For those who frequently travel, having a credit card that provides free access to airport lounges can significantly enhance the experience. Lounge access offers a range of benefits like complimentary food, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a peaceful environment, away from the busy terminals. Let’s explore some of the best credit cards from SBI and ICICI Bank that offer these perks.
What Are Airport Lounge Credit Cards?
Airport lounge credit cards are designed to provide frequent travelers with added comfort during their journeys. These cards often come with complimentary access to both domestic and international lounges, Priority Pass membership, and exclusive offers. Apart from airport lounge benefits, users can also enjoy rewards on shopping, entertainment, and dining.
Best Credit Cards Offering Airport Lounge Access
Let’s look at some of the top credit cards from leading banks in India that offer free airport lounge access:
SBI Elite Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999 + taxes
- Renewal Fee: ₹4,999 + taxes
- Lounge Access:
SBI Elite cardholders can enjoy 6 free lounge visits per year (2 per quarter) at domestic airports. For international airports, cardholders can avail 2 free visits per quarter. These benefits can be used at over 1,000 lounges worldwide. - Additional Perks:
New users receive a ₹5,000 welcome gift, making this card an excellent choice for frequent travelers.
SBI Card Mileage
- Annual Fee: ₹1,499 + taxes
- Renewal Fee: ₹1,499 + taxes
- Lounge Access:
This card provides Priority Pass membership worth $99 (₹8,280). Users can enjoy free access to domestic lounges 4 times a year, with a maximum of 2 visits per quarter. These benefits are valid for lounges at over 1,000 airports globally. - Additional Benefits:
With lower annual charges, this card is a great choice for those seeking lounge access without high fees.
ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹12,000 + GST
- Lounge Access:
ICICI’s premium Emeralde Credit Card offers unlimited free lounge access at both domestic and international airports. This is an excellent option for regular international travelers looking for top-tier perks. - Other Benefits:
In addition to lounge access, this card also provides exclusive benefits on travel, lifestyle, and entertainment.
ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹3,500 + GST
- Lounge Access:
Sapphiro cardholders can access international airport lounges twice a year and domestic lounges 4 times per quarter. It offers a good balance of affordability and perks for frequent domestic travelers. - Extra Perks:
This card also comes with a variety of other benefits including travel insurance, lifestyle offers, and entertainment discounts.
ICICI Coral Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹500 + GST
- Lounge Access:
Coral cardholders get free access to railway and domestic airport lounges once per quarter. Despite the low fee, this card provides decent travel perks for occasional flyers. - Additional Features:
This is an affordable option for those who travel less frequently but still want access to lounge services and other basic rewards.
Choosing the Right Credit Card for Airport Lounge Access
When selecting a credit card for lounge access, it’s essential to consider factors like annual fees, the number of free lounge visits, and other travel benefits. High-end cards like the ICICI Emeralde offer unlimited lounge access, while more affordable options like the SBI Mileage and ICICI Coral provide limited but still valuable lounge perks.
For frequent international travelers, cards with a larger number of lounge visits, such as the SBI Elite or ICICI Sapphiro, are ideal. However, occasional travelers might find value in lower-fee cards that still offer a few complimentary lounge visits each year.
By choosing the right card, you can turn your airport time into a comfortable and relaxing experience while enjoying additional travel perks and rewards.
