16 Best Credit Cards with Lounge Access Feature in 2025

Bio

Shreyansh Singh, an IIT Kanpur alumnus, has eight years of experience in the finance industry. He has spent 5 years at American Express developing mid to long-term strategies for multiple markets including US, Europe and India. Shreyansh currently leads Growth and Strategy initiatives at Pice.

  • 13 Oct 25
  • 17 mins
credit cards with lounge access features provide many benefits

16 Best Credit Cards with Lounge Access Feature in 2025

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avatar of shreyansh singh Shreyansh Singh
  • 08 Mins
  • 13-10-25

Key Takeaways

  • Credit cards with lounge access are no longer limited to premium users—many mid-range and entry-level cards now offer complimentary airport lounge visits.
  • Leading banks like HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Axis, IDFC, and AU Bank provide some of the best credit cards with lounge access for both domestic and international travellers.
  • Most banks require you to meet a minimum quarterly spend (typically ₹20,000–₹50,000) to unlock free lounge access benefits.
  • Lounge access is facilitated via international partners like Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DreamFolks, or card networks such as Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and RuPay.
  • Apart from free airport lounge access, these cards offer fuel surcharge waivers, reward points, travel insurance, and welcome vouchers, enhancing overall travel convenience.

Nowadays, travelling has to offer you comfort, luxury and convenience. Hence, credit cards with lounge access benefits have become a necessity for frequent travellers. These cards make it easy to convert a 2-3 hour airport wait into a relaxing session for work or enjoying some refreshments. 

Additionally, lounge credit cards are no longer restricted solely to the so-called elite society. It is possible to obtain complimentary lounge facilities on many mid-range and entry-level credit cards. For related information, keep reading. 

16 Best Lounge Access Credit Cards in India in 2025

Credit cards with lounge access in India
Credit Card NameJoining FeeRenewal FeeWelcome BenefitsRequirement for Lounge Access 
SBI Platinum Corporate CardNILNIL₹3,000 worth of a welcome e-gift voucherNo particular spending criteria 
IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card₹199 + GST (second year onwards)₹199 + GST (second year onwards)₹500 gift voucher on select top brands & up to ₹1,000 cashback on paying your first EMI billHave to spend ₹20,000 each month
IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card₹199 + GST (second year onwards)₹199 + GST (second year onwards)₹500 gift voucher on spending ₹5,000 in the first 30 daysHave to spend ₹20,000 each month
ICICI Manchester United Platinum Credit Card₹499 + GST₹499 + GSTA signed Manchester United footballMust be within the top 18 spenders
ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card₹500 + GST₹500 + GSTNAMust spend ₹75,000 in a calendar quarter for lounge benefits in the next quarter
HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Credit Card₹1,499 + GST₹1,499 + GSTBonus of 1,499 coins is credited after the first transaction (has to be within the first 30 days)No minimum spending criteria for quarterly lounge access
BPCL SBI Octane₹1,499 + GST₹1,499 + GSTBonus points equivalent to ₹1,500 on paying the annual feeNo particular spending criteria 
HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card₹2,500 + GST₹2,500 + GST2,500 reward points after you pay the joining and annual feeGeneral usage, recommended for frequent India and Asia travellers
SBI Card PRIME₹2,999 + GST₹2,999 + GST₹3,000 worth voucher from Yatra, Shoppers Stop, Hush Puppies/ Bata or PantaloonsNo particular spending criteria; available only for primary cardholders 
Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card₹3,000₹3,000EDGE Reward Points worth ₹2,000 credited after first transactionMust spend at least ₹50,000 during the previous three months
SBI ELITE Credit Card₹4,999 + GST₹4,999 + GST₹5,000 worth e-voucher provided after enrolling2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every quarter in India, available only for a limited period
AU Bank Zenith+ Credit Card₹4,999 + GST₹4,999 + GST₹5,000 worth of reward points on activating the cardMust spend ₹20,000 in one quarter
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card₹6,500₹3,500₹9,000 worth of vouchers provided within the first 45 daysSpend at least ₹35,000 in a quarter for domestic lounge access in the next quarter. 
AU Bank Zenith Credit Card₹7,999 + GST₹7,999 + GST₹1,000 as a welcome gift on the 1st POS retail transactionMust spend ₹20,000 in one quarter for free domestic airport lounge access in the same quarter
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Edition₹10,000 + GST₹10,000 + GSTComplimentary subscription to Amazon Prime, Swiggy One, Club Marriott, MMT Black and Forbes Digital on spending ₹1.5 lakh in the first 90 daysNo particular spending criteria 
Axis Bank MAGNUS Credit Card₹12,500₹12,500One Luxe gift card/ Yatra voucher/ the Postcard Hotels gift voucher worth ₹12,500No particular spending criteria 

💡Pay your credit card bills in an easy and secured way and experience smooth transactions with the PICE App.

