Super premium and premium credit card give free entry to airport lounges to the cardholders.
The number of free airport lounge access varies from card to card. Mostly credit cards limit the number of visits from 4 to 8 per year and a very few super-premium credit cards offer unlimited access to airport lounges. The annual fee of credit cards also varies on the basis of these features.
In this article, you will know which is the best credit card for airport lounge access and how much annual fee you would pay.
I have recorded a video on best credit card for international airport lounge access in India. you can watch the video here
Select Your Favorite Section
- Best Credit Card for Unlimited Airport Lounge Access in India
- Best Credit Card for Lounge Access in India (Limited Access)
- How to get Free Access to Airport Lounges
- International Airport Lounge Access Credit Card
- Domestic Airport Lounge Access Credit Card
- List of Airport Lounges in India
- Mumbai Airport Lounge
- Delhi Airport Lounge
- Bangalore Airport Lounge
- Hyderabad Airport Lounge
- Ahmedabad Airport Lounge
- Pune Airport Lounge
- Chandigarh Airport Lounge
- Chennai Airport Lounge
- Goa Airport Lounge
- Kolkata Airport Lounge
- Cochin Airport Lounge
- Coimbatore Airport Lounge
- Dehradun Airport Lounge
- Jaipur Airport Lounge
- Bhubaneswar Airport Lounge
- Nagpur Airport Lounge
- Trivandrum Airport Lounge
- Udaipur Airport Lounge
- Vadodara Airport Lounge
- Vijayawada Airport Lounge
- Visakhapatnam Airport Lounge
- Conclusion
Best Credit Card for Unlimited Airport Lounge Access in India
#1. HDFC Bank Diners Black Credit Card
Diners Black credit card is my favorite credit card by HDFC bank because the credit card offers unlimited domestic and international airport lounge access.
Diners black is a super premium credit card, so you would require a monthly salary of Rs. 1.75 Lacs or an income of 21 Lacs per annum to get this credit card.
You would also get 5 reward points worth Rs. 5 on spending Rs. 150. Which is equal to a direct saving of 3.3% on all your spends.
- International – Unlimited
- Domestic – Unlimited
You can freely access 700+ lounges in India and worldwide without the need for a separate priority pass.
Annual Fees
- First year– Rs. 10,000 (spend Rs. 5 Lacs and get next year fee waiver)
- Second year onwards- Rs. 5,000
Welcome Gift
- First year – 10000 points
- On renewal – 5000 points
The welcome gifts are equal to the annual fee of the credit card. So, you can enjoy all the benefit without spending a single penny.
Other benefits
- Rs. 2 Crores of Air accident cover
- Rs. 50 Lacs cover for Emergency medical expenses
- Rs. 9 Lacs cover for Credit card liability
- Rs. 55,000 Travel insurance cover on baggage delay
You can pick a suitable credit card for your needs from this list of best credit cards in India 2019
#2. HDFC Infinia Credit Card
HDFC Infinia credit card offers the maximum benefit, starting from lounge access to golf courses and even with the credit limit.
You can get unlimited access to 1000+ airport lounges across the globe (both domestic & international) with the Infinia credit card. Even the supplementary card member gets unlimited lounge access.
Note: you would need priority pass to show at the lounge to get the free access.
You would get a minimum credit limit of Rs 10 Lacs on Infinia credit card but you need 45 Lacs ITR to get HDFC Infinia credit card.
- International – Unlimited
- Domestic – Unlimited
Annual Fee – Rs. 10,000 (waived off on spending 8 Lacs)
Other benefits
- 10 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on hdfcbankinfinia.com, dining and flight bookings on airvistara.com
- 5 reward points on all other spends
- 2% foreign currency markup fee
- 15% across 3000+ restaurants
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- No cash withdrawal fee
- Accidental death insurance of Rs. 3 Crore
- Medical emergency cover up to Rs. 50 Lacs during travel abroad
- Accidental death and permanent disability cover of Rs. 9 Lacs
- Card liability cover up to Rs. 9 Lacs
You would also get complimentary Vistara gold membership having benefits
- 10 vistara points for every Rs. 100 spent on all vistara flights
- Additional 10 Kg Baggage allowance
- Guaranteed reservations in Economy Class
- Priority airport check-in, waitlist clearance, baggage handling and boarding
Note: Vistara gold membership comes with a validity of 1 year. After 1 year, you have to contact HDFC customer care if you wish to keep the membership.
