Frequent traveler? Whether it’s a business trip or a family vacation, nothing beats relaxing in a premium airport lounge before your flight. Luckily, several credit cards offer complimentary lounge access as part of their benefits.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best credit cards in India that offer free airport lounge access, so you can travel in style and comfort — without burning a hole in your pocket.
Why Choose a Credit Card with Lounge Access?
- Relax Before Flights: Enjoy comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, refreshments, and even showers at select lounges.
- Save Money: Airport lounges typically charge ₹1,000–₹3,000 per entry — save it with free access.
- Premium Experience: Priority check-in, cozy atmosphere, and complimentary services make your travel hassle-free.
- Great for Frequent Flyers: Especially valuable if you travel often for work or leisure.
Top 5 Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access in India
1. HDFC Regalia Credit Card
- Airport Lounge Access:
- 12 free domestic lounge visits per year (Visa/MasterCard program)
- 6 complimentary international lounge visits through Priority Pass
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500 + GST
- Extra Perks:
- Dining discounts
- Travel insurance coverage
2. SBI Card ELITE
- Airport Lounge Access:
- 6 international lounge visits via Priority Pass
- 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits every year
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999 + GST
- Extra Perks:
- Club Vistara membership
- Taj Epicure membership
- Movie ticket discounts
3. ICICI Coral Credit Card
- Airport Lounge Access:
- 1 complimentary domestic lounge visit per quarter
- Annual Fee: ₹500 + GST
- Extra Perks:
- Dining discounts under Culinary Treats program
- Payback rewards points
- Best For: Occasional travelers who want basic lounge benefits without high fees.
4. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
- Airport Lounge Access:
- Unlimited international lounge access via Priority Pass
- Unlimited domestic lounge access
- Annual Fee: ₹10,000 + GST
- Extra Perks:
- Complimentary Club Marriott membership
- Premium hotel stays and discounts
- High-end lifestyle benefits
- Best For: Frequent international travelers seeking luxury.
5. American Express Platinum Travel Card
- Airport Lounge Access:
- Complimentary access to domestic airport lounges
- Annual Fee: ₹3,500 + GST (first year waived in offers sometimes)
- Extra Perks:
- Travel vouchers worth ₹7,700 annually
- 24×7 concierge services
Things to Consider Before Choosing:
- Annual Fee vs Benefits:
Make sure the lounge access benefits outweigh the yearly cost. - Domestic vs International Access:
If you mostly travel within India, domestic lounge access matters more. For international flyers, Priority Pass or unlimited access cards are better. - Additional Perks:
Look at dining, travel insurance, reward points, and other privileges. - Spending Thresholds:
Some cards offer extra lounge visits if you cross a spending limit. Always check the fine print.
Final Thoughts:
If you love traveling and hate crowded airport terminals, a credit card with complimentary lounge access is a must-have.
For casual domestic travelers, the HDFC Regalia or ICICI Coral is a great pick.
For frequent international flyers, Axis Bank Magnus is a no-brainer.
Choose smartly based on your travel pattern and enjoy a stress-free airport experience every time!