Looking for the best credit cards with airport lounge access in India? Explore 8 top credit cards in 2026, including their joining fees, annual fees, lounge access, key features, spending requirements and who they are best suited for.
Airport lounge access can make travelling much more comfortable. Instead of waiting at a crowded airport terminal, eligible credit cardholders can relax in a lounge and enjoy facilities such as comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, refreshments and other services.
However, airport lounge benefits have changed significantly in recent years. Many banks now link complimentary lounge access to quarterly or monthly spending requirements. Therefore, simply having a credit card does not always mean you can enter an airport lounge for free.
In this guide, we look at 8 popular credit cards with airport lounge access in India in 2026, along with their major benefits, spending conditions and who should consider them.
Best Credit Cards With Airport Lounge Access in India
| Credit Card | Joining Fee | Annual Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card | ₹0 | ₹0 | Frequent domestic travellers |
| HDFC Millennia Credit Card | ₹1,000 + taxes | ₹1,000 + taxes | Online shoppers & cashback seekers |
| IDFC FIRST Bank Ashva Credit Card | Check latest offer | Check latest terms | Domestic & international travellers |
| IDFC FIRST Bank Mayura Credit Card | ₹5,999 + GST | ₹5,999 + GST* | Premium travellers |
| AU Zenith Credit Card | Verify latest offer | Verify latest fee | Frequent international travellers |
| Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card | Check latest offer | Check latest terms | Rewards & lifestyle users |
| American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card | ₹5,000 + taxes | ₹5,000 + taxes | Premium lifestyle users |
| Tata Neu Plus HDFC Bank Credit Card | ₹499 + taxes | ₹499 + taxes | Tata brand & Tata Neu users |
*Annual fee applies from the second card anniversary year, as per the provided card terms.
Important: Credit card benefits, lounge lists, fees and eligibility conditions can change. Always check the issuer’s latest terms before applying or travelling.
1. Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹0
Annual Fee: ₹0
The Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card is a travel-focused, zero-fee card offering unlimited domestic airport lounge access after meeting the applicable spending condition. Cardholders need to spend ₹20,000 per month to qualify.
Key Features
- Unlimited domestic lounge access
- ₹20,000 monthly spend requirement
- Zero forex markup
- Travel-focused rewards
- Scapia Coins on eligible transactions
Best For: Frequent domestic travellers looking for a zero-fee travel credit card.
2. HDFC Millennia Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹1,000 + applicable taxes
Annual Fee: ₹1,000 + applicable taxes
HDFC Millennia is mainly a cashback card but also offers a domestic lounge voucher through its quarterly milestone benefit. Spend ₹1 lakh in a calendar quarter to choose between a lounge voucher and a ₹1,000 brand voucher.
Key Features
- Cashback on selected online merchants
- ₹1 lakh quarterly spending milestone
- Choice of domestic lounge voucher or ₹1,000 brand voucher
- Suitable for online and everyday spending
Best For: Online shoppers and cashback seekers who want occasional lounge access.
3. IDFC FIRST Bank Ashva Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹2,999 + GST
Annual Fee: ₹2,999 + GST
IDFC FIRST Bank Ashva is a premium metal card offering both domestic and international lounge access, along with a 1% forex markup.
Key Features
- 4 domestic lounge visits per quarter
- 2 global lounge visits per quarter
- 1% forex markup
- Premium metal card
- Travel and lifestyle benefits
Best For: Frequent travellers seeking domestic and international lounge access.
4. IDFC FIRST Bank Mayura Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹5,999 + GST
Annual Fee: ₹5,999 + GST from the second anniversary year
The IDFC FIRST Bank Mayura is a premium metal card with generous lounge benefits, offering both domestic and international airport access.
Key Features
- 4 domestic lounge visits per quarter
- 4 international lounge visits per quarter
- Premium metal card
- Travel and lifestyle benefits
- Up to 12,000 reward points as a joining-fee payment benefit
Best For: Premium travellers looking for generous domestic and international lounge access.
