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Your credit card may already offer airport lounge access, but factors like spend-based eligibility, limited complimentary visits or network restrictions can sometimes limit when you can use it. PB Pass by Paisabazaar offers eligible users an additional opportunity to enjoy a complimentary airport lounge experience through the LoungeKey network of 1,800+ lounges and travel experiences across 850+ domestic and international airports.

Ways to Get Your PB Pass

• Assured PB Pass

Step 1: Apply for a new credit card through Paisabazaar.
Step 2: Activate the card and pay its bill through the Paisabazaar app.

OR

• Chance to Win PB Pass

Step 1: Pay any credit card bill through the Paisabazaar app.
Step 2: Participate in the monthly Spin the Wheel contest.

How to Use PB Pass for Your Free Lounge Visit?

Once you get a PB Pass, generate your QR code via the Paisabazaar app, use the PB Pass Lounge Finder to locate eligible lounges as per your city and country of choice, and present your QR code along with your same-day boarding pass and a valid government-issued ID at the lounge for your eligibility and identity verification.

Unlock Your PB Pass Today!

Pay your balance in full and on time

The most important rule of credit card usage is to pay your balance in full before the due date to avoid interest and protect your credit score. If you cannot make the full payment, try to pay more than the minimum, which can reduce the interest charges.

Convert large purchases into EMIs

If you make a large purchase, consider converting it to EMIs, which usually come with a lower interest rate than the standard credit card rate. This way, you can manage the entire expense in smaller and more manageable payments over time.

Avoid cash withdrawals with your credit card

Cash advances do not offer an interest-free period; instead, interest is levied as soon as you withdraw cash. These charges can quickly accumulate debt, so use cash withdrawals only as a last resort.

Keep track of your spending

Monitor your spending to stay within your credit limit and avoid building up a difficult-to-manage balance. Check all SMS alerts and your bank statements carefully about credit card transactions. Besides this, you should also check your credit report at regular intervals to notice and rectify any errors.

Do not apply for multiple credit cards at a time

Applying for too many cards at once can make you look credit-hungry and lower your credit score due to multiple hard inquiries. While a single inquiry may not have significant consequences, multiple inquiries within a short period can negatively impact your credit score. Hence, apply only for cards that truly meet your needs and spending habits.

Here are some do’s and don’ts for using your credit cards wisely:

Axis Bank Revises Late Payment Charges and DCC Markup on Credit Cards

28 August 2026

Axis Bank has revised certain charges applicable to its credit cards, effective 28 August 2026. The Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) markup has been increased from 1.5% to 3.5% for several cards, while the revised late payment fee for outstanding balances of Rs. 50,000 and above is Rs. 1,300. Late payment charges for outstanding balances below Rs. 50,000 remain unchanged.

ICICI Bank to Launch Invite-Only '1838 Reserve' Premium Credit Card in October 2026

20 August 2026

ICICI Bank is going to offer an invite-only premium credit card called ICICI 1838 Reserve Credit Card on the Visa network. This ICICI Bank credit card is expected to launch in October 2026 with a joining fee of Rs. 1.75 lakh + applicable taxes, thus making it the most expensive card offered by the bank. Following the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card, this will be the second premium card offered through the collaboration between ICICI Bank and the Times Group. ICICI 1838 Reserve Card is expected to offer a wide range of exclusive privileges, featuring benefits tailored for high-net-worth individuals across categories like travel, premium experiences, culture and community, alongside other lifestyle-enhancing perks.

YES Bank Launches YES Essence Credit Card with Premium Lifestyle and Travel Benefits

20 August 2026

YES Bank has launched the YES Essence Credit Card, for consumers seeking enhanced rewards, travel and lifestyle privileges. The card offers benefits across categories including airport lounge access, dining, travel and reward points, along with exclusive lifestyle privileges. It is positioned as a premium card for consumers looking for a combination of rewards and lifestyle benefits from their credit card.

American Express Revises Platinum Travel Credit Card Milestone Rewards and Lounge Access

10 August 2026

American Express is revising the benefits of its Platinum Travel Credit Card, with changes to milestone rewards effective September 10, 2026, and domestic lounge access from October 1, 2026. The 7,500 Membership Rewards points on Rs. 1.9 Lakh annual spends will be removed, while the Rs. 7 Lakh milestone will no longer offer 22,500 additional points but will instead provide a Rs. 20,000 Taj Experiences e-Gift Card. From October 1, cardholders will also need to spend Rs. 1 Lakh in the preceding quarter to avail up to two complimentary domestic lounge visits in the following quarter.

