Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access

According to Ken Research, the popularity of airport lounge access has surged significantly, with a skyrocketing footfall of 8.5 million in FY 22-23, up from just 3.5 million the previous year. This impressive growth underscores the increasing demand for exclusive, comfortable spaces where travellers can relax and recharge before their flights.

In this blog, we'll explore the various credit cards that offer airport lounge access, the benefits of these lounges, and how you can make the most of this luxury travel perk. Whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional traveller, understanding how to leverage your credit card benefits can transform your travel experience from mundane to extraordinary.

Best Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access

1. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
2. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
3. HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Metal Edition Credit Card
4. HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition
5. SBI Elite Credit Card

1. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

Joining Fee: ₹3,500
Annual Fee: ₹5,000

The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card caters to frequent flyers in India. It boasts a suite of travel-centric benefits and rewards, including a welcome bonus of 10,000 Membership Reward Points, the ability to earn Membership Rewards points on everyday spending, an annual travel credit to help offset travel expenses, access to airport lounges for relaxation and productivity during layovers, and hotel benefits that can elevate your stays.

Features and Benefits of American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

Lounge Access Benefits:

8 complimentary visits per year, limited to two per quarter, at airport lounges across India.

Eligible Lounges

Other Benefits:

• Welcome gift of 10,000 Membership Rewards Points redeemable for a Flipkart voucher or Pay with Points option in Amex Travel Online worth ₹3,000.
• Get a Taj Experiences E-Gift Card worth ₹10,000 from the Taj, SeleQtions and Vivanta Hotels.
• Earn 1 Membership Reward Point for every ₹50 spent and much more.

Apply for American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card.

2. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card

Joining and Annual Fee: ₹5,000

The Axis Atlas Credit Card is designed specifically for frequent travellers. Instead of earning regular reward points, it offers EDGE Miles, a currency that can be redeemed for flights and other travel-related expenses through the Axis Bank Travel Edge program. This program allows you to convert your EDGE Miles to partner airline programs, making it easier to find flights that match your travel plans.

Features and Benefits of Axis Atlas Credit Card:

Lounge Access Benefits:

Atlas Credit Cardholders are entitled to avail lounge benefits as per the following:
Note- The number of visits depends on the card variant.

Domestic lounges:

International lounges:

Other Benefits:

• 2500 EDGE Miles shall be credited to cardholders' EDGE Miles account upon successful completion of 1 transaction on the card within 37 days from the date of card issuance.
• Earn 2 EDGE Miles per ₹100 spent on all categories.
• Earn 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 spent on travel up to ₹2 lakh per month and more.

Apply for an Axis Atlas Credit Card.

3. HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Metal Edition Credit Card

Joining and Annual Fees: ₹10,000

HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Edition Credit Card is a super-premium credit card designed for individuals who appreciate luxury travel and lifestyle experiences. It caters to high net-worth individuals and frequent flyers who crave a card that matches their spending habits and travel aspirations.

Features and Benefits of Diners Club Black Metal Edition Credit Card:

Lounge Access Benefits:

Unlimited airport lounge access to 1,300+ lounges in India and worldwide for primary and add-on card members.

Click here to view Domestic Lounges
Click here to view International Lounges

Other Benefits:

• 6 complimentary golf games every quarter across the finest courses in the world
• Complimentary annual memberships of Club Marriott, Amazon Prime, and Swiggy One as a Welcome Benefit
• 10,000 Bonus Reward Points on spends of ₹4 lakh every calendar quarter
• 2X Reward Points on Weekend Dining
• 5 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent
• Up to 10X Reward Points via SmartBuy and much more.

Apply for HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Metal Edition Credit Card.

4. HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition

The HDFC Infinia Credit Card is a high-end invitation-only credit card with a metal touch for a more prestigious feel. It offers a reward rate of 5 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent, which can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, and other rewards. The card comes with a hefty annual fee of ₹12,500 (plus taxes), but it does offer some travel-focused perks to offset the cost. 

Features and Benefits of HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition-

Lounge Access Benefits:

Unlimited complimentary lounge access at airports within and outside India at 1,000+ airport lounges using Priority Pass.

Other Benefits:

• Complimentary nights & buffet at participating ITC hotels
• Complimentary Club Marriott membership for the first year
• 5 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent
• Global Personal Concierge -24/7

Apply for HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition Credit Card.

5. SBI Elite Credit Card

Joining and Annual Fees: ₹4,999 + taxes

SBI Card ELITE is a premium card that offers benefits in a variety of categories, including travel, movies, restaurants, incentives, and more. Users can receive reasonable incentives on their daily purchases as well as significant milestone benefits, making it an excellent choice for high-spenders. The card also includes 6,000 rupees in movie tickets every year, which exceeds the annual price of ₹4,999. 

Features and Benefits of SBI Elite Credit Card

Lounge Access Benefit

• Complimentary Priority Pass Membership worth $99
• 6 complimentary visits to international lounges (max. 2 per quarter)
• 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter

Other Benefits:

• Welcome gift voucher worth ₹5,000
• Complimentary Club Vistara Membership
• 5X rewards on dining, grocery and departmental store spend
• Free movie tickets worth ₹6,000 per year
• Up to 50,000 bonus reward points in a year

Check out our 50+ Best Credit Cards in India: Compare and Apply Online!

Conclusion

Concluding our exploration of the best credit cards with airport lounge access in India, it's evident that these financial tools are not just about spending, but also about enhancing your travel experience. The luxury of relaxing in a quiet, comfortable space before a flight and enjoying complimentary snacks, beverages, and other amenities can transform your travel routine from stressful to delightful.

In a world where travel can often be hectic and unpredictable, owning a credit card with airport lounge access is a step towards reclaiming a sense of pleasure and tranquillity in your journeys. So, apply for the card that best suits your needs and start transforming your travel experiences today. Happy travels!