How to Avail Complimentary Lounge Facilities Through Your Credit Card?

Using your credit card to access free airport lounge facilities is easy. However, there are a few things to be aware of to make the most of the benefits:

  • Eligibility

Most of the banks require the cardholder to use a minimum amount of money over a specific period to access free airport lounge visits. For instance, Axis Bank and ICICI Bank usually require you to spend ₹35,000 - ₹50,000 in a quarter to get free airport lounge access in the next quarter.

  • Card Authentication

With the eligible credit card, boarding pass and the valid ID, you must go to the lounge reception. In most airport lounges, the card will be validated by making a small transaction (usually through a ₹2 - ₹25 swipe) to guarantee that your visit is free of charge.

  • Partner Networks

Access to lounges is offered through global networks such as Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Dreamfolks or through a network of cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, RuPay).

  • Add-on Cards

Some banks extend lounge access to supplementary cardholders, while others restrict it to the primary cardholder. For instance, the HDFC Infinia Credit Card allows both the primary and add-on members to request free lounge access via a Priority Pass. However, the SBI Elite Credit Card does not extend complimentary lounge facilities to add-on cardholders. 

  • Guest Access

Free airport lounge visits will mostly cover you only. Any additional visits beyond the permissible limit are either paid or require using other eligible cards.

A Detailed Overview of Best Credit Cards with Lounge Access

Credit Cards with lounge access have many more benefits

1. SBI Platinum Corporate Card

A Platinum Corporate credit card from SBI is offered to corporates with a focus on business travel efficiency and safety. Individuals can claim up to ₹2 lakh insurance coverage in the case of any card-related fraud.

Lounge Access Benefits

  • Beneficiaries are rewarded with 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year. It is possible to purchase the Priority Pass membership for just ₹180 + taxes.

Pros

  • No joining or renewal fee
  • Tailored for business use.

Cons

  • As a user, you cannot take advantage of complimentary international lounge access.
  • It is limited only to corporate clients.

Other Rewards

  • Businesses are eligible for fraud coverage up to ₹6 million.
  • Customers can manage their outstanding bills smartly by tracking their expenses in real time. 

2. IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card

For frequent flyers, this card is a must as it offers free trip cancellation coverage of up to ₹10,000. Besides, you can convert any outstanding payment into flexible EMIs. The best part is that, to date, this card is lifetime free.

Lounge Access Benefits

You get 2 free domestic and 2 complimentary international lounge access every quarter while using the IDFC First Wealth Card.

Pros

  • Lifetime free card
  • Milestone EDGE rewards
  • Fine dining privileges.

Cons

  • The card has high-income eligibility criteria (must be at least ₹36 lakh).
  • Only a few people are aware of it.

Other Rewards

  • You get 3X rewards on ₹20,000 worth of transactions in a statement cycle.
  • If you spend ₹20,000 or more on your birthday, you get 10X reward points. 
  • Customers can also get up to 8,000 bonus travel rewards on selected hotel and flight bookings.

3. IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

This card has the lowest foreign exchange markup fee. To get this card, you must have an annual salary of at least ₹12 lakh.

Lounge Access Benefits
Select card owners are eligible for 4 complimentary domestic lounge access in a calendar quarter across some major airport terminals.

Pros
This card is lifetime free and good for moderate spending.

Cons
Your lounge access depends on your monthly spending.

Other Rewards

  • You can enjoy BOGO on cinema ticket purchases for up to ₹125 (twice every month).
  • The card allows a fuel surcharge waiver up to ₹300 per month.
  • Beneficiaries can make interest-free cash withdrawals for up to 48 days.

4. ICICI Manchester United Platinum Credit Card

If you are a diehard Manchester United fan and have ever wanted to attend their training sessions or visit Old Trafford for a match, this card is perfect for you. Alternatively, you can redeem the accumulated rewards for shopping in electronics, fashion, health and beauty products.

