New Rules for Credit Card Airport Lounge Access from January 2025
Frequent travellers will need to meet new spending criteria for access to airport lounges using their credit cards starting January 2025. Here’s what you need to know.
Credit CardAirport LoungeRupayBank Of BarodaTravel PerksReal Estate NewsJan 11, 2025
Frequent travelers, take note! Starting January 1, 2025, the rules for accessing airport lounges with credit cards are changing.
These new guidelines, introduced by major financial institutions, aim to enhance the benefits for loyal and high-spending cardholders.
Changes in Credit Card Lounge Access
RuPay Credit Cardholders
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced a new tier-based system for RuPay credit cardholders.
This system will offer access to exclusive lounges based on the cardholder's spending patterns.
The first RuPay exclusive lounge is located in Terminal 3 of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.
To gain access to these lounges, cardholders will need to meet certain spending thresholds
- High-tier cards (Eterna, ICAI Exclusive, ICMAI One, Tiara, ICSI Dimond, and Varunah Premium) will require a minimum spend of Rs 40,000 in the previous calendar quarter.
- Mid-range cards (Varunah Plus, The Sentinel, Rakshamah, Yoddha, Corporate, HPCL, and Premier) will require a minimum spend of Rs 20,000 in the previous calendar quarter.
Newly-Issued Cards
For newly-issued cards, the minimum spend criteria will be waived for the calendar quarter in which the card is issued.
This relaxation is only applicable to fresh cards and not for upgrades during the same quarter.
Bank of Baroda (BOB) Credit Cardholders
Bank of Baroda (BOB) has also implemented new rules for accessing domestic airport lounges.
These changes will be effective from January 1, 2025.
Access will be based on the cardholder's spending in the previous calendar quarter.
- High-tier cards will require a minimum spend of Rs 40,000.
- Mid-range cards will require a minimum spend of Rs 20,000.
In the case of newly-issued BOB cards, the minimum spend criteria will be waived for the calendar quarter of issuance, but only for fresh cards and not for card upgrades.
What is Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards in India?
Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards are designed to offer a wide range of benefits and amenities to frequent travelers.
According to the Kotak Mahindra Bank website, these cards provide access to exclusive airport lounges, complimentary food and drinks, and fast Wi-Fi.
These lounges are a haven for travelers, offering a comfortable space to relax before or after flights.
Benefits of Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards
The benefits of these credit cards extend beyond just lounge access.
According to the HDFC Bank website, they offer
- Complimentary Priority Pass membership Access to hundreds of airport lounges worldwide.
- Air miles These can be redeemed for special waivers on flight prices and other travel-related expenses.
- Discounts and offers On travel, entertainment, shopping, and dining.
These cards are not just a convenience; they are a status symbol, offering a range of perks that make travel more enjoyable and affordable.
Conclusion
The new rules for credit card airport lounge access starting January 2025 are designed to reward high-spending and loyal cardholders.
Whether you are a RuPay or BOB credit cardholder, meeting the spending criteria will ensure you continue to enjoy the benefits of exclusive airport lounges and other travel perks.
Stay informed and plan your spending accordingly to make the most of these changes.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is a not-for-profit organization that operates retail payments and settlement systems in India.
Bank of Baroda (BOB) is one of India's largest public sector banks, offering a wide range of financial services including credit cards, loans, and savings accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new rules for credit card lounge access be effective?
The new rules for credit card lounge access will be effective from January 1, 2025.
What is the minimum spend required for high-tier RuPay credit cards to access lounges?
The minimum spend required for high-tier RuPay credit cards to access lounges is Rs 40,000 in the previous calendar quarter.
Do newly-issued credit cards have any special provisions for lounge access?
Yes, newly-issued credit cards will have the minimum spend criteria waived for the calendar quarter of issuance, but only for fresh cards and not for upgrades.
What benefits do airport lounge access credit cards offer?
These cards offer benefits such as complimentary access to priority pass membership for hundreds of airport lounges, air miles redeemable for flight prices, and discounts on travel, entertainment, shopping, and dining.
Which bank has introduced new rules for domestic airport lounge access?
Bank of Baroda (BOB) has introduced new rules for domestic airport lounge access, effective from January 1, 2025.
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