#3. Citi Prestige Credit Card
Prestige credit card is super premium credit card by CitiBank, best for the frequent traveler who needs unlimited lounge access across the world due to their regular travel.
You will get complimentary unlimited priority pass lounge access at over 800 airports for primary as well as supplementary cardmembers.
- International – Unlimited
- Domestic – Unlimited
Annual Fee – Rs. 20,000
Welcome Gift (every year)
- 10,000 bonus air miles
- Taj Group or ITC Hotelsand vouchers worth Rs 10,000
The welcome gifts are worth equal to the annual fee.
Expert tip to get quick approval
You can get Citi Prestige credit card if you open Citigold Saving Account. You need to maintain Rs. 75L in your portfolio to be member of Citigold.
Other benefits
- 2 reward points overseas per Rs. 100
- 1 reward point per Rs. 100 in India
- Up to 30% bonus points above regular points for an existing Citigold or Citigold private client
- 4 complimentary golf rounds & golf lessons
- 2 complimentary luxury airport services and meet & assist services
- One complimentary night on a minimum stay of 4 nights at any hotel across the world
- Overseas medical insurance of USD 50,000 while traveling
- Air Accident Insurance of Rs. 5 Crores
- Lost Card Protection of Rs. 10,00,000
#4. Yes Bank Preferred Exclusive Credit Card
Yes Prefered exclusive credit card offers unlimited free domestic and international lounges access across the world.
The biggest advantage is that not only the primary cardholder but also the add-on cardmembers would get free unlimited lounge visits.
Click here to apply for YesBank Card
Note: You must have a monthly income of 4 Lacs or ITR of 50 Lacs (self-employed) to get the approval.
- International – Unlimited
- Domestic – Unlimited
Annual Fee – Rs. 10,000
Welcome Gift
- 50,000 reward points on the first transaction within the first 90 days
- 40,000 reward points on each renewal
The welcome gift is worth more than the annual fee of Yes Prefered exclusive credit card.
Milestone Bonus
25,000 bonus reward points worth Rs. 6250 on hitting milestone of INR 20 Lacs in one year.
Other benefits
- 10 reward points on every INR 100 spent
- 1000 reward points on each YES PayNow registration
- Complimentary TAJ InnerCircle epicure membership
- Foreign currency markup of 1.75%
- 25% discount on movie bookings at BookMyShow, max Rs. 250 per month
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- One complimentary golf lesson every month
- Life insurance cover of INR 3 Crores for death due to flight accidents
- Medical insurance cover of INR 50 Lacs for when traveling overseas
You may also like to read best credit card for travel in India
Best Credit Card for Lounge Access in India (Limited Access)
#5. HDFC Regalia Credit Card
HDFC Regalia credit card gives 12 domestic lounges access every year. You would also get 6 complimentary visits to over 1000+ airport lounges around the world through complimentary priority pass membership.
You would be charged $27 per visit beyond the specified limit.
You will also earn 4 reward points on every Rs. 150 spent. Every reward point is worth Rs 0.50, which means a saving of 1.33% (4*0.50/150*100).
- International – 6
- Domestic – 12
Annual Fee – Rs. 2500 (spend 3 Lacs and get next year fee waiver)
You would get a welcome gift of 2500 reward points worth Rs. 1250 every year.
