Banks and credit card companies these days keep rolling out new cards with unique features to attract air travellers. One of such features is airport lounge access for credit card holders. So if you travel by air frequently and want to avoid long waits at the airport, then a credit card with airport lounge access can be a great option for you. Such a card not only allows you to experience comfortable travel but also helps you avail facilities like free lounge access, Wi-Fi and snacks. Some premium cards even offer international lounge access, which is a big plus for frequent flyers.
Overall, these features not only enhance your travel experience but also reduce fatigue and stress during your trips.
But just looking at lounge access is not enough while selecting a card for you. Costs like joining fees and annual fees also play an important role. Sometimes the lounge access of the card is free, but its annual fee can be too high. At the same time, some cards offer this facility at a low or no fee. Therefore, choosing the right card has a direct impact on your pocket.
Also read: Major changes in UPI rules from August 1: Check full list of updates and what they mean for you
Things to keep in mind while getting an airport lounge access credit card:
While applying for a credit card, especially one with lounge access benefits, it’s important to focus on a few key factors. First, check the joining and annual fees. Sometimes, the benefits may not justify the cost if your usage is low. Next, understand how many times lounge access is free — is it monthly, yearly or limited to a few visits?
Also, make sure the lounge access is available at the airports you frequently use. Don’t forget to look at additional benefits like reward points, cashback and travel insurance. Lastly, assess your spending habits as getting a credit card without a clear need or plan can lead to unnecessary debt at times.
Here are 5 of the cheapest credit cards offering airport lounge access in 2025, as per BankBazaar’s latest data.
1. IDFC First Bank Select Credit Card
Joining and annual fees – NIL
Key features:
-Enjoy 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter by spending Rs 20,000 in the previous month.
-Save on international transactions with a low forex mark-up of 1.99%.
-Withdraw cash at zero interest for up to 45 days, subject to applicable terms.
-Earn 10x non-expiring reward points on spends above Rs 20,000 and on your birthday, 3x on spends up to Rs 20,000, and 1x on insurance and utility bill payments.
2. Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card
Joining/annual fees: Annual fee Rs 350 (it is waived on annual spends of Rs 50,000 or more).
Key features:
-Enjoy 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per calendar year.
-Enjoy flat 20% on hotel bookings and 10% off on flight bookings done via the EaseMyTrip website/app (conditions apply).
-Earn 10x reward points per Rs 100 spent on direct hotel and airline bookings; 2x reward points per Rs 100 spent on other retail purchases.
3. Axis Bank ACE Credit Card
Joining/annual fee: Rs 499 (Waived from 2nd year onwards on annual spends of Rs 2 lakh or more).
Key features:
-Enjoy 4 complimentary lounge visits each year to select domestic airports.
-Get 5% cashback on utility bill payments done via Google Pay (electricity, internet, gas, DTH, and mobile recharges).
-Earn 4% cashback on spends made via Swiggy, Zomato, and Ola, and 1.5% cashback on all other retail spends.
-Save with 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel transactions between Rs 400 and Rs 4,000.
-Avail up to 15% off at over 4000 partner restaurants across India under the Dining Delights program.
4. Tata Neu Plus HDFC Bank Credit Card
Joining/annual fee: Rs 499 (Waived on annual spends of Rs 1 lakh).
Key features:
-Enjoy up to 4 domestic lounge visits per year (one per quarter) on spends of Rs 50,000 in a calendar quarter.
-Receive 499 NeuCoins as Welcome benefit on first transaction within 30 days.
-Earn 2% back as NeuCoins on non-EMI spends at Tata Neu and partner Tata brands, and 1% on non-Tata spends and merchant EMIs.
-Earn up to 500 NeuCoins on UPI payments.
-Get a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between Rs 400–Rs 5,000, capped at Rs 250 per billing cycle.
-Get a 1% waiver on fuel transactions between Rs 400–Rs 5,000.
Also read: Follow ‘Chanakya Niti’ for your wallet, and you could be set for life
5. HSBC Live+ Credit Card
Joining/annual fee: Rs 999 ( Waived on annual spends over Rs 2 lakh).
Key features:
-Enjoy 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits, one per quarter.
-Welcome benefit includes Rs 1,000 cashback on spending Rs 20,000 via the HSBC India Mobile Banking app within the first 30 days of card issuance.
-Enjoy up to 15% off under the Live+ Dining Programme and 10% cashback on dining and food delivery spends.
-Get 10% cashback on groceries and 1.5% unlimited cashback at other retail spends.
-Enjoy 1.5% cashback on entertainment and select domestic and international categories.
FinancialExpress.com does not endorse any specific investment instruments. Readers are encouraged to make their own informed decisions, as any losses incurred will be their sole responsibility.