India offers several credit cards with international lounge access, but a select few stand out for their excellent benefits and extensive lounge networks. To help frequent travelers choose the right card, I’ve compiled a list of the best Indian credit cards for international lounge access. These cards not only provide guest access but also shared access for add-on members, catering to different needs and budgets. Whether you’re traveling solo or in a group, these cards ensure a seamless travel experience with exceptional benefits.
Credit Cards with Guest Access
Guest access to airport lounges is a valuable feature for those traveling with companions. This access is typically available for a limited number of visits, allowing guests to enter the lounge when accompanied by the primary cardholder. Many premium credit cards in India, including those with Priority Pass membership, offer complimentary guest visits. Here’s a curated list of the top options:
Axis Burgundy Private
- Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (shared on primary and add-on cards) + 12 complimentary lounge visits for guests per calendar year
- Access Via: Priority Pass
- Joining Fee: NIL (Free for Burgundy Private Customers)
- Annual Fee: NIL (if Burgundy Private NRV is maintained); otherwise ₹50,000+GST
Yes Private
- Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (shared on primary and add-on cards) + 12 complimentary lounge visits for guests per calendar year
- Access Via: Lounge Key
- Joining Fee: ₹50,000+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹10,000+GST
HSBC Premier
- Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (shared on primary and add-on cards) + 8 complimentary lounge visits for guests per calendar year
- Access Via: Priority Pass
- Joining Fee: ₹12,000+GST (Only for Premier Banking Customers)
- Annual Fee: ₹20,000+GST (waived off for Premier Banking Customers)
Axis Reserve
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- Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (shared on primary and add-on cards) + 4 complimentary lounge visits for guests per calendar year
- Access Via: Priority Pass
- Joining Fee: ₹50,000+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹50,000+GST (waived off on ₹35L spends in a year)
Axis Magnus / Axis Magnus Burgundy
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- Complimentary Limits: Unlimited for primary cardholders + 4 complimentary lounge visits for guests per calendar year
- Access Via: Priority Pass
- Joining Fee: ₹12,500+GST (Axis Magnus) / ₹30,000+GST (Axis Magnus Burgundy)
- Annual Fee: ₹12,500+GST (Axis Magnus) / ₹30,000+GST (Axis Magnus Burgundy) (waived off on ₹25L spends in a year)
Yes Bank Marquee
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- Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (shared on primary and add-on cards) + 4 complimentary lounge visits for guests per calendar year
- Access Via: Lounge Key
- Joining Fee: ₹9,999+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999+GST (waived off on ₹10L spends in a year)
Axis Atlas
Full Review
- Complimentary Limits: [details pending]
Here is the table based on your provided information:
| Tier | Complimentary Limit (Primary Cardholder + Guests) | Access Via | Joining Fee | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | 4 | Dreamfolks QR Code via Axis Bank App | ₹5,000+GST | ₹5,000+GST |
| Gold | 6 | Dreamfolks QR Code via Axis Bank App | ₹5,000+GST | ₹5,000+GST |
| Platinum | 12 | Dreamfolks QR Code via Axis Bank App | ₹5,000+GST | ₹5,000+GST |
SBI Aurum
- Complimentary Limits: Unlimited for Primary Cardholder + 1 complimentary lounge visit for guests per calendar quarter
- Access Via: DreamFolks Card
- Joining Fee: ₹10,000+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹10,000+GST (waived off on ₹12L spends in a year)
Credit Cards with Shared Access
Some credit cards in India offer shared access to add-on cardholders within the complimentary lounge quota of the primary cardholder. Add-on cards, issued to family members of the primary cardholder, allow them to independently enjoy benefits like lounge access, which is extended to add-on cards as well. Below is a list of cards offering this feature:
HDFC Infinia Metal
- Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (shared on Primary and 3 Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: Priority Pass
- Joining Fee: ₹12,500+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹12,500+GST (waived off on ₹10L spends in a year)
Citi Prestige
- Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (shared on Primary and Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: Priority Pass
- Joining Fee: ₹20,000+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹20,000+GST
These two cards offer one of the most powerful Priority Pass memberships, granting access to select domestic lounges that are otherwise not accessible with other cards in India.
AMEX Platinum Charge Card
- Complimentary Limits for Priority Pass Lounges: Unlimited (shared on Primary and Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: Priority Pass
- Complimentary Limits for AMEX Centurion Lounges: Unlimited (shared on Primary and Add-on Cards) + 1 complimentary guest per visit
- Access Via: AMEX Platinum Charge Card
- Joining Fee: ₹60,000+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹60,000+GST
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal
- Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (shared on Primary and Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: Priority Pass
- Joining Fee: ₹12,500+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹12,500+GST (waived off on ₹15L spends in a year)
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal
- Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (shared on Primary and 3 Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: Credit Card
- Joining Fee: ₹10,000+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹10,000+GST (waived off on ₹8L spends in a year)
IndusInd Pioneer Heritage Meta
- Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (shared on Primary and Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: Priority Pass/Lounge Key
- Joining Fee: ₹1,80,000+GST/ ₹90,000+GST
- Annual Fee: LTF/ ₹25,000+GST (waived off on ₹10L spends in a year)
IndusInd Indulge
- Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (shared on Primary and Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: Priority Pass
- Joining Fee: ₹2,00,000+GST/ ₹45,000+GST
- Annual Fee: LTF/ ₹10,000+GST (waived off on ₹20L spends in a year)
AU Zenith Plus
- Complimentary Limits: 4 per quarter (shared on Primary and Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: Priority Pass
- Joining Fee: ₹4,999+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999+GST (waived off on ₹8L spends in a year)
HDFC Marriott Bonvoy
- Complimentary Limits: 12 per year (shared on Primary and Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: Credit Card
- Joining Fee: ₹3,000+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹3,000+GST
IDFC Wealth
- Conditional Limits: 2 per quarter on spending ₹20,000 in the previous calendar month (shared on Primary and Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: DreamFolks Card
- Joining Fee: LTF
- Annual Fee: LTF
AU Zenith
- Complimentary Limits: 2 per quarter (shared on Primary and Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: Priority Pass
- Joining Fee: ₹7,999+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹7,999+GST (waived off on ₹8L spends in a year)
HDFC Regalia Gold
- Complimentary Limits: 6 per year (shared on Primary and 3 Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: Priority Pass
- Joining Fee: ₹2,500+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500+GST (waived off on ₹4L spends in a year)
HDFC Regalia
- Complimentary Limits: 6 per year (shared on Primary and 3 Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: Priority Pass
- Joining Fee: ₹2,500+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500+GST (waived off on ₹3L spends in a year)
Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip
- Complimentary Limits: 2 per year (shared on Primary and Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: Priority Pass
- Joining Fee: ₹350+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹350+GST (waived off on ₹50K spends in a year)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best credit cards in India for access to international airport lounges?
Some of the top credit cards for international lounge access in India include:
- HDFC Infinia Metal
- Citi Prestige
- AMEX Platinum Charge Card
- HDFC Diners Club Black Metal
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal These cards offer premium access to international lounges via Priority Pass and other networks.
How do I get access to international airport lounges with my credit card?
Credit cards offering international lounge access provide membership to networks like Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or specific lounge programs like AMEX Centurion. Depending on the card, you can enjoy complimentary access to participating lounges at international airports worldwide.
Is the lounge access complimentary for add-on cardholders?
Yes, several premium credit cards offer shared lounge access for both primary and add-on cardholders. For example, cards like HDFC Infinia Metal and Citi Prestige extend unlimited lounge access to primary cardholders as well as their add-on cardholders.
Can I bring a guest into the lounge using my credit card?
Many premium credit cards, like the AMEX Platinum Charge Card, offer complimentary lounge access for the cardholder along with one or more guests per visit. However, guest access policies vary between cards and lounges, with some cards charging a fee for guest access.
Are there any requirements to maintain international lounge access privileges?
For most credit cards, international lounge access benefits are subject to annual fees, spending thresholds, and the type of lounge network (e.g., Priority Pass). Some cards offer waivers on annual fees based on meeting specific spending targets, while others may restrict lounge visits if you don’t meet minimum spend requirements. Always check the card’s terms to understand how to retain or maximize lounge access benefits.
Conclusion
Choosing the best Indian credit card for international lounge access depends on your travel habits, spending capacity, and the specific benefits you’re looking for. Premium cards like HDFC Infinia Metal, AMEX Platinum Charge Card, and Citi Prestige offer unparalleled lounge access, with complimentary visits for both primary and add-on cardholders, along with the ability to bring guests. These cards provide access to exclusive lounges globally, ensuring comfort and relaxation during your travels.
For frequent travelers, cards with shared access for add-on members, like HDFC Regalia Gold and Axis Reserve, are excellent choices, especially if you travel in groups or with family. Meanwhile, cards like SBI Aurum and IDFC Wealth offer more affordable options with access to a network of lounges, making them ideal for those seeking value and comfort without high annual fees.