Milestone Benefits
- You will get 2500 reward points as a welcome gift
- Every year you will get 2500 reward points as renewal benefits
- Earn 10,000 reward points on annual spends of Rs. 5,00,000
- Earn 15,000 reward points if your total spends is Rs. 8,00,000
Key benefits
- 4 reward points on Rs. 150 spent, each point worth 50 paise.
- 2% Foreign currency mark-up
- 15% discount on dining at premium restaurants
- Medical emergency protection up to Rs. 15 Lacs
- Air accident cover of Rs. 1 Crore
- Credit liability cover up to Rs. 9 Lacs
- Travel insurance cover up to Rs. 55,000 on baggage delay
#6. Yes Bank Preferred Credit Card
Yes Preferred card offers 3 domestic airport lounge access every quarter. You would also get 4 complimentary international lounge visits in a calendar year with priority pass membership.
Click here to apply for YesBank Card
Beyond 4 visits you would be charged $27 per visit.
- International – 4
- Domestic – 12
You can also earn up to 36000 bonus points in the very first year. 15000 points as a welcome gift, 20000 milestone points on spending Rs. 7.5 Lacs, 1000 points on YES PayNow registration.
These reward points can be redeemed for flight and hotel bookings.
Annual Fees & Renewal Fees: Rs. 2500
Welcome Gift
- 15000 points in the first year
- 10000 points on each renewal
Other benefits
- 8 reward points on travel agency & tour operator, domestic airlines and dining
- 4 reward points on all other spends
- Foreign currency markup of 1.75%
- Rs. 1 crore life insurance cover for flight accident
- Rs. 25 Lacs of medical insurance cover while traveling overseas
You can get Yes Preferred card on having a monthly income of Rs. 2 Lacs. Otherwise, you can get the card by making a fixed deposit of Rs. 3 Lacs.
#7. ICICI Jet Privilege Sapphiro Credit Card
ICICI Jet Privilege Sapphiro offers 8 complementary domestic and 2 international lounge access every year. You can visit a maximum of 2 domestic lounges per quarter.
You will also get 2 spa sessions at Indian airports through complimentary Dragon pass membership every year.
ICICI Jet Privilege Sapphiro card is the best for you if you travel on JetAirways. You would save 5% discount on the base fare for all international and domestic air tickets booking on jetairways.com.
You will also get 10 JPMiles per Rs. 100 by spending on JetAirways.
- International – 2
- Domestic – 8
Annual Fees: Rs. 5000
Welcome Gift
- 12,500 bonus JPMiles and an air ticket voucher
- 5,000 JPMiles and an air ticket voucher on every renewal
The welcome gifts are worth more than the annual fee.
Other Benefits
- 5 JPMiles on domestic spends
- 7 JPMIles on international spends
- 1 JPMile on Insurance and utilities
- 2 international lounge visits and 2 spa sessions via DragonPass membership
- Dedicated check-in for the select domestic flight
- Complimentary excess baggage allowance of 10 Kgs(Premier) and 5 Kgs(Economy)
- 4 complimentary rounds/ lessons of golf every month
- Up to Rs. 500 off on the second movie ticket on BookMyShow twice every month
#8. ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card
ICICI Sapphiro credit card comes in two variants, Sapphiro Platinum American Express® Card and Sapphiro Mastercard.
You would get complimentary 2 international and 16 domestic airport lounge visits every year with both variants. The domestic lounge access is limited to 4 visits per quarter.
The difference in both variants is in the terms of payback points. Sapphiro Mastercard offers 2 payback points per Rs 100 on domestic and 4 payback points on international spends.
Whereas, Sapphiro Platinum American Express® Card gives 3 payback points per Rs. 100 on domestic and 6 payback points on international spends.
Note: American express card offers more benefits than MasterCard, but the amercian express card is not accepted everywhere in India.
