HDFC Bank has introduced an important change in the way customers can avail complimentary airport lounge access using their debit cards. Starting 10th January 2026, lounge entry will move from a physical debit card swipe system to a voucher-based access process. This update also comes with a revised minimum spend requirement and a new step-by-step claim mechanism.
This article explains the updated HDFC Bank Debit Card Lounge Program in a clear FAQs format, covering eligibility, spend criteria, voucher claiming steps, lounge list, and important terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – HDFC Bank Debit Card Lounge Program
- What is the change in process for availing complimentary lounge access?
Earlier, customers who spent Rs. 5,000 in a quarter could directly swipe their physical debit card at the lounge in the next quarter.
Effective 10th January 2026, customers who meet a quarterly spend of Rs. 10,000 will receive an SMS/Email within 2 working days containing a link to claim a lounge access voucher. After claiming, a 12–18 digit voucher code or QR code will be issued, which must be shown at the lounge for entry.
Note: Physical debit card-based lounge access will no longer be accepted from 10th January 2026.
- From when is the voucher-based lounge access applicable?
The voucher-based lounge access facility on HDFC Bank Debit Cards will be applicable from 10th January 2026.
- What is the new spend criteria for complimentary lounge access?
Customers must spend Rs. 10,000 or more in a calendar quarter using their HDFC Bank Debit Card to qualify for complimentary lounge access in the next quarter.
Exception: Infiniti Debit Card holders will continue to receive lounge access without any spend criteria.
- How does the quarterly spend example work?
If a customer spends at least Rs. 10,000 in a quarter (Jan–Mar, Apr–Jun, Jul–Sep, Oct–Dec), they will receive an SMS/Email within two working days containing the lounge voucher claim link.
- How many complimentary lounge visits are allowed per quarter?
Millennia Debit Card – 1 visit per quarter
Platinum Debit Card – 2 visits per quarter
Times 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
Step-by-Step Process to Claim Lounge Voucher
Step 1: Customer receives an SMS/Email with a voucher claim link after meeting the Rs. 10,000 quarterly spend criteria.
Step 2: Click the link and log in using the registered mobile number, then validate via OTP.
Important: Login must be done using the same mobile number on which eligibility communication was sent, even if the number has changed later.
Step 3: After OTP verification, view the voucher details and click Claim Now. Validate OTP again.
Step 4: Upon successful claim, the voucher code or QR code (12–18 digits) will be sent via SMS and Email.
Step 5: Show the voucher code or QR code at any empanelled lounge to avail complimentary access.
- How can a customer re-issue an already claimed voucher?
• Visit www.gvhelpdesk.com
• Click on the chatbot (EMA) at the bottom-right corner
• Select Resend Voucher
• Enter bank-registered mobile number
• Enter 6-digit OTP
• Select the relevant voucher name
• Voucher details will be resent to registered Email ID and mobile number
- What is the validity of the lounge vouchers?
The voucher validity is from the date of generation until the end of the next calendar quarter.
Example:
• Voucher issued on 15 Nov 2025 → Valid till 31 Mar 2026
• Voucher issued on 10 Jan 2026 → Valid till 30 Jun 2026
• Voucher issued on 31 Mar 2026 → Valid till 30 Jun 2026
- Which airport lounges can be accessed using the voucher?
The lounge list is subject to change. Currently supported lounges include:
Bangalore – BLR Domestic Lounge (T1)
Chennai – Travel Club Lounge A & B (Domestic T1), International T2
Hyderabad – Encalm Lounge (Domestic & International T1)
Kolkata – Travel Club Lounge (Domestic T1)
Mumbai – Adani Lounge (Domestic T2), Adani East Lounge (International T2)
New Delhi – Encalm Lounge (Domestic & International T3)
- Are ATM cash withdrawals considered for spend criteria?
No. ATM cash withdrawals are not considered. Only debit card purchase transactions (online or in-store) count toward the Rs. 10,000 spend requirement.
- Does the Rs. 10,000 spend need to be a single transaction?
No. Customers can either make a single transaction of Rs. 10,000 or multiple transactions adding up to Rs. 10,000 within the quarter.
- Are newly opened debit card accounts eligible?
Yes, but newly onboarded customers must meet the Rs. 10,000 spend requirement to avail complimentary lounge access.
- Are UPI, GPay, PhonePe, or wallet payments eligible?
No. Only payments made directly using the HDFC Bank Debit Card are eligible. UPI and wallet-based transactions are excluded.
- Are credit card bill payments or debit card EMI transactions eligible?
No. Credit card bill payments and debit card EMI transactions are not considered. Only full, non-EMI debit card purchases qualify.
- What general conditions apply at airport lounges?
• Lounge access is on a first-come, first-served basis
• Maximum stay limits (2–3 hours) may apply
• Food offerings and child policies vary by lounge
• Alcohol availability depends on lounge policy and local laws
• Lounge staff may refuse entry due to misconduct, intoxication, or safety regulations
Conclusion
The updated HDFC Bank Debit Card Lounge Access Program brings a more structured and digital approach through voucher-based entry while increasing the minimum spend requirement to Rs. 10,000 per quarter. Although physical card swipes will no longer work from January 2026, the new system ensures better tracking, transparency, and smoother lounge access. Customers are advised to monitor their quarterly spends and promptly claim vouchers to continue enjoying complimentary airport lounge benefits without disruption.
For further assistance:
Email: support@hdfcbank.com
Customer Care: HDFC Bank Customer Support Channels
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