No more lounge access on these Rupay debit cards: Check details
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced changes to lounge access benefits offered on RuPay debit cards. According to a circular issued to member banks, the changes will come into effect from April 1, 2026, and will alter how customers access airport and railway lounges using certain RuPay debit cards.
Lounge access on RuPay Platinum debit cards to end
RuPay Platinum debit cardholders will no longer be able to enter airport lounges (domestic and international) and train lounges from April 1, 2026.
However, until March 31, 2026, lounge access on these cards will continue under the spend-based eligibility system managed through the Benefit Management System (BMS).
Spend-based lounge access for Select debit cards
Lounge access will continue but will be strictly spend-based starting April 1, 2026 for select debit card. Customers will need to meet spending criteria specified by their issuing bank to qualify for airport or railway lounge access benefits.
Banks may continue lounge benefits on customised cards
NPCI has also clarified that banks may continue offering lounge access under customised feature card offerings agreed between issuers and RuPay. All member banks are requested to make a note of this circular and take necessary action to update their RuPay card product offerings and customer communication.
PNB ends lounge access facility on RuPay Platinum debit card
Punjab National Bank (PNB) announced that RuPay Platinum debit card customers will no longer be getting free domestic airport lounge access facilities as the PSU bank has ended this service applicable from April 1, 2026, the bank said in a statement.
Also read: PNB debit card user alert: Free domestic airport lounge access ends for RuPay Platinum card holders; check revised conditions
PNB says for RuPay Platinum debit card customers, the domestic lounge access facility will be available on a minimum spend basis.
According to a statement on the PNB website, “‘Discontinuation of all complimentary lounge access on PNB RuPay Platinum Debit Cards.’ Dear PNB RuPay Platinum debit card customers, kindly note that all complimentary lounge access facilities on PNB RuPay Platinum debit cards will be discontinued from April 1, 2026. This is for your information and necessary action.”
HDFC Bank too discontinues complimentary lounge access service
HDFC Bank states: “Effective 1st of April, 2026, complimentary lounge feature on RuPay Platinum Debit Cards will be discontinued.”
Punjab and Sindh too ends lounge access service on this debit card
Punjab & Sindh stated: “Effective 01-04-2026, complimentary lounge access to airport lounges (domestic & international) and railway lounges on P&SB Platinum Debit Cards shall be discontinued.”
ESAF Small Finance Bank
ESAF Small Finance Bank states: “Pursuant to the revised guidelines issued by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the complimentary Domestic & International Airport Lounge and Railway Lounge access on the RuPay Platinum Debit Cards will be discontinued with effect from 1st of April 2026. Accordingly, from this date, ESAF RuPay Platinum Debit Cardholders will not be eligible to avail complimentary lounge access benefits on the card. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your continued association with ESAF Bank.”
Lounge access on RuPay Platinum debit cards to end
However, until March 31, 2026, lounge access on these cards will continue under the spend-based eligibility system managed through the Benefit Management System (BMS).
Spend-based lounge access for Select debit cards
Lounge access will continue but will be strictly spend-based starting April 1, 2026 for select debit card. Customers will need to meet spending criteria specified by their issuing bank to qualify for airport or railway lounge access benefits.
Banks may continue lounge benefits on customised cards
NPCI has also clarified that banks may continue offering lounge access under customised feature card offerings agreed between issuers and RuPay. All member banks are requested to make a note of this circular and take necessary action to update their RuPay card product offerings and customer communication.
PNB ends lounge access facility on RuPay Platinum debit card
Punjab National Bank (PNB) announced that RuPay Platinum debit card customers will no longer be getting free domestic airport lounge access facilities as the PSU bank has ended this service applicable from April 1, 2026, the bank said in a statement.
Also read: PNB debit card user alert: Free domestic airport lounge access ends for RuPay Platinum card holders; check revised conditions
PNB says for RuPay Platinum debit card customers, the domestic lounge access facility will be available on a minimum spend basis.
According to a statement on the PNB website, “‘Discontinuation of all complimentary lounge access on PNB RuPay Platinum Debit Cards.’ Dear PNB RuPay Platinum debit card customers, kindly note that all complimentary lounge access facilities on PNB RuPay Platinum debit cards will be discontinued from April 1, 2026. This is for your information and necessary action.”
HDFC Bank too discontinues complimentary lounge access service
HDFC Bank states: “Effective 1st of April, 2026, complimentary lounge feature on RuPay Platinum Debit Cards will be discontinued.”
Punjab and Sindh too ends lounge access service on this debit card
Punjab & Sindh stated: “Effective 01-04-2026, complimentary lounge access to airport lounges (domestic & international) and railway lounges on P&SB Platinum Debit Cards shall be discontinued.”
ESAF Small Finance Bank
ESAF Small Finance Bank states: “Pursuant to the revised guidelines issued by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the complimentary Domestic & International Airport Lounge and Railway Lounge access on the RuPay Platinum Debit Cards will be discontinued with effect from 1st of April 2026. Accordingly, from this date, ESAF RuPay Platinum Debit Cardholders will not be eligible to avail complimentary lounge access benefits on the card. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your continued association with ESAF Bank.”
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