Top 10 Debit Cards with Airport Lounge Access in India

Joining Fee: Waived for members of the HDFC Bank Infiniti Banking Programme
Annual Fee: Rs. 2,500 + applicable taxes

Lounge Access Benefit: 16 complimentary visits annually, limited to 4 per quarter.

Additional Benefits:

• Up to 5% CashBack on your Debit Card on transacting through PayZapp & SmartBuy
• Taj Vouchers worth Rs. 7500 each quarter for spends of 3 lakhs or above in a quarter
• 8 complimentary golf games/lessons annually, limited to 2 per calendar quarter
• Low cross currency mark-up of 0.99%
• Daily Shopping limits (Domestic & International Combined): Rs. 10 lakh
• Daily ATM withdrawal limits (Domestic & International Combined): Rs. 2 lakh
• Insurance covers benefits of up to Rs. 3 crore

Joining Fee: Rs. 1,999 + GST
Annual Fee:  Rs. 1,999 + GST

Lounge Access Benefits:

• 4 complimentary access to airport lounges per quarter across India
• From the third quarter onwards, benefit is subject to spending at least Rs. 3,000 in the previous calendar quarter

Additional Benefits:

• 4 reward points on every Rs. 200 spent domestically
• 8 reward points on every Rs. 200 spent internationally
• 25% discount on booking movie tickets via BookMyShow.com
• 25% discount on movie tickets purchased at INOX movies multiplexes
• Comes with built in Card Protection Plan and Road side assistance program powered by CPP
• Daily ATM withdrawal limits: Rs. 1.5 lakh for Domestic & Rs. 2 lakh for International
• Daily Purchase Limits: Rs. 7.5 lakh for Domestic & Rs. 3.5 lakh for International
• Zero Fuel surcharge on transactions done on ICICI Bank swipe machines at selected Government fuel outlets (HPCL/IOCL/BPCL)

Joining Fee: Nil
Annual Fee: Nil

Lounge Access Benefits:

• 3 + 3 (Cardholder + Companion) complimentary domestic lounge access per calendar quarter
• 2 complimentary international lounge access every quarter

Additional Benefits:

• Personal Accident Insurance cover of Rs. 1,00,00,000
• Air Accident Insurance cover of Rs. 2,50,00,000
• Trip cancellation Cover of Rs. 1,00,000
• Lost Card Liability cover of Rs. 12,00,000
• Fraudulent Cover of Rs. 5,00,000
• 1 complimentary golf access per month
• 24×7 complimentary concierge service
• Trip Cancellation Cover of Rs. 1,00,000
• Travel Insurance Cover of $10,000
• Daily ATM withdrawal limit is Rs. 7 lakh and Purchase limits is Rs. 12 lakh

Joining Fee: Nil
Annual Fee: Waived off

Lounge Access Benefit: 3 complimentary lounge access per quarter (subject to spending Rs. 5,000 in the previous 3 calendar months)

Additional Benefits:

• Buy One Get One free (BOGO free) offer via BookMyShow.com and mobile app
• Rs. 1,000 off on dining via Axis Bank Dining Delights Program
• Personal accident insurance cover of up to Rs. 15 Lakh
• Air Accident Insurance cover of up to Rs. 1 crore
• 2 eDGE reward point on every Rs. 200 spent domestically
• 6 eDGE reward points on every Rs. 200 spent internationally
• Daily cash withdrawal limit of Rs. 3 lakh and Purchase limit of Rs. 6 lakh

Joining Fee: Nil*
Annual Fee: Nil*

*Rs. 3,000 for non-Burgundy account holders.