Lounge Benefit Access

  • Per quarter, you can get 1 complimentary domestic lounge access. 

Pros

  • This card offers exclusive fan benefits and has an affordable annual fee.

Cons

  • Known for having a focused appeal and offering limited lounge access.

Other Rewards

  • Fans can avail a flat 10% off while purchasing official merchandise from the Manchester United store online. 
  • On transactions worth between ₹400 and ₹4,000 at HPCL stations, you get 1% waiver on the bill amount. 
  • Finally, you get up to ₹100 discount on cinema tickets (twice a month) for bookings via INOX and BookMyShow.

5. ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card

With your ICICI Coral Credit Card, you not only earn reward points but also collect additional rewards by shopping through partner brands.

Lounge Access Benefits

Per quarter, you can enter 1 domestic lounge across selected airports in India for free. 

Pros

  • No joining or renewal fees
  • Suitable for moderate spenders.

Cons

As a credit cardholder, you get limited lounge access and rewards.

Other Rewards

  • Except for fuel, all other expenses made through the card earn 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent. 
  • For insurance and other utilities, you get 1 reward point for every ₹100 spent. 

6. HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Credit Card

Designed for retail shoppers wanting a budget-friendly alternative offering significant travel advantages, all linked to the Tata Neu loyalty system.

Lounge Access Benefits

Cardholders are entitled to 8 domestic and 4 international airport free lounge visits annually (2 domestic and 1 international complimentary lounge access per quarter).

Pros

  • Affordable joining fee
  • Seamless integration with Tata Neu rewards
  • Decent lounge access for moderate travellers.

Cons

  • Renewal fee is non-negotiable
  • Lounge visits are also limited per quarter. 

Other Rewards

  • You get a 5% cashback as NeuCoins on non-EMI transactions on Tata platforms.
  • 1.5% NeuCoins are credited on every UPI transaction (capped at 500 coins per month).
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver is provided for amounts between ₹400 and ₹5,000.

7. BPCL SBI Octane

This co-branded card is designed primarily for vehicle fuel customers with added lifestyle and travel perks.

Lounge Access Benefits

Anyone having this card can enjoy 1 complimentary domestic airport lounge access per quarter. 

Pros

Great for people who want fuel benefits bundled with some lounge access.

Cons

  • Lounge visits are fewer compared to premium travel cards.
  • You are permitted to access only domestic lounges for free.

Other Rewards

  • One gets ₹2,000 worth of e-gift vouchers from Aditya Birla Fashion. 
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver is applicable, with ₹100 being the threshold per statement cycle. 
  • You get 25 reward points for every ₹100 transaction made at BPCL fuel stations. 
  • For other categories of transactions, you earn 10 reward points per ₹100 spent. 

8. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card

Regalia is one of the most popular mid-tier credit cards that combine travel advantages with a fair amount of maintenance fees. It is generally recommended for regular travellers both inside the country and abroad to a limited extent.

Lounge Access Benefits

Primary cardholders get 12 complimentary domestic and international lounge visits in a year. When utilising the Priority Pass, both primary and add-on members can get a maximum of 6 free lounge access in a calendar year.

Pros

  • Balanced travel and lifestyle rewards
  • Reasonable joining fee
  • Sufficient lounge access quota. 

Cons

  • Limited to a fixed number of lounge visits
  • No discount on renewal fee applicable annually.

Other Rewards

  • On spending above a certain limit, you get milestone rewards. 
  • In addition, you receive Club Vistara Silver membership along with flight and shopping vouchers.

9. SBI Card PRIME

The SBI PRIME card is ideal for regular travellers who value lifestyle benefits with airport lounge privileges. It is available under three card network operators - Mastercard, Visa, and American Express.

Lounge Access Benefits

Cardholders get 8 domestic and 4 international complimentary lounge visits. In a quarter, you can access lounge services a maximum of 2 times for free, for both international and domestic terminals.

Pros

  • Moderately priced credit card
  • Decent lounge quotas
  • Flexible rewards.

Cons

  • The complimentary air accident insurance coverage has been discontinued as of July 15, 2025.

