If you use an HDFC Bank debit card to access airport lounges, this update is important for you. HDFC Bank has announced a major change in its debit card lounge access rules, which will come into effect from January 10 in the new year.
Earlier, customers could enter airport lounges simply by swiping their physical debit card. However, this process is now being replaced with a digital voucher system.
Along with this, the bank has also increased the minimum spending requirement needed to qualify for lounge access.
New Lounge Access Process Explained
Under the new rules, lounge access will no longer be available directly by card swipe. First, you must meet the required quarterly spending limit using your debit card.
Once you complete the required spending:
HDFC Bank will send you a link via SMS or email
You need to open the link and complete OTP verification
After verification, you will receive a voucher code or QR code
Show this voucher or QR code at the airport lounge to gain entry
Without completing this process, lounge access will not be allowed.
Spending Requirements Have Increased
HDFC Bank has made the spending conditions stricter for most debit cards. Earlier, customers needed to spend ₹5,000 per quarter, but now this limit has been increased to ₹10,000 per quarter.
Important points about spending:
The ₹10,000 spend can be done in one or multiple transactions
Transactions can be online or offline
The rule applies to both existing and new debit cardholders
Exception:
The Infiniti Debit Card is exempt from this rule. Cardholders will continue to get lounge access without any minimum spending requirement.
Free Lounge Visits Remain Unchanged
While the access process and spending limits have changed, the number of free lounge visits per quarter remains the same for each debit card category.
Here are the details:
Millennia Debit Card: 1 visit per quarter
Platinum Debit Card: 2 visits per quarter
Times Points Debit Card: 1 visit per quarter
Business Debit Card: 2 visits per quarter
GIGA Debit Card: 1 visit per quarter
Infiniti Debit Card: 4 visits per quarter
Transactions That Will Not Be Counted
Not all debit card transactions will be included in the quarterly spending calculation. The following transactions will NOT be counted:
ATM cash withdrawals
UPI or wallet payments using GPay, PhonePe, or Paytm
Credit card bill payments
Debit card EMI transactions
Only purchase transactions made using the debit card will be considered for meeting the ₹10,000 limit.
Voucher Validity and Lounge Rules
The validity of lounge vouchers depends on when they are generated:
Voucher generated on November 15, 2025: Valid till March 31, 2026
Voucher generated on January 10, 2026: Valid till June 30, 2026
Additional lounge rules:
Lounge entry is first-come, first-served
Entry may be denied due to crowding or operational reasons
A stay limit of 2–3 hours generally applies at most lounges
