Best Credit Cards for Free International Airport Lounge Access
- Updated On: 6 June, 2026
These days, many people look at credit cards not just for how much money they can borrow, but also for the perks and advantages they offer. To attract more & more customers, credit card issuers offer additional benefits and rewards on their cards. One of the most exclusive benefits provided by credit cards is complimentary airport lounge access. As more and more people are now traveling abroad for vacations and work, free international lounge access becomes a must. All credit card issuers offer cards with this facility without any additional charge.
International lounges are the extra comfortable restrooms at international airports, where only selected individuals (people with some memberships/frequent flyers/traveling in business/first class, or with cards providing lounge access) are allowed to visit. Even with a membership like Priority Pass, Dream Folks, etc, every time you visit the lounges, you may need to pay the usage fee. But if any credit card provides free airport lounge access, then you can avail yourself of all the benefits at the airport lounges for free.
- Table of Contents
- Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card
- HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card
- IDFC First Bank Mayura Credit Card
- IDFC First Bank Ashva Metal Credit Card
- HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Metal Edition Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card
- HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card
- Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card
- American Express Platinum Charge Card
List of Top Credit Cards for Free International Lounge Access
With a lot of credit cards offering airport lounge access in the market, many individuals find it very challenging to choose the right credit card for themselves. Moreover, different card issuers partner with different lounge programs to provide their customers with free access to airport lounges in India and outside. To help you understand the difference between these programs and choose the best credit card for yourself, we are here with a list of some of the best credit cards for international lounge access:
Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card
(4.7/5)
- Joining Fee₹3,000 + GST
- Annual Fee₹3,000 + GST
- Best Suited ForTravel
- Rewards TypeReward Points
Rewards Rate
5 EDGE Miles on Axis Travel Edge and Airline Spends. 2 EDGE Reward Points on all Other Eligible Spends
Welcome Benefits
5000 EDGE Miles on Spends of ₹1,000 Within the First 30 Days of Card Issuance
Card Details +
The Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card is a mid-range travel credit card designed for people who frequently book flights and hotels. It earns EDGE Miles as rewards, which can be redeemed through the Travel Edge portal or transferred to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio. Cardholders earn 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 spent on Travel Edge and airline bookings, and 2 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on other eligible spends.
The card also offers complimentary airport lounge access. The Mastercard World variant provides 6 domestic lounge visits per calendar quarter, while the Visa Signature variant offers 8 per quarter. In addition, cardholders receive 8 international lounge visits every year (2 per quarter). As a welcome benefit, you can earn 5,000 EDGE Miles on spending ₹1,000 within the first 30 days. An anniversary benefit of 1,500 EDGE Miles is also provided each year.
- Joining Fee₹2,500 + GST
- Annual Fee₹2,500 + GST
- Best Suited ForTravel | Shopping
- Rewards TypeReward Points
Rewards Rate
5 Reward Points/₹200 on All Eligible Retail Spends, Including Utilities, Insurance, and Education. 25 Reward Points/₹200 for Myntra, Marks and Spencer, Nykaa, and Reliance Digital Spends
Welcome Benefits
Voucher Worth ₹2,500
Card Details +
The Regalia credit card range is one of HDFC Bank’s most sought-after offerings. It provides cardholders with some of the best travel and lifestyle privileges in the industry. The Regalia Gold credit card offers exclusive rewards that enable travelers to travel in luxury and shop in style. On spending over ₹1 Lakh within 90 days of getting the card issued, you receive a complimentary Swiggy One and MMT Black Gold membership. You get 5 reward points on every retail spend of ₹200 and an accelerated 5x Reward Point on every ₹200 spent in-store and online at Nykaa, Reliance Digital, Myntra, and Marks & Spencer.
- Joining Fee₹5,999 + GST
- Annual Fee₹5,999 + GST
- Best Suited ForMovies | Travel | Shopping
- Rewards TypeReward Points
Rewards Rate
10X Reward Points/₹150 on Incremental Spends Above ₹20,000 Per Statement Cycle. 5X Reward Points/₹150 on Spends Upto ₹20,000. 3X RPs Are Also Awarded for Rent, Wallet Load, Education, and Government Transactions
Welcome Benefits
Up to 12,000 Reward Points
Card Details +
The IDFC First Bank Mayura Credit Card is a premium credit card designed for people who love to travel and spend a lot. It offers free access to airport lounges in India and abroad, along with one free guest visit at domestic lounges. A major highlight of this card is zero Forex charges, making it perfect for international shopping and travel. You can earn up to 10X reward points on high-value spends and even get rewards on rent, education, and utility bill payments. The card also comes with movie ticket discounts, golfing privileges, and travel insurance, including a unique trip cancellation cover.
