Top Credit Cards For Free International Airport Lounge Access
For Frequent travelers access to airport lounges can greatly improve their travel experience. This article will examine the top 10 credit cards in India that provide International airport lounge access, including information on fees, benefits, and the application process. Whether you travel for business or leisure, these credit cards can enhance your journey with greater comfort and journey.
These cards offer a variety of benefits, including:
- Access to airport lounges worldwide
- Food and drinks
- Wi-Fi access
- Comfortable seating
- Business center access
- Shower facilities and more
Credit Cards For Free International Airport Lounge Access
With numerous credit cards providing airport lounge access available in the market, many people struggle to select the most suitable cards for their needs. Additionally, various card providers collaborate with different lounge programs to offer their customers complimentary access to airport lounges both in India and abroad.
To help you understand the difference between these programs and choose the best credit card for yourself, we are here with a list of some of the best credit cards for international lounge access:
Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card is a distinctive offering from Axis Bank designed to deliver a range of luxury and lifestyle benefits to its customers. With this card, you can earn up to 24 reward points for every Rs.200 spent.
In addition to its reward offerings, cardholders enjoy up to 25% off on dining at various participating restaurants and discounts of up to Rs.500 on movie tickets through BookMyShow.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | Rs. 12,500 + GST |
| Renewal Fee | Rs. 12,500 + GST |
| Best Suited For | Travel |
| Reward Type | Reward Points |
| Welcome Benefits | Choose a gift voucher worth Rs. 12,500 from any one of Luxe, Yatra, or Postcard Hotels |
IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card
The IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card offers a variety of exclusive benefits without any annual fee, including reward programs, travel perks, lifestyle advantages, and more. Here is the list of benefits you can avail of with this card. earn up to 10 Reward Points for every Rs.100 spent (with 1 RP equivalent to Re. 0.25), plus access to two complimentary golf rounds each month.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | Nil |
| Renewal Fee | Nil |
| Best Suited For | Movies |
| Reward Type | Reward Points |
| Welcome Benefits | Gift vouchers worth Rs. 500 from popular brands on spending over Rs. 15,000 within 90 days and a 5% cashback on the first EMI transaction made within the first 30 days. |
Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card
The Axis Bank Select Credit Card offers excellent rewards, earning you up to 20 Reward Points for every Rs.100 spent. Additionally, it provides a range of perks, including a welcome bonus, free lounge access, exclusive dining discounts, and more.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | Rs. 3,000 + GST |
| Renewal Fee | Rs. 3,000 + GST |
| Best Suited For | Travel |
| Reward Type | Reward Points |
| Welcome Benefits | Get 10,000 EDGE REWARD POINTS on your first transaction of Rs. 2000 |
SBI ELITE Credit Card
The SBI ELITE Credit Card is crafted to give its users premium rewards and benefits. With this card, you earn 2 Reward Points, for every Rs.100 spent. Moreover, depending on your annual expenditure, you can accumulate up to 50,000 bonus Reward Points each year.
In addition, the card offers attractive discounts on movie tickets, helping you save more on entertainment costs.
HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card
HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card series is one of its most popular offerings, known for providing top-tier travel and lifestyle benefits. Recently, the bank introduced the Regalia Gold Credit Card, which features exclusive rewards and offers designed for luxurious travel and stylish shopping.
Upon spending more than Rs. 1 Lakh within 90 days of card issuance, cardholders receive complimentary MMT Black Elite and Club Vistara Silver Tier memberships.
Additionally, you earn 4 reward points for every Rs.150 spent on retail purchases and 5X Reward Points for every Rs.150 spent on Nykaa, Reliance Digital, Myntra, and Marks & Spencer, both in-store and online.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | Rs. 2,500 + GST |
| Renewal Fee | Rs. 2,500 + GST |
| Best Suited For | Shopping |
| Reward Type | Reward Points |
| Welcome Benefits | - Complimentary MMT Black Elite Membership |
| - Club Vistara Silver Tier Membership on spending over Rs. 1 Lakh within 90 days |
Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card
Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card is the premium card offering from SC Bank. The card offers lavish benefits and is one of the most beneficial credit cards for travel. The card offers 5 Reward Points per Rs. 150 you spend and 1 complimentary Golf game every month.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | Rs. 5,000 + GST |
| Renewal Fee | Rs. 5,000 + GST |
| Best Suited For | Travel |
| Reward Type | Reward Points |
| Welcome Benefits | 6,000 Rewards redeemable for shopping vouchers or charity under Standard Chartered 360° rewards program |
AU Zenith+ Credit Card
The AU Bank Zenith Plus Credit Card is a great option for frequent travelers who rely on their credit card for the majority of their spending. It features a competitive reward structure, offering 2 Reward Points (RPs) for every Rs.100 spent on dining, International, and travel-related expenses, and 1 RP per Rs.100 spent on other categories.
