Major banks like SBI Card, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank have updated their debit and credit card rules. These changes mainly affect airport lounge access, spending limits, rewards, and some charges.
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In India, flying is no longer a luxury. The number of people who travel frequently by air is increasing rapidly. With this, major banks like SBI Card, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank have updated their debit and credit card rules. These changes mainly affect airport lounge access, spending limits, rewards, and some charges. These updates are coming into effect on different dates in January. This means that frequent flyer cardholders are going to face changes immediately. To avoid inconvenience at the airport, it is enough to know what the new rules are.
ICICI Bank Credit Card Changes
ICICI Bank has announced changes to select credit cards effective January 15, 2026. The updates include reward points, benefits, and some fees. This means rewards on specific spends will change. Entertainment-related benefits will change. Foreign currency transactions and day-to-day payment charges will also be updated. ICICI Bank credit card users should review these carefully as they may affect the overall spending and benefits in the future.
SBI Card Domestic Airport Lounge Network
SBI Card has introduced changes in its domestic airport lounge access program with effect from January 10, 2026. Under the new system, SBI Card provides access to the airport lounge network across India. The lounges are divided into Set A and Set B. Access will be based on the type of SBI credit card held by the customer. Airport lounges are essential for travelers. They provide comfort during long waits and flight delays. Basic amenities will be available.
Currently, SBI credit card holders can access the lounge by validating their card at the lounge POS machine. This process will also continue under the revised program. The updated lounge access rules will be applicable to cards with annual fees of Rs. 1,499 and Rs. 2,999. Here, lounge access is managed by SBI network partners.
HDFC Bank Debit Card Lounge Access Rules
HDFC Bank has also made changes to its debit card lounge access program. The rules are applicable from January 10, 2026. The bank has doubled the spend requirement to qualify for complimentary airport lounge access. As part of the program, the bank has introduced a voucher-based system. The new system is designed to make lounge entry easier for debit card users and keep the process organized.
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