Top 5 Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access in 2024

Having a credit card with lounge access and no annual fee makes travel from the United States to India luxurious. These lounges offer a peaceful environment to relax before your international flights from USA to India. However, frequent travelers or those seeking lounge access for their families might find it expensive. While debit cards can offer lounge access, credit cards provide more benefits.

In this article on Tripbeam, we’ll explore the 7 best airport lounge access credit card offers in India and how to check for lounge access on your card.

Top Premium Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access in India 2024

1. AU Small Finance Bank Zenith Credit Card

Airport Lounges

• Four free lounge visits within India per quarter with your VISA Card.
• Two free international lounge visits per quarter with a Priority Pass. Fees include a Priority Pass.

Railway Lounges

• Two free lounge passes per quarter at train stations with your VISA card. Add-on cardholders can also use these passes.

Eligibility Criteria

• Indian residents aged 21-60 can apply. Add-on cardholders must be over 18.

Tariffs & Fees

• Joining & Annual Fee: Rs. 7999 + Taxes
• Cash Advance Charges: 2.5% (min Rs. 100)
• Lounge Benefit: Two international and four domestic airport lounge passes per quarter
• Revolving Credit Charges:-1.99% per month
• Minimum Amount Due:- 5% of the total due or min Rs. 100

Positives

• Reward points on every transaction
• Attractive welcome bonuses
• Lower mark-up fees on international transactions
• Dedicated concierge service

Negatives

• Annual fee applicable
• Charges for foreign currency transactions

2. SBI Elite Credit Card

This is the finest Airport Lounge Access Credit Card. By promoting this card, SBI offers fantastic benefits:

• Welcome Bonus: Rs. 5000/-
• Etihad Guest Miles: Rewards for every Rs. 100 spent, including international, fuel, and Etihad.com expenses.
• Instant Discounts: On airways bookings.
• Insurance: Coverage for overseas travel.

International Lounge Access

• Complimentary Priority Pass membership worth $99
• 6 free international lounge visits per year (max 2 visits per quarter) from 1st July 2017
• Access to over 1000 airport lounges worldwide
• $27 plus taxes each visit after the free ones
• Priority Pass valid for 2 years for primary cardholders only
• Call 1860 180 1290 or 39020202 to get your Priority Pass

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Domestic Lounge Access

• 2 free domestic lounge visits per quarter in India
• Use your SBI Card ELITE at participating lounges
• Limited time offer from Visa/Mastercard/American Express

Club Vistara Membership

• Complimentary Club Vistara Silver membership
• 1 free upgrade voucher
• Earn 9 Club Vistara Points for every Rs. 100 spent on Vistara flights

Positives

• Contactless transactions for fast and easy payments
• Unique security feature ensures only one transaction at a time
• Fraud liability covers up to 1 Lakh

Negatives

• High joining and annual fees

3. HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card

Why Choose This Card for Airport Lounge Access:

• Access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, including lounges in India.
• 10x rewards points for food, shopping, and entertainment.
• Complimentary golf lessons every quarter at select courses.
• 24/7 concierge services for travel bookings, dining, and more.
• Unauthorized transactions can be protected for up to $500.

Lounge Access

All primary and supplementary cardholders enjoy limitless access to more than 1,000 lounges across India and globally.

Positives:

• Extra points for food, entertainment, and shopping.
• Protection from unlawful transactions.

Negatives:

• High annual fee of Rs. 10,000.
• It may offer fewer benefits than other high-end cards.

4. Axis Bank Airport Lounge Access Credit Card Offers

Axis Bank offers one of the best airport lounge access credit cards with a range of excellent benefits. Here are the key offers:

• Complimentary access to airport lounges at 20+ airports across India.
• Enjoy dining, movie tickets, and more with this priority Axis Bank credit card.
• Get a priority value benefit of Rs. 9500/-
• Explore the Club Vistara Forex Card for more ultimate offers.

Positives:

• Easy application process with Axis Edge rewards.
• Excellent offers under Axis Bank’s priority banking program.
• Access to travel lounges, bars, and more at top Indian airports.

Negatives:

It may not offer as many benefits as other airport lounge credit cards.

Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card

• Complimentary premium economy ticket
• Complimentary Club Vistara membership
• Earn Club Vistara points on every swipe
• Rewards for milestone spends
• Lifestyle privileges

5. American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card

The Platinum Card from American Express is a top choice for international lounge access. Here’s why you should consider it:

• Availability of more than 1,200 airport lounges across the globe, such as Centurion, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Club lounges.
• $200 annual airline fee credit for baggage fees, in-flight purchases, and more.
• $200 annual Uber credit for rides or Uber Eats orders.
• Up to $100 in credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck processing fees.
• Access to exclusive events like concerts and sports games.

Positives:

• Wide range of airport lounge access.
• Numerous benefits beyond lounge access.
• Exclusive event access.

Negatives:

• High annual fee of $695.
• No bonus points for specific spending categories.

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Also Read: Miles And More: A Guide To The Best Travel-Focused Credit Cards In India