February 08, 2024

Top 5 Credit Cards with Airline Lounge Access in India

Hello, savvy travelers!

In the realm of credit cards, one of the most coveted perks for frequent travelers is access to airline lounges. Whether you're a business traveler or a jet-setter exploring the globe, having a comfortable sanctuary within bustling airports can elevate your travel experience. In India, several credit cards offer this exclusive benefit, providing access to a network of airline lounges across the country and internationally. Here's a rundown of the top 5 credit cards with airline lounge access in India, offering you a glimpse into the world of luxury travel and convenience.

1. HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card:

The HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card stands out for its unmatched benefits in travel and lifestyle. Cardholders enjoy unlimited access to over 1000+ lounges across the globe, including several in India, through the Diners Club network. The card also offers a range of other privileges, including complimentary golf sessions and exclusive dining offers.

Key Features:

• Earn 5 reward points for every Rs 150 spent.
• Earn up to 10X Reward Points through SmartBuy purchases and double the points on weekend dining.
• Complimentary golf games at premier courses worldwide.
• Reward points on every spend, redeemable for air tickets or hotel bookings.

Fee:

• Membership Enrollment/Annual Renewal Charge: Rs. 10,000 plus taxes as applicable.
• Incur expenses of Rs. 5 Lakhs within 12 months to have the renewal charge waived for the subsequent year.

2.Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card:

Designed for the frequent flyer, the Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card offers 8 free airport meet and greet services, covering check-in, assistance with security, help through the immigration process, and porter services. Cardholders enjoy unlimited complimentary visits to lounges and bring along 8 guests per year at no extra cost with the Priority Pass card.

Key Features:

• For your welcome gift, select from a Luxe gift card, The Postcard Hotels gift voucher, or a Yatra gift voucher.
• Receive up to 15% discount on both international and domestic stays at Oberoi & Trident hotels.
• Benefit from up to a 40% discount at more than 4,000 restaurants throughout India.

Fee:

• The annual fee of Rs 12,000 plus applicable taxes is waived if you spend Rs 25 lakhs in the previous year.

3.SBI Card Elite:

The SBI Card Elite is a premium credit card offering a wealth of privileges tailored for the discerning user who seeks luxury and convenience in their financial transactions. It stands out for its wide array of benefits, which include complimentary membership to airport lounge access both in India and internationally

Key Features:

• Receive a welcome e-Gift Voucher valued at Rs. 5,000, applicable across a selection of travel and lifestyle brands, including Yatra, Hush Puppies/Bata, Pantaloons, Aditya Birla Fashion, and Shoppers Stop.
• Enjoy complimentary movie tickets valued at Rs. 6,000 annually. Each transaction must include a minimum of 2 tickets per booking each month, with a maximum discount of Rs. 250 per ticket for up to 2 tickets.
• Receive a free membership to the Priority Pass Program, which includes 6 complimentary visits to airport lounges per calendar year outside of India, with a maximum of 2 visits each quarter.
• Benefit from a free Club Vistara Silver membership, along with 1 complimentary Upgrade Voucher. Accumulate 9 Club Vistara Points for every Rs. 100 spent on Vistara flights.
• Earn 5X Reward Points on expenditures at dining establishments, departmental stores, and grocery purchases.

Fee:

• Membership Enrollment/Annual Renewal Charge: Rs. 4,999 plus taxes as applicable.

4.ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card:

The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card comes as a trio of cards (American Express, Visa and Mastercard) that offers a comprehensive suite of travel benefits, including complimentary airport lounge access. Cardholders can enjoy access to select lounges in India, making travel more relaxing and enjoyable.

Key Features:

• Annually, enjoy 2 free visits to airport lounges outside India and 2 spa sessions at select airports within India, courtesy of the complimentary Dreamfolks membership.
• Receive four free entries to chosen airport lounges in India every quarter, provided you spend a minimum of Rs 5,000 or more.
• Receive a free golf round or lesson for each ₹50,000 spent on retail in the previous calendar month, with a limit of up to 4 rounds every month.
• Purchase one ticket and receive a discount of up to Rs. 500 on the second ticket, available twice every month via BookMyShow.

Fee:

• The enrollment fee is Rs 6,500, and the yearly fee is Rs 3,500, which can be waived if you spend over Rs 6 lakh in the preceding year.

5. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card:

The American Express Platinum Card is synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, offering a broad array of benefits. Card members enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges across the world, including the American Express lounges and those within the Priority Pass network. This card goes beyond lounge access, with benefits that cater to luxury travel and lifestyle needs.

Key Features:

• Benefit from 8 free visits annually to airport lounges across India, capped at two complimentary visits each quarter.
• Receive a Taj Experiences E-Gift Card valued at Rs. 10,000, redeemable at Taj, SeleQtions, and Vivanta Hotels.
• Accumulate 1 Membership Rewards Point for every Rs. 50 spent, excluding expenditures on fuel, insurance, utilities, cash transactions, and EMI conversions at the point of sale.

Fee:

• Initial Year Charge: Rs. 3,500 plus taxes as applicable. From the Second Year: Rs. 5,000 plus taxes as applicable.

Selecting the right credit card with airline lounge access can significantly enhance your travel experiences, providing comfort, convenience, and luxury amidst your journeys. Whether you prioritize lounge access, travel rewards, or additional perks, these top 5 credit cards in India cater to diverse preferences, offering an array of benefits to discerning travelers.

Before making a decision, ensure to review each card's terms, conditions, and fees to find the one that best suits your needs and travel habits. Happy travels!