- International – 2
- Domestic – 16
Annual Fees
- First Year – Rs. 6500
- Renewal Fees: Rs. 3500 (waived off for a spend of more than Rs. 6 Lacs)
ICICI Sapphiro credit card offers welcome gift voucher worth Rs 10,000
Welcome Gift Details
- Shoppers Stop Voucher worth ₹ 3000
- 4 EaseMyTrip Vouchers worth ₹ 1000 each
- 4 Ola vouchers worth ₹ 250 each
- 2 Zomato vouchers worth Rs. 500 each
- Croma Voucher worth ₹ 1000
You would also Get 4,000 payback points on spending Rs. 4 Lacs and additional 2000 payback points each time you cross Rs. 1 Lac spend thereafter in one year.
Other Benefits
- Get 1 payback points on Rs. 100 spent on fuel, utilities and insurance
- Buy one movie ticket and get up to Rs. 500 off on the second ticket
- 4 complimentary rounds of golf every month at the golf course
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- 2 complimentary domestic airport spa visits per calendar year
#9. SBI Elite Credit Card
SBI Elite credit card is a premium credit card which offers 8 domestic and 6 international lounge access every year. You can visit a maximum of 2 domestic and 2 international lounges every quarter.
You would also get 10 points per Rs. 100 on international spends, dining, departmental stores, grocery & international spends.
You would earn up to 50,000 bonus reward points with SBI Elite credit card if your annual spends are more than 8 Lacs. You can use reward points for travel booking.
- International – 6
- Domestic – 8
Annual Fee: Rs. 4999 (spend Rs. 10 Lacs and get annual fee waiver)
You will get a welcome gift worth Rs. 4999
Milestone Benefits
- 10,000 bonus reward points on achieving annual spends of Rs. 3 Lacs and 4 Lacs
- 15,000 bonus reward points on achieving annual spends of Rs. 5 Lacs and 8 Lacs
The only bonus reward points are equal to a direct saving of up to 1.5%.
Other Benefits
- 10 points per Rs. 100 spent on dining, departmental stores, grocery & international spends
- 2 points per on all other spends
- 9 Vistara points for every Rs. 100 spent on Vistara flight bookings.
- Free 2 movie tickets worth Rs. 500 every month
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- 1.99% foreign currency mark-up
You would also like to read – Best cashback credit card in India
#10. Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card
Kotak Royale credit card gives 8 complimentary domestic lounge access every year. You wouldn’t get any free international lounge access with the card.
Royal signature credit card is best for you if you are looking for a credit card for only domestic lounges and don’t want to pay much as an annual fee.
Annual Fees: Rs. 999 (spend Rs. 1 Lakh and get a waiver)
You will get 2 BookMyShow vouchers on your 1st swipe, worth 200 each as a welcome gift.
- International – 0
- Domestic – 8
Milstone Benefit
- 10,000 bonus reward points on spend Rs. 4,00,000
- earn 30,000 points on spending Rs. 8,00,000 (not extra of 10,000 bonus).
Other Benefits
- 4X reward points on Airlines, hotels, restaurants, travel agencies & tour operators and package
- 2X rewards on all other spends
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Rs. 500 of railway surcharge waiver on www.irctc.co.in
- Rs. 2.5 Lacs of Credit Card stolen cover
#11. HDFC Regalia First Credit Card
HDFC Regalia first credit card gives 8 domestic lounges every year. You would also get 3 complimentary visits to over 1000+ airport lounges around the world through complimentary priority pass membership.
You would be charged $27 per visit beyond the specified limit.
Regalia first credit card is best for you if you occasionally visit both domestic and international lounges and don’t want to pay high on credit card annual fee.
- International – 3
- Domestic – 8
Annual Fee – Rs. 1000 (spend 1 lakh and get next year fee waiver)
You will get welcome gift of 1000 bonus reward points worth Rs. 300 every year.
Milestone Benefit
- 5,000 reward points on spending Rs. 3,00,000 in one year
- 7,500 Reward Points on spending Rs. 6,00,000 in one year
Other Benefits
- Earn 4 Reward Points on every Rs. 150 spent
- 1% fuel surcharge waived
- 2% foreign currency mark-up fee
- 15% discount on dining
- Protection worth up to Rs. 10 Lacs against any medical emergency when travelling outside home country
How to get Free Access to Airport Lounges
If you are at any airport lounge within India then just show your credit card at the reception. They would swipe and check if they have an agreement with your bank for complimentary access.
