This Article was fact checked and last updated for accuracy on June 23, 2025 by Mani Karthik
Hey folks! Mani here. The guy who used to eat overpriced airport sandwiches while watching business travelers disappear into fancy lounges.
That was before I discovered the lounge access game. Now I’m the one enjoying free food and WiFi while others pay ₹600 for basic dal-rice outside.
Today I’m breaking down the best credit cards for airport lounge access in India. Real benefits, real costs, real talk.
Why I Actually Care About Lounge Access Now
Before 2018, I thought lounges were for “rich people.” Then got stuck at Delhi airport for 6 hours due to flight delays.
The horror: Uncomfortable plastic chairs. ₹500 for a terrible sandwich. Screaming kids everywhere. Phone dying with no charging points.
Watched people with cards walk into the lounge. Came out refreshed, fed, and relaxed.
That’s when I realized: lounge access isn’t luxury. It’s sanity.
The Lounge Access Reality Check
Let me bust some myths first:
Myth: “Only premium flyers get lounge access”
Reality: Right credit card gets you in regardless of ticket class
Myth: “Annual fees are too high”
Reality: 2-3 lounge visits often cover the annual fee
Myth: “All lounges are the same”
Reality: Massive difference between domestic and international lounges
How Lounge Access Actually Works
There are three main programs:
1. Priority Pass (The Global King)
- 1,300+ lounges worldwide
- Works across all airlines
- Usually comes with premium cards
- Standard fee: $27-32 per visit
2. Domestic Lounge Programs
- India-specific lounges
- Lower quality but free with mid-tier cards
- Limited to Indian airports
- Good for domestic travel
3. Airline-Specific Lounges
- Vistara, IndiGo, SpiceJet lounges
- Only when flying that airline
- Co-branded cards offer access
- Mixed value depending on usage
Top 7 Credit Cards for Lounge Access (2025)
1. HDFC Infinia Credit Card – The Unlimited Champion
Rating: 10/10
The holy grail of lounge access cards.
What makes it legendary:
- UNLIMITED domestic and international lounge access
- Priority Pass membership included
- Works for primary + add-on cardholders
- No visit caps, no spending thresholds
The reality check:
- Annual fee: ₹12,500 (but waived on ₹10L spends)
- Invitation-only card (need ₹50L+ income usually)
- Getting approved is nearly impossible for most people
Real value: If you travel 6+ times annually, this pays for itself easily.
Best for: Ultra-high earners who travel frequently
2. SBI Card Elite – The Accessible Powerhouse
Rating: 9/10
Best bang for buck for serious travelers.
Why it’s brilliant:
- Unlimited domestic and international lounge access
- Priority Pass included
- More accessible than Infinia
- Annual fee: ₹4,999 (from second year)
My experience: Used this card for 18 months. Saved ₹15,000+ in lounge fees. Food quality varies but always better than airport restaurants.
Limitations:
- Still requires good income proof
- Annual fee kicks in from year 2
Best for: Frequent travelers who can’t get Infinia
3. Axis Bank Select Credit Card – The Balanced Choice
Rating: 8.5/10
Great middle ground option.
Strengths:
- 12 international Priority Pass visits annually
- 2 domestic visits per quarter (with ₹50k spend)
- Reasonable annual fee: ₹3,000
- Decent approval rates
Real math: 12 international visits = ₹25,000+ value Annual fee: ₹3,000
Net value: ₹22,000+
Catch: Need to spend ₹50k quarterly for domestic access
4. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card – The Entry-Level Winner
Rating: 8/10
Best starter card for lounge access.
Benefits:
- 6 international Priority Pass visits annually
- 12 domestic lounge visits
- Annual fee: ₹2,500
- Easier approval than premium cards
Honest assessment: Perfect for moderate travelers. 18 total visits annually cover most people’s needs.
Downside: Limited international visits if you travel abroad frequently.
5. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card – The Devalued Former King
Rating: 6/10 (down from 9/10 in 2022)
Used to be amazing. Now just okay.
Current status:
- Unlimited Priority Pass access
- Annual fee: ₹12,500
- Massive devaluations in 2022-2023
- Still good for lounge access specifically
My take: Only worth it if you get other benefits. Lounge access alone doesn’t justify the fee anymore.
6. AU Ixigo Credit Card – The Budget Surprise
Rating: 7.5/10
Hidden gem for light travelers.
What’s unique:
- 16 domestic airport + railway lounge access
- 1 international Priority Pass visit
- Zero forex markup
- Low annual fee
Perfect for: Domestic travelers who occasionally go international
7. SBI Prime Credit Card – The Domestic Champion
Rating: 7/10
Solid choice for India-only travel.