Lounge Access Benefits:

3 complimentary lounge access per quarter (subject to spending Rs. 5,000 in the previous quarter)

Additional Benefits:

• Rs. 500 off on dining via Axis Bank Dining Delights Program
• Personal accident insurance cover of up to Rs. 10 Lakh
• Air Accident Insurance cover of up to Rs. 1 crore
• Price/Purchase Protection upto Rs. 50,000
• 1 eDGE reward point on every Rs. 200 spent domestically
• 3 eDGE reward points on every Rs. 200 spent internationally
• Bonus 150 rewards on first online transaction
• Daily cash withdrawal limit of Rs. 2 lakh and Purchase limit of Rs. 5 lakh

Joining Fee: Rs. 599 + Taxes
Annual Fee: Rs. 599 + Taxes

Lounge Access Benefits:

• 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge access per quarter
• 2 complimentary International airport lounge access per annum

Additional Benefits:

• 10% instant discount on domestic and international flight bookings of up to Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 5,000 respectively
• 15% instant discount on domestic and international hotel bookings of up to Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively
• OTT benefits: Amazon Prime or Zee5 or SonyLiv annual membership anyone per annum
• Voucher from Flipkart and Big Basket or Blinkit worth Rs. 250 every quarter
• Movie benefits with BookMyShow (Flat Rs. 250 off on the purchase of 2 movie/non-movie tickets once per quarter)
• 12 Month complimentary subscription of Gaana Plus Pack
• 10% instant discount maximum up to Rs. 250 on bus ticket bookings
• Discount benefits on Spree Hotels, Yolo Bus Booking, Airport Transfer/Outstation Cab and activity booking
• Daily ATM Cash Withdrawal Limit: Rs. 50,000 & POS/e-Com limit: Rs. 1,00,000

Joining Fee: Rs. 150 + applicable taxes
Annual Fee: Rs. 150 + applicable taxes

Lounge Access Benefits:

• 2 complimentary lounge access per calendar quarter at airports across India

Additional Benefits:

• 1 CashBack point on every Rs. 100 spent on Telecom & Utilities
• 1 CashBack point on every Rs. 200 spent on groceries & supermarket, restaurant & apparels and entertainment categories
• Maximum cap of Rs. 750 per account per month
• Up to 5% cashback on your transactions via PayZapp & SmartBuy
• Death cover by Air/ Road/ Rail – Sum insured up to Rs. 15 lakh
• Loss of checked baggage – Sum assured Rs. 2,00,000
• Daily Shopping limits: Rs. 5 lakh (Domestic & International Combined)
• Daily ATM withdrawal limits: Rs. 1 lakh (Domestic & International Combined)

Joining Fee: Rs. 699 + GST
Annual Fee: Rs. 699 + GST

Lounge Access Benefits:

• 2 complimentary access to airport lounges per calendar quarter per card at participating airport lounges (Required minimum spends of Rs. 10,000 on your debit card in the previous calendar quarter)

Additional Benefits:

• 2 reward points on every Rs. 200 spent domestically
• 4 reward points on every Rs. 200 spent internationally
• 25% off up to Rs. 100 once every month on purchase of minimum 2 tickets via BookMyShow web or app
• 25% off up to Rs. 50 twice every month on purchase of minimum 2 tickets (Applicable on INOX)
• Daily ATM withdrawal limits: Domestic: Rs. 1 lakh & International: Rs. 2 lakh
• Daily Shopping limits: Domestic Rs. 5 lakh & International Rs. 2 lakh

Joining Fee: Nil
Annual Fee: Nil

Lounge Access Benefit: 2 Complimentary domestic lounge access every quarter at partner lounges

Additional Benefits:

• Earn 1X Reward point & 2X Reward Point on every Rs. 150 spent Offline & Online
• Earn 10X accelerated reward points for every incremental Rs. 150 spent above 50,000 in any month
• Personal Accident Insurance cover of Rs. 35 Lakh
• Air Accident Insurance cover of Rs. 1 crore
• Purchase Protection cover of Rs. 1 Lakh
• Dining and other offers from top brands
• Lost Card Liability cover of Rs. 6 Lakh
• Daily cash withdrawal limit of Rs. 2 lakh and Purchase limit of Rs. 6 lakh

Joining & Annual Fee: Rs. 300 + GST

Lounge Access: 2 complimentary airport lounge access per quarter

Additional Benefits:

• Up to 2 reward points for every Rs. 200 spent
• Fuel surcharge waiver at selected Govt. fuel outlets – (HPCL/IOCL/BPCL)
• Zero Liability Protection coverage
• Daily ATM withdrawal limits: Rs. 1 lakh for each Domestic & International
• Daily Purchase Limit: Domestic Rs. 7.5 lakh and International Rs. 1.5 lakh

What is an Airport Lounge Access Debit Card?