- Joining Fee₹2,999 + GST
- Annual Fee₹2,999 + GST
- Best Suited ForTravel | Shopping
- Rewards TypeReward Points
Rewards Rate
10X Reward Points/₹150 on Incremental Spends Above ₹20,000 Per Statement Cycle. 5X Reward Points/₹150 on Spends Upto ₹20,000. 3X RPs Are Also Awarded for Rent, Wallet Load, Education, and Government Transactions
Welcome Benefits
Up to 7,500 Reward Points
Card Details +
The IDFC First Bank Ashva Metal Credit Card is a premium credit card that offers a mix of luxury and rewards at an affordable price. With a joining fee of ₹2,999 + GST, this metal card stands out with its stylish design and travel-friendly benefits. Cardholders can enjoy perks like airport lounge access, golf rounds, movie discounts, and a lower foreign exchange markup of just 1%. The card also provides up to 10X reward points on higher spending and various insurance benefits, including trip cancellation protection. However, many benefits require spending ₹20,000 or more in a month, making it ideal for those with higher expenses.
- Joining Fee₹10,000 + GST
- Annual Fee₹10,000 + GST
- Best Suited ForTravel | Dining | Shopping
- Rewards TypeReward Points
Rewards Rate
5 Reward Points/₹150 on Regular Spends (3.33%) | Up To 10x Reward Points On SmartBuy (Up To 33.33%) | 2x Reward Points (10/₹150) On Weekend Dining (6.67%)
Welcome Benefits
Complimentary Membership of Club Marriott, Swiggy One and Amazon Prime (On Spends of Rs. 1.5 Lakh Within 90 Days of Card Issuance)
Card Details +
Diners Club Black Credit Card is another super-premium credit card issued by the HDFC Bank, like the Infinia Credit Card. It comes with great reward programs and exclusive benefits over almost all the categories that one expects from a credit card. Enjoy up to 10X Reward Points for every ₹150 spent and complimentary access to 6 golf games every quarter with this card.
Invite Only
- Joining Fee₹12,499 + GST
- Annual Fee₹12,499 + GST
- Best Suited ForTravel | Shopping
- Rewards TypeReward Points
Rewards Rate
6 Reward Points/₹200 Spent (Reward Rate of 3%)
Welcome Benefits
Complimentary Taj Epicure and EazyDiner Membership and 12,500 Bonus Reward Points
Card Details +
The ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card is a high-end credit card designed for people who enjoy luxury and travel. It comes with a high joining fee of ₹12,499 but offers premium benefits like unlimited domestic and international lounge access, free golf games, and monthly movie discounts. Cardholders also get Taj Epicure and EazyDiner Prime memberships, which provide exclusive hotel and dining discounts. The card offers a 3% reward rate, and points can be redeemed for travel, shopping, and other rewards.
Invite Only
- Joining Fee₹12,500 + GST
- Annual Fee₹12,500 + GST
- Best Suited ForTravel | Dining | Shopping
- Rewards TypeReward Points
Rewards Rate
5 Reward Points/₹150 Spent (3.33% Reward Rate)
Welcome Benefits
12,500 Bonus Reward Points and Complimentary Club Marriott Membership
Card Details +
HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card comes with all the exciting features & benefits that one might be looking for. Targeting high-income individuals, the card provides all the benefits, keeping their requirements in mind. HDFC Infinia offers you 5 RPs on every ₹150 you spend, access to unlimited golf games, and exclusive dining benefits under the Good Food Trail Program.
