If long layovers and crowded terminals are your frequent travel companions, a credit card with complimentary airport lounge access could transform your journey. Offering a slice of luxury and convenience, several Indian credit cards now extend free or special access to airport lounges across domestic and international terminals.
Here’s a curated list by TOI of five top-performing credit cards that provide lounge access benefits:
1. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Cards
This premium offering from HDFC Bank comes with complimentary lounge access at domestic and international airports. The membership and renewal fees are ₹2,500 plus taxes, making it a value-packed option for frequent flyers.
2. SBI Card ELITE
SBI’s ELITE card provides access to over 1,000 international lounges via the Priority Pass membership and additional domestic lounge entries. Annual charges are on the higher side but justified by the wide range of privileges, including lifestyle and travel benefits.
3. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
Targeted at wealth travelers, the Magnus card provides unlimited lounge access within the country and several free international entries per annum. With luxury affiliations and concierge services, this card is marketed as a high-end lifestyle device.
4. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
Dual benefits with Visa and Mastercard variants make this card versatile. Cardholders enjoy complimentary lounge visits both in India and abroad, along with cashback on travel and dining spends.
5. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
Famous for its airport benefits, the Amex Platinum Travel Card provides free lounge access in certain domestic airports and speeds up rewards for travel spending. Although it’s limited in international lounge coverage, it’s still a favorite among domestic jet-setters.
Why Lounge Access Matters
With rising domestic air traffic and increasing wait times at airports, lounge access offers relaxation, productive downtime, free Wi-Fi, refreshments, and a quiet ambiance. For business travelers and vacationers alike, these benefits help reduce travel fatigue and improve overall experience.
Before opting for any card, users should compare annual fees, reward programs, travel insurance coverage, and access networks (like Visa, Mastercard, or Priority Pass). Lounge access often comes with a cap on free visits or spends-based eligibility.
Bottom line: If you fly frequently, investing in a credit card with lounge access can significantly enhance your travel comfort transforming wait time into downtime.
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