Airport lounge access debit card is a premium debit card that offers complimentary access to airport lounges, both domestically and internationally. Debit card with airport lounge access is a regular debit card that is directly linked to your bank account that offers several airport lounge benefits.

Debit card with airport lounge access helps you access domestic and international airport lounges where you can enjoy free high-speed Wi-Fi, complimentary food & beverages, flight related information, relaxed seating, rest rooms, and paid services like spa and massage at select lounges.

With this debit card, you can avail single or multiple lounge visits per calendar quarter or a year, as per your card-issuing bank and your card’s type, card network and eligibility.

How to Check Airport Lounge Access on Debit Card?

To check eligibility on airport lounge access debit card, you can visit your card-issuing bank’s official website or mobile apps, such as for SBI (YONO), HDFC bank (HDFC MobileBanking), Axis Bank (Open), ICICI Bank (iMobile), Yes Bank (IRIS), Bank of Baroda (M-connect), etc.

You can also check eligibility via card networks like Visa, Mastercard and RuPay by visiting their official websites. You can check your lounge eligibility by the debit card type you hold. You can check the ‘Welcome Kit’ as provided to you by the issuing bank at the time when you received your debit card.

Welcome Kit contains all the relevant information regarding the eligibility and number of visits (domestic or international), along with various lounge benefits. If you still find it difficult to know your eligibility, then you can call the customer care or helpline number of the respective bank.

Key Points to Remember:

• Not all debit cards offer airport lounge access, as this service is offered by only premium/select debit cards from specific card network
• Ensure that you maintain a Minimum Average Balance (MAB) to meet the eligibility criteria to avail complimentary lounge access
• Make sure you present the physical debit card at time of lounge visit at the airport, as digital cards do not work at their POS terminals

Is Debit Card better than Credit Card for Airport Lounge Access?

If we compare debit card and credit card for lounge access, then credit card is the clear winner, as it offers multiple advantages over debit card considering number of lounge visits, guest policy, accessibility, benefits, variety, global coverage, etc.

Debit cards are only convenient if you already have a premium bank account, as they offer limited visits, guest access and worldwide coverage. Therefore, for airport lounge access, credit cards have a stronger advantage over debit cards.

How Debit Card Airport Lounge Access Works?

• Not All debit cards offer airport lounge access
• Debit card lounge access is often limited to domestic airports, unless specially mentioned
• Complimentary lounge visits are offered only for the primary cardholders on most of the cards
• Lounge visits for additional guests are chargeable and shall vary from debit card variant
• In some cases, airport lounge access on debit cards is subject to achieving spending milestones
• Number of lounge visits are limited and lesser as compared to credit cards

Q. Do debit cards have lounge access?

Yes, there are select debit cards that offer airport lounge access, but usually as a premium benefit. Not all debit cards come with this feature. Airport lounge access is offered by premium debit cards like Platinum, Signature, Mastercard Global or RuPay Platinum debit cards issued by major private and public sector banks.

Q. Which debit cards allow airport lounge access?

Several debit cards offer complimentary airport lounge access benefits. Some top airport lounge access debit cards include HDFC Bank Infiniti Debit Card, ICICI Bank Sapphiro Debit Card, and IDFC FIRST Bank Wealth Debit Card, Axis Bank Burgundy Debit Card, etc.

Q. Can I access airport lounges without a physical debit card?

No, you cannot access lounges without a physical debit card in most of the cases, as lounge entry systems operate via Point-of-Sale (POS) machines to verify and authenticate your eligibility.

Even various forms of digital cards, virtual cards or UPIs do not work for lounge access verification, so you need to present a physical debit card to access lounge access.

Q. Can I bring guests, if I am availing the lounge access facility?

Yes, in most of the scenarios you can bring guests with you when accessing an airport lounge, though there is often an additional fee attached which is to be paid per guest.

