HDFC Bank Rules: Have you also purchased an HDFC Bank debit card to gain airport lounge access? Here’s a big update for you. The bank is changing its debit card lounge access rules starting January 10th in the new year. Until now, lounge entry was granted by swiping a physical debit card, but now a digital voucher system is being implemented. The minimum spending limit has also been increased.
What has changed in the process?
Under the new rules, lounge access won’t be granted directly by swiping your card. You’ll first need to meet a certain spending requirement. Once eligible, the bank will send a link via SMS or email. You’ll need to access that link and complete the OTP verification. After verification, you’ll receive a voucher code or QR code, which you can show at the lounge to gain entry.
The quarterly spending limit for most debit cards has been increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. This spending can be done in one or multiple transactions, online or offline. However, this limit will not apply to the Infiniti Debit Card. Lounge access will continue with this card without a minimum spend requirement.
The number of free visits remains the same.
The number of free lounge visits per card remains unchanged.
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 spend will not include ATM cash withdrawals, UPI or wallet payments using GPay, PhonePe, Paytm debit cards, credit card bill payments, and debit card EMIs. This means only purchase transactions will be counted. New debit cardholders will also need to meet the Rs 10,000 limit.
Voucher Validity and Lounge Rules
Voucher generated on November 15, 2025 – valid till March 31, 2026
Voucher created on January 10, 2026 – valid till 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 2-3 hour stay limit generally applies.