Traveling by air in India has become more frequent and accessible. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, spending time in a crowded airport terminal can be tiring. That’s why airport lounge access has become one of the most sought-after benefits in premium credit cards.
If you’re someone who flies often, even just within India, getting a credit card with free lounge access can make your travel experience far more comfortable. From complimentary meals and Wi-Fi to plush seating and peaceful waiting areas, airport lounges offer a world of difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best credit cards for lounge access in India (2025), covering their key benefits, fees, lounge programs, and who each card is best suited for.
Why Lounge Access Matters for Indian Travelers
India’s airports, especially in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, are among the busiest in the world. Long wait times, crowded boarding areas, and delayed flights are common experiences.
Airport lounges offer:
- Comfortable seating and air conditioning
- Free food and beverages
- Wi-Fi and charging points
- Workstations and reading materials
- Peaceful waiting areas away from the crowds
With the right credit card, you can access these lounges without paying extra every time you travel.
Comparison Table: Best Lounge Access Credit Cards in India
Credit Card | Lounge Access | Annual Fee | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
HDFC Bank Diners Club Black | Unlimited (Domestic & International) | ₹10,000 + GST | Unlimited lounge visits, 5X rewards, low forex markup |
Axis Bank Magnus | Unlimited (Domestic & International via Priority Pass) | ₹12,500 + GST | Travel concierge, luxury hotel bookings, dining perks |
SBI Card ELITE | 6 domestic + 2 international lounge visits | ₹4,999 + GST | Club Vistara Silver, free movie tickets |
ICICI Bank Sapphiro | 2 international + 4 domestic visits/quarter | ₹3,500 + GST | Airport lounge access via Dreamfolks |
HDFC Regalia Credit Card | 12 domestic + 6 international per year | ₹2,500 + GST | Complimentary Priority Pass, travel concierge |
IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card | 2 complimentary lounge visits/month | ₹5,000 + GST (one-time) | Concierge, lifestyle rewards |
HDFC Bank Diners Club Black – The Ultimate Premium Choice
HDFC Diners Club Black is considered one of the best premium credit cards in India. It offers unlimited lounge access, both domestically and internationally.
Key Features:
- Unlimited airport lounge access across 1,000+ lounges
- Low foreign currency markup (2%)
- 5X reward points on key categories (flights, hotels, dining)
- Complimentary golf sessions and concierge service
Best For: Frequent travelers looking for unlimited lounge access and luxury perks.
Axis Bank Magnus – Luxury and Travel Benefits Combined
The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card is a powerhouse of luxury, rewards, and travel benefits.
Key Features:
- Complimentary Priority Pass membership
- Unlimited lounge visits (primary and add-on members)
- ₹10,000 monthly dining voucher (on ₹1L spend)
- Domestic airport spa access
- Airport concierge and travel assistant
Best For: High-spenders looking for elite travel experiences and premium rewards.
SBI Card ELITE – Balanced Lounge Benefits and Lifestyle Perks
SBI Card ELITE offers a decent number of lounge visits annually and lifestyle privileges like Club Vistara Silver Membership.
Key Features:
- 6 complimentary domestic lounge visits/year
- 2 complimentary international lounge visits/year (Priority Pass)
- Free movie tickets worth ₹6,000 annually
- Milestone rewards and international concierge
Best For: Travelers who want a blend of lounge benefits and lifestyle offers with a modest annual fee.
ICICI Bank Sapphiro – Multiple Lounge Visits Every Quarter
The ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card is known for consistent quarterly lounge access, which is great for people who travel regularly within India and occasionally abroad.
Key Features:
- 2 international lounge visits/year (Dreamfolks membership)
- 4 domestic lounge visits/quarter (total 16/year)
- Dual membership: MasterCard & Visa variants
- Fuel surcharge waiver and spa offers
Best For: Frequent domestic travelers and occasional international flyers.
HDFC Regalia Credit Card – Great Value for Frequent Flyers
The HDFC Regalia Card is a highly popular mid-tier travel card offering substantial value through lounge access and rewards.
Key Features:
- 12 complimentary domestic lounge visits/year
- 6 international lounge visits/year via Priority Pass
- Reward points on all spends
- Travel concierge and insurance benefits
Best For: Travelers who want solid lounge access at a reasonable fee.
IndusInd Bank Legend – Simple and Elegant Lounge Access
This card comes with 2 complimentary lounge visits/month, and while it doesn’t offer unlimited access, it’s great for people who travel once or twice a month.
Key Features:
- Flat ₹5,000 one-time fee (no annual renewal fee)
- Free domestic airport lounge access
- Lifestyle and concierge privileges
Best For: Occasional travelers who want lounge benefits without recurring fees.
How to Choose the Right Lounge Access Card in India
Here’s how you can pick the right card based on your needs:
Domestic vs International Travel: If you mostly travel within India, a card like HDFC Regalia or ICICI Sapphiro will serve you well. For international flyers, opt for Diners Club Black or Axis Magnus.
Lounge Visits Allowed: Some cards offer unlimited visits, while others have a cap. Be aware of the monthly or annual limits.
Add-on Card Benefits: Cards like Axis Magnus allow lounge access for add-on cardholders too – perfect for family travelers.
Other Perks:
Look at dining, hotel, insurance, and concierge benefits. Cards like SBI Elite and Axis Magnus offer strong lifestyle features too.
Annual Fee vs Value: Make sure the rewards, lounge access, and perks justify the annual fee. Many cards offer fee waivers based on spending.
Our Recommendation
Having a credit card with lounge access is one of the most underrated travel hacks in India. Whether you’re flying from Mumbai to Delhi or heading to London or Dubai, the comfort of an airport lounge makes your journey more enjoyable.
From HDFC Diners Club Black to Axis Magnus and ICICI Sapphiro, there are excellent options to choose from depending on your travel frequency and budget. Lounge access isn’t just a luxury anymore – it’s a smart, accessible benefit for savvy Indian travelers.
So why wait in long lines and uncomfortable chairs? Swipe smart, relax, and let your next journey begin in style.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Only select premium cards offer international lounge access, usually via Priority Pass or Dreamfolks membership.
Some lounges now accept digital Priority Pass cards via app. However, not all do—it’s safer to carry your physical card.
Yes. Lounge access is generally independent of the airline or ticket class. You only need a valid flight boarding pass and eligible card.
In many cases, yes – especially with premium cards like Axis Magnus. Always check the issuer’s terms for add-on members.
Ranjan is a dedicated finance writer for smartfinclub.com, where he specializes in comparing top financial products in India, including loans, credit cards, savings accounts & more. With a focus on providing clear insights into features, rates, and benefits, Ranjan aims to empower readers to make informed financial decisions customized to their needs.