HSBC Live+ Credit Card Gets Major Upgrade with Higher Cashback and International Lounge Access

26 July 2026

HSBC has upgraded its HSBC Live+ Credit Card, introducing enhanced cashback and travel benefits. The revised card offers 10% cashback up to Rs. 1,200 per month on food, dining, grocery, shopping and utility bill payments, along with 1 complimentary international airport lounge visit annually. HSBC Live+ Card has also been moved to the Visa Infinite platform, offering additional privileges such as airport meet and assist services, ITC Hotels stays and Avis car rental benefits. Cardholders will also earn cashback on eligible fuel spends, capped at Rs. 250 per quarter.

RBI Introduces Weekly Credit Reporting Rules from July 2026

1 July 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced new credit reporting rules requiring banks and NBFCs to report borrowers’ credit information to credit bureaus four times a month, effective July 1, 2026. Under the revised framework, credit information will be reported on the 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd and the last day of every month, allowing credit reports to reflect recent credit activity more quickly. The new rules apply to all four credit bureaus, i.e., CIBIL, Experian, Equifax and CRIF High Mark, while the method of calculating the CIBIL score remains unchanged.

HDFC Bank Introduces Monthly Cap on SmartBuy Gift Voucher Rewards

1 July 2026

HDFC Bank has introduced a separate monthly capping on accelerated reward points earned through eligible gift voucher purchases on SmartBuy, effective 1 July 2026. Under the revised rules, HDFC Infinia, Diners Club Black, Regalia, Diners Club Privilege, BizBlack Metal and BizPower cardholders can earn up to 3,000 bonus reward points per calendar month on SmartBuy gift voucher purchases, while Tata Neu and other eligible cashback cards have a capping of 1,000 points. The overall monthly SmartBuy reward capping remains unchanged, but the monthly capping affects the reward-earning potential for cardholders who regularly purchase gift vouchers.

SBM Bank and Paisabazaar Launch Paisa+ Credit Card

25 June 2026

SBM Bank India and Paisabazaar have launched the SBM Paisabazaar Paisa+ Credit Card, an FD-backed credit card for consumers with limited or no credit history. The card requires a minimum fixed deposit of Rs. 2,000 and offers up to 1.5% cashback on online spends and 1% on offline and eligible UPI transactions. The FD can earn interest of up to 7% p.a., while the card has zero joining fee, it charges an annual fee of a Rs. 499 from second year onwards. It is designed for new-to-credit consumers and those looking to build or rebuild their credit profile.

AU SFB Launches Four New Credit Cards

05 May 2026

AU Small Finance Bank has launched 4 new credit cards, namely Prathama, Tejas, Laksya and Ananta. Among these, AU Prathama and Ananta are low annual fee cards, while AU Laksya and Ananta are relatively premium offerings that also offer airport lounge access. They are all reward credit cards that also come with discounts on popular platforms like Zomato, District and Amazon, except Prathama which offers bonus rewards on setting up new standing instructions. They focus on varied spending categories, like contactless payments, groceries, travel, dining, etc., thus catering to different customer bases.

HDFC Bank Revises Rewards & Lounge Access on 3 Credit Cards, Effective 15 May 2026

6 May 2026

HDFC Bank has revised certain benefits offered by HDFC Regalia Gold, HDFC Diners Club Privilege and HDFC BizPower credit cards which will be effective from 15 May 2026 onwards. While the base reward rate has been decreased for all three cards, capping on accelerated rewards and benefits on certain spending categories have also been restricted even more for BizPower. Moreover, airport lounge access will now be given on meeting the spend-based condition to Regalia Gold and DC Privilege users, while the number of visits has been reduced for BizPower. Apart from devaluations, there have been upgrades in the milestone bonus of BizPower, addition of international lounge access for DC Privilege and introduction of the Boarding Edge Programme for HDFC Regalia Gold cardholders. Click here for detailed HDFC Bank Credit Card Changes.

Axis Bank Revises Credit Card Benefits & Travel Redemptions

2 April 2026

Axis Bank has introduced major changes to its credit card reward ecosystem, impacting travel-focused users. The bank has removed key transfer partners like Accor, Marriott Bonvoy, and Qatar Airways from its Travel EDGE program, reducing redemption flexibility. The bank has also added three new partners, i.e., British Airways, Finnair Plus and Vietnam Airlines. However, the reward redemption ratio for these newly added partners is comparatively lower, which may impact the overall value for frequent travellers. Consumers are advised to stay updated on these revisions to maximize their card benefits, read the complete details by clicking here.

Credit and debit cards may look similar and sometimes offer similar benefits, but they function differently. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand the key differences:

Credit card fees and charges can vary based on the card type and issuer. Some charges, like joining or annual fees, are required to keep your card active, while others - such as finance charges, cash withdrawal fees, and late payment fees - apply depending on your card usage. Here’s a look at some common charges:

Credit Card Interest Rate

Credit card issuers charge an interest rate, also known as finance charges, which is levied in case of late payments or defaults. While the interest rate varies from card to card, it typically ranges between 9% p.a. and 52.86% p.a.

