.
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3. Citi Prestige Credit Card
- Both the primary and supplementary cardholders get unlimited access to the international airport lounge
- As a welcome benefit, 10,000 air miles are bestowed for Rs.1,000 spent in the first two months after the card has been issued.
- You can gain 2 reward points per every Rs.100 spent overseas and 1 reward point for every Rs. 100 spent in India.
- You will receive coverage of Rs.10,00,000 as lost card protection.
4. American Express Platinum Credit Card
- As a welcome benefit, you receive 10,000 reward points.
- You can earn 1 reward point for every Rs.50 spent (not inclusive of fuel, insurance coverage etc.)
- The joining fee for American Express Platinum Credit Card is Rs. 3500 plus applicable taxes.
Credit Cards with Domestic Lounge Access
1. HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card
- You can have unlimited access to a complimentary domestic lounge using a credit card.
- The international lounge access credit card lets you enjoy 2X reward points on weekend dining. Moreover, you get 5 reward points for spending Rs.150.
- Moreover, a zero liability of Rs.9 lakh is bestowed on flyers if the card gets lost or stolen.
- Insurance benefit of Rs.2 crore is extended as compensation for accidental air death.
- The joining fee is Rs.10000, which is inclusive of taxes.
2. Axis Bank Magnus Credit card
- By using the card, both primary and supplementary cardholders can visit the domestic airport lounge unlimited times.
- You get 12 Axis EDGE REWARDS points for spending Rs.200 and 2X reward points on Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, etc.
- You will receive a credit shield cover of Rs. 5 lakh and an accident cover of Rs. 4.5 crore.
- The joining fee is Rs.10,000, which is exclusive of GST.
3. Bank of Baroda Eterna Credit Card
- Under the Mastercard India lounge program, you get unlimited access to the domestic lounge.
- As a welcome benefit, you get a 6-month membership of FitPass Pro of Rs.15000 and a bonus reward point of 10,000.
- Eterna card comes with a good reward rate. You earn 15 credit points for spending every Rs.100 on dining, online shopping, dining, movie etc., which lets you earn a reward point of 5000 per month.
- You also get an insurance benefit of Rs. 1 crore as accidental death cover.
- The joining fee is Rs.2499 + GST.
4. ICICI Bank Emerald Credit Card
- Under Visa lounge or MasterCard program, cardholders get unlimited domestic airport lounge access.
- You get to receive credit insurance of Rs.50,000 and a personal air accident cover of Rs.3 crore.
- It also extends 24X7 concierge services regarding flight referral and reservation, hotel reservation and restaurant, booking movie tickets etc.
- You receive 4 reward points for spending every Rs.100 on transactions excluding fuel, utilities etc.,
- For the annual plan, the joining fee is Rs.12000 plus tax.
How to Apply for a Credit Card with Free Lounge Access?
The credit card application process might vary from one bank to another. However, you can follow these basic steps to apply for a credit card with complimentary lounge access.
Step 1: Go to the card issuers’ website or app and log in via netbanking
Step 2: Visit the ‘Cards’ section and check if you’re pre-qualified for a card. If you are pre-approved, apply to get the card. If not, follow the next steps.
Step 3: Select the card that offers airport lounge access and apply.
Step 4: If you’re eligible, your application will be approved and you will receive the card in your registered address within a few days.
How to Use Credit Cards in the Airport Lounge?
Here are the steps that will help flyers use the airport lounge access card:
Step 1: Visit the airport from where you are going to board the flight.
Step 2: Go to the reception and ask about complimentary lounge access.
Step 3: Provide your credit card and proceed with the required formalities.
Step 4: Now, enter the PIN for paying the convenience charge. For a Visa credit card, a nominal fee of Rs.2 is charged as a convenience fee, and for a MasterCard credit card, a convenience fee of Rs.25 is charged.
Step 5: Now get your pass stamped by submitting your boarding pass and other documents to the receptionist.
Step 6: Collect the processing fee receipt to enter and enjoy the airport lounge experience.
FAQs
Ans: Yes, availing of a credit card with lounge access is worthwhile as it helps frequent fliers save up money and gives discounts on flight tickets and other notable facilities. Furthermore, passengers get to reap the benefits of insurance cover.
Ans: No, you cannot use the same credit card twice to access the same airport lounge. You can swipe for two different lounges at the same airport. However, you need to wait for some hours if you want to do so.
Ans: No, the primary cardholder can only use the airport credit card. Even the lounge will scrutinise the cardholder’s name for ensuring safety and security. However, there are certain credit cards which allow family members to get the privilege of the lounge.
Ans: You can easily check the complementary visits allowance by heading to the online account or app linked with your credit card and clicking on the ‘Complimentary visits’ section. Furthermore, you can conveniently reach the customer service team to know everything related to complimentary visits.
Ans: Priority pass is one of the top independent airport lounge access programs that allows flyers to relax and refresh in any network lounges available across the globe. Priority pass has ties with airport lounges and lets passengers access numerous affiliated airport lounges across the globe regardless of which air service you have opted for.
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This article has been prepared on the basis of internal data, publicly available information and other sources believed to be reliable. The information contained in this article is for general purposes only and not a complete disclosure of every material fact. It should not be construed as investment advice to any party. The article does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of the information, and disclaims all liabilities, losses and damages arising out of the use of this information. Readers shall be fully liable/responsible for any decision taken on the basis of this article.
