Free Access to RuPay Exclusive Airport Lounge: New Guidelines

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced updated guidelines for utilizing the RuPay exclusive airport lounge access through RuPay-enabled cards. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2025.

Key Highlights:

  • Exclusive Lounge Location: RuPay has set up its first exclusive lounge at the T3 departure terminal of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), near Boarding Gate 41. The lounge promises a wide variety of food, drinks, and entertainment, offering a unique experience for travelers.

New Tier-Based Complimentary Access Policy:

Access to the RuPay Exclusive Lounge will be provided to select credit cardholders based on their spending patterns. Only RuPay Credit Card (Select, Platinum, and Higher Variants) holders will have access to the lounge.

Access Guidelines:

  • Access will be determined through the RuPay Benefit Management System (RBMS).
  • Eligible cardholder details will be shared by member banks and issuers every quarter.

Spend-Based Tiers:

Here’s how the new complimentary access will work based on your spending in the previous quarter:

Tier Spend Limit Complimentary Visits
Tier 1 ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 2 visits per quarter
Tier 2 ₹50,001 to ₹1,00,000 4 visits per quarter
Tier 3 ₹1,00,001 to ₹5,00,000 8 visits per quarter
Tier 4 ₹5,00,001 and above Unlimited visits per quarter

Note: The benefit of complimentary visits will reset to zero at the end of each calendar quarter.

Additional Information:

  • Issuers must onboard themselves on the Standard Benefit Delivery to participate.
  • The data element DE 102 in the authorization response from issuer to acquirer will be mandatory for all RuPay transactions.

Advantages of the RuPay Airport Lounge Program:

  • Enhanced Travel Experience: Offers complimentary access to a network of lounges, providing a peaceful atmosphere away from busy terminals.
  • Amenities Available: Lounges typically feature refreshments, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating, helping to reduce pre-flight stress.
  • Cost-Effective: Saves frequent travelers from expenses usually associated with lounge access.
  • Competitive Edge: With this initiative, RuPay aims to compete with international players like Visa and Mastercard in the airport lounge market.