Airport lounge access is a highly sought-after perk for frequent flyers, providing a comfortable space to relax, eat, and unwind before a flight. Several credit cards in India offer complimentary airport lounge access, making travel much more enjoyable. Here’s a list of the top 8 credit cards for free airport lounge access in India:
1. HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card
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Lounge Access: Unlimited access to over 1,000 lounges worldwide via Priority Pass and over 25 domestic lounges in India.
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Annual Fee: ₹10,000 + taxes
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Additional Perks: 5% cashback on select categories, 2% cashback on other spends, exclusive golf privileges, and premium rewards points.
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Why It’s Great: Offers the best lounge access among Indian credit cards with global and domestic lounge access, making it ideal for frequent flyers.
2. American Express Platinum Card
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Lounge Access: Access to The Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass (over 1,200 lounges globally), and Delta Sky Club (if flying with Delta).
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Annual Fee: ₹69,000
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Additional Perks: 5x points on flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel, concierge services, luxury travel benefits, and more.
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Why It’s Great: One of the most premium cards in India, offering access to both exclusive American Express lounges and extensive global lounge networks.
3. SBI Card ELITE
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Lounge Access: 6 free visits per year to over 1,000 airport lounges globally via Priority Pass, plus domestic lounge access in India.
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Annual Fee: ₹4,999
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Additional Perks: 2x reward points on dining, movies, and grocery shopping; 1% fuel surcharge waiver; access to exclusive movie offers and more.
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Why It’s Great: An affordable card for frequent travelers, offering both global and domestic lounge access along with plenty of additional benefits.
4. Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card
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Lounge Access: Complimentary access to domestic lounges in India through the Axis Bank Lounge Program and global access via Priority Pass.
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Annual Fee: ₹10,000
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Additional Perks: 2,000 Vistara points on joining, 10x points on Vistara-related spends, complimentary flight upgrades, and other travel benefits.
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Why It’s Great: Perfect for Vistara Airlines passengers, offering lounge access and great rewards on airline-related spending.
5. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
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Lounge Access: Unlimited access to over 1,000 lounges worldwide through Priority Pass, along with domestic lounge access in India.
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Annual Fee: ₹3,500
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Additional Perks: 2x reward points on travel and dining, 1% fuel surcharge waiver, and discounts on lifestyle and dining.
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Why It’s Great: Offers excellent lounge access globally and rewards for travel and dining expenses, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
6. Citi Prestige Credit Card
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Lounge Access: Access to over 1,200 lounges worldwide through Priority Pass (2 visits per year free), and access to domestic lounges.
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Annual Fee: ₹20,000
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Additional Perks: 5x points on air travel, dining, and hotel bookings; 4th night free on hotel bookings; comprehensive travel insurance and concierge services.
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Why It’s Great: Citi Prestige is a luxury credit card offering exceptional rewards, lounge access, and other premium travel benefits.
7. RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card
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Lounge Access: Complimentary access to both domestic and international lounges through Priority Pass.
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Annual Fee: ₹5,000
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Additional Perks: 1% cashback on all purchases, 5% cashback on select categories, discounts on domestic and international travel bookings.
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Why It’s Great: Offers a balance of lounge access, cashback rewards, and travel discounts, making it a solid choice for global travelers.
8. IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge Credit Card
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Lounge Access: Complimentary access to domestic lounges in India through LoungeKey.
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Annual Fee: ₹1,000
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Additional Perks: 1,000 reward points on signing up, 2x reward points on dining and grocery purchases, and discounts on dining and travel.
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Why It’s Great: One of the most affordable cards for lounge access in India, perfect for those who need budget-friendly travel benefits.
Conclusion:
These top 8 credit cards in India offer a variety of lounge access benefits, ranging from free global lounge visits to exclusive access to certain networks. Whether you’re looking for a premium card with global lounge access, a budget-friendly option, or one tailored for frequent flyers with specific airlines, there’s something for everyone on this list. By choosing the right credit card, you can elevate your travel experience and enjoy the comfort and convenience of airport lounges worldwide!
