NPCI Revises RuPay Debit Card Lounge Access Rules from April 1, 2026

The National Payments Corporation of India has announced significant changes to lounge access benefits offered on certain RuPay debit cards. According to a circular issued to member banks, the new rules will take effect from April 1, 2026, impacting how customers access airport and railway lounges using RuPay debit cards.

The update mainly affects RuPay Platinum debit cardholders, many of whom currently enjoy complimentary lounge access as part of their card benefits.

Lounge Access on RuPay Platinum Debit Cards to End

According to the NPCI revised guidelines, RuPay Platinum debit cardholders will no longer receive complimentary access to airport lounges (both domestic and international) and railway lounges starting April 1, 2026.

Until March 31, 2026, lounge access will continue as per the existing spend-based eligibility system, which is managed through the Benefit Management System (BMS).

After this date, customers using RuPay Platinum debit cards will not be able to access lounges under the current scheme.

Spend-Based Lounge Access for Select Debit Cards

While lounge access is being discontinued for RuPay Platinum debit cards, the benefit will continue for select RuPay debit cards but with spend-based eligibility criteria.

Customers will need to meet minimum spending requirements set by their issuing bank in order to qualify for airport or railway lounge access. This means lounge entry will depend on how much a customer spends using their debit card during a specified period.

Banks May Continue Lounge Benefits on Customised Cards

NPCI has clarified that banks may still provide lounge access benefits under customised RuPay debit card offerings. These features can be offered if agreed upon between the issuing bank and the RuPay network.

Member banks have been asked to update their RuPay card product offerings and inform customers about the revised lounge access rules.

Banks Announcing These Changes

Several banks have already confirmed that lounge access on RuPay Platinum debit cards will be discontinued from April 1, 2026.

Punjab National Bank

Punjab National Bank has informed customers that complimentary domestic airport lounge access will no longer be available on RuPay Platinum debit cards from April 1, 2026.

According to a notice on the bank’s website,“All complimentary lounge access facilities on PNB RuPay Platinum debit cards will be discontinued from April 1, 2026.”

However, the bank has stated that lounge access may still be available based on minimum spending requirements.

HDFC Bank

HDFC Bank has also confirmed the change, stating that complimentary lounge features on RuPay Platinum Debit Cards will be discontinued effective 1st of April, 2026.

Punjab & Sind Bank

Punjab & Sind Bank has announced that complimentary lounge access to airport lounges (domestic & international) and railway lounges on P&SB Platinum Debit Cards shall be discontinued effective 01-04-2026.

ESAF Small Finance Bank

ESAF Small Finance Bank has also issued a customer advisory confirming the change.

According to the bank complimentary Domestic & International Airport Lounge and Railway Lounge access on RuPay Platinum Debit Cards will be discontinued with effect from April 1, 2026.

ESAF RuPay Platinum debit cardholders will no longer be eligible for complimentary lounge access benefits from that date.

What This Means for Customers?

The NPCI’s new guidelines mean that complimentary lounge access on RuPay Platinum debit cards will largely disappear from April 2026. Customers who frequently use airport or railway lounges may need to:

• Switch to premium debit or credit cards with lounge benefits
• Meet spending thresholds set by banks
• Pay for lounge access separately

Banks are expected to update their card benefit structures and inform customers ahead of the new rules coming into effect.