Airtel Axis loses lounge access — 4 visits axed
The Airtel Axis card no longer offers 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits, effective 12 April 2026. Cashback benefits have also been scaled back, making the card less attractive to users who valued its lounge access and cashback rewards.
Axis Bank has removed the 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits from the Airtel Axis card, effective 12 April 2026. This change is part of a broader reset of the card’s benefits, which also includes changes to its cashback program. The cashback caps are now tied to prior spend, and the earn rates on Swiggy, Zomato, and BigBasket have been reduced. The removal of lounge access is a significant blow to cardholders who used the Airtel Axis card as a cheap way to access domestic lounges. The card’s cashback benefits have also been made less generous, with category caps now scaling with base spend. For example, cardholders must now spend ₹12,500 to unlock the full ₹250 Airtel cashback. Our take: If you’re an Airtel Axis cardholder who valued the card’s lounge access, it’s time to reconsider your options. With the removal of this benefit, the card is no longer as attractive to users who prioritize lounge access. You may want to explore other cards that offer more comprehensive lounge access benefits, such as the Axis Bank Reserve or the HDFC Infinia Metal.