You may see Rs. 1 transaction charge on your credit card statement if they accept your credit card.
After that.. just relax and have your food in the lounge. Some lounges also provide liquor free of cost.
For International Lounges Access – you need Priority Pass. Some credit card banks ask you to fill up an additional application form to issue you priority pass free of cost.
Make sure you keep the record of your complimentary access numbers through priority pass. You would be charged $27+tax if you exceed the allowed numbers of free access.
Here is the latest list of airport lounges access with each credit card.
Save this article for your reference.
International Airport Lounge Access Credit Card
| Credit Card | International Lounges |
| HDFC Diners Black | Unlimited |
| HDFC Infinia | Unlimited |
| Citi Prestige | Unlimited |
| Yes Preferred exclusive | Unlimited |
| HDFC Regalia | 6 |
| Yes Preferred | 4 |
| ICICI Jet Privilege Sapphiro | 2 |
| ICICI Sapphiro | 2 |
| SBI Elite | 6 |
| HDFC Regalia First | 3 |
Domestic Airport Lounge Access Credit Card
| Credit Card | International Lounges |
| HDFC Diners Black | Unlimited |
| HDFC Infinia | Unlimited |
| Citi Prestige | Unlimited |
| Yes Preferred exclusive | Unlimited |
| HDFC Regalia | 12 |
| Yes Preferred | 12 |
| ICICI Jet Privilege Sapphiro | 08 |
| Kotak Royale | 08 |
| ICICI Sapphiro | 16 |
| SBI Elite | 08 |
| HDFC Regalia First | 08 |
List of Airport Lounges in India
We have prepared the list for MasterCard lounge access India, VISA lounge access India, American Express lounge access India and Dinner lounge access India.
Mumbai Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic T 1B | TFS | Travel food service, 1st floor Opp. Gate A2 |
| International T2 | Clipper Lounge | Floor Opposite Samsonite |
| Domestic T2 | MALS | Travel Club Lounge, SHA, |
| Domestic Terminal 1B | Good Times Bar | Domestic Departure |
| Domestic Terminal 2 | Travel Club | Domestic Departure |
| International T2 | Clipper Lounge | International Departure located at Gate 85 |
| Domestic Terminal 1B | Carnations | Domestic Departure |
Delhi Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic T1D | Plaza Premium | Level 02, Mezzanine Level, Domestic Departure |
| Domestic T1D | Plaza Premium | Domestic Arrivals |
| Domestic T3 | Plaza Premium | Mezzanine Level, Domestic Departures, |
| Domestic T3 | Plaza Premium | Domestic Arrivals, opp gate 1 |
| Domestic T2 | Plaza Premium | Airside – Domestic Departures, near Gate 24 |
| International T3 | Plaza premium(A) | Level INL 03, International Departures |
| International T3 | Plaza Premium(B) | Level 4, International Departures |
| International T3 | Plaza Premium | International Arrivals Opp Gate 6 |
| Domestic T3 | Grid Bar | Terminal 3, Domestic Departure |
| International T3 | Connexions & Daredevils | International Departure |
| International T3 | Green Lounge | International Departure, Level 3 |
Bangalore Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic Terminal 1 | AGL | Mezzanine Level, Domestic Departure |
| Domestic Terminal 1 | Plaza Premium | Mezzanine Level, Domestic Departure |
| International Terminal 1 | AGL | Level 1, Near Gate 18, International Departure |
| International Terminal 1 | Plaza Premium | International Departures, Level 1 |
| Domestic Terminal | Bird Group | West Pier |
| International Terminal | Bird Group | East Pier |
Hyderabad Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic | Premium Plaza | Level E, Domestic Departures, (near Gate 28) |
| International | Premium Plaza | Level E, International Departures (near Gate 32) |
| International | Premium Plaza | Level C, International Departure, Near Car Park |
Ahmedabad Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| International T 2 | Plaza Premium | International Departure, After SHA |
| Domestic | Bica Lounge | Domestic Departure |
| International | Port Lounge | 1st Floor, Near Departure Gates, After SHA |
Pune Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic | Port Lounge | Domestic Departure 1st Floor |
