Want free airport lounge access without spending more? 5 credit cards travellers can consider in August this year

Credit cards are no longer just a payment tool, with many offering rewards and travel-related benefits to customers. Among these, complimentary airport lounge access has emerged as a valuable perk, particularly for people who fly frequently.

Instead of waiting in busy airport terminals, eligible cardholders can use lounges to relax before boarding or during layovers, with facilities such as complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi and comfortable seating often available.

However, this benefit is becoming increasingly difficult to access for free. Banks are revising their credit card policies by setting minimum spending thresholds, limiting complimentary lounge visits and, in some cases, scrapping the facility altogether.

Despite banks tightening lounge -access rules, some credit cards still provide complimentary airport lounge visits without requiring customers to meet a minimum spending threshold.

The PNB Luxura Premium Metal Credit Card provides unlimited complimentary access to both domestic and international airport lounges. The card also offers zero forex markup on overseas transactions, according to NDTV Profit.

Users earn 4 reward points for every ₹ 100 spent, while eligible dining and travel transactions come with 3X reward points.

The Equitas Selfe Credit Card provides one complimentary domestic lounge visit per quarter, giving cardholders up to four free visits annually.

The quarterly quota does not roll over, meaning any unused visit expires at the end of the respective quarter.

Cardholders receive 12 free domestic airport lounge visits each year. The benefit does not have a quarterly limit and is not linked to any minimum spending condition.

This card provides two complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year without a minimum spending requirement.

However, the bank stopped offering complimentary international lounge access on the card from October 15, 2024.

The renewal fee is waived if the cardholder spends ₹ 50,000 or more during the previous year.

The IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Card offers eight complimentary domestic lounge visits annually, capped at two visits per quarter. It also includes two free international airport lounge visits each year.

Regular travellers can benefit significantly from complimentary lounge access, but customers should check the latest terms, fees, conditions and eligibility requirements before applying, as banks may revise their lounge-access policies from time to time.