IndusInd Bank Credit Cards Airport Lounge Access Devaluation in 2026

At this point, most of us have become used to hearing about lounge access changes and credit card devaluations. But sometimes, a move still manages to surprise everyone. Premium credit cards usually reflect a strong banking relationship and high-value customers, so any devaluation on such cards naturally raises questions.

IndusInd Bank has now announced that it will introduce spending criteria for airport lounge access on some of its premium and popular cards, including Crest, Solitaire, Pinnacle, and others. Cardholders would need to reach the minimum required spends in a quarter to be eligible for domestic airport lounge access in the next quarter.

What stands out is not just the introduction of a spending requirement, but the amount required. For example, Solitaire Credit Card holders will need to spend a whopping ₹5 lakh in the previous quarter to be eligible for domestic airport lounge access.

What’s Changing?

The spending requirement for complimentary domestic lounge access will start from the first quarter of FY 2026–27 (April to June).

However, cardholders can continue using their complimentary domestic lounge access as usual during the April–June quarter. The new spending-based eligibility will apply from the next quarter, July to September.

Cardholders can check their eligible spending through billed transactions from the previous three calendar months via Net Banking or the Mobile Banking App. Please note that only transactions that have been settled within those three months will be considered. All spends will be calculated after adjusting for any reversals or refunds.

Bottom Line

At one level, it can be said that such measures are necessary for banks to continue offering rewarding benefits. However, this move feels difficult to justify for premium and super-premium credit cards. Customers holding the Solitaire Credit Card already maintain a premium banking relationship with the bank, so introducing such high spending requirements for a basic feature like airport lounge access comes as a surprise.

This also signals a broader shift in banking policies. There is a possibility that other banks and issuers may follow the same path and introduce spending criteria running into lakhs just to access airport lounges. Lounge access has long been popular for the comfort and complimentary food it offers, but with rising spend thresholds, complicated rules, and frequent changes, many cardholders may begin to question whether it is still worth it.

For now, affected IndusInd Bank cardholders should note that higher spending will be required to remain eligible for airport lounge access on their cards.