Best Indian Credit Cards for International Lounge Access

There are quite a few credit cards in India with international lounge access options, but a few specifically catch the eye due to good benefits and a wide range of lounges in their program. Here I have curated a list of the best Indian credit cards for international lounge access which either provide guest access or shared access to addon members and are suited to different needs and budgets, making it simple for frequent travellers to choose a card that makes international travel a breeze even when travelling in a group and delivers fantastic benefits commitments.

Guest access to airport lounges can be a valuable feature for travellers who often travel with companions. Guest access is typically for a single visit or a limited number of visits and is meant for occasional use when travelling with a companion. Guests are usually allowed to enter the lounge when accompanied by the primary cardholder. Many premium credit cards in India offer Priority Pass membership, which often includes a set number of complimentary guest visits. I have compiled a list of the same as follows.

Axis Burgundy Private

Photo Credit: Axis Burgundy Private

• Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (Shared on Primary and Add-on Cards) + 12 Complimentary lounge visits for guests in a calendar year.
• Access Via: Priority Pass
• Joining Fee: NIL (Free for Burgundy Private Customers)
• Annual Fee: NIL if Burgundy Private NRV is maintained else ₹50,000+GST

Yes Private

Photo Credit: Yes Private

• Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (Shared on Primary and Add-on Cards) + 12 Complimentary lounge visits for guests in a calendar year.
• Access Via: Lounge Key
• Joining Fee: ₹50,000+GST
• Annual Fee: ₹10,000+GST

HSBC Premier

Photo Credit: HSBC Premier

• Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (Shared on Primary and Add-on Cards) + 8 Complimentary lounge visits for guests in a calendar year.
• Access Via: Priority Pass
• Joining Fee: ₹12,000+GST (Only for Premier Banking Customers)
• Annual Fee: ₹20,000+GST (Waived off for Premier Banking Customers)

Axis Reserve

Photo Credit: Axis Reserve

• Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (Shared on Primary and Add-on Cards) + 4 Complimentary lounge visits for guests in a calendar year.
• Access Via: Priority Pass
• Joining Fee: ₹50,000+GST
• Annual Fee: ₹50,000+GST (Waived off on ₹35L Spends in a Year)

Axis Magnus/ Axis Magnus Burgundy

Photo Credit: Axis Magnus

• Complimentary Limits: Unlimited for Primary cardholders + 4 Complimentary lounge visits for guests in a calendar year.
• Access Via: Priority Pass
• Joining Fee: ₹12,500+GST/ ₹30,000+GST
• Annual Fee: ₹12,500+GST/ ₹30,000+GST (Waived off on ₹25L Spends in a Year)

Yes Bank Marquee

Photo Credit: Yes Marquee

• Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (Shared on Primary and Add-on Cards) + 4 Complimentary lounge visits for guests in a calendar year.
• Access Via: Lounge Key
• Joining Fee: ₹9,999+GST
• Annual Fee: ₹4,999+GST (Waived off on ₹10L Spends in a Year)

Axis Atlas

Photo Credit: Axis Atlas

Complimentary Limits

• Access Via: Dreamfolks QR Code via Axis Bank Application
• Joining Fee: ₹5,000+GST
• Annual Fee: ₹5,000+GST

SBI Aurum

Photo Credit: SBI Aurum

• Complimentary Limits: Unlimited for Primary Cardholder + 1 Complimentary lounge visits for guests in a calendar quarter
• Access Via: DreamFolks Card
• Joining Fee: ₹10,000+GST
• Annual Fee: ₹10,000+GST (Waived off on ₹12L Spends in a Year)

Credit Cards with Shared Access

There are certain cards in India which offer shared access within the complimentary quota of the primary cardholder to addon cardholders. Add-on cards (also known as supplementary cards) are additional credit cards issued to the primary cardholder’s family members, usually sharing the same credit limit. Add-on cardholders have their own card and can access the benefits independently of the primary cardholder, including lounge access if the benefit is extended to add-on cards. Here I have compiled a list of the cards offering this facility.

HDFC Infinia Metal

Photo Credit: HDFC Infinia Credit Card

• Complimentary Limits: Unlimited (Shared on Primary and 3 Add-on Cards)
• Access Via: Priority Pass
• Joining Fee: ₹12,500+GST
• Annual Fee: ₹12,500+GST (Waived off on ₹10L Spends in a Year)