Top 5 Credit Cards for Free Airport Lounge Access in India – Fees, Benefits, and Limits Explained

Traveling frequently and spending long hours at the airport? An airport lounge can be your peaceful escape from crowded terminals and long queues. Offering perks like comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, free Wi-Fi, and even business facilities, lounges add a touch of luxury to your travel experience. But access to these lounges often comes at a premium.

Fortunately, several popular credit cards in India offer complimentary airport lounge access, making your journeys more relaxing and cost-effective. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 credit cards that provide domestic and international lounge access, along with their joining fees, annual charges, and usage limits.

1️⃣ HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card

Perfect for frequent domestic travelers, the HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card offers exclusive airport privileges across India.

• Lounge Access: 12 complimentary visits per year at domestic and international terminals in India

• Joining Fee: ₹2,500 + applicable taxes

• Annual Fee: ₹2,500 + taxes (may be waived based on spending)

• Additional Perks: Reward points on travel, dining, and shopping; complimentary insurance cover

Why Choose: It's a well-balanced card with decent lounge access and extra benefits, ideal for mid to high-level spenders.

2️⃣ HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card

This card stands out for its international lounge access benefits and unique global offers.

• Lounge Access: 2 complimentary international lounge visits every calendar quarter

• Joining/Annual Fee: ₹1,000 + taxes

• Key Features: Discounted dining, wellness benefits, and travel perks

• Extra Benefit: Access to the Diners Club global lounge network

Why Choose: Great for those who take short international trips and want travel benefits without a hefty fee.

3️⃣ ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card

A premium card packed with travel benefits, ideal for users who balance domestic and international travel.

• Lounge Access:

  • 2 complimentary international lounge visits per year

  • 4 domestic lounge visits per quarter

• Joining Fee: ₹6,500 + taxes

• Annual Fee: ₹3,500 + taxes (waived on annual spends above ₹6 lakhs)

• Other Benefits: Movie ticket offers, lifestyle discounts, concierge services

Why Choose: Perfect for high spenders who enjoy lifestyle perks along with global travel.

4️⃣ Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card

This ultra-premium credit card offers unlimited lounge access, both in India and abroad, making it ideal for frequent flyers.

• Lounge Access:

  • Unlimited access to domestic airport lounges

  • Unlimited international lounge visits via Priority Pass

  • 4 free guest visits per year

• Annual Fee: ₹12,500

• Bonus Features: Luxury hotel bookings, high reward points, concierge services, and exclusive travel offers

Why Choose: Best suited for luxury travelers who don’t mind paying a higher annual fee for superior travel perks.

5️⃣ Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card

An affordable option for occasional travelers looking for basic lounge access without breaking the bank.

• Lounge Access: 2 free visits per year at select DreamFolks lounges in India

• Annual Fee: ₹999

• Benefits: Reward points on spending, discounts on dining and entertainment

Why Choose: Ideal for first-time credit card users or infrequent travelers who want minimal annual fees.

🛫 Choosing the Right Card: What to Consider?

Before picking a lounge access credit card, consider the following:

• Travel Frequency: Frequent travelers benefit more from cards with unlimited or quarterly lounge access.

• Spending Habits: Choose a card where annual fees can be waived based on your spending.

• Domestic vs International Use: Select based on your typical travel destinations.

• Additional Benefits: Evaluate lifestyle offers, travel insurance, and concierge services.

🔚 Final Thoughts

Airport lounge access is no longer a luxury limited to elite travelers. With the right credit card, you can elevate your travel experience without the extra cost. Whether you're a budget-conscious domestic traveler or a globe-trotting professional, there's a credit card tailored to your travel lifestyle.

Start your next journey in comfort—choose a card that brings luxury to your layovers.