Other Rewards

  • You can enjoy a ₹1,000 Pizza Hut e-voucher on completing ₹50,000 worth of transactions in a calendar year.
  • On spending ₹3 lakh annually, you do not have to pay the renewal fee. 
  • On spending ₹5 lakh or more, you get e-vouchers worth ₹7,000.

10. Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card

With the SELECT credit card, anyone ordering via Swiggy can avail a flat ₹200 off. Moreover, premium cardholders occasionally qualify for exclusive weekend experiences.

Lounge Access Benefits

Priority Pass members can avail up to 12 complimentary airport lounge visits in a year. Others can get 2 free lounge access permits within a quarter by spending ₹50,000 in the previous calendar quarter. 

Pros

  • Users get decent lounge access
  • Ample rewards
  • Reasonable fee for a premium card.

Cons

  • The card has a minimum spend threshold for free airport lounge eligibility.

Other Rewards

  • You can renew your Priority Pass by spending ₹3 lakh annually. 
  • You can get 200 Axis EDGE points for every ₹200 worth of transaction. 
  • Shoppers get 2X reward points while purchasing under the ‘Retail Shopping’ category.

11. SBI ELITE Credit Card

High-net-worth people seeking premium lifestyle and travel benefits typically go for this credit card. Besides giving access to some of the finest airport lounges worldwide, it also offers extensive travel insurance as an add-on.

Lounge Access Benefits

You can enjoy up to 8 domestic and 6 international free accesses to airport lounges per year through the Priority Pass network.

Pros

  • Strong rewards program
  • Premium lifestyle access
  • Lowest markup fee on international usage (1.99%). 

Cons

  • The annual renewal fee is quite high
  • Guest access is limited.

Other Rewards

  • The card helps you obtain free cinema tickets worth ₹6,000 annually. 
  • You can earn milestone points worth ₹12,500 in a year.
  • Customers enjoy 5X reward points for transactions under the grocery, departmental stores and dining categories.

12. AU Bank Zenith+ Credit Card

Packed with complimentary Taj Epicure membership, low foreign markup fees and luxury brand vouchers, the AU Zenith+ credit card is worth considering. Its reward rate varies between 1% and 3% and offers the cardholders much more.

Lounge Access Benefits

You get 16 free domestic airport visits (maximum of 4 every quarter) and 16 free international lounge accesses (via Priority Pass). 

Pros

  • Attractive card renewal and welcome benefits of up to ₹10,000
  • Low forex markup fee of just 0.99%

Cons

  • Fuel, EMI and cash expenses are not counted for reward points.

Other Rewards 

  • The card offers 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent on dining, food and overseas expenses. 
  • You get 1 reward point for every ₹100 utilised on retail spends.

13. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card

In addition to domestic and international airport lounge benefits, this card offers a wide range of travel and lifestyle perks. You can expect premium concierge services, Milestone benefits and BookMyShow discounts while using this card.

Lounge Access Benefits

Card users are eligible for 2 complimentary international lounge visits annually. Moreover, you can enjoy 4 free domestic lounge accesses by spending ₹35,000 in the previous quarter.

Pros

  • Renewal fee waiver on spending ₹6 lakh in a year
  • Extensive travel rewards
  • Generous lounge visits. 

Cons

  • Features a significant joining fee of ₹6,500 + GST.

Other Rewards

  • You can get ₹500 off on your second movie ticket via BookMyShow.
  • Upon filling in your nominee information, you get air accident insurance up to ₹3 crore.

14. AU Bank Zenith Credit Card

This card lets you earn rewards from 1.25% to 5.5% of what you spend. On completing the first transaction, you receive vouchers worth ₹1,000.

Lounge Access Benefits

Card users get 4 free domestic lounge accesses per quarter. Additionally, Priority Pass members are eligible for 2 complimentary lounge visits outside India.

Pros

  • Customers use it owing to a competitive fee, appealing rewards, decent lounge access quota.

Cons

  • Requires minimum spending for lounge privileges, which might not be the case for other banks.

Other Rewards

  • You earn 20 reward points (1 reward point = ₹0.25) on completing every ₹100 transaction under ‘retail’ spends. 
  • Card usage across departmental stores, grocery shopping and international portals earns you 10 reward points per ₹100 spent.

15. HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Edition

It is a high-end metal credit card by HDFC Bank that caters to connoisseurs of lifestyle and offers fancy benefits to frequent travellers. This option is perfect for frequent international travellers who want unlimited lounge access and great rewards.