Q. Can someone else use my debit card for lounge access?

No, in most of the cases someone else is not authorized to use your debit card with airport lounge access. You need to be present with that person at the lounge to authenticate your ownership of the debit card for lounge access.

Q. How much time can I spend in the airport lounge?

The usual stay duration in an airport lounge is typically 2-3 hours, but this duration can vary depending on the specific lounge and your access method.

Q. Is airport lounge access free with Mastercard/Visa debit cards?

No, usually airport lounge access is not free with all Mastercard or Visa debit cards. While a few premium debit cards may offer complimentary lounge access. However, you need to pay a small transaction amount to validate your debit card.

Q. How do I know if my debit card is eligible for lounge access? 

To know if your debit card is eligible for lounge access, you need to visit your card-issuing bank’s official website or mobile app or call their customer care number.

Q. Do all debit cards provide international airport lounge facility?

No, not all debit cards offer international lounge access. However, you can choose from the above-mentioned top debit cards to avail lounge benefits.

Q. Are debit cards accepted only at major airport lounges?

No, debit cards are not exclusively accepted at major airport lounges.

Q. Does my SBI debit card offer airport lounge access if I travel in India?

Yes, if you are using SBI debit card named SBI Platinum International debit card then you can avail complimentary lounge access as per the bank’s terms and conditions.

Q. Why was I charged Rs. 2 rupees at the airport while accessing the airport lounge?

In India, a Rs. 2 lounge at the airport is a lounge access benefit offered to select credit and debit cardholders, where entry is granted by charging a nominal fee of just Rs. 2 or sometimes up to Rs. 25 at select lounges.

This minimal charge is typically for verification purposes, and the actual lounge services are provided complimentary under the card’s benefits program.

Q. Which RuPay debit card has lounge access?

There are several RuPay debit cards that offer airport lounge access including the RuPay Platinum Debit Card and the RuPay Select Debit Card.

Q. How do I know if my debit card has airport lounge access?

To know if your debit card offers complimentary airport lounge access benefits, you can contact your issuing bank.

Q. Which RuPay debit card has lounge access?

The Platinum and Select variants of RuPay debit cards offer complimentary lounge access.

Q. What is the difference between airport lounge access with a debit and credit card?

Both credit and debit cards offer complimentary airport lounge access benefits that may vary across card types. Premium cards usually offer better lounge access than entry-level or mid-range cards. Additionally, the range of benefits is more extensive on credit cards in comparison to debit cards.

Q. Do I need to maintain a minimum average balance to avail lounge access?
Yes, you need to maintain a minimum balance to avail lounge access on your debit card. As lounge access is a premium privilege offered only on specific debit cards, you need to maintain a Minimum Average Balance (MAB) as defined by the respective bank or card-issuing platform.

Q. Are children allowed to enter airport lounges when accessed via debit card?

Yes, children are allowed to enter airport lounge access, depending upon their age, lounge policy and debit card type. In most of the cases, children under 2 years of age are allowed free entry, from 2 year to 12 years are offered discounted rates and above 12 years are considered as adults to access lounges.

Q. What amenities are typically available in airport lounges?

Most of the domestic and international lounge access offers various amenities, such as free high-speed Wi-Fi, flight information display screens, food and beverage, comfortable and relaxed seating, magazines, TVs, rest zones, shower facilities, kid’s play area and premium services, such as spa, massage, nap and meeting rooms, concierge services, etc.

Q. Can I use my debit card for international airport lounge access?

Yes, you can use your debit card for international lounge access, but only with specific premium debit cards that shall vary from bank to bank and card networks like Visa, Mastercard and RuPay. Most of the debit cards in India provide domestic lounge access only and international access is limited to a select high-end card.


Q. What should I do, if my debit card is not recognized at the airport lounge?

If in case your debit card is not recognized at the airport lounge you can firstly check eligibility, whether your debit card offers lounge access benefits or not, as only premium debit cards offer lounge access. You can check if your card is activated for international and domestic transactions, as well as check if your card is not blocked or expired.

You also need to check the card network whether it is Visa, Mastercard or RuPay as lounge access is offered on select premium cards of these networks. Lastly, you may call the debit card customer care or card helpline numbers to know the exact reason.