Airport lounge access has long been one of the most attractive benefits offered by credit cards.
But now, banks are changing the rules.
Many banks are no longer offering lounge access as a basic free perk.
Instead, it is becoming a premium benefit linked to how much customers spend using their credit cards.
This means cardholders may now have to spend more every quarter to continue enjoying free airport lounge access.
Banks Increase Minimum Spending Requirement
Several major banks, including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and SBI Card, have updated their airport lounge access policies.
Under the new rules, users of many mid-range credit cards may need to spend between ₹50,000 and ₹75,000 every quarter to remain eligible for lounge access.
The move comes as airport lounges across India face rising demand and higher operational costs.
Banks say the goal is not to remove the benefit completely, but to ensure better quality service for active users.
What This Means for Credit Card Users
People who mainly got credit cards for free lounge access may now need to rethink their spending habits.
Experts advise users not to increase unnecessary spending just to meet lounge eligibility targets.
Instead, they should focus on using cards that match their regular lifestyle and spending patterns.
For example:
Frequent travelers may benefit more from travel-focused credit cards that offer better travel rewards and lounge access.
Regular shoppers may get more value from cashback or rewards cards designed around daily spending.
Experts Suggest Smarter Card Usage
According to Adhil Shetty, CEO of BankBazaar, linking lounge access to spending helps banks reward customers who actively use their cards.
He says users should regularly track their spending to make sure they continue meeting the eligibility criteria for premium benefits like airport lounge access.
How to Maximize Credit Card Benefits
Financial experts believe the best strategy is simple: use the right card for the right expense.
Santosh Agarwal, CEO of Paisabazaar, says reward optimization is more important than chasing benefits through unnecessary spending.
Instead of spending extra money just to unlock lounge access, users should choose cards that naturally offer maximum value based on their monthly expenses and lifestyle.
