As the year 2026 unfolds, it becomes evident that credit cards offering free airport lounge access have transitioned from a luxury perk to a must-have benefit for frequent travellers. These cards go far beyond just giving access to exclusive lounges. They also offer a variety of added benefits, such as free refreshments, Wi-Fi, charging points, and an opportunity to escape the crowds of busy terminals. Despite these alluring features, the eligibility requirements, the number of visits, and the spending thresholds for these cards can differ significantly. Some cards are designed specifically for domestic travellers, while others are geared toward international flyers, offering access to global lounges.
This article takes an in-depth look at the top five credit cards available in India for 2026, analyzing their lounge access policies, additional perks, and the broader impact these benefits could have on the travel industry.
IDFC First Wealth Credit Card – Premium Perks with Lifetime-Free Lounge Access
The IDFC First Wealth Credit Card has become one of the most sought-after choices for premium travellers who want exclusive benefits without having to pay high fees. This card stands out because of its lifetime-free lounge access, which is available for both domestic and international lounges. To enjoy this perk, cardholders simply need to spend ₹20,000 in the previous month. They can enjoy up to 2 free lounge visits per quarter.
But the benefits don’t stop at lounge access. The card also offers accelerated reward points with up to 10x points for larger purchases, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently travel and spend regularly. Another notable advantage is its low forex markup of around 1.5%, a great benefit for frequent international travellers.
Key benefits:
- Lifetime-free lounge access (both domestic and international).
- 10x rewards for larger purchases.
- Birthday bonus rewards, which add extra value to the card.
This card is perfect for travellers who seek premium lounge access, reward points, and low fees, all in one.
Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card – Unlimited Domestic Lounge Access
The Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card is a solid option for domestic travellers who desire unlimited lounge access. While many cards restrict the number of lounge visits, this one allows unlimited domestic lounge access as long as the cardholder meets a monthly spending requirement. For those using the Visa variant, the requirement is to spend ₹10,000. On the other hand, the RuPay variant requires a ₹15,000 spend.
This card does not offer international lounge access, which makes it ideal for those who primarily travel within India. The Visa variant also comes with zero forex markup, making it an excellent choice for international spenders. Additionally, the cardholders can redeem their reward points for flight bookings, hotel stays, and other travel-related services.
Key benefits:
- Unlimited domestic lounge access.
- Zero forex markup on international spending.
- Redeemable rewards for travel-related expenses.
For those who fly within India regularly, this card provides excellent value without the burden of high fees.
AU Bank Ixigo Credit Card – Generous Domestic Lounge Access and Travel Discounts
The AU Bank Ixigo Credit Card is aimed at budget-conscious travellers who frequently fly domestically. This card offers up to 16 free domestic lounge visits annually, provided the cardholder spends a minimum of ₹20,000 per quarter. Additionally, it provides one free international lounge visit per year, a benefit that is rarely seen with cards in this price range.
A unique feature of this card is its partnership with ixigo, which offers cardholders a 10% discount on flight bookings and hotel stays made through their platform. This makes the card an appealing choice for those who want to enjoy both lounge access and travel savings.
Key benefits:
- 16 domestic lounge visits per year.
- Discounts on flight bookings and hotel stays.
- Balanced rewards for frequent travellers.
For those seeking a combination of lounge access and travel discounts, this card provides a well-rounded solution.
IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Card – A Perfect Combination of Rewards and Lounge Access
The IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Card is a great option for travel and golf enthusiasts. It offers 2 domestic lounge visits per quarter and 2 international lounge visits annually through Priority Pass.
One of the unique perks of this card is the golf benefit, allowing cardholders to enjoy one golf game or lesson per quarter, a rare feature in credit cards. Additionally, the card offers enhanced reward points for regular spending, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy lounge access, lifestyle benefits, and reward points.
Key benefits:
- 2 international lounge visits via Priority Pass.
- Golf benefit (one game or lesson per quarter).
- Enhanced reward points for spending.
For individuals who desire more than just lounge access, this card offers lifestyle perks, such as golf lessons, in addition to the standard travel benefits.
SBI Card Miles – Global Lounge Access and Travel Rewards
The SBI Card Miles is an excellent option for international travellers. With Priority Pass membership, cardholders gain access to thousands of lounges worldwide. The card offers 4 domestic lounge visits per year, with a cap of 2 visits per quarter.
Besides lounge access, the SBI Card Miles provides travel miles for everyday purchases, allowing cardholders to earn rewards for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. The annual fee for this card is ₹1,499, but this fee can be waived off with high spending, making it an appealing option for frequent flyers.
Key benefits:
- Priority Pass membership for global lounge access.
- Travel miles on everyday purchases.
- Milestone bonuses and travel rewards.
For those who travel internationally on a regular basis, this card offers both lounge access and travel rewards in a single package.
How Airport Lounge Access Works Through Credit Cards in India (2026)
Domestic vs International Lounge Access
Domestic lounges are generally easier to unlock than international lounges. This is because domestic lounges are more common and offer a higher number of free visits. In contrast, international lounges often require a Priority Pass or LoungeKey membership, and the spending requirement is typically higher for international access.
Eligibility and Membership Requirements
Most credit cards in 2026 now require cardholders to meet minimum monthly or quarterly spending thresholds to unlock lounge access. Lounge access is no longer automatic simply by holding the card. Instead, cardholders must meet these spending thresholds, especially for international lounges.
Additional Travel Perks
In addition to lounge access, many credit cards offer other valuable travel benefits like travel insurance, low forex markups, and the ability to earn air miles for purchases. These added perks make these cards even more attractive to frequent travellers who want extra benefits beyond just lounge access.
Choosing the Right Credit Card for Your Travel Needs
For Domestic Travel
If you are someone who predominantly travels within India, credit cards like the Federal Bank Scapia or AU Bank Ixigo, which offer unlimited lounge access or 16 visits per year, are the most cost-effective options. These cards offer ample lounge access without requiring high fees.
For International Travel
For those who travel abroad regularly, cards like the SBI Card Miles or IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Card are ideal. These cards offer Priority Pass access, providing global lounge comfort and additional travel rewards.
For Reward Seekers
For individuals who want a mix of rewards and lounge access, the IDFC First Wealth Credit Card stands out. It provides lounge access, reward points, and low fees, giving the best overall benefits for frequent spenders.
A Major Shift in Travel Comfort and Rewards
The increasing demand for luxury travel perks has significantly influenced the credit card market. Cards offering free airport lounge access are having a transformative effect on the global travel industry. The cards highlighted above are designed to meet the needs of various types of travellers—whether you are a budget-conscious domestic flyer or a frequent international traveller.
These cards not only offer lounge access but also come with rewards and additional benefits that enhance the overall travel experience. As global travel trends shift towards comfort and convenience, these credit cards are poised to play an important role in making travel more enjoyable and accessible. With low forex charges and redeemable travel rewards, they are paving the way for a new era of travel comfort and ease, making it simpler than ever for travellers to enjoy a luxurious experience while on the move.
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