Lounge Access Benefits

You can enjoy complimentary lounge access at over 1,300 venues worldwide. The facilities are free to both the primary and add-on cardholders. No spending criteria need to be met for the offer.

Pros

Unlimited global lounge access, add-on card privileges, premium concierge and lifestyle benefits, extensive reward points ecosystem.

Cons

  • High joining and renewal fee of ₹10,000 + taxes
  • Renewal fee waiver only if ₹8 lakh is spent annually, which may be high for some users.

Other Rewards

  • Earn 5 Reward Points (RPs) for every ₹150 spent and up to 10X RPs on SmartBuy portal purchases.
  • Get milestone bonuses worth 10,000 bonus points on spending ₹4 lakh quarterly.
  • Enjoy 6 free golf lessons each quarter. 

16. Axis Bank MAGNUS Credit Card

To own this card, your annual income must be more than ₹24 lakh. After activating it, you can enjoy exclusive rewards offered through the Mastercard network.

Lounge Access Benefits

Axis Bank ensures unlimited domestic and international free lounge visits with 4 guest visits annually via Priority Pass. No minimum spend has been set for lounge eligibility.

Pros

  • Unlimited lounge access
  • Strong reward ecosystem
  • Annual fee waiver on spends.

Cons

  • You have to bear a significant joining fee.
  • The maintenance fee is waived only when you spend a total of ₹30 lakh using the card within a calendar year.

Other Rewards

  • Customers get 12 EDGE reward points for every ₹200 spent up to ₹1.50 lakh. After that, 35 EDGE reward points are credited for every ₹200 in a calendar month.
  • Users enjoy 5 times the reward points for transactions on Travel eDGE.
  • Finally, you get 2 partner miles for every 5 eDGE points across various travel partners. 

How to Get a Credit Card With Free Lounge Access?

For complimentary lounge access via credit card, follow these steps:

Step 1: Ensure you are eligible for lounge access cards by checking your eligibility based on your income and credit score with the bank.

Step 2: Seek cards that provide free access to an airport lounge. Also, get an overview of any annual fees, rewards and lounge access conditions.

Step 3: Compare with other such banks, such as HDFC, ICICI, Axis, SBI and IDFC, which often provide such lounge access cards.

Step 4: One can apply online or in a branch by providing the needed documents (ID, income proof, address proof).

Step 5: Wait for approval while the bank verifies your credit history and documentation.

Once you start using the card, register for lounge access via the bank’s portal or app to generate lounge passes or link your card.

Conclusion

In 2025, frequent flyers and even occasional travellers can enjoy luxury and comfort at airports with credit cards with lounge access. From premium to budget-friendly options, these cards provide complimentary entry to domestic and international lounges, making waiting time more enjoyable. By choosing the right card based on your travel needs, spending habits and rewards, you can elevate every journey while also maximising lifestyle and financial benefits.

FAQs

Which are the best credit cards with lounge access in India in 2025?

Top options include HDFC Regalia Gold, IDFC FIRST Wealth, SBI ELITE, Axis Bank SELECT, AU Bank Zenith+, and HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Edition.

How can I become eligible for free lounge access?

Most banks require you to spend a minimum of ₹20,000–₹50,000 per quarter or maintain a good credit score to avail free lounge visits.

Do all credit cards offer international lounge access?

No, only select premium and travel-focused credit cards with lounge access—like Axis Bank MAGNUS or HDFC Diners Club Black—offer international lounge entry.

Are supplementary cardholders eligible for lounge access?

Some banks, like HDFC with its Infinia Card, extend lounge access to add-on members, while others restrict it to primary cardholders only.

What are the extra benefits of credit cards with lounge access?

Besides lounge facilities, users get reward points, cashback offers, fuel surcharge waivers, insurance covers, and exclusive travel discounts.
About the author
Shreyansh Singh

Shreyansh Singh

Shreyansh Singh, an IIT Kanpur alumnus, has eight years of experience in the finance industry. He has spent 5 years at American Express developing mid to long-term strategies for multiple markets including US, Europe and India. Shreyansh currently leads Growth and Strategy initiatives at Pice.

by Sandipan Mitra

Key Takeaways Indian Overseas Bank credit card lounge access allows...
  • 13-10-25
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