With increased affordability and convenience, many travellers now prefer flying over other modes of transportation. For those spending extended hours at airports due to layovers or early arrivals, airport lounges provide a luxurious retreat.

The cost of accessing a lounge varies depending on factors such as the managing company and whether the lounge is in a domestic or international terminal. However, frequent travellers can bypass these charges by opting for credit cards that provide free lounge access as a perk.

For those who frequently travel outside India, a credit card with international airport lounge access can be highly beneficial. Here’s a list of top credit cards offering premium lounge access, along with their features and benefits.

Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card

• Joining/Annual Fee: Rs. 50,000 + applicable taxes
• International Lounge Access: Unlimited international lounge visits via Priority Pass, plus 12 free visits for guests

Other Features:

• Earn up to 30 EDGE reward points per Rs. 200 spent
• Buy 1 Get 1 (B1G1) offer on BookMyShow tickets (up to 5 tickets per month)
• 50 free golf rounds annually at select golf courses in India
• Low forex markup fee of 1.5 per cent

HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Edition Credit Card

• Joining/Annual Fee: Rs. 10,000 + applicable taxes
• International Lounge Access: Unlimited access to airport lounges worldwide for both primary and add-on cardholders

Other Features:

• Complimentary annual memberships for Club Marriott, Amazon Prime, and Swiggy One
• 10,000 Bonus Reward Points on spends of Rs. 4 lakh per calendar quarter
• 6 complimentary golf games per quarter at premium golf courses worldwide
• 5 Reward Points for every Rs. 150 spent on retail purchases

HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card

• Joining/Renewal Fee: Rs. 12,500 + applicable taxes
• International Lounge Access: Unlimited complimentary access to 1,000+ airport lounges worldwide via Priority Pass for both primary and add-on cardholders

Other Features:

• Complimentary stays and buffet dining at participating ITC hotels
• Complimentary Club Marriott membership for the first year
• 5 Reward Points for every Rs. 150 spent
• Lowest forex markup fee of 2 per cent on all foreign currency transactions
• 1 per cent fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations across India on transactions between Rs. 400 and Rs. 1,00,000

Axis Atlas Credit Card

• Joining/Annual Fee: Rs. 5,000 + applicable taxes
• International Lounge Access: Up to 12 international lounge visits per year

Other Features:

• 2,500 bonus EDGE Miles as a welcome benefit
• Earn up to 5 EDGE Miles per Rs. 100 spent on travel
• Milestone benefits of up to 5,000 EDGE Miles

SBI Elite Credit Card

• Joining/Annual Fee: Rs. 4,999 + applicable taxes
• International Lounge Access: 6 visits per calendar year (maximum 2 visits per quarter)

Other Features:

• Welcome e-gift voucher worth Rs. 5,000
• Free movie tickets worth Rs. 6,000 per year
• 2 reward points per Rs. 100 on all spends (except fuel)
• Earn up to 50,000 Bonus Reward Points worth Rs. 12,500 per year

If you are a frequent flyer, opting for a card with unlimited lounge access can significantly enhance your travel experience. Be sure to compare the fees, benefits, and reward structures before making your decision to maximize your perks and savings.