5. AU Zenith Credit Card
Joining Fee: 0
Annual Fee: ₹7,999 plus applicable taxes.
AU Zenith is a premium travel card offering domestic and international lounge access. Eligible variants may also include Priority Pass benefits.
Key Features
- Domestic and international lounge access
- Priority Pass benefits on eligible variants
- Travel and lifestyle privileges
- Meet & Assist benefits on Zenith+ offerings
Best For: Frequent domestic and international travellers seeking premium travel benefits.
6. Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹1,500 + taxes
Annual Fee: ₹1,500 + taxes
Axis Bank Privilege combines domestic airport lounge access with rewards, milestone and lifestyle benefits.
Key Features
- Complimentary domestic lounge access
- Reward and milestone benefits
- Movie and lifestyle benefits
- Fuel surcharge waiver
- Annual fee waiver may be available on qualifying spends
Best For: Users looking for lounge access along with rewards and lifestyle benefits.
7. American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹10,000 + GST
Annual Fee: ₹10,000 + GST
The American Express Platinum Reserve combines travel and lifestyle benefits with complimentary airport lounge access.
Key Features
- 12 domestic lounge visits per year
- 2 international lounge visits per year through Priority Pass
- Complimentary Priority Pass membership
- Dining and entertainment benefits
- Premium travel benefits
Best For: Premium users looking for lounge access plus travel and lifestyle benefits.
8. Tata Neu Plus HDFC Bank Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹499 + applicable taxes
Annual Fee: ₹499 + applicable taxes
Tata Neu Plus HDFC Bank Credit Card is a low-fee option for people who regularly spend on Tata brands and Tata Neu.
Key Features
- Domestic lounge voucher after meeting the spending condition
- ₹50,000 quarterly spending requirement
- Tata Neu ecosystem rewards
- UPI benefits on eligible RuPay variants
- Rewards across Tata brands
Best For: Tata Neu users and Tata-brand shoppers who want occasional airport lounge access.
Also read: Best Travel Credit Cards for Beginners in 2026
How to Choose the Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access?
Choosing a credit card only because it offers lounge access may not always be the best decision. You should look at the complete benefits and costs before applying. You can also refer to the RBI’s financial education resources to understand responsible credit-card usage.
Here are some important factors to consider.
1. Check the Lounge Spending Requirement
Many credit cards now link lounge access to minimum spending.
For example, Scapia requires an applicable monthly spending condition, while HDFC Millennia and Tata Neu Plus use quarterly spending milestones.
If you cannot naturally meet the spending requirement, the lounge benefit may not be as useful to you.
2. Check Domestic and International Lounge Access
If you mostly travel within India, domestic lounge access may be enough.
However, frequent international travellers should look for cards that provide international lounge access or Priority Pass benefits.
Cards such as IDFC FIRST Bank Ashva, IDFC FIRST Bank Mayura, AU Zenith and American Express Platinum Reserve can be considered by users who want international lounge benefits.
3. Compare the Annual Fee
Do not pay a high annual fee just for lounge access unless you can use enough of the card’s other benefits.
For example, a ₹0 annual-fee card can be attractive for domestic travellers, while premium cards with higher fees may offer more extensive international lounge and lifestyle benefits.
Calculate the approximate value you can get from:
- Airport lounge visits
- Reward points
- Cashback
- Travel benefits
- Dining offers
- Movie benefits
- Forex savings
- Annual fee waiver
4. Look at Your Spending Pattern
The best credit card is usually the one that matches your existing spending.
For example:
- Online shopping: HDFC Millennia
- Frequent domestic travel: Scapia
- Domestic + international travel: IDFC FIRST Ashva
- Premium travel: IDFC FIRST Mayura or AU Zenith
- Tata ecosystem: Tata Neu Plus HDFC
- Lifestyle + travel: American Express Platinum Reserve
This approach can help you get more value without changing your spending habits just to unlock a credit-card benefit.
Also read: Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India (2026 Guide)
Which Is the Best Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access in India in 2026?
There is no single credit card that is best for everyone.