Invite Only
- Joining Fee₹20,000 + GST
- Annual Fee₹20,000 + GST
- Best Suited ForTravel | Shopping
- Rewards TypeReward Points
Rewards Rate
2.5% RPs on International Spends and 2% RPs on Domestic Spends
Welcome Benefits
₹10,000 EaseMyTrip Hotel Voucher, ₹10,000 Onevasco & More Visa Services, ₹3,000 Toni & Guy Voucher and Zomato Gold Membership
Card Details +
The Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card is a high-end credit card designed for people who spend a lot and enjoy luxury benefits. It offers great rewards on both domestic and international spending, unlimited lounge access at airports, and even exclusive perks like helicopter airport transfers (available only in Bangalore). The card comes with premium travel, dining, and shopping benefits, along with welcome gifts worth ₹20,000. However, it has a high annual fee of ₹20,000 + GST, making it best suited for individuals who can fully utilize its features.
- Joining Fee₹66,000 + GST
- Annual Fee₹66,000 + GST
- Best Suited ForTravel | Shopping
- Rewards TypeReward Points
Rewards Rate
1 MR Point/₹40 Spent Domestically, 3X MR Points on International Spends, and 5X MR Points Via AmEx Reward Multiplier
Welcome Benefits
Vouchers Worth ₹60,000 from Taj Hotels, Luxe Gift Card, or The Postcard Hotels & Resorts
Card Details +
The American Express Platinum Charge Card is a super-premium card designed for high-income individuals who value luxury travel and exclusive privileges. With a joining and annual fee of ₹66,000 + GST, it offers Membership Rewards points on all spends, accelerated earnings on international transactions, and points that never expire. Cardholders enjoy unlimited domestic lounge access and entry to over 1,550 lounges worldwide, along with elite hotel memberships like Marriott Bonvoy Gold and Hilton Honors Gold. Welcome benefits worth ₹60,000, up to 50% dining discounts, strong insurance coverage, golf access, and 24×7 concierge service make it ideal for frequent travelers who can fully utilise its premium lifestyle perks.
Card Insider’s Review of Best Credit Cards for Free International Lounge Access
Entry Level – Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card
The Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card is a great option for people who travel frequently but do not want to pay a very high annual fee. At ₹3,000 + GST, it offers strong value with accelerated EDGE Miles on airline and Travel Edge bookings, along with solid lounge access benefits. Earning 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on travel spends makes it rewarding for flight bookings and planned trips.
Another big advantage is the generous lounge access, both in India and internationally, which adds real comfort to every journey. With welcome miles, partner point transfers, and steady reward earnings, this card strikes a nice balance between affordability and travel perks. It is simple, practical, and ideal for regular travelers who want good benefits without stepping into ultra-premium pricing.
According to Card Insider, you should keep the following in mind-
Why This Credit Card Is The Best Choice for You?
- With a joining and annual fee of ₹3,000, the card is reasonably priced and offers strong value compared to its cost.
- It also provides generous airport lounge access benefits, making it a solid option for frequent travelers who want comfort without paying a premium fee.
Why This Credit Card Might Not Be Right for You?
- If you have very high annual spends, you may miss out on milestone-based rewards, as this card does not offer structured spend milestones.
- Also, heavy spending at luxury hotels may not deliver maximum value unless the bookings are made through Axis Travel Edge, since accelerated rewards are mainly tied to travel portal and airline spends.
Premium – HDFC Bank INFINIA Credit Card
HDFC offers a premium credit card that is designed for international travelers. The HDFC Infinia Metal card provides a lower foreign currency exchange rate of 2% and a complimentary membership to the Priority Pass program. With this card, you can earn 5 Reward Points for every Rs. 150 spent. Although the annual fee for this card is relatively high at Rs. 12,500, it is well worth it if you value your lifestyle and financial stability. If you are someone who travels frequently and wants to enjoy exclusive benefits and rewards, then the HDFC Infinia Metal card may be the right choice for you. Keep in mind that this is an invite-only credit card.
According to Card Insider, you should keep the following in mind-
Why This Credit Card Is The Best Choice for You?
- You are looking for a card with unlimited international lounge access for primary and supplementary/add-on cardholders.
- You are looking for a luxurious card that comes in a Metal variant.
- One plus one on buffets at ITC Hotels.
- Personal concierge service 24/7.
Why This Credit Card Might Not Be Right for You?
- You do not want to pay Rs. 12,500 as a joining fee for a card.
- You want a card with a foreign currency mark-up of less than 2%.
International Lounge Access Programs
Credit card payment networks such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and RuPay partner with airport hospitality companies to offer cardholders worldwide free access to their lounges. In addition to credit card payment networks, there are many independent airport lounge access programs, such as Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and Dreamfolks, that offer lounge access to their members. Many credit card issuers provide complimentary membership in these lounge access programs to their cardholders.