Unlike other card charges, such as joining or annual fees, the interest rate is usage-based and is applied to the outstanding amount whenever you fail to pay your credit card bill in full. Interest is also charged when you make only the minimum due payment. Whenever you carry forward the remaining balance to the next billing cycle, the interest is levied on both the outstanding amount and new purchases from the date of transaction.

Choosing the right credit card is subjective based on your profile and requirements. To make a wise choice, here are some suggestions:

Identify your preferred spending category

There are different types of credit cards, such as travel, shopping, dining, etc. To maximize the benefits of a credit card, you should analyze your shopping habits. The best credit card for you would be one that fulfills your core needs. For instance, if you frequently travel, choosing a credit card that offers accelerated benefits on travel spends would be beneficial for you.

Shortlist cards based on your eligibility 

Once you've identified your shopping pattern, start by shortlisting the cards based on eligibility. Understand your credit profile & find out the cards you may be eligible for. To do so, you can also check your eligibility at Paisabazaar for pre-qualified card offers.

Evaluate features & benefits

After shortlisting the preferred credit cards, the hardest part is to decide which credit card to choose. To find the right card, you must evaluate all the features and benefits of the respective card and choose the one that fits your needs and complements your budget.

Read the fine print

Once you’ve decided which card to apply for, review all the related fees & charges associated with the card. Analyze whether you will be able to pay the associated fees. Apart from the annual fee, also check for other related charges, like interest rates, late payment fees, etc., to make an informed decision.

While the eligibility criteria may differ across issuers and cards, some general requirements are:

• Age: Minimum 18 years
• Credit Score: Preferably 700 and above
• Employment Type: Salaried or Self-employed

To process your credit card application, you need to submit the following proofs:

• Identity & Signature Proof
• Address Proof
• Age Proof
• Income proof

Some common documents are PAN card, Aadhar card, employee identity card (in case of Government employees), bank statement, salary slips,  rent agreement, or utility bills. For self-employed applicants, income proof requirements may vary. You need to submit ITR documents, Form 16, etc.

Note: Document requirements may vary.

RuPay Credit Cards on UPI

RuPay is a domestic card payment network and currently the only one offering credit card benefits on UPI transactions. In June 2022, RBI allowed the linking of RuPay credit cards to UPI apps, enabling quick payments while earning benefits on UPI spends. Initially, only a few credit cards were available on the RuPay network. However, most card issuers, including HDFC Bank, SBI Card, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, and more, now offer RuPay variants of their existing cards or are launching new cards on the RuPay network. Additionally, while some cards—such as HDFC UPI RuPay Credit Card—are designed for UPI transactions and offer accelerated rewards on UPI spends, other RuPay credit cards offer a base reward rate or cashback on UPI payments.

Secured Credit Cards:  A Smart Way to Build Credit

Most credit card issuers prefer applicants with a good credit score (preferably above 750). While some issuers offer entry-level credit cards for new-to-credit individuals, getting approval can still be challenging. If you’re struggling to get a credit card and want to start your credit journey, you can consider applying for a secured credit card.

Secured credit cards are issued against collateral, such as a fixed deposit. These cards function just like regular credit cards but usually come with basic benefits. The credit limit is assigned as per the fixed deposit’s value. Even students and unemployed individuals can apply for secured credit cards, making them a great option for building credit.

You can use secured credit cards for both online and offline transactions, just like a regular credit card. By paying bills on time, they can help you build a strong credit profile. In case of any default payments, the outstanding amount is recovered from the fixed deposit.

Instant Virtual Credit Cards in India

Virtual credit cards are digital versions of physical credit cards and work just like regular ones. With virtual cards, you can make online transactions and earn benefits such as rewards or cashback on your spends. A virtual credit card is issued electronically, and all essential details—such as the card number, CVV, and validity—are accessible through your credit card issuer’s mobile app or website. While physical credit cards are usually delivered within 2–4 working days after approval, virtual credit cards are typically issued instantly. They often come with relaxed eligibility criteria, making them a convenient option, especially for new-to-credit consumers.

Using a credit card responsibly can help you build and improve your credit score. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to improve your existing score, here are some effective ways to strengthen your credit profile through credit cards:

When you use a credit card and pay your dues on time, it shows your ability to manage credit effectively. Late payments not only attract high interest charges but can also significantly damage your credit score. Since credit bureaus give maximum weightage to repayment history while calculating your credit score, making timely payments can have a positive impact on your score over time.

Another important factor is your credit utilization ratio (CUR)—the percentage of your available credit limit that you’re using. While having a higher CUR and paying the entire bill may not affect your score drastically, maintaining a high CUR for a longer period of time can harm your credit score. Keeping this ratio low shows issuers that you're not overly dependent on credit and can manage your finances well.