Airport lounge access makes travel more comfortable, especially on a long layover or an early arrival. But lounge benefits vary widely: many cards now tie access to minimum spending, cap visits per quarter, or limit you to particular lounge networks. Here are three cards to explore, and what each one really requires.
At a glance
| Card | Domestic lounges | International lounges | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Infinia Metal | Unlimited, for primary and add-on cardholders | Priority Pass | ₹12,500 + GST |
| HDFC Regalia Gold | 3 visits next quarter after ₹60,000 spend in a quarter | Up to 6 visits a year via Priority Pass | ₹2,500 + GST |
| Amex Platinum Travel | 2 visits a quarter after meeting the previous quarter’s spend | Not a headline benefit | ₹5,000 + GST |
1. HDFC Bank Infinia Metal
Infinia offers unlimited complimentary domestic lounge access for both primary and add-on cardholders, plus international lounge access through Priority Pass, subject to the card’s terms and the lounge programme’s rules. It suits frequent travellers who will also use the card’s rewards and premium lifestyle benefits.
2. HDFC Bank Regalia Gold
Regalia Gold’s domestic benefit depends on spending: spend ₹60,000 in a calendar quarter and you get 3 domestic lounge visits in the next quarter. Internationally, you and your add-on cardholder can share up to 6 Priority Pass visits a year. Check that you met the previous quarter’s spend before you head to the airport.
3. American Express Platinum Travel
Platinum Travel changed its lounge benefit on 1 October 2026. You now get 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter only after reaching the spend target in the previous quarter: ₹70,000 for the October–December 2026 quarter, then ₹1 lakh a quarter from January 2027. The card also carries travel milestones and transfer-partner redemptions, and works best for people who already spend at that level. Our card data currently marks it as paused by the issuer, so check it’s open to new applications.
What to check before visiting a lounge
- Whether the lounge is in your card’s network.
- Whether you’ve met any spending threshold.
- How many complimentary visits you have left.
- Whether guests are included or charged separately.
- Whether the benefit covers your airport and terminal.
Lounge policies change often, so check the issuer’s current lounge list and terms before you travel.
CHOOSE A CARD FOR YOUR TRAVEL HABITS
Lounge access is useful, but it shouldn’t be the only reason to pick a card. Compare the annual fee, rewards, travel benefits and spending conditions together.
Our card recommendation tool compares cards against your own monthly spending.
Editorial content for general information only. Card features, fees, offers and partner rules change often. Always verify current terms, eligibility and conditions with the issuer before acting.
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