If you use your SBI credit card to enjoy airport lounge access, there’s an important update.
From January 10, 2026, SBI Cards will change the lounge entry process.
You will still get access, but the procedure will be slightly different.
Now, your card will be swiped at the lounge, and a small fee will apply:
VISA & RuPay cards: ₹2 (non-refundable)
Mastercard: ₹25 (temporary hold, released later)
Why Did SBI Make This Change?
A large number of passengers have been using “free lounge access,” which sometimes caused overcrowding.
To maintain a smooth experience while continuing the benefit, SBI divided lounges into two sets:
Set A: VIP Zone for premium cards
Set B: Grand Zone for Prime and Platinum cards
This ensures premium users enjoy exclusive, less crowded spaces, while PRIME cardholders still get wide access.
Set A: Premium Lounges for SELECT Cards
Set A lounges are reserved for cards like SELECT, OCTANE, Club Vistara, and similar premium cards.
These lounges offer fewer crowds, more seating, and a more comfortable experience.
Think of it as a VIP zone for travelers with high-end cards.
Set B: More Lounges for PRIME and Platinum Cards
Set B includes almost all Set A lounges plus additional cities such as Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Visakhapatnam.
This provides PRIME cardholders with access to more lounges across India, making it a great upgrade.
How Lounge Entry Will Work
Earlier, lounge staff only checked your card to grant entry.
Now the process will be:
Swipe your card on the POS machine
Check free visits remaining in the system
Apply a small entry charge
₹2 for VISA & RuPay (non-refundable)
₹25 for Mastercard (temporary hold)
This helps manage crowding and ensures a smooth experience for all users.
If you use your SBI credit card to enjoy airport lounge access, there’s an important update.
January 10, 2026, SBI Cards will change the lounge entry process.
You will still get access, but the procedure will be slightly different.
Now, your card will be swiped at the lounge, and a small fee will apply:
VISA & RuPay cards: ₹2 (non-refundable)
Mastercard: ₹25 (temporary hold, released later)
Why Did SBI Make This Change?
A large number of passengers have been using “free lounge access,” which sometimes caused overcrowding.
To maintain a smooth experience while continuing the benefit, SBI divided lounges into two sets:
Set A: VIP Zone for premium cards
Set B: Grand Zone for Prime and Platinum cards
This ensures premium users enjoy exclusive, less crowded spaces, while PRIME cardholders still get wide access.
Set A: Premium Lounges for SELECT Cards
Set A lounges are reserved for cards like SELECT, OCTANE, Club Vistara, and similar premium cards.
These lounges offer fewer crowds, more seating, and a more comfortable experience.
Think of it as a VIP zone for travelers with high-end cards.
Set B: More Lounges for PRIME and Platinum Cards
Set B includes almost all Set A lounges plus additional cities such as Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Visakhapatnam.
This provides PRIME cardholders with access to more lounges across India, making it a great upgrade.
How Lounge Entry Will Work
Earlier, lounge staff only checked your card to grant entry.
Now the process will be:
Swipe your card on the POS machine
Check free visits remaining in the system
Apply a small entry charge
₹2 for VISA & RuPay (non-refundable)
₹25 for Mastercard (temporary hold)
This helps manage crowding and ensures a smooth experience for all users.
Which Cards Are Covered?
The new lounge rules apply only to SBI cards with an annual fee of ₹1,499 (PRIME) and ₹2,999 (SELECT).
Basic SBI cards do not include lounge benefits, so this change does not affect them.
The new lounge rules apply only to SBI cards with an annual fee of ₹1,499 (PRIME) and ₹2,999 (SELECT).
Basic SBI cards do not include lounge benefits, so this change does not affect them.
