HDFC Bank has changed its debit card rules; you can no longer access airport lounges by simply swiping your card
The HDFC Bank is changing the rules for debit card lounge access from 10th January 2026. Until now, entry to the lounge was granted by simply swiping the physical debit card, but now a digital voucher system is being implemented. Along with this, the minimum spending requirement has also been increased.
Under the new rules, lounge access will not be granted simply by swiping your card. First, you must meet the specified spending requirement. Once eligible, the bank will send a link via SMS or email. You will need to click on this link and complete an OTP verification. After verification, you will receive a voucher code or QR code, which you can show at the lounge entrance to gain access.
For most debit cards, the quarterly spending limit has been increased from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. This spending can be done through one or multiple transactions, online or offline. However, this condition will not apply to the Infiniti Debit Card. Lounge access will continue to be available on this card without any minimum spending requirement.
The number of free visits remains the same:
-The number of free lounge visits has not changed according to the card type.
Millennia: 1 visit/quarter
Platinum: 2 visits/quarter
Times Points: 1 visit/quarter
Business: 2 visits/quarter
GIGA: 1 visit/quarter
Infiniti: 4 visits/quarter
Which transactions will not be counted?
The quarterly spending calculation will not include ATM cash withdrawals, UPI or wallet payments (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm), credit card bill payments made with a debit card, and debit card EMIs. Only purchase transactions will be counted. New debit cardholders will also need to meet the ₹10,000 spending requirement.
Voucher validity and lounge rules:
-Voucher issued on November 15, 2025 – Valid until March 31, 2026
-Voucher issued on January 10, 2026 – Valid until June 30, 2026
Lounge entry is 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.
