HDFC Bank and SBI Cards change Airport Lounge Access Rules

Big changes are coming for credit and debit card users who enjoy airport lounge access.

HDFC Bank and SBI Card have both announced new rules that will come into effect from January 10, 2026.

These updates will change how customers enter airport lounges and who qualifies for free access.

If you travel often, these changes are important to know.

HDFC Bank Changes Lounge Access Rules for Debit Cards

HDFC Bank has completely changed the way debit card users get airport lounge access.

The old system will be discontinued and replaced with a digital voucher-based process.

Earlier, customers could simply swipe their debit card at the lounge. From January 10, 2026, this will no longer work.

Old Rule vs New Rule: What’s Different?

Under the old system, debit card users who spent Rs 5,000 in a quarter were eligible for lounge access in the next quarter by swiping their card.

Under the new system, customers must spend Rs 10,000 or more in a calendar quarter to qualify.

Lounge entry will be allowed only through a digital voucher or QR code sent by the bank.

How the New Lounge Voucher System Works

Once you complete Rs 10,000 spending in a quarter, HDFC Bank will send you an SMS or email within two working days.

The message will include a link to claim your lounge voucher.

After verification using OTP, you can claim the voucher.

Once claimed, a voucher code or QR code will be sent to your registered mobile number and email.

This code must be shown at the lounge for entry.

Who Gets Lounge Access Without Spending?

HDFC Bank has clarified that Infinity Debit Card holders are exempt from the spending condition.

These customers will continue to enjoy lounge access without any minimum spend requirement.

Lounge Voucher Validity Period Explained

The lounge voucher will remain valid from the date of issue until the end of the next quarter.

For example:

Voucher issued on November 15, 2025: valid till March 31, 2026

Voucher issued on January 10, 2026: valid till June 30, 2026

Voucher issued on March 31, 2026: valid till June 30, 2026

Which Airport Lounges Are Covered?

HDFC Bank debit card lounge access will be available across its authorised domestic and international lounge network.

Major airports covered include Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. However, the bank has warned that lounge availability may change.

Customers are advised to check the updated lounge list on the official website or voucher link before travelling.

Step-by-Step: How to Claim an HDFC Lounge Voucher

After completing the required spend, follow these steps:

You will receive a message with a voucher claim link.

Click the link and log in using your registered mobile number.

Enter the OTP sent to your phone.

Review the voucher details and click “Claim Now”.

Confirm again using OTP.

Receive your voucher code or QR code via SMS and email.

Show this code at the airport lounge to enter.

SBI Card Changes Domestic Lounge Access Structure

SBI Card has also announced major updates to its domestic airport lounge program, effective January 10, 2026.

The new system divides lounges into two categories — Set A and Set B.

Lounge access will now depend on the type of SBI credit card you hold.

Set A Lounges: For Premium SBI Credit Cards

Set A includes premium lounges available to select SBI credit card holders.

Cards under this category include Apollo SBI Card SELECT, BPCL SBI Card OCTANE, Club Vistara SBI Card, Paytm SBI Card SELECT, and PhonePe SBI Card SELECT.

These cards offer lounge access at major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune.

Set B Lounges: Wider Coverage for PRIME and Platinum Cards

Set B includes cards like SBI Card PRIME, PRIME Pro, MILES PRIME, Titan SBI Card, KrisFlyer SBI Card, and several bank-branded PRIME and Platinum cards.

This set offers access to a larger number of airports, including Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Cochin, Jaipur, Srinagar, Vadodara, and Visakhapatnam.

How Lounge Entry Will Work for SBI Card Users

To enter the lounge, the credit card must be validated on the lounge POS machine.

An authorisation fee will apply:

Visa and RuPay SBI Cards: Rs 2 non-refundable fee

Mastercard SBI Cards: Rs 25 tentative fee (blocked temporarily, not debited)

What If Free Lounge Visits Are Used Up?

If you have already used all your free lounge visits:

Lounge entry may be denied, or

You will have to pay the full lounge entry fee

Food, beverages, alcoholic drinks, and extra services like spa or nap rooms may attract additional charges.

Which SBI Cards Will These Rules Apply To?

The new lounge access rules will apply to SBI credit cards with annual fees of Rs 1,499 or Rs 2,999.

These cards must also have their lounge program managed through SBI’s network partners.