Features:
- 8 domestic lounge visits annually
- 4 international Priority Pass visits
- Annual fee: ₹2,999
- Good for moderate travelers
The Real Cost-Benefit Analysis
Let me show you actual numbers:
Light Traveler (4 flights annually):
Best choice: HDFC Regalia Gold
- Annual fee: ₹2,500
- Lounge value: ₹3,200 (8 domestic visits)
- Net benefit: ₹700
Moderate Traveler (8 flights annually):
Best choice: Axis Select
- Annual fee: ₹3,000
- Lounge value: ₹6,400 (domestic) + ₹10,000 (international)
- Net benefit: ₹13,400
Heavy Traveler (15+ flights annually):
Best choice: SBI Elite
- Annual fee: ₹4,999
- Lounge value: ₹30,000+ (unlimited access)
- Net benefit: ₹25,000+
What Lounges Are Actually Like
Let me set realistic expectations:
Domestic Lounges (India):
- Basic buffet (usually decent)
- Free WiFi (sometimes works)
- Comfortable seating
- AC (always a relief)
- Basic beverages
Reality: Better than airport food courts, but don’t expect fine dining.
International Lounges (Priority Pass):
- Much better food variety
- Proper bar with alcohol
- Shower facilities (at major airports)
- Business centers
- Significantly better overall experience
Bottom line: International lounges justify the card fees. Domestic are nice-to-have.
Hidden Costs and Gotchas
Guest Charges
Most cards charge $27-32 per guest. Factor this in if you travel with family.
Spending Thresholds
Many cards require minimum quarterly spends for domestic access. Plan accordingly.
Lounge Crowding
Popular lounges get crowded during peak hours. Arrive early.
Time Restrictions
Most lounges allow 3-4 hours max stay. Some have 2-hour limits.
Lounge Access Hacks
Hack #1: Add-on Cards
Get add-on cards for family members. Often same benefits at ₹500-1,000 extra.
Hack #2: Timing Your Visits
Avoid peak hours (6-9 AM, 6-9 PM) for better experience.
Hack #3: Shower Facilities
International lounges often have showers. Great for long layovers.
Hack #4: Alcohol Policy
Most international lounges serve alcohol. Domestic lounges usually don’t.
Application Strategy
For Beginners:
Start with HDFC Regalia Gold. Build relationship, then upgrade to Infinia.
For Experienced Users:
Target SBI Elite or Axis Select based on your travel patterns.
For Business Travelers:
Go straight for cards with unlimited access if income allows.
Common Mistakes I See
Mistake #1: Choosing cards based on annual fee only
Cheapest card isn’t always best value. Calculate lounge usage vs fees.
Mistake #2: Not understanding visit limits
“Unlimited” often has fine print. Read terms carefully.
Mistake #3: Ignoring spending requirements
Some benefits require quarterly spending thresholds.
Mistake #4: Expecting five-star experience
Lounges are better than terminals, not better than restaurants.
International vs Domestic: The Real Difference
International Lounges (Priority Pass):
- Average value per visit: ₹2,500-₹4,000
- Alcohol included
- Better food variety
- Shower facilities at major airports
Domestic Lounges:
- Average value per visit: ₹800-₹1,200
- Basic food and beverages
- No alcohol (usually)
- AC and comfortable seating
Verdict: International access justifies higher annual fees. Domestic is nice bonus.
2025 Trends to Watch
Digital Boarding Passes
More lounges accepting digital passes only. Keep phones charged.
Crowding Issues
Popular lounges implementing time limits due to overcrowding.
Food Quality Improvements
Competition forcing lounges to upgrade food offerings.
Railway Lounges
Some cards now include railway lounge access. Useful for train travel.
My Personal Lounge Journey
Started with HDFC Regalia Gold in 2019. Used lounges 12 times in first year.
Savings calculation:
- Lounge fees saved: ₹15,000
- Food costs avoided: ₹8,000
- Comfort value: Priceless
Upgraded to SBI Elite in 2021. Now use lounges 25+ times annually.
Current setup:
- Primary: SBI Elite (unlimited access)
- Backup: Axis Select (when SBI doesn’t work)
- Add-on: Wife has SBI Elite add-on
Annual value: ₹40,000+ in lounge access alone.
The Bottom Line
Lounge access cards make sense if you fly 4+ times annually. The math works.
Best overall: SBI Elite for serious travelers
Best value: HDFC Regalia Gold for occasional flyers
Best premium: HDFC Infinia if you can get it
Best budget: AU Ixigo for domestic + occasional international
Don’t get lounge cards if:
- You fly less than 3 times annually
- You’re okay with airport food courts
- Annual fees stress your budget
Remember: Lounges improve travel experience but aren’t necessities. Get cards that match your actual travel patterns, not aspirational ones.
The goal is comfort during travel, not collecting fancy cards.
Disclaimer: Lounge access benefits can change. Always verify current terms with banks before applying. This is educational content based on personal experience, not financial advice.