For frequent travellers, longer layovers and early check-in windows make airport comfort a practical concern. A credit card with airport lounge access addresses this directly, offering a quieter space with complimentary refreshments and Wi-Fi, away from crowded departure halls.
Among banks offering lounge access cards in India, IDFC FIRST Bank has several options well suited to older travellers who prioritise comfort and cost efficiency.
What frequent travellers should look for?
A few factors matter more when you are a frequent flyer while choosing a card:
- Domestic lounge access, as most trips remain within India.
- Low or no annual fees to keep costs predictable.
- Reward points that do not expire.
- Trip cancellation cover for travel security.
- A manageable monthly spend threshold to activate lounge access.
Top 3 cards for lounge access
- FIRST Select Credit Card
A lifetime-free credit card with no joining or annual fee.
Lounge access
- 1 complimentary domestic airport lounge visit per quarter
- 4 complimentary railway lounge visit per quarter
Note: Activated only on a minimum spend of ₹20,000 in the previous month
Other features
- Reward points never expire.
- Up to 10X reward points on eligible spends.
- Forex markup of 1.99% + GST on international transactions.
- Trip cancellation cover of up to ₹10,000.
For occasional travellers, this credit card with airport lounge access at zero annual cost is a good option. The card also links to UPI via a virtual RuPay add-on, allowing spend to accumulate across payment modes.
- FIRST Wealth Credit Card
A lifetime-free card with access extended to international lounges as well.
Lounge access
- 1 complimentary domestic airport lounge visit per quarter.
- 1 complimentary international airport lounge visit per quarter.
Note: Activated only on a minimum spend of ₹20,000 in the previous month
Other features
- Reward points never expire.
- Forex markup of 1.5% on international transactions.
- Trip cancellation cover of up to ₹10,000.
- Golf privileges and select merchant offers.
Indviduals who take multiple leisure trips abroad will find the combined domestic and international access practical, with no annual fee to manage. Reward points earned can be redeemed against purchases without expiry pressure.
- Ashva Credit Card
A semi-premium metal card with a joining and annual fee of ₹2,999.
Lounge access
- Complimentary domestic airport lounge access, 4 times per quarter (up to 16 per year).
- Complimentary international airport lounge access, twice per quarter (up to 8 per year).
Note: Activated only on a minimum spend of ₹20,000 in the previous month
Other features
- Forex markup of 1% on international transactions.
- Trip cancellation protection of up to ₹25,000.
- Up to 10X reward points on spends above ₹20,000 per month.
- Visa Infinite privileges and complimentary golf rounds.
Those who travel frequently and wish to start the credit card apply process and looking for options with higher lounge frequency will find the Ashva more accommodating than entry-level cards. The metal card form factor also comes with roadside assistance, and a buy-one-get-one movie ticket offer twice a month.
Eligibility criteria
There is no upper age limit specified for these cards and approval is based on income and credit history. Applicants who are salaried, self-employed, or receiving a regular income are assessed against the bank’s internal criteria.
A credit score of 750 or above is usually preferred and improves approval likelihood. Income requirements vary by card; the FIRST Select, for instance, requires an annual income of ₹12 lakh or more.
All three cards link lounge access to a monthly spend of ₹20,000 in the previous calendar month. Senior citizens on fixed or pension-linked incomes should factor this in before choosing.
Comparison at a glance
| Feature | FIRST Select | FIRST Wealth | Ashva |
| Annual fee | Nil | Nil | ₹2,999 |
| Domestic lounge visits | 1 per quarter | 1 per quarter | 4 per quarter |
| International lounge visits | Nil | 2 per quarter | 2 per quarter |
| Railway lounge access | 4 per quarter | Nil | Nil |
| Trip cancellation cover | ₹10,000 | ₹10,000 | ₹25,000 |
| Forex markup | 1.99% | 1.50% | 1.00% |
| Reward points expiry | Never | Never | Never |
How to apply for a credit card?
To apply for credit cards from IDFC FIRST Bank, follow the provided instructions:
- Step 1: Click on the “Apply Now” button by visiting the preferred IDFC FIRST Bank card webpage.
- Step 2: Enter required information in the application form, such as name, date of birth, and your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
- Step 3: Choose the card that fits your needs and complete the required process, including your KYC.
Conclusion
For frequent flyers, lounge access is less a luxury and more a practical comfort during travel. The FIRST Select and FIRST Wealth cards cover this need at no annual cost, while the Ashva suits those who travel more frequently and want higher access limits. Therefore, always assess your requirements and choose the credit card that suits your usage requirements.