Master Credit Card Lounge Access: Eligibility and List of Cards

Bio

Sandipan Mitra is the CEO and co-founder of Pice. He boasts eight years of experience in the B2B and fintech sector. Sandipan's journey includes significant roles at multiple Indian Unicorns Including Product at PayU, and as founding member / VP, Product at Open Financial Technologies.

  • 13 Oct 25
  • 6 mins
master credit card grants lounge access for users

Master Credit Card Lounge Access: Eligibility and List of Cards

avatar of sandipan mitra
avatar of sandipan mitra Sandipan Mitra
  • 08 Mins
  • 13-10-25

Key Takeaways

  • From May 1, 2025, all Mastercard holders must enrol in the Mastercard Travel Pass to access domestic and international airport lounges.
  • To enjoy complimentary Master credit card lounge access, users must spend at least USD 1 (or equivalent) on an international transaction within 3 months before visiting.
  • Lounge access varies by card type, namely, World Elite (14 visits), World (8 visits), and Platinum (4 visits) annually.
  • Most Master credit cards allow guests at a charge of USD 32 per visit, while select elite cards allow one free guest entry.
  • Lounge entry is managed through the Mastercard Travel Pass app, where users can register, check eligibility, and access lounges seamlessly.

Do you know that from May 1, 2025, onwards, all Mastercard holders must enrol in the Mastercard Travel Pass to avail themselves of international airport lounge access and domestic airport lounge access benefits? Furthermore, if you are an existing customer, you will need to re-enrol in the programme.

If you want to learn about the list of Master credit card lounge access options and their eligibility, you are in the right place. Here are the details for you to review and make informed decisions.

Eligibility Criteria for Master Credit Card Lounge Access

Eligibility criteria for Master credit card lounge access

To access airport lounges, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. Here are the eligibility criteria:

  • You need to spend at least USD 1 or its equivalent on an international transaction within 3 months before your lounge access is granted.
  • If you fail to spend the specified amount, you will be charged USD 32 for each lounge visit.

Additionally, ensure you carry a valid Mastercard card during entry. Lounge access also depends on travel policies and the lounge operator at each airport.

List of Cards for Master Credit Card Lounge Access

Mastercard World Elite

  • 14 airport lounge access per year
  • Access to more than 900 lounges across 135 nations and 450 cities
  • Cardholders can bring along 1 guest with them
  • Cards Applicable: Marriott Bonvoy World Elite Mastercard Credit Card

Mastercard World

  • 8 airport lounge access every calendar year
  • As a cardholder, if you bring along additional guests, you need to pay US $32 for each accompanying guest
  • Cards Applicable: dnata World Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy World Mastercard Credit Card

Mastercard Platinum

  • 4 airport lounge visits per year
  • Guest entry is chargeable at US$32 per guest per visit.
  • Cards Applicable: Lulu Mastercard Platinum Credit Card, Dnata Platinum Credit Card, Mastercard Platinum Credit Card

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

Complimentary Airport Lounge Access with Master Credit Cards

Before meeting the spend requirements, Mastercard provides lounge access to customers based on the card they hold. Here are the complimentary lounge access benefits that Mastercard provides:

  • Mastercard Platinum, Lulu Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy World and dnata World Credit Cardholders get 1 complimentary airport lounge access.
  • Mastercard Marriott Bonvoy World Elite Credit Cardholders get 2 complimentary airport lounge accesses.

The first visit is complimentary and includes benefits such as complimentary food, Wi-Fi, and other premium services. Complimentary visits are accumulated in the yearly count for each card. Additional lounge access is provided upon meeting the spend criteria.

How to Avail Master Credit Card Lounge Access?

You can access the airport experience seamlessly if you know the simple process. Here is the process to avail the Master credit card lounge access:

  1. Download the ‘Mastercard Travel Pass’ app on your phone.
  2. Register with your Mastercard.
  3. Check the lounges nearby, including options at Chennai Airport, and see if you are eligible for complimentary access.
  4. Provide the app QR code or membership number at the lounge to access it.

During your visit, you may also find duty-free shops located near lounges after clearing airport security.

Tips to Maximise Your Mastercard Lounge Benefits

Person enjoys benefits of Master credit card lounge access

The tips discussed below help Indian Mastercard holders thoroughly enjoy travel comfort and exclusive lounge perks:

  • Use your Mastercard credit/debit card at Mastercard-affiliated airport lounges in India to enjoy complimentary lounge access; many cards allow for 2 free visits per quarter.
  • Always carry a valid Mastercard card and present it, along with your boarding pass, at the lounge reception.
  • Some lounges require a small refundable validation charge on the card (usually ₹25), which is cancelled immediately.
  • Check the list of Mastercard lounges at major airports, such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai Airport, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Cochin, beforehand to plan your visit.
  • Know your card’s lounge access limits, guest policies, and any minimum spend requirements to maximise usage. Keeping track of your Credit Limit and available Rewards Points also helps.
  • Lounge access is typically available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please arrive early to ensure entry.
  • Use the Mastercard For You helpline (1800-102-6263) to confirm lounge availability or resolve issues.

The availability of services may also vary depending on the lounge operator and individual airport rules.

Conclusion

Master credit card lounge access can be availed upon spending the required amount. Certain cards offer complimentary lounge access once the spending criteria are met. If you are eligible, you can avail this benefit without spending money using your Mastercard.

Ensure you carry your Mastercard to the airport lounge to access the amenities. You can enjoy free Wi-Fi, complimentary food, and a luxurious lounge airport experience before boarding your flight.

FAQs

What is the new rule for Mastercard lounge access from May 2025?

From May 1, 2025, all Mastercard holders must register on the Mastercard Travel Pass app to access international and domestic lounges.

What are the eligibility criteria for Master credit card lounge access?

You must spend at least USD 1 or equivalent on an international transaction within 3 months prior to lounge access, or pay USD 32 per visit if not eligible.

Which Master credit cards offer lounge access benefits?

The Mastercard World Elite, Mastercard World, and Mastercard Platinum tiers offer varying numbers of free lounge visits annually

How can I use the Mastercard Travel Pass for lounge access?

Download the Mastercard Travel Pass app, register your card, check nearby lounges, and show the QR code or membership number at the lounge for entry.

Are guests allowed under Master credit card lounge access?

Yes, but guest entry is usually chargeable at USD 32 per guest per visit, unless your card specifically includes guest privileges.
About the author
Sandipan Mitra

Sandipan Mitra

Sandipan Mitra is the CEO and co-founder of Pice. He boasts eight years of experience in the B2B and fintech sector. Sandipan's journey includes significant roles at multiple Indian Unicorns Including Product at PayU, and as founding member / VP, Product at Open Financial Technologies.

by Sandipan Mitra

Key Takeaways A Letter of Undertaking (LUT) under GST allows...
  • 13-10-25
  • 10 mins
0
Check your Credit Score for Free
Check Now