Credit Cards Revise Airport Lounge Access Rules For Travellers, Among Other Updates

Several credit card issuers have updated their terms and conditions starting June 1, 2025. Of these changes, a change in rule regarding lounge access is particularly noteworthy for travellers. The changes in rules also include fresh charges on utility and fuel transactions, among others.

Indian Credit Cards Change Rules And Policies

HDFC Bank Introduces New Lounge Access Rules

Frequent flyers using HDFC Bank credit cards must meet a minimum spending threshold to unlock complimentary lounge access. Effective June 10, 2025, cardholders must spend INR 50,000 in a calendar quarter to qualify for lounge access vouchers. Once the threshold is met, the bank will issue the vouchers via SMS and email.

American Express Gold Charge Card Sees Devaluation

In a notable downgrade, American Express has removed Membership Rewards from its Gold Charge Card, effective June 12, 2025. The Gold Card, long popular for its reward-earning potential, will no longer offer Membership Rewards points on transactions. Travellers who previously used this card to stack points for flights and hotel stays will need to reassess their rewards strategy.

Kotak Mahindra Bank Rolls Out New Charges and Limits

Kotak Mahindra Bank implemented a host of changes on June 1, 2025, affecting lounge access, reward point accrual, and transaction fees across several spending categories.

Key highlights include:

• A 1 per cent transaction fee was introduced on rent and education payments, regardless of the amount.

• Additional 1per cent charges on utility payments, online gaming, wallet loads, and fuel—applicable only after crossing category-specific spending thresholds within a billing cycle.

• Revised upper limits on reward points earned on fuel, rent, utility bills, and insurance premiums.

However, the following Kotak credit cards remain exempt from the new fuel transaction charges:

• White Reserve Credit Card

• Kotak Solitaire

• Kotak Infinite

• Kotak Signature

• IndianOil Kotak Credit Card

• Myntra Kotak Credit Card

These updates may affect travellers who rely on Kotak cards for recurring payments and lifestyle spending to accumulate travel rewards.

Why This Matters For Travellers

With credit cards being a preferred payment mode for flights, accommodation, dining, and airport perks, these new changes could influence how travellers plan and manage their expenses. From rethinking which cards to swipe for lounge access to accounting for additional charges on fuel and rent, cardholders need to stay updated.

(With inputs from multiple sources)