While credit cards with rewards and airport lounge access often steal the spotlight, many are unaware that select debit cards also provide similar privileges. With options from prominent banks, you can enjoy the comfort of airport lounges without owning a credit card. Here’s a detailed guide to India’s best lounge access debit cards.
List of Banks Offering Airport Lounge Access Through Debit Cards
AU Royale Debit Card
- Lounge Benefits: Offers 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits annually.
- Eligibility: Requires spending ₹5,000 or more in the previous quarter.
- Additional Features:
- Low forex markup fee of 1.5%.
- “Buy One Get One” offer on BookMyShow movie tickets (up to ₹250 twice a month).
- Daily purchase limit of ₹4 lakh and cash withdrawal limit of ₹2 lakh.
The bank’s website does not explicitly mention charges or eligibility criteria for card issuance.
Axis Bank Burgundy Debit Card
- Lounge Benefits: 3 complimentary lounge visits per quarter (domestic and international).
- Eligibility: Requires ₹5,000 spent in the previous three months. The minimum spend criteria for new customers are waived for the first three months.
- Charges:
- Free for Burgundy account holders.
- Non-Burgundy holders: ₹1,500 annually + taxes.
- Perks:
- Free ATM cash withdrawals (domestic and international).
- Daily purchase limit of ₹6 lakh.
Axis Bank Wealth Debit Card
- Lounge Benefits: 3 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter.
- Eligibility: ₹5,000 spent in the previous quarter.
- Charges:
- Free for Burgundy customers.
- ₹3,000 annually for others.
- Additional Benefits:
- Free domestic ATM withdrawals.
- Dining discounts are available through the Axis Bank Dining Delights Program.
HDFC Bank Platinum Debit Card
- Lounge Benefits: 2 complimentary lounge visits per quarter.
- Eligibility: ₹5,000 spent in the previous quarter.
- Charges: ₹850 annually + taxes.
- Who Can Apply: Open to Indian nationals and NRIs.
HDFC Rupay Platinum Debit Card
- Lounge Benefits:
- 2 international airport lounge visits annually.
- 1 domestic lounge visit per quarter.
- Charges: ₹200 annually + nominal ₹2 transaction fee for lounge access.
- Additional Features:
- 24×7 concierge service.
- Daily purchase limit of ₹2.75 lakh.
HDFC Bank Infiniti Debit Card (Invite-Only)
- Lounge Benefits: 16 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually (4 per quarter).
- Charges: ₹2,500 issuance fee (waived for the first year with spending thresholds).
- Unique Perks:
- Taj vouchers worth ₹7,500 quarterly on spending ₹3 lakh or more.
- Complimentary golf lessons.
- Low forex markup fee of 0.99%.
ICICI Bank Coral Plus Debit Card
- Lounge Benefits: 2 complimentary lounge visits per quarter.
- Eligibility: ₹10,000 spent in the previous quarter.
- Charges: ₹249/month + GST.
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Debit Card
- Lounge Benefits: 4 complimentary lounge visits per quarter.
- Eligibility: ₹5,000 spent in the previous quarter.
- Charges: ₹1,999 annually + GST.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Non-NRI account holders.
- Account must not be held jointly.
Kotak Privy League Black Debit Card
- Lounge Benefits: 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter.
- Eligibility: Privy League Black Programme membership.
- Charges: Communicated upon joining.
Kotak Infinite Debit Card
- Lounge Benefits: Unlimited domestic lounge access.
- Eligibility: Exclusively for Kotak Private Banking clients.
- Charges: ₹2,000 standard issuance fee (waived for private banking clients).
SBI Platinum International Debit Card
- Lounge Benefits: Complimentary lounge access (specific terms apply).
- Charges:
- ₹300 issuance fee + GST.
- ₹250 annual fee + GST.
- ₹300 replacement fee.
Best Debit Cards with Lounge Access at a Glance
| Debit Card | Annual Fee | Lounge Benefits | Additional Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU Royale Debit Card | Communicated at Sourcing | 8 complimentary lounge visits annually | Movie ticket offers, forex benefits |
| Axis Bank Burgundy Debit Card | NIL (₹1,500 if inactive) | 3 complimentary visits per quarter | Dining discounts, free ATM withdrawals |
| HDFC Rupay Platinum Debit Card | ₹200 | Domestic and international lounge access | Concierge service |
| ICICI Coral Plus Debit Card | ₹249/month | 2 complimentary lounge visits per quarter | Reward points, movie ticket discounts |
| Kotak Infinite Debit Card | Communicated at Sourcing | Unlimited domestic lounge access | Forex markup benefits, global assistance |
Conclusion
Debit cards offering airport lounge access are an excellent alternative to credit cards for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. These cards cater to diverse needs with various features, including complimentary lounge visits, rewards, and exclusive perks. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, there’s a debit card designed for you.