These days, travellers don’t just need a flight or a seat in the light, but they seek comfort, more productivity and a stress-free experience at the airport. Time spent in the airport is now not dead time, but many use it as an opportunity to work, few to recharge themselves, build networks and many more. Because of this, the airport lounge is not just a luxury; it has become a non-negotiable tool for business owners, startup founders. This is where issuers of business credit cards gain a strategic advantage. This article will provide insights into business credit cards, which provide lounge access.
Key Features to Look for When Finding a Business Credit Card
- Complimentary Lounge Visits: How many lounge visits are offered, complimentary, domestic and international? Do they reset quarterly or annually?
- Guest Access / Add-On Cards: Do lounge access privileges allow you to register guests such as co-founders, family, or business contacts? Do they give add-on cards to your family or business employees?
- Annual Fee vs. Value: Don’t get misled by a fee. You need to determine whether the value of the benefits (points, travel perks, insurance) justifies the fee.
Best Business Credit Cards with Lounge Access
1. American Express Platinum Business Card
- Your card provides you with unsurpassed reception to lounges throughout the world (more than 1,300 lounges globally, eg, Centurion, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Clubs…)
- Ideal for elite executives, global travellers, status seekers, or high spenders
- Premium hotel status, concierge, dining benefits, and various travel insurance coverage
- Annual Fee: ₹50,000+
2. HDFC Business Regalia Credit Card
- Provides you with 12 free domestic lounge visits + 6 international lounge visits (using Priority Pass)
- Ideal for professionals who will get value from the various amenities but also want a trade-off with regards to traveling
- Deals/reward points, fuel surcharge waived, basic insurance cover.
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500
3. SBI Corporate Platinum Card
- 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually
- Perfect for a large entity/large business or issuance at the employee level
- Nil for the annual fee (dc corporate billing model), MIS reporting, and other controls against spend.
- Annual Fee: Nil (if issued as a corporate card)
Also read: Is the SBI ELITE Credit Card Worth It? These Benefits Say YES!
4. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
- Tiered lounge access (up to unlimited if in Explorer tier)
- Best suited to international travelers who mainly travel fly with a focus on earning travel mileage
- EDGE Miles (can transfer to other loyalty programs), discounts at hotels, premium concierge.
- Annual Fee: ₹5,000
5. ICICI Business Advantage Black Card
- Limited access to domestic lounges via Mastercard/Visa tie-up provisions.
- This card is catered towards MSMEs or consultants who travel less or more moderately in their travel.
- Cashback on business expenses attributed, fuel surcharge waived, simple fee structure to understand comprehensively with credit.
- Annual Fee: ₹1,500
| Card Name | Lounge Access | Annual Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Platinum | Unlimited Global | ₹50,000+ | Elite frequent flyers |
| HDFC Regalia | 12 domestic + 6 int’l | ₹2,500 | Balanced travel-reward value |
| Axis Atlas | Tier-based, up to unlimited | ₹5,000 | International travel + miles |
| SBI Corporate Platinum | 8 domestic/year | Nil (Corp-issued) | Large teams, expense control |
| ICICI Business Black | Limited domestic | ₹1,500 | MSMEs and entry-level businesses |
How to Choose the Right Card for Your Business
- Travel Volume: Choose unlimited access for frequent flyers and manageable visits for infrequent travellers.
- Team Size: If you need add-on cards, make sure to select with employee access and spending tracker (for example, SBI, Amex).
- Reward Type: Choose the offerings for your business, Miles (Axis), Cashback (ICICI) or Premium Points (Amex/HDFC).
- Expense Tracking: Look for cards that work with your expense tracking tools (Zoho, SAP, QuickBooks, etc.).
- Guest Access & Concierge Services: This is best for meeting with clients or high-level travel.
- Annual Fees: Get value to make sure what you’re using/exploring with the client is better than what you pay—don’t get carried away or overpay for the perks you don’t use.
Tips to Maximise Lounge Benefits
- Be aware of your quarterly visit limits: Stay on top of your spending by using card applications or statements so as not to incur extra fees.
- Get a Priority Pass or DreamFolks Membership: If applicable, activate memberships so that lounges can ultimately be accessed.
- Monitor lounge usage to avoid going over your limit: Keep track of your visits, especially if you have several cards or have several users.
- Add-on Cards for Co-founders and Employees: Make sure that key members of your team have access to lounges so you can maximise the value.
- Use Issuer Apps for real-time information on luxury lounges: Obtain information on the lounges you can use, the hours of operation and amenities as you commute from one lounge to another.
Conclusion
Don’t just pick a business credit card because you get lounge access; choose one that fits your journey as a business owner or leader. Because in business, success doesn’t just “take off” – it starts in the lounge.
Written by N G Sai Rohith
The post Best Business Credit Cards with Exclusive Lounge Access – Which One Do You Have? appeared first on Trade Brains.