Airport lounge access on credit cards is becoming increasingly restricted, with several banks introducing minimum spending requirements. According to reports from NDTV Profit, these changes are reducing the number of complimentary visits or removing the benefit entirely. Despite these tightened eligibility rules, some credit cards continue to offer complimentary lounge access without minimum spending requirements in August 2026. The trend toward credit card-funded lounges has fundamentally changed the airport lounge landscape, with these facilities now outperforming traditional airline lounges in customer satisfaction surveys. Recent data from JD Power's second-annual airport lounge benchmark study, released Wednesday, confirms this trend, with the study measuring customer satisfaction across eight main criteria including perceived value of experience, staff, food and beverage, cleanliness and upkeep, amenities, ease of accessing a lounge, ambience and Wi-Fi quality.
The PNB Luxura Premium Metal Credit Card stands out with unlimited complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges, along with zero forex markup on international spending. As reported by NDTV Profit, cardholders earn 4 reward points for every ₹100 spent, with dining and travel spending earning 3X reward points. The card carries a joining fee of ₹4,999 + GST and an annual fee of ₹1,999 + GST.
The Equitas Selfe Credit Card offers one complimentary domestic airport lounge visit per quarter, totaling four visits annually. According to NDTV Profit, unused lounge visits cannot be carried forward to the next quarter and will lapse. The card has a joining fee of ₹1,000 and an annual fee of ₹1,000. The Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card provides two complimentary domestic airport lounge visits annually without minimum spending requirements, though international lounge access was discontinued from October 15, 2024.
The HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card offers 12 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits annually with no quarterly cap or minimum spending criterion. As reported by NDTV Profit, the card has a joining/renewal fee of ₹3,000 + taxes. The IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Card provides eight complimentary domestic airport lounge visits annually with two visits available every quarter, plus two complimentary international airport lounge visits annually. The card is lifetime free with nil joining/annual fees.
The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite introduces a new option with 4 complimentary lounge visits per year for both primary cardholder and accompanying guests at participating Visa Airport Companion lounges. Additional visits beyond the initial 4 are subject to a $32 USD charge per person, per visit. This card offers a $100 travel credit annually when booking on Expedia For TD, comprehensive travel insurance coverage including emergency medical up to $2,000,000 and travel accident coverage up to $500,000. The card carries a $139 annual fee and excels in trip interruption coverage, making it particularly valuable for frequent travelers who book through Expedia For TD.
While complimentary lounge access can add significant value for frequent travelers, cardholders should verify the latest terms and conditions before applying, as banks can revise lounge access rules, fees, and eligibility criteria. According to NDTV Profit, these changes reflect the banking industry's efforts to balance customer benefits with operational costs and regulatory requirements. Recent customer satisfaction studies from JD Power indicate that credit card-funded lounges are now outperforming traditional airline lounges, with the American Express Centurion Lounge and Capital One Lounge ranking at the top of their 2026 survey. This trend suggests that airlines may need to enhance their lounge amenities to compete effectively with the convenience and value offered by credit card companies. The latest JD Power 2026 U.S. Airport Lounge Satisfaction Study confirms this trend, with 45% of airport lounge guests using lounges to escape crowded terminals and 39% seeking respite from high-priced airport food and beverage options.
