Air travel is considered one of the fastest and most preferred modes of travelling. With the economical airfares and a growing travel network, airports have started getting crowded. In such a situation, frequent flyers and travel enthusiasts opt for airport lounge access. The lounge access offers comfortable seatings, complimentary meals free internet, shower facility and a variety of other premium services.
But to avail these premium services, flyers have to pay premium charges as well. Banks and financial institutions have started airport lounge access credit cards as a value-added benefit to their customers. These credit cards allow you to access several membership-only airport lounges run by third parties. Non-members are often charged heavily to enter these lounges or avail of the premium services offered there.
However, with certain credit cards, you can get free access to airport lounges. The free lounge access via credit card renders a delightful and hassle-free experience. The customers can select travel credit cards according to their goals and budget and enjoy premium lounge access.
A range of India’s top banks offer credit cards with airport lounge access privilege. There are several credit cards available in this category that provide free access, limited free visits, or even paid visits with a complimentary membership at both domestic as well as international airports. Holders of lounge access credit cards can enjoy a number of facilities at airports as they wait for their flights.
Check out the list of the top credit cards with access to airport lounges and their benefits -
Credit Card |
Annual Fees |
Credit Card Benefits |
₹ 3,000 + GST |
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₹ 4,999 + GST |
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₹ 6,500 + GST |
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₹ 2,999 + GST |
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₹ 3,000 + GST |
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₹ 3,000 + GST |
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₹ 500 + GST |
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Check out the features of the top credit cards with access to airport lounges -
10,000 air miles as a welcome bonus
3,000 air miles as renewal bonus
20% discount on dining at partner restaurants
10 air miles on every ₹100 spent on air travel bookings
4 air miles on every ₹100 spent
₹5,000 worth vouchers as welcome gift
Complimentary movie tickets worth ₹6,000 annually
10,000 bonus points on annual spends between ₹ 3-4 lakhs
5X reward points on every ₹100 spent on groceries, dining, etc.
1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel refills
10,000 air miles as welcome bonus
5,000 air miles as renewal bonus
10 air miles on every ₹100 spent
1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel refills
10% discount on Etihad Airways business class air tickets
₹3,000 worth vouchers as welcome gift
10 reward points on every ₹100 spent on dining, movies, etc.
20 reward points on every ₹100 spent on the birthday
Renewal fee waived off on annual spends above ₹ 3 lakhs
Complimentary air accident liability cover insurance worth ₹ 50 lakhs
5,000 air miles as welcome bonus
2,500 air miles as renewal bonus
7.5 air miles on every ₹100 spent
3,000 reward points on annual spends above ₹ 3 lakhs
1,500 reward points on every ₹ 1 lakh spent
₹ 2,000 worth Amazon gift voucher on the first transaction
Renewal fee waived off on annual spends above ₹ 6 lakhs
5,000 reward points on annual spends above ₹ 3 lakhs
10 reward points on every ₹200 spent
20% discount on dining at partner restaurants
Cash withdrawal of 100% credit limit
1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel refills
4 reward points on every ₹200 spent
15% discount on dining at partner restaurants
Free credit for 50 days without any additional charges
Follow these quick and simple steps to apply for free airport lounge access credit cards at Bajaj Markets -
Step 1: Download Bajaj Markets app on your device
Step 2: Create a new account or Log into your account using credentials
Step 3: Under ‘credit cards’ options, select the ideal airport lounge access credit card according to your goals and budget
Step 4: Enter mandatory details and attach supporting documents
Step 5: Check credit card eligibility and click on ‘Apply’
Step 6: Your application for an airport lounge access credit card is submitted.
Further updates on the application will be conveyed to the applicant on their registered contact details.
Obtaining free airport lounge access with a credit card is an excellent way to make your travel experience more comfortable. The process is simple and easy to follow. The best part is that it is extremely easy to get complimentary airport lounge access with your credit card, if eligible. While the exact process may differ slightly from one card to the next. Typically, this is what you need to do to enjoy free lounge access with a credit card in India.
Step 1: Travel to the domestic airport from where you are boarding your flight
Step 2: Head to the reception area and let the receptionist or the customer support professional know about the complimentary lounge access offered with your credit card.
Step 3: You will then be asked to provide your credit card to the receptionist for verification of the feature or facility you wish to avail.
Step 4: Once verified, you will have to complete the necessary formalities as directed by the receptionist at the domestic airport.
Step 5: The next step involves payment of the convenience fees charged for utilising the lounge access facility. The cost is ₹2 for Visa credit cards and ₹25 for MasterCard credit cards. You need to enter your PIN to make the payment.
Step 6: After the payment has been processed, you will need to get your boarding pass stamped and approved by the receptionist.
Step 7: You will then receive the stamped boarding pass along with a receipt for the convenience fee charged.
Step 8: Once all this is done, you can gain access to the airport lounge and make use of all of the amenities offered.
Banks and financial institutions offer a wide variety of credit cards with access to airport lounges, however, the ideal credit card depends upon the needs, goals, and budget of an individual.
HDFC Diners Black, CitiBank Prestige, and Yes Preferred Exclusive are some of the top credit cards that offer unlimited international and domestic lounge access to their cardholders.
The top five free airport lounge access credit cards in India in 2022 are -
HDFC Bank VISA Signature Credit Card
SBI Yatra Credit Card
Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card
IndusInd Bank Platinum Select Credit Card
CitiBank Premier Miles Credit Card
Many Indian credit cards allow complimentary access to international airports lounge access like ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card, SBI Prime Credit Card, Axis Bank Select Credit Card, etc.
The process of finding out whether or not your credit card has airport lounge access is different for different credit card providers. For instance, in case of Mastercard credit cards, you will be able to see a ‘Complimentary Visit’ section under ‘My Account’ on the Mastercard app. If your card is not eligible for any airport lounge access, this section will not display.
You can also call the customer care number for your card and check if your credit card has lounge access.
Opting for a credit card with lounge access offers a wide range of benefits, like top-notch food and liquor, free wifi, fast internet, shower access and many other premium services. With airports becoming more and more crowded, customers can have a luxury experience with select facilities while they wait to board their flights.
You can register with Mastercard Airport Experiences by visiting the LoungeKey website or mobile application. There, you can click on ‘register now’. The webpage or mobile app will then guide you through a seamless and easy-to-follow registration process.
Mastercard Airport Experiences provides a wider range of benefits to customers compared to Priority Pass, even though both are offered by LoungeKey. Mastercard Airport Experiences not only offers simple airport lounge access, but also includes several luxury perks like dining, offers of retail outlets as well as spa services.
Unlimited Airport Lounge access allows a traveller to enjoy drinks, food, wifi and comfort at a range of airports. Compared to limited access, unlimited access often covers more airports and more facilities for the customer to enjoy, making it a favourable choice.
Credit cards with lounge access offer a wide range of benefits that can make your travel experience more comfortable. One of the main benefits is the ability to access airport lounges at no additional cost. These lounges typically offer a range of amenities such as comfortable seating, free WiFi, refreshments, and sometimes even shower facilities. This can be especially beneficial if you have long layovers or delays, since you can relax and rejuvenate in the meantime.
Credit cards with lounge access may also offer a range of other perks. These include priority check-in and baggage handling, which can save you time and make your travel experience less of a hassle.