If you want a zero-fee travel credit card, Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card can be an attractive option for frequent domestic travellers who can meet the applicable monthly spending requirement.
For cashback and online shopping, HDFC Millennia can be considered, especially if you can achieve its quarterly spending milestone.
If you want domestic and international lounge access, IDFC FIRST Bank Ashva and Mayura are worth considering based on your travel frequency and eligibility.
For premium travel users, AU Zenith can offer a combination of airport lounge access and travel privileges.
If you want lounge access along with rewards and lifestyle benefits, Axis Bank Privilege and American Express Platinum Reserve can be considered.
For people who regularly spend on Tata brands and Tata Neu, Tata Neu Plus HDFC Bank Credit Card can be a practical low-fee option.
Ultimately, the right card depends on your travel frequency, monthly or quarterly spending, preferred airports, annual fee budget and other credit-card benefits.
Conclusion
The best credit cards with airport lounge access in India depends on your travel frequency, spending habits and budget. Scapia can be a good choice for frequent domestic travellers looking for a zero-fee option, while IDFC FIRST Ashva, Mayura and AU Zenith are better suited for users seeking domestic and international lounge benefits.
Before applying, compare the annual fee, lounge access limit, spending requirements, rewards and other benefits. Most importantly, check the latest terms and eligible lounge list, as credit card benefits can change over time. Choose a card that offers value beyond just airport lounge access.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Credit card fees, benefits, lounge access, and eligibility criteria may change. Some links may be affiliate links, through which we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Please verify the latest terms with the card issuer before applying.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best credit card for airport lounge access in India in 2026?
The best card depends on your travel and spending habits. Scapia can be suitable for frequent domestic travellers, while IDFC FIRST Ashva, IDFC FIRST Mayura and AU Zenith can be considered by users looking for domestic and international lounge access.
2. Which credit card offers unlimited domestic airport lounge access?
Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card offers unlimited domestic airport lounge access after meeting the applicable spending condition. The current requirement mentioned for the card is ₹20,000 monthly spending.
3. Which is the best low-fee credit card for airport lounge access?
Tata Neu Plus HDFC Bank Credit Card has a relatively low ₹499 + applicable taxes joining and annual fee. Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card has ₹0 joining and annual fees, subject to its applicable eligibility and spending conditions for lounge access.
4. Can I get airport lounge access without paying a joining fee?
Yes, some credit cards offer zero joining fees. However, complimentary lounge access may still require you to meet a minimum spending condition.
5. Which credit card is best for international airport lounge access?
IDFC FIRST Bank Ashva, IDFC FIRST Bank Mayura and eligible AU Zenith variants can be considered for international lounge access. American Express Platinum Reserve also offers two complimentary international lounge visits per year through Priority Pass.
6. Is airport lounge access completely free?
Complimentary lounge access generally means you do not pay the standard lounge entry fee for eligible visits. However, spending requirements, guest charges, taxes, additional visits and other applicable terms may apply.
7. What is the minimum spending requirement for Scapia lounge access?
Scapia currently has a ₹20,000 monthly spending requirement for domestic lounge access, subject to the applicable card terms.
8. Which credit card is best for Tata Neu users?
The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Bank Credit Card can be a suitable option for people who regularly spend on Tata brands and Tata Neu. It also provides a domestic lounge voucher after meeting the applicable ₹50,000 quarterly spending requirement.
9. Should I choose a credit card only for airport lounge access?
No. You should also compare the annual fee, reward rate, cashback, forex markup, travel benefits, milestone benefits and fee-waiver conditions. A card with fewer lounge visits may provide better overall value if its rewards match your spending.
10. Can airport lounge access rules change?
Yes. Banks and card issuers can change lounge access limits, spending requirements, eligible lounges and other terms. Always check the latest terms before travelling or applying for a card.
About Author
Written by Sujeet Kumar, founder of SujeetFinanceHub, where readers learn about personal finance, credit cards, investing, insurance, loans, and government schemes in simple and easy-to-understand language.