With an annual spend of Rs 12 Lakhs, you can enjoy a complimentary Taj Epicure Membership. This card also includes 16 complimentary lounge visits at both domestic and international airports, complimentary golf rounds, and Buy One Get One (BOGO) movie tickets.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹4,999 + GST |
| Renewal Fee | ₹4,999 + GST |
| Best Suited For | Travel |
| Reward Type | Reward Points |
| Welcome Benefits | Luxury Gift Vouchers or Reward Points Worth ₹5,000 |
HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card
HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card comes with all the exciting features & benefits that one might be looking for. Aimed at high-income individuals, the card offers comprehensive benefits tailored to their needs.
HDFC Infinia rewards you with 5 reward points for every Rs.150 spent, provides access to unlimited golf games, and includes exclusive dining perks through the Good Food Trail Program.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹12,500 + GST |
| Renewal Fee | ₹12,500 + GST |
| Best Suited For | Travel |
| Reward Type | Reward Points |
| Welcome Benefits | Welcome bonus of 12,500 Reward Points and complimentary Club Marriott membership for the first year offering 20% discounts on dining and stay in the Asia-Pacific region. |
IndusInd Bank Pinnacle World Credit Card
The IndusInd Bank Pinnacle World Credit Card is a high-end card that provides exclusive benefits across multiple categories. For every Rs.100 spent the card earns you 2.5 points, allowing you to save up to 2.5% on your purchases. Furthermore, you can take advantage of the ‘Buy One Get One Free’ offer on movie tickets purchased through BookMyShow, along with the opportunity up to 3 complimentary tickets each month.
Regarding travel perks, cardholders enjoy free access to airport lounges both domestically and internationally in addition to a complimentary Priority Pass Membership. Moreover, you can also relish free golf rounds and lessons every year at some of the premium golf courses across the country.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | Rs. 14,999 + GST |
| Renewal Fee | Nil |
| Best Suited For | Travel |
| Reward Type | Reward Points |
| Welcome Benefits | Choose any one benefit from: - Luxe gift card - Complimentary night stay at Oberoi hotels - Gift vouchers from brands like Hush Puppies, BATA, Titan, Pantaloons, Raymond, etc. |
Yes Bank First Exclusive/RESERV Credit Card
Yes First Exclusive Credit Card is a mid-level shopping credit card offered by Yes Bank. The card is in direct competition with the likes of ICICI Sapphiro and HDFC Regalia Gold. Regarding international lounge access, the Yes Bank First Exclusive Credit Card provides unlimited access to international airport lounges through complimentary loungeKey (for the Visa variant) or Priority Pass (for the MasterCard variant).
You can earn 12 Reward Points for every Rs. 200 spent on the card, excluding select categories. Additionally, the card offers four complimentary rounds of golf each year and one complimentary golf lesson per month at select golf courses throughout India.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | Rs. 1,999 + GST |
| Renewal Fee | Rs. 1,999 + GST |
| Best Suited For | Travel, Shopping |
| Reward Type | Reward Points |
| Welcome Benefits | N/A |
International Lounge Access Programs
Credit card payment networks such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and RuPay collaborate with airport hospitality companies to provide complimentary access to their lounges for cardholders globally.
Apart from credit card payment networks, there are many independent airport lounge access programs like Priority Pass and LoungeKey by Collinson Group and Dreamfolks that offer lounge access to their members.
Many credit card providers also offer free membership to these lounge access programs for their cardholders. Therefore, a credit card issuer can provide complimentary airport lounge access to its cardholders in two ways: first, through a partnership with the card’s payment network, and second via a third-party lounge access program.
Compare Annual Fees & Lounge Benefits of Popular Credit Cards
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | International Lounge Access (Annually) | International Lounge Access (Add-on Cardholders) |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Platinum Credit Card | Rs. 60,000 | Unlimited | Unlimited (Only for One Add-On Cardholder) |
| HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card | Rs. 10,000 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| YES First Exclusive Credit Card | Rs. 9,999 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card | Rs. 10,000 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| YES Private Credit Card | Rs. 50,000 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
How To Apply For Credit Cards With Free Airport Lounge Access?
The application process is very quick to understand and easy to fulfill. Simply select your preferred card on the website and click on the Apply Now button next to it. You will be redirected to the Bank’s official application page. Fill in a few details like mobile number and PAN Card details, and you will have filled out the application for a credit card with free lounge access.
To apply offline, simply visit your nearest bank branch and fill in the application form for credit card application. Take all the required documents, including Identity proof, income proof, address proof, etc, with you.
Conclusion
We diligently research and analyze data from multiple card issuers to offer you the most relevant and current information. Our team is dedicated to providing the best resources to assist you in making an informed choice when selecting the Top Credit Cards For Free International Airport Lounge Access.