Key Update (as of Jan 2026)
- SBI Card has revised its domestic-airport lounge access programme. Cards are now split into two groups for access: Set A and Set B, depending on the card variant.
- This change affects how and when cardholders can use lounge access in India — so it’s worth checking which set your card belongs to before travelling.
Which SBI Cards Offer Lounge Access (Domestic & International) + Fees & Benefits
Here’s a snapshot of popular SBI cards that offer lounge benefits, and how they stack up. (Domestic = India; International = via Priority Pass / global lounges.)
| Card | Lounge Access (Domestic / Intl) | Annual / Joining Fee* | Notes / Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBI Card ELITE | 8 domestic visits/yr (2 per quarter) + 6 international via Priority Pass (2 per quarter) | ₹ 4,999 + GST | Good for frequent flyers; also offers other premium perks & benefits. |
| SBI Card PRIME | 8 domestic/yr + 4 international Priority Pass visits/yr | ₹ 2,999 + GST | Balanced option — decent lounge access + mid-tier fee. |
| SBI Card PULSE | 8 domestic visits/yr (max 2 per quarter) + 2-year complimentary Priority Pass membership (then chargeable) | ₹ 1,499 + GST | Budget-conscious travellers with occasional lounge use. |
| Club Vistara SBI Card | 4 domestic lounge visits/yr + Priority Pass membership for 2 years (international lounges then chargeable) | ~ ₹ 1,499 + GST | Good for domestic flyers / occasional international travel. |
| Air India SBI Credit Card / Visa-lounge versions | ~8 domestic Visa-lounge visits/yr (2 per quarter) + Priority-Pass-based lounges overseas (fee may apply) | Varies by variant (often ~ ₹1,499 + GST) | Decent for domestic travel; international lounge access depends on usage and fee. |
Note on Priority Pass / International Lounges: For cards that offer Priority Pass lounges (such as SBI ELITE, PRIME, PULSE, etc.), you get a free membership. Post-quota visits or guest entries may attract fees (e.g. USD 27 + applicable taxes) per visit.
What To Watch Out For & How 2026 Programme Is Different
- Lounge access is now governed via Set A / Set B classification — your card’s eligibility determine which lounges you can access domestically.
- Not all SBI cards get automatic unlimited access — many have visit caps (per quarter or per year) or spend-based activation in some cases.
- For international lounges, even Priority Pass–enabled cards may charge usage fees after complimentary visits or for guests.
- Lounge lists (domestic/international) may change over time — better to check the latest directory or SBI Card website before travelling.
Who Should Choose Which Card — Based on Your Travel Habits
- Frequent international travellers: Go for SBI Card ELITE or SBI Card PRIME — you get both domestic + international lounge access, and a good number of visits per year.
- Mostly domestic travel / occasional trips abroad: Cards like SBI Card PULSE, Club Vistara SBI Card, or Air India SBI Card offer modest lounge access at lower fees.
- Budget or occasional flyers: PULSE or co-branded cards give a few domestic lounge visits/year with minimal fees — good for rare travel or short hops.