The changes will come into effect from April 1, 2026.

According to a circular issued by the NPCI to member banks, the move will alter how the cardholders can access airport and railway lounges using certain RuPay debit cards. In the circular, the NPCI outlined that complimentary lounge access on RuