Starting today, January 10, 2026, HDFC Bank debit cardholders will experience significant changes to airport lounge access rules. The most notable change is the end of physical card swipes for lounge entry, replaced by a digital voucher system. Here's what cardholders need to know to ensure continued access to these facilities.
Voucher-Based Access
The most significant change is the move to a voucher-based system. Instead of swiping their debit card at the lounge entrance, customers will now need to present a digital voucher. This voucher can be obtained after meeting specific spending criteria and will be delivered via SMS or email.
Increased Spending Requirement
HDFC Bank has also doubled the minimum spending requirement to access airport lounges for most debit cards. Cardholders must now spend at least ₹10,000 in a calendar quarter to be eligible for lounge access. This is a rise from the previous requirement of ₹5,000. This spending can be done through online or in-store transactions.
How to Claim Your Voucher
Once the spending threshold is met, HDFC Bank will send a link via SMS or email to the registered mobile number or email ID. Customers must click on this link and log in using their registered mobile number. An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent for verification. After successful OTP verification, a 12-18 digit alphanumeric voucher code or a QR code will be sent via SMS and email. This voucher code or QR code must be presented at the lounge entrance to gain access. Physical debit cards will no longer be accepted for lounge entry.
Important Exclusions
Not all transactions count towards the ₹10,000 spending requirement. ATM cash withdrawals, UPI payments (such as GPay, PhonePe, or Paytm), wallet payments, credit card bill payments made with a debit card, and debit card EMI transactions will not be considered. Only purchase transactions will be counted towards the spending limit.
Voucher Validity
The lounge vouchers are valid from the date of generation until the end of the next calendar quarter. For example, a voucher issued today, January 10, 2026, will be valid until June 30, 2026. The eligible spend periods are divided into calendar quarters: January to March, April to June, July to September, and October to December.
Lounge Visit Limits
The number of complimentary lounge visits remains the same and depends on the debit card variant. * Millennia Debit Card: 1 visit per quarter * Platinum Debit Card: 2 visits per quarter * Times Points Debit Card: 1 visit per quarter * Business Debit Card: 2 visits per quarter * GIGA Debit Card: 1 visit per quarter * Infiniti Debit Card: 4 visits per quarter
Infiniti Debit Card Exception
The Infiniti Debit Card is an exception to the new spending rule. Lounge access will continue to be available on this card without any minimum spending requirement.
Other Important Points
Lounge access is subject to availability and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Entry may be restricted due to crowding or operational reasons, and a stay limit of 2-3 hours typically applies.
These changes aim to streamline the lounge access process and align benefits with card usage. HDFC Bank encourages cardholders to familiarize themselves with the new rules to ensure a seamless and convenient lounge experience.