| International | Lite and Bite Food | 1st Floor After SHA |
Chandigarh Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic | CITCO | Domestic Departure, 1st Floor, After SHA, |
| International | CITCO | International Departure, 1st Floor, After SHA, |
Chennai Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Old International, T4 | TFS | Old international terminal building, near boarding |
| New International, T3 | TFS | New international terminal building, 3rd Floor |
| Domestic, Terminal 1 | TFS | Domestic Departure, 3rd Floor, After SHA |
Goa Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic | Good Times | Domestic Departure, after SHA |
| Domestic | Golden Chariot | Domestic Departure |
| International | Golden Chariot | International Departure |
| Domestic | Port Lounge | Near Domestic security hall, 1st floor |
Kolkata Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic | Travel Club | Level 3, Domestic Terminal Gate no 22, 23 |
| International | Travel Club | International Terminal, Near Gate no 10,11 |
Cochin Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic Terminal 1 | Earth | Opp. CIAl, Nedumbassery, Ground Floor |
| International Terminal 3 | Earth | Opp. CIAl, 2nd Floor Nedumbassery |
Coimbatore Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic | Blackberry | 1st Floor left to Airport Entrance gate |
Dehradun Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic | Air Fest | Left to Airport Entrance Gate |
Jaipur Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic | Club One Class | Domestic Departure |
Bhubaneswar Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic | Mayfair Lounge | Domestic Departure |
Nagpur Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic | TFS | Near Smoking Zone, Take left for Stairs/ Lift |
| International | TFS | Near Smoking Zone |
Trivandrum Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| International T2 | Executive Lounge & Bar | Near Gate 2 |
Udaipur Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic & International | Golden Chariot | After SHA Departures, left side next to CCD |
Vadodara Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic | Port Lounge | Domestic Departure, 1st Floor |
| Domestic | Club One | Civil Aerodrome, 1st Floor |
Vijayawada Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic | Amravathi | Domestic Departure, NH16, after SHA |
Visakhapatnam Airport Lounge
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| International | CIP | Domestic Departure, NH 16 Opp, Viman Nagar, before SHA |
Conclusion
Premium and super-premium credit card offers free airport lounge access. You would need to have a good CIBIL score to get a premium or super-premium credit card. For that, you may need to know how to check CIBIL score
If your CIBIL score is low, then I have prepared a guide on how to improve CIBIL Score.
can I use my brother credit card for lounge access in any airport within india or outside india . or I need my credit card for it.
No, you need your own credit card.
Amex Plat Travel – Good card if you use for spicejet network as indigo as stopped it’s travel voucher business altogether .
Citi Premier Miles – Non Airline specific / 10x reward structure on booking airline tickets on airline website and dedicated premiermiles.co.in website . Premier miles can be redeemed as 0.45 Rupees for booking flights and hotels . Value may change .
No cash credit offered .
I am not a big fan for Air India / Vistara / Etihad / Train tickets .
Thanks for adding.
Good info.
However some points
Vistara benefit not applicable in hdfc anymore.
Also if you could tell what lounges are accessible on which cards?
Which card covers max no of lounges.
Credit Card Domestic & International Lounges
HDFC Diners Black-Unlimited
HDFC Infinia-Unlimited
Citi Prestige-Unlimited
Yes Preferred exclusive-Unlimited
*Its depend on user spending capacity to get the above cards.
I got a call from indusInd for their legend signature credit card
It offers 8 lounge membership as well access.
Do i need a priority pass for international access?
Arindam
Yes