Synopsis: This year brings a rewind for all the travel destinations. Many cardholders might not be aware that their credit cards offer both international and domestic airport lounge access. Read on to find out which cards are offering lounge benefits in the year 2026.
The travel plans for the year 2026 should not be hampered by any inconvenience. This list of credit cards allows airport lounge access that would add on the travelling experience. The comfort of a lounge compared to sitting just idle in an airport is incomparable. One thing to keep in mind is that with the latest update many credit cards have shifted towards spend based criteria to be eligible for the benefit. There is a certain threshold which triggers the access. Read below to learn about the terms from which you would be able to claim the benefit.
1. IDFC First Wealth Credit Card
- Joining Fee: ₹0
- Annual Fee: ₹0 (Lifetime Free)
- Card Category: Premium
- Best Suited For: Domestic and international traveller
Airport Lounge Access
- 2 complimentary domestic visits per quarter
- 2 complimentary international visits per quarter
- Eligibility Condition: A minimum spend of ₹20,000 in the previous calendar month to unlock lounge access for the current month
Other Benefits
- Low foreign currency markup 1.5%
- 3X reward points on spend of ₹20,000 in a statement cycle
- 10X reward points on spend above ₹20,000 in a statement cycle
- Rewards points on your birthday spend
2. Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card
- Joining Fee: ₹0
- Annual Fee: ₹0
- Card Category: Travel
- Best Suited For: Domestic flyers
Airport Lounge Access
- Domestic: Unlimited lounge access
- Visa variant eligibility condition subject to minimum spend of ₹10,000 in the previous month
- RuPay variant comes with higher spend threshold of ₹15,000
- International: Not included as a standard benefit
Other Benefits
- Reward points redeemable for travel bookings
- Low forex markup of 0
- 10% reward points on every eligible online and offline spend on VISA
- 5% reward on all eligible UPI, online and offline spend of ₹500 or more on Rupay
Also Read: 5 HDFC Credit Cards That Offer Free Airport Lounge Access and Amazing Travel Benefits in 2026
3. AU Bank Ixigo Credit Card
- Joining Fee: ₹0
- Annual Fee: ₹0
- Card Category: Travel & Lifestyle
- Best Suited For: Budget travellers and domestic flyers
Airport Lounge Access
- Up to 16 complimentary domestic visits per year
- A minimum spend of ₹20,000 per calendar quarter to be eligible for domestic lounges
- 1 complimentary international visit per year
Other Benefits
- 10% off on booking made through the ixigo platform for flights and hotels
4. IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Card
- Joining Fee: ₹0
- Annual Fee: ₹0
- Card Category: Premium (RuPay)
- Best Suited For: Travel and Golf
Airport Lounge Access
- 2 complimentary domestic visits per quarter
- 2 complimentary international visits per year with Priority Pass
Other Benefits
- 1 Complimentary game of golf or lesson per quarter
- 1.50% Forex Mark up
- Up to 6 Reward Points that is accelerated on every ₹100 spend
5. SBI Card Miles
- Joining Fee: ₹1,499
- Annual Fee: ₹1,499+ Taxes
- Fee Waiver: Annual fee waived on an annual spend of ₹6 lakhs
- Card Category: Reward Card
- Best Suited For: Travel
Airport Lounge Access
- 4 complimentary domestic visits per year (capped at 2 per quarter)
- International airport lounge access via complimentary Priority Pass Membership
Other Benefits
- Earn miles on everyday and travel spends
- Welcome and milestone travel bonuses
- Travel booking assistance
- Global acceptance with Priority Pass support
Conclusion
The Airport lounge access benefit has shifted majorly in recent years. Now, cardholders need to understand the caps and threshold to be eligible. Though, it might sound exhausting but upon closer look at the cards it actually is doable. Thus cards like Scapia and IDFC First still offer a significant number when it comes to domestic terminals.
Additionally for those who travel internationally more often card options like SBI Card Miles provides better global coverage through Priority Pass. Lastly the best card is one whose lounge criteria align naturally with your spending habits.
Written by Kenbi Riba