Thus, there are two ways a credit card issuer can offer complimentary airport lounge access to its cardholders: first, via the card’s payment network’s partnership, and second, through a third-party lounge access program.
How to Apply for Free International Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards With Card Insider?
You can easily apply for an international lounge access credit card online with Card Insider. The application process is speedy to understand and easy to fulfill. Simply select your preferred card on the website and click on the Apply Now button next to it. You will be redirected to the Bank’s official application page. Fill in a few details like mobile number and PAN Card details, and you will have filled out the application for a credit card with complimentary lounge access.
How We Compiled Our List?
At Card Insider, we take great care in researching and analyzing data from various card issuers to provide you with the most relevant and up-to-date information. Our team is committed to delivering the best possible resources to help you make an informed decision when selecting the ideal credit card for your international lounge needs.
Bottom Line
If you travel internationally very often, you should have one of the above credit cards so that you can avoid that noisy environment at the airport for free. Generally, it becomes costly when you access airport lounges through a lounge program’s membership, or just straight up pay for lounge usage. Airport lounge access from credit cards is one of the most appealing benefits offered by these cards.
Before choosing one, you should compare all the cards wisely, keeping the annual fees & other benefits in mind, and then apply for the one that suits you the best. Also, make sure to go through the terms and conditions of the card carefully, as most of the cards offer complimentary airport lounge access to primary cardholders only, so you may need to pay for others who are traveling with you.
You can also get credit cards for airport lounge access that offer free access to supplementary cardholders and guests.
So, let us know which of these cards you are planning to apply for. If you already have one of these, do share your experience with other readers and us in the comment section below.
FAQs:
What is an international airport lounge access credit card?
The credit cards offering the International Airport Lounge access facility are designed for those individuals who travel internationally more often. With this feature, cardholders can enjoy all the privileges of an international lounge
Which card is best for international lounge access?
Many credit cards offer the international lounge access feature. These cards provide not only international lounge access but also many other travel benefits and must be considered: HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card, Infinia, IDFC Mayura, and ICICI Times Black Credit Card.
Do any credit cards without an annual fee provide international airport lounge access?
Yes, the IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card is a credit card that comes with no annual fee and provides complimentary access to international airport lounges.
What if I exceed the complimentary lounge access with a credit card with a Priority Pass membership?
If you exceed the no. of complimentary lounge accesses, then you will have to pay a usage fee of US $27 to visit an airport lounge.
6 comments
kajal
Recently, I applied for an IDFC First Bank Wealth credit card. Alongside that Visa card, they issued me a virtual Rupay card, which I could attach to my UPI account. Things are simple and sorted now. Don’t need to apply for a separate Rupay credit card to use for UPI payments.
Priya Sharma
For the past few months, I’ve been traveling to different countries for business purposes, and for me, Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card was a lifesaver. However, this card is worth considering for those who travel often. Some of the benefits which are lifesavings are-
Unlimited Domestic and International Airport Lounge Access
Discounted stays at Oberoi Hotels
Credit shield protection worth Rs. 5 lakh (when your card is lost) and purchase protection worth Rs. 2 lakh.
Jetesh
IndusInd Bank Celesta Card.
Unlimited complimentary Domestic Lounge access
You are eligible for TWO complimentary visits in each calendar quarter to any of the participating International lounges outside India.
rajat
Text in front of “Renewal Fee” is actually the Reward Structure. Kindly correct it.
Kartik Kanwar
Hello, Sir. Corrected.
Abhishek chatterjee
Update this new info –
RuPay JCB Select Credit card holders now also offer free International Airport lounge access from LoungeKey
Already verified, RuPay JCB Select Credit card successfully registered for LoungeKey and after register yearly 4 Free International lounge access mentioned.
Interesting fact, if you have BOB RuPay JCB Premier credit card then access to 4 free international airport lounge visits in a year (for comparison, BOB Visa Premier credit card variant only gives you access to airport lounges in India).
RuPay JCB Platinum (Excellence) Credit Card holders also offer Free International lounge access, register link
*At the time of registration, US$3.25 is withdrawn from your account, but it is refunded later.
*At the time of Debit or Credit card is swiped for lounge access, US$1.00 is withdrawn from your account, but it is refunded later.