SBI, HDFC, ICICI Revise Card Benefits as Airport Lounge Demand Surges
Leading card issuers, including SBI Card, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank, have updated their debit and credit card benefits in response to rising air travel and increasing demand for airport lounges. The revisions affect lounge access, reward structures, spend thresholds, and fees, and are being implemented on different dates in January 2026. Cardholders are advised to review the updated terms to make the most of their travel privileges.
ICICI Bank Updates
Effective January 15, 2026, ICICI Bank has revised select credit cards with changes to rewards, benefits, and certain transaction fees. Cardholders should review the updates, which may affect reward accumulation, foreign currency spending, entertainment privileges, and routine payments.
SBI Card Expands Lounge Access
SBI Card has expanded its domestic airport lounge network from January 10, 2026. The update allows access to a wider set of lounges across India, grouped under Set A and Set B, with eligibility determined by the card variant. Lounge entry will continue to require POS validation, and the changes apply to cards with annual fees of Rs 1,499 and Rs 2,999.
HDFC Bank Revises Debit Card Lounge Norms
HDFC Bank has modified its Debit Cards Lounge Programme, effective January 10, 2026. The spend requirement for complimentary lounge access has been doubled, and a voucher-based system has been introduced to streamline access and improve convenience for debit card users.
With lounge access increasingly sought after by frequent flyers, cardholders should familiarise themselves with the revised terms to optimise benefits before planning their next trip.
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