The New Reality of Lounge Access
For years, complimentary airport lounge access was a key attraction for credit card holders in India. A quick swipe of your card was all it took to escape the chaos of a busy terminal and enjoy free food, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. However, the era
of easy, unconditional access is drawing to a close. A growing number of Indian banks are now implementing a 'spend-based' model, where your eligibility for lounge visits is directly linked to your spending in the previous quarter. This shift marks a significant change in how credit card rewards are structured, moving from a tool for customer acquisition to a benefit reserved for active, high-spending users. This industry-wide trend means that simply holding a premium card is no longer enough; you now have to consistently use it to enjoy its travel perks.
Why Banks Are Tightening the Rules
The primary driver behind this change is economics. As air travel surged post-pandemic, airport lounges became increasingly overcrowded. Banks, which pay a fee to lounge operators for every customer who enters using their card, found their costs spiralling upwards. The perk, designed to reward valuable customers, was being heavily used by many who may not have been generating significant revenue for the bank. By introducing quarterly spending targets, banks aim to achieve two goals: manage the rising costs associated with the lounge access programs and ensure that these premium benefits are directed towards customers who are genuinely engaged and profitable. This strategic shift ensures the long-term sustainability of these reward programs while focusing on customer loyalty and consistent card usage.
Which Cards Are Affected?
Several of India's leading banks have already rolled out these new requirements across a range of their popular credit cards. For instance, HDFC Bank has implemented changes for cards like the Regalia Gold and Diners Privilege. Cardholders of the Regalia Gold now need to spend ₹60,000 in a calendar quarter to get three complimentary domestic lounge visits in the next quarter, with this rule taking effect from July 1, 2026. Similarly, many ICICI Bank credit cards now require a minimum spend of ₹35,000 or ₹75,000 in a preceding quarter to unlock complimentary domestic lounge access. For example, holders of the ICICI Bank Rubyx card must spend ₹75,000 in a quarter to get two domestic lounge visits in the next. Axis Bank has also updated its policies, with most of its cards now requiring a minimum spend of ₹50,000 in the previous three months to qualify for domestic lounge access. Some co-branded cards, like the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card, have seen the lounge benefit discontinued entirely.
How to Stay on Top of the Changes
With these new rules in place, it's crucial for cardholders to be proactive. The first step is to check the specific terms and conditions for your credit card. Banks typically communicate these changes via email or SMS, so be sure to review any recent notifications. Most banking apps and online portals now feature a tracker that allows you to monitor your quarterly spending. For example, HDFC Bank customers can check their progress towards the spending milestone on the Smartbuy portal. It's important to know which transactions count towards the spending target, as some categories like wallet loads or rent payments may be excluded. By regularly tracking your spending, you can ensure you meet the threshold and avoid the disappointment of being denied entry at the lounge. For newly issued cards, banks often provide a grace period of one to three months where the spending criteria is waived.
Is Chasing the Spend Worth It?
This new model forces a re-evaluation for many users. Is it financially prudent to increase your spending just to gain lounge access? For frequent travellers who would naturally meet the spending thresholds through their regular expenses, the perk remains a valuable bonus. However, for occasional travellers or those who spread their expenses across multiple cards, it may not make sense to chase the target. It's worth calculating the value you place on a lounge visit versus the cost of potentially overspending or diverting purchases you might have made through other, more rewarding channels. The focus should be on whether your card's overall benefit structure—including reward points, other travel perks, and milestone benefits—still aligns with your spending habits and lifestyle, rather than focusing solely on a single, now-conditional, benefit.
