Want a credit card with lounge access under ₹500 fee ?
Affordable Luxury: Airport Lounge Access Without the High Fees
Traveling can be stressful, especially when you’re stuck at the airport with no place to relax comfortably. Airport lounges offer a calm environment with free food and Wi-Fi. But many people think lounge access is only for premium credit cards with high-end fees.
The good news?
Now you don’t need to spend thousands of rupees on an annual fee to enjoy this advantage. Few credit cards in India offer free or discounted lounge access with annual fees under ₹500.
Let’s explore the best options.
Why Lounge Access Matters
Imagine you had a long layover at Delhi Airport. Instead of sitting on cramped chairs near the gate, you can use your credit card’s lounge access. For just ₹2 (plus GST), you can enjoy a hot meal, charge your phone, and even take a quick nap. That experience made you realize how valuable affordable lounge access can be.
If you travel occasionally—whether for work or a holiday trip—these low-cost cards can enhance your journey without breaking the bank
Top 5 Credit Cards with Lounge Access Under ₹500
1. IDFC First Wow Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹500 + GST (effectively low-cost for lounge access)
- Lounge Access: Enjoy 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year
- Other Benefits:
- Zero Forex Markup—Save money on international transactions
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FD-backed Card—No income proof or credit score required
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Lifetime free card if you meet certain criteria (FD-based)
Key Perk
This Wow credit card is secured by a fixed deposit, so it’s easily accessible even to those who have low CIBIL scores or no credit history. You get 8 lounge visits, which usually cost ₹500–₹1,000 per visit, effectively making the card pay for itself. For regular travelers or even occasional passengers, this card is a value-packed for premium travel perks — all without needing a top-tier credit score.
2. SBI IRCTC Platinum Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹500 + GST
(could be waived off if annual spending over ₹1 lakh.) - Lounge Access: 4 free domestic lounge visits per year
- Other Benefits:
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Up to 10% discount on IRCTC train ticket bookings.
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Reward points on railway bookings and everyday spending.
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Accepted at all railway stations and partnered merchants.
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Key Perk
This “SBI IRCTC” card is a perfect combo for train travelers who want savings on tickets and occasional lounge access. If you spend ₹1 lakh annually — easily achievable for many — the fee gets waived, making it technically free. Even with just 4 times yearly lounge visits, the value you get from the IRCTC rewards + travel perks makes this card worth every rupee.
3. Bank of India RuPay Platinum Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹250+GST
(You can often get it lifetime free in promotional offers.) - Lounges Access: 2 complimentary domestic visits per quarter
(Total: 8 per year via RuPay Lounge Access program) - Other Benefits:
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Fuel surcharge waiver at select petrol pumps
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Discounts on railway bookings
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Compatible with your UPI payments (via RuPay card linking)
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Key Perk:
This card costs you just ₹250 a year (or is free during offers); this is one of the most affordable credit cards in India offering decent lounge access. Thanks to RuPay, it supports UPI-based spending, which makes it super handy for digitally savvy users.
Whether you’re a student, a freelancer, or someone just starting out with credit, this card is a smart entry point into the lounge access world — without spending a big amount.
4. PNB RuPay Platinum Credit Card
- Annual Fee: 250 + GST
(Often waived in the first year) - Lounge Access: 1 free domestic airport lounge visit per quarter
(Total: 4 visits per year via RuPay Lounge Program) - Other Benefits:
- Contactless payment support for faster checkouts.
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Fuel surcharge waiver at select petrol stations.
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Accepted for UPI payments via RuPay linking.
Key Perk:
This is a solid, low-cost card for those who travel occasionally and want lounge access without high annual fees. Even if you don’t use the card heavily, the lounge benefit alone covers the value of the fee. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers and anyone looking to start their journey into the credit card world with a reliable PSU bank.
5. Axis Bank IndianOil Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹500 + GST
(it could be also waived off if you spend ₹50,000 in a year.) - Lounge Access: 4 times complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year
- Other Benefits:
- 4% value back (in reward points) on IndianOil fuel spends.
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Fuel surcharge waiver at IndianOil stations.
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You can get reward points on grocery, utility, and online spending.
Key Perk:
If you are regularly refueling at IndianOil petrol pumps, this card can help you save significantly on fuel. On top of that, the lounge access is a great bonus, especially for occasional travelers. With a reasonable spend threshold to waive the annual fee, it’s a smart pick for salaried professionals, small business owners, or anyone who travels by road often.
Also Read: B– est Credit Cards for Students with No Income in India (2025 Edition)
How to maximize your access to lounge with these cards
Getting a credit card with lounge access is just the first step—you should know how to use it smartly, which makes all the difference. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your lounge benefits
1. Check Eligibility & Conditions
Some cards require a minimum spend to activate lounge access. For example, a card may say “4 complimentary visits per year,” but it’s only valid if you’ve spent a certain amount in the previous billing cycle. You should always read the terms & conditions or check with customer support.
2. Register with DreamFolks or Priority Pass
Many credit cards partner with DreamFolks, Priority Pass, or other lounge networks. You may need to activate or register separately to start using lounge access. Call your bank or check their app/website to get the required details or lounge pass.
3. Carry Multiple Cards
If you have more than one credit card with lounge benefits, carry them with you. Once you exhaust the free visits on one card, you can switch to another. This is especially useful if you travel frequently.
4. Track Your Visits
Some banks notify you via SMS or email when a lounge visit is used. Others show it on the app. Tracking helps you avoid unexpected charges if you exceed your free quota of lounge access.
Tip:
Some RuPay credit cards offer lounge access through NPCI’s lounge program. Just use your RuPay card at the lounge swipe machine—no separate registration needed.
Summary
You don’t need a ₹5,000-a-year premium card to enjoy airport lounges. With options like IDFC First Wow (₹500/year, 8 free visits) or PNB RuPay (₹250/year, 4 visits), you can travel in comfort without overspending.
Last year, during a delayed flight, I used my IDFC card to access a lounge. For less than the price of an airport coffee, I had a full meal and a comfortable seat. That’s the kind of value these cards offer.
If you travel even 2-3 times a year, these low-fee cards are worth considering.
Which one will you apply for? Let me know in the comments!
Disclaimer: Lounge access terms may change. Always check with your bank before applying.
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