India’s aviation industry has seen substantial growth in recent years, making airport lounges an essential part of air travel. Lounges offer a comfortable and relaxing experience, complete with amenities such as seating, food and drink, and Wi-Fi. To access lounges, you typically need a membership or a credit card offering lounge access. Many credit cards and banks in India provide lounge access as a customer benefit, with offers such as complimentary access, discounted fees, and more.
In this article, we will explore the best credit cards and banks in India that offer airport lounge access. Whether you travel frequently or occasionally, lounge access can enhance your travel experience. So, let’s explore the world of credit cards and banks with airport lounge access in India.
| Credit Card Reviews | Apply / More Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card | » apply now |
| 2. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card | » apply now |
| 3. AU Bank Zenith Credit Card | » apply now |
| 4. Air India SBI Platinum Card | » apply now |
| 5. Air India SBI Signature Credit Card | » apply now |
| 6. Club Vistara SBI Card PRIME | » apply now |
| Types of Lounge Programs in India | |
| India Airport Lounge FAQ |
Best Credit Cards & Banks with Airport Lounge Access (India)
1. Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card
Why We Like It
The Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card is perfect for frequent travelers, especially those who frequently fly with Vistara. The card offers excellent benefits such as complimentary Vistara Lounge access, priority check-in, and additional baggage allowance. The cardholders can earn Vistara points on all their purchases, which can be redeemed for free flights and upgrades.
• Intro Offer: The card offers a welcome bonus of 3,000 CV points and one complimentary Economy Class ticket on spending INR 1.5 lakh within the first 90 days of card issuance.
• Annual Fee: The annual fee for the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card is INR 1,500.
• Lounge Access Details: The cardholders can enjoy complimentary access to Vistara Lounge twice every quarter.
2. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
Why We Like It
The Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card is a great option for frequent travelers. The card provides Vistara Club Vistara membership, airport lounge access, complimentary air tickets and upgrades, and travel vouchers. The card also provides benefits on dining, fuel, and online shopping.
• Intro Offer: New cardholders can earn 1,000 Club Vistara points on their first transaction made within 60 days of card issuance.
• Annual Fee: The annual fee for the Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card is INR 3,000.
• Lounge Access Details: The Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card provides airport lounge access to domestic and international lounges under the Visa Lounge Access program.
3. AU Bank Zenith Credit Card
Why We Like It
The AU Bank Zenith Credit Card offers a host of benefits, including airport lounge access, dining discounts, and fuel surcharge waivers. Additionally, customers can earn reward points for every transaction made using the card, which can be redeemed for various rewards. The card also offers complimentary personal accident insurance coverage and lost card liability protection, adding an extra layer of security.
• Intro Offer: None mentioned on the official website.
• Annual Fee: Rs. 2,999 + GST
• Lounge Access Details: Cardholders can avail of complimentary airport lounge access at select lounges in India, limited to 2 visits per quarter.
4. Air India SBI Platinum Card
Why We Like It
This credit card offers excellent rewards for frequent flyers of Air India. Cardholders can earn Air India Reward Points on their spending, which can be redeemed for free flights or upgrades. In addition, the card comes with a complimentary Air India ticket and airport lounge access. Below we have discussed many other benefits that come with this card, which would definitely help you make the right choice.
• Intro Offer: The card comes with a welcome bonus of up to 5,000 Air India Reward Points upon payment of the joining fee.
• Annual Fee: The annual fee for the first year is Rs. 1,499. From the second year onwards, the annual fee is Rs. 4,999.
• Lounge Access Details: Cardholders can enjoy complimentary access to domestic lounges at select airports in India.
5. Air India SBI Signature Credit Card
Why We Like It
The Air India SBI Signature Credit Card is a great option for frequent flyers of Air India as it offers a range of travel benefits and rewards. Cardholders can earn reward points on all their purchases, and also get complimentary membership to the Air India Frequent Flyer Program. Additionally, the card provides lounge access at airports and a host of other travel-related benefits.
• Intro Offer: The card comes with a welcome gift of up to 30,000 reward points, which can be redeemed for Air India tickets, hotel stays, or other travel-related benefits.
• Annual Fee: The annual fee for the Air India SBI Signature Credit Card is Rs. 4,999.
• Lounge Access Details: Cardholders can enjoy complimentary lounge access at select airports in India and abroad through the Visa Lounge Access program.
6. Club Vistara SBI Card PRIME
Why We Like It
This credit card offers great travel benefits to Club Vistara members, including a complimentary Club Vistara Silver membership and an upgrade voucher. Cardholders can also earn reward points for their spending, which can be redeemed for free flights or upgrades on Vistara airlines. Other benefits include lounge access, fuel surcharge waiver, and discounts on hotel bookings and car rentals.
• Intro Offer: Cardholders can earn up to 1,000 bonus Club Vistara points upon activation and renewal of the card.
• Annual Fee: Rs. 2,999
• Lounge Access Details: Cardholders can enjoy complimentary domestic airport lounge access through the Visa Lounge Access program.
Types of Lounge Programs in India
Priority Pass
One of the world’s largest independent airport lounge access programs, Priority Pass offers members access to over 1,300 airport lounges in more than 600 cities worldwide. Memberships are available for individuals as well as for businesses and offer a range of benefits, including complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and business facilities.
LoungeKey
This airport lounge program is offered by Mastercard and provides cardholders with access to a network of over 1,000 lounges worldwide. Cardholders can use their eligible Mastercard to gain entry to participating lounges, where they can enjoy complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and business facilities.
Plaza Premium
Plaza Premium is a global airport services provider that operates lounges in more than 20 countries worldwide. The program offers a range of lounge options, including pay-per-use access, lounge memberships, and lounge access packages for specific airlines. Amenities may include complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and shower facilities.
The Centurion
The Centurion Lounge is an exclusive airport lounge program offered by American Express. The lounges are known for their premium amenities, including gourmet dining, premium bar service, shower suites, and personal concierge service. Access to The Centurion Lounge is limited to American Express cardholders, with some exceptions for Platinum and Centurion members.
India Airport Lounge FAQ
Can I access European airport lounges with an Indian credit card?
Yes, it is possible to access European airport lounges with certain Indian credit cards. Some Indian credit cards offer lounge access through lounge programs such as Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and Plaza Premium, which have partnerships with lounges in airports around the world, including in Europe. However, it is important to check the specific terms and conditions of your credit card to confirm if European airport lounge access is included.
Can I access North American airport lounges with an Indian credit card?
Yes, some Indian credit cards offer access to North American airport lounges through lounge programs such as Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and Plaza Premium, which have partnerships with lounges in airports around the world, including in North America. However, it is important to check the specific terms and conditions of your credit card to confirm if North American airport lounge access is included.
Which Indian credit cards offer free airport lounge access? (ie. no annual fee)
Most Indian credit cards that offer airport lounge access require payment of an annual fee. However, there are some credit cards that offer limited free lounge access, such as the Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card which offers 4 complimentary airport lounge visits per year.
Which Indian banks offer airport lounge access?
Several Indian banks offer airport lounge access as a benefit with their credit cards, including Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and SBI. The specific terms and conditions of lounge access, including the number of complimentary visits and the participating lounges, vary depending on the bank and credit card. It is important to check the details of each credit card to determine the lounge access benefits offered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having a credit card that offers airport lounge access can make travel more comfortable and enjoyable, especially for frequent travelers. In India, there are several credit cards and banks that offer this benefit, including Axis Bank, AU Bank, Air India SBI Card, and SBI Card. Additionally, there are several lounge programs available in India, including Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Plaza Premium, and The Centurion. While access to lounges may vary depending on the card and lounge program, it is important to check the terms and conditions of each credit card and program to ensure eligibility.