Top 3 Credit Cards Providing Unlimited Lounge Access, Including Numerous Benefits.
- Pratibha Sharma
- Jun 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 10
HDFC Infinia
ICICI Bank Emeralde
Federal Bank Scpia
The HDFC Infinia is the epitome of luxury in the Indian credit card landscape.
It is designed exclusively for high-net-worth individuals. This invite-only card offers unmatched privileges across travel, dining, and lifestyle. The ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card is a premium lifestyle card crafted for individuals who seek luxury, convenience, and exclusive privileges in their everyday life. What truly sets it apart is its no-late-payment fees, no-over-limit charges, and concierge services that cater to your lifestyle needs 24/7. The Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card is a smart and travel-friendly credit card designed for individuals who love to travel and utilize digital apps. It’s free for life – no joining or yearly fees – and is great for spending abroad because it charges no extra fees on international purchases.
Are They Providing Any Special Benefits On Lounge Visits?
HDFC Infinia:
Users get unlimited complimentary access at over 1,000 international lounges worldwide via the included Priority Pass membership for both primary and add-on users.
ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card:
The ICICI Emeralde / Emeralde Private Metal card includes unlimited free access to both domestic and international lounges, via Priority Pass or Dreamfolks, available for the primary cardholder.
Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card:
Scapia offers unlimited domestic lounge access only after you meet the monthly spend threshold (INR 10k or INR 5k, depending on source). It does not include international lounge access.
What Are The Welcome Benefits of These 3 Credit Cards?
HDFC Infinia:
12,500 Reward Points (equivalent to INR 12,500 on SmartBuy, INR 6,250 as a voucher)
Club Marriott Membership: 1-year complimentary, offers up to 20% off dining + hotel stays at Marriott properties in Asia-Pacific
ITC Culinaire Membership: Complimentary (invite-only variant)
ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card:
Trident Hotels Voucher worth INR 7,500 (AmEx variant only)
Da Milano Voucher worth INR 5,000 (Mastercard/Visa)
Complimentary Domestic Lounge Access
Global Lounge + Spa Access via DreamFolks (post activation)
Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card:
INR 500 worth of Scapia Coins on the first transaction
Lifetime Free: No joining or annual fee ever
Instant virtual card issued upon approval
Zero Forex Markup from Day 1
Free Lounge Access begins after INR 10,000 spend in the previous month (not exactly a “welcome” benefit).
What Are The Pros And Cons of These 3 Credit Cards?
HDFC Infinia:
Pros:
Huge rewards: 3.3% base rate, up to 33% via SmartBuy (10X offers)
Ysers are allotted by Unlimited international + domestic lounge access
Complimentary Club Marriott & ITC benefits
High credit limits (INR 8L+), no preset limit
Excellent travel insurance & concierge services
Cons:
Invite-only (not easily available)
High annual fee (INR 12,500 + GST), waived on INR 10L spend
Rewards are not valid on fuel, wallet load, rent, etc.
Reward redemption is best on SmartBuy – limited flexibility
ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card:
Pros:
No late payment, over-limit, or cash withdrawal charges
Global + domestic lounge and spa access via DreamFolks
Concierge, golf access, and luxury hotel benefits
Choose between a monthly (INR 1K) or an annual (INR 12K) fee plan
Fee waiver at INR 15 Lakh spent.
Cons:
The reward structure is weak (~0.5% return)
Lounge access is limited to the primary cardholder
Not ideal for frequent shoppers or point maximizers
Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card:
Pros:
Lifetime Free – no joining/annual fees
Zero forex markup on international transactions
10–20% Scapia Coins on travel & spends via app
Lounge access in India (after INR 10K spend/month)
Cons:
High interest rate (~41.9% p.a.) if not paid in full
No rewards on rent, fuel, education, wallet loads, etc.
Lounge access requires spending INR 10K/month
Fees And Charges:
Scapia Credit Card
Joining Fees: Rs.12,500
Annual fees: N.A.(Not Applicable)
Cash advance fees: Nil
Late payment charge: Foreign currency mark-up fee: 2% Late payment charges
Interest rate: Interest Rates: 1.99% per month or 23.8% annualized
Eligibility:
HDFC Infinia:
Membership for the HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card is by Invite Only
which makes a drawback it is only for high-end working professionals who can pay annual fees and charges.
ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card:
The user must be at least 21 years old. The user must have a minimum monthly income of Rs. 3,00,00. The user must have filed annual income tax returns of Rs. 30,00,000 or above and must be an existing ICICI Bank Global Private Client customer. This is also for high-end working professionals who can pay annual fees and charges.
Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card:
Open for Indian residents aged 21–60 with a good credit score (750+), regular income, and no existing Federal co‑branded cards. Requires monthly spend (INR5k - INR 10k) to unlock benefits, but card eligibility isn’t tied to that spend.
Conclusion:
Each of these credit cards—HDFC Infinia, ICICI Bank Emeralde, and Federal Bank Scapia.
The HDFC Infinia stands as a sign of luxury and unmatched value, perfect for high-earning professionals who travel frequently and want premium privileges and powerful reward returns. The ICICI Bank Emeralde is ideal for those who seek convenience, a luxury lifestyle, and international lounge access, with the added benefit of relaxed fees and zero penalty charges. Federal Bank Scapia it's a first-digital travel card designed for younger users or frequent international shoppers, offering zero forex markup, easy app-based management, and lifetime free usage.
In essence, choose Infinia for premium value, Emeralde for comfort and convenience, and Scapia for cost-free travel-friendly benefits. Each card has its own benefits, so users can pick any of them according to their lifestyle and luxury.
If you want to read a more detailed review of the Scapia Credit Card and find out its AI-powered, unbiased rating, click here.

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