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Top 5 best credit cards in India that offer access to airport lounges

Why Airport Lounge Access Matters in 2025Avoid long waits in crowded terminalsEnjoy complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, workspacesSave on average ₹1,200 per

Regardless of whether you're a habitual flyer, someone who travels for business, or just someone who enjoys some quiet time before boarding, airport lounge access has become one of the most in-demand amenities in credit cards. In 2025, with the average price point per visit in lounges south of ₹1,200, credit cards that are able to offer completely free or discounted lounge passes deliver an actual value, not just a perk.

Many premier and mid-range credit cards are now offering complimentary domestic and international lounge access, and many offer lounge access with complimentary memberships where you can also receive exclusive travel offers and concierge services.

We have decided to narrow down the best 5 credit cards in India (2025) that fully maximize value and experience for airport lounge access, with reference to features, fees, and benefits.



Why Airport Lounge Access Matters in 2025

  • Avoid long waits in crowded terminals

  • Enjoy complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, workspaces

  • Save on average ₹1,200 per lounge visit

  • Get premium travel experience even with economy class tickets

1. HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Edition Credit Card

Best for: Luxury frequent flyers and global travelers

This remains India's most exclusive credit card in 2025, now with new tie-ups across luxury brands and expanded lounge access globally.

  • Joining Fee: ₹10,000 + GST

  • Annual Fee: ₹10,000 (waived on ₹10L spend)


Key Benefits:

  • Unlimited complimentary lounge access globally (Priority Pass + Diners Club)

  • Free memberships: Amazon Prime, Club Marriott, MMTBLACK, and Swiggy One

  • 24x7 global concierge services and emergency assistance

  • High reward rate with 5X points on flights and hotels


Ideal for: HNIs, luxury travelers, business executives
Note: Only accepted at select POS terminals due to Diners Club network


2. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card

Ideal for: Big spenders needing all-round travel perks

Axis Magnus burst onto 2025 after impeccable partnerships with Visa Infinite and Tata Neu granting effortless international use and lifestyle rewards.

  • Joining Fee: ₹12,500 + GST

  • Annual Fee: ₹12,500 (waived on ₹25L spending)

Key Benefits:

  • Unlimited international lounge visits with Priority Pass (primary + add-on)

  • 8 free domestic lounge visits per quarter via Visa Infinite

  • Complimentary memberships: Swiggy One, EazyDiner Prime, Times Prime

  • ₹10,000 Tata Neu vouchers on milestone spends

Ideal for: Frequent global flyers who also spend big on lifestyle

3. SBI Card ELITE

Ideal for: Equity on travel, dining, and movies

Even with newer cards, the SBI Card ELITE remains a choice pick in 2025 when considering consistent rewards, free lounge visits, and low forex markup fees.

  • Joining Fee: ₹4,999 + GST

  • Annual Fee: ₹4,999 (waived on spending ₹10L)

Key Benefits:

  • Free Priority Pass membership + 6 international lounge visits (max 2/qtr)

  • 8 domestic lounge visits/year via Mastercard/Visa

  • 2 free movie tickets/month up to ₹500

  • 1.99% forex markup, lower than most cards

Ideal for: Mid-level professionals and lifestyle spenders
  Now comes in both Visa and RuPay variants (2025)

4. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card (2025 Edition)

Best for: Well-rounded travel perks under ₹3,000 fee

Regalia Gold continues to offer impressive travel perks in 2025, with enhanced reward redemptions and newly partnered domestic lounges.

  • Joining Fee: ₹2,500 + GST

  • Annual Fee: ₹2,500 (waived on ₹4L spend)

Key Benefits:

  • 12 free domestic lounge visits/year

  • 6 international lounge visits/year via Priority Pass

  • Complimentary air accident cover of ₹1 crore

  • Reward points convertible into air miles (InterMiles, Vistara, etc.)

Ideal for: Travel-savvy professionals and young executives


5. OneCard Metal Credit Card

Best for: Millennials and first-time lounge users

This lifetime-free metal credit card has gained popularity in 2025 with its stylish design, transparent rewards, and curated lounge benefits.

  • Joining Fee: ₹0

  • Annual Fee: ₹0

Key Benefits:

  • 4 free domestic lounge visits/year

  • Lounge access via RuPay Select network

  • Full app control – block/unblock card, track rewards, and EMI conversion

  • No hidden charges, real-time spend tracking

Ideal for: Gen Z, young professionals, and budget-conscious travelers
One of the very few LTF metal cards with lounge benefits


Comparison Table – Airport Lounge Benefits at a Glance (2025)

Credit Card

Joining Fee

Lounge Access

Type

Annual Waiver

HDFC Diners Club Black Metal

₹10,000

Unlimited (Global + Domestic)

Premium Travel

₹10L annual spend

Axis Magnus

₹12,500

Unlimited Intl + 8 Dom/qtr

Ultra-Premium

₹25L annual spend

SBI Card ELITE

₹4,999

6 Intl/year + 8 Dom/year

Lifestyle

₹10L annual spend

HDFC Regalia Gold

₹2,500

6 Intl/year + 12 Dom/year

Travel & Rewards

₹4L annual spend

OneCard Metal (LTF)

₹0

4 Dom/year

Entry-Level

NA


FAQs

Q1: Is lounge access free with all credit cards?

A: Not all. Some cards require a minimum number of transactions or charge a nominal fee after a set number of visits.

Q2: Can supplementary cardholders also get lounge access?

A: Yes, especially with cards like HDFC Regalia, Diners Club Black, and Axis Magnus, which offer access for add-on card members too.

Q3: What happens if I exceed my lounge visit limit?

A: You may be charged between ₹700 and ₹1,200 per visit depending on the lounge partner. Always check your card's T&Cs in the app.


 Final Take: Which Credit Card Should You Choose in 2025?

Pick This Card If You...

Best Choice

Want unlimited global lounge and luxury perks

HDFC Diners Club Black Metal

Want all-round value with lifestyle rewards

Axis Magnus or SBI Card ELITE

Are a young professional or beginner

OneCard Metal (Lifetime Free)

Want value-for-money travel perks under ₹3K

HDFC Regalia Gold

Prefer high rewards and low forex markup

SBI Card ELITE


 Pro Tip for 2025 Travelers:

Use your credit card’s official app to track lounge visits, block unwanted charges, and activate travel benefits before you fly.



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