Airport lounge access is one of the most sought-after credit card benefits in India. But getting into airport lounges is no longer as easy as it used to be.
Over the last year, banks have tightened their lounge access policies. Many credit cards now require you to meet quarterly spending targets before complimentary domestic airport lounge visits are unlocked. In most cases, the spend requirement ranges from ₹35,000 to ₹50,000 per quarter.
The good news? Lounges are less crowded than before. Travelers who meet the spending criteria can enjoy a more comfortable experience with shorter queues and better access to seating and amenities.
That also means choosing the right credit card matters more than ever. Some cards offer lounge access with reasonable spend requirements, while premium travel credit cards continue to provide unlimited or higher lounge visit quotas.
To help you decide, we’ve shortlisted the best credit cards for domestic airport lounge access in India in 2026. Whether you’re looking for a lifetime free card, a value-for-money option, or a premium travel card with unlimited lounge access, this guide covers the top choices for every type of traveler.
Best Credit Cards for Domestic Airport Lounge Access (2026)
HDFC Infinia Metal
Unlimited domestic airport lounge access with no spend requirements.
Axis Bank Horizon
One of the highest domestic lounge visit quotas in the mid-range segment.
Scapia
A lifetime free credit card with lounge access linked to monthly spending.
Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards With Domestic Airport Lounge Access
Looking for a lifetime free credit card with domestic airport lounge access? These cards offer complimentary lounge visits without an annual fee, though most now come with monthly or quarterly spend requirements. If you can meet the spending criteria, they remain some of the best value travel credit cards in India.
Scapia Credit Card
Scapia is one of the best lifetime free credit cards for domestic airport lounge access in India. It offers unlimited lounge visits after meeting the monthly spending requirement and also comes with 0% forex markup for international transactions.
Why We Like It
Lifetime free, unlimited lounge access, and zero forex markup make it one of the strongest travel cards in its segment.
IndusInd Tiger Credit Card
The IndusInd Tiger Credit Card is one of the best lifetime free credit cards for airport lounge access in India. It offers complimentary domestic and international lounge visits, a low forex markup fee, and travel-focused benefits without charging any joining or annual fee.
Why We Like It
Lifetime free pricing, complimentary lounge access without spend criteria, and a low 1.5% forex markup make it one of the strongest travel-focused credit cards in its segment.
Bank of Baroda Eterna Credit Card
The Bank of Baroda Eterna Credit Card is one of the strongest travel-focused credit cards in its segment. It offers unlimited domestic airport lounge access, accelerated rewards on travel and dining spends, and a low forex markup fee. Complimentary lounge access is unlocked after meeting the quarterly spending requirement.
Why We Like It
Unlimited domestic airport lounge access, strong rewards on travel spends, and frequent lifetime free offers make it one of the best value lounge access credit cards in India
AU Ixigo Credit Card
The AU Ixigo Credit Card is one of the best lifetime free travel credit cards in India. It offers complimentary domestic airport lounge access, zero forex markup, and discounts on flights, hotels, and train bookings through Ixigo.
Why We Like It
Lifetime free pricing, 0% forex markup, and airport lounge access make it one of the strongest travel-focused credit cards in the entry-level segment.
IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card
The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is a lifetime free credit card that offers complimentary domestic airport lounge access, low forex markup, and reward points on everyday spending. It is a good option for users looking for a travel-friendly credit card without paying an annual fee.
Why We Like It
Lifetime free pricing, domestic airport lounge access, and a relatively low forex markup make it one of the better all-round travel credit cards in the entry-level segment.
Best Mid-Range Credit Cards for Domestic Airport Lounge Access
If you’re willing to pay an annual fee, mid-range travel credit cards offer significantly more lounge visits and often come without the restrictive spend requirements seen on many lifetime free cards. For frequent travelers, these cards usually provide the best balance between annual fees, rewards, and airport lounge access.
Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card
The Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card is one of the strongest mid-range credit cards for domestic airport lounge access in India. It offers a high number of complimentary lounge visits every year without the premium annual fee usually associated with unlimited-access travel cards.
Why We Like It
32 domestic airport lounge visits per year makes it one of the highest lounge-access cards in the mid-range segment.
Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
The Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card is one of the best travel credit cards in India for frequent flyers. Along with domestic and international airport lounge access, it offers strong airline and hotel transfer partners through the Edge Miles program.
Why We Like It
A combination of lounge access, airmiles rewards, and international travel benefits makes it one of the best all-round travel cards in India.
Tata Neu Infinity Credit Card
The Tata Neu Infinity Credit Card is one of the most popular HDFC Bank credit cards for rewards and airport lounge access. It combines Tata Neu rewards, UPI benefits, and complimentary domestic airport lounge visits.
Why We Like It
Strong Tata Neu rewards, UPI cashback, and airport lounge access make it one of the best value HDFC-backed cards in this segment.
HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
The HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is one of the most popular travel credit cards in India. It offers complimentary domestic airport lounge access, milestone travel benefits, and accelerated rewards on select travel and lifestyle merchants. Cardholders must meet the applicable quarterly spending requirement to unlock lounge access benefits.
Why We Like It
A strong mix of rewards, travel benefits, and airport lounge access makes it one of the best HDFC travel credit cards below the premium segment.
Best Premium Credit Cards With Unlimited Airport Lounge Access
Premium credit cards continue to offer the best airport lounge benefits in India. Unlike most entry-level and mid-range cards, these cards provide unlimited domestic airport lounge access without restrictive quarterly spending requirements.
If you travel regularly and want a hassle-free airport experience, these premium credit cards remain the best options for unlimited airport lounge access in India.
HDFC Infinia Metal Credit Card
The HDFC Infinia Metal Credit Card is widely considered one of the best premium travel credit cards in India. It offers unlimited domestic and international airport lounge access, premium travel benefits, and one of the highest reward rates in the market.
Why We Like It
Unlimited lounge access, strong reward points, and premium travel perks make it one of the best credit cards for frequent travelers.
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card
The HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card is one of the most rewarding premium travel credit cards in India. It offers unlimited airport lounge access, strong travel rewards, and premium membership benefits across dining and travel categories.
Why We Like It
Unlimited lounge access and a high reward rate make it one of the strongest alternatives to HDFC Infinia.
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card
The ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card is ICICI Bank’s flagship premium travel credit card. It offers unlimited airport lounge access, premium lifestyle benefits, and luxury travel privileges for high-spending users.
Why We Like It
Unlimited lounge access, luxury travel benefits, and premium hotel privileges make it one of the strongest ultra-premium credit cards in India.
How to Choose a Credit Card for Airport Lounge Access
Not all lounge access credit cards are designed for the same type of traveler. The right card depends on how often you fly, whether you can meet spending requirements, and how much you’re willing to pay in annual fees.
If you travel only a few times a year, a lifetime free credit card such as Scapia, AU Ixigo, or IDFC FIRST Select may be sufficient. These cards offer complimentary lounge access without an annual fee, though most require monthly or quarterly spending.
Frequent travelers may find better value in mid-range cards such as Axis Horizon, Axis Atlas, Tata Neu Infinity, or HDFC Regalia Gold. These cards typically provide more lounge visits and additional travel benefits for a reasonable annual fee.
For those who fly regularly and want unlimited airport lounge access, premium cards such as HDFC Infinia Metal, HDFC Diners Club Black Metal, and ICICI Emeralde Private Metal remain the top choices. They eliminate the need to track spending milestones and offer the most comprehensive travel benefits.
Before applying, always check the latest lounge access policy, spend requirements, and eligible lounge network, as banks frequently update these benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card offers unlimited airport lounge access in India?
Premium credit cards such as HDFC Infinia Metal, HDFC Diners Club Black Metal, and ICICI Emeralde Private Metal offer unlimited domestic airport lounge access along with international lounge benefits.
Which lifetime free credit card offers airport lounge access?
Popular lifetime free credit cards with airport lounge access include Scapia Credit Card, AU Ixigo Credit Card, IndusInd Tiger Credit Card, and IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card.
Do I need to meet spending requirements for airport lounge access?
Many banks now require cardholders to meet monthly or quarterly spending milestones before complimentary lounge visits are unlocked. The spend requirement varies by card and issuer.
Which credit card offers the most domestic airport lounge visits?
Among mid-range cards, Axis Bank Horizon offers one of the highest lounge access quotas with up to 32 domestic airport lounge visits per year.
Can supplementary cardholders access airport lounges?
Some premium credit cards provide lounge access to add-on cardholders, while others require separate eligibility. Always check the card’s latest lounge access policy before traveling.
Are airport lounge visits really free with credit cards?
Complimentary lounge visits are included as a card benefit. However, eligibility conditions such as spending requirements, visit limits, and lounge network restrictions may apply.
