Best Credit Cards To Unlock Lounge Access And Luxury

A premium credit card can provide several benefits to travellers such as premium resting areas in airport lounges, travel miles, WiFi, etc

Travelling is rewarding but it can be extremely stressful as well. On top of managing logistics and documents, the idea of waiting around in a crowded airport takes away the fun of going on a vacation. However, gaining lounge access at an airport can be a game changer. 

Earlier, airport lounges were reserved for the elite class, however, credit cards have changed this completely. A premium credit card can provide several benefits to travellers such as premium resting areas in airport lounges, travel miles, WiFi, etc. However, there are certain pointers to keep in mind to maximise on your lounge experience.

Advance Planning

Plan your travel well in advance and also keep a check on the lounges available at your departure and arrival airports. Credit card providers share a list of their partner lounges on their websites. Go through these lists and plan accordingly to ensure you can maximise on the benefits of your credit card.

Lounge Limitations

Certain credit cards have a limit on the number of free lounge visits for customers on a quarterly or yearly basis. Check with your card provider to understand these restrictions and plan your trip accordingly. Airport lounges in general also have a threshold limit for the number of people that can get access via a single card. You can enquire about the additional fee if you are not travelling solo and also about the time limit, if applicable, on your stay in the lounge.

Now, let's take a look at the some of the best credit cards available in India that can help make your airport experience better, as compiled by Bankbazaar.com. 

HDFC Visa Signature Credit Card 

This credit card by HDFC Bank charges no joining fee from users and allows them to earn 2 reward points for every Rs 150 spent via the card on eligible transactions. It also provides users with airport lounge access across the globe. 

HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card

This credit card charges a Rs 10,000 joining fee from customers and provides them the chance to earn 5 times reward points for every Rs 150 spent. The card also provides users complimentary golf games across golf courses in India and overseas and gives complimentary vouchers for apps like BookMyShow, TATACliQ, Ola Cabs, etc. Users can also avail a complimentary annual membership of Club Marriott, Times Prime, Swiggy One, Forbes, Amazon Prime with the card.

SBI Elite Credit Card

This credit card provides users with complimentary lounge access in India with Visa/Mastercard and also allows for a waiver on the joining fee depending on the yearly spending made by the customer. It also allows free international lounge visits through Priority Pass and gives customers complimentary movie tickets worth Rs 6,000 annually. 

SBI Club Vistara Prime Credit Card

The credit card provides complimentary access to domestic airport lounges and free membership for the Priority Pass program. It awards 4 Club Vistara points for every Rs 200 spent by the customer. It also provides a welcome gift of 1 premium economy flight ticket as an e-gift voucher.

Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card

This card provides 8 complimentary Airport meet and greet services including assistance with check-in, immigration, porter services, etc. It also gives unlimited free international lounge access to the customer with 8 additional guest visits per year with a priority pass card. The bank waives off the joining fee of Rs 12,500 plus taxes on yearly spends of Rs 25 lakh and above in the preceding year.

Now that you know which credit cards are among the best in the market, you can select one based on your travel needs. However, do conduct a thorough research before making this choice and be mindful to pay your credit card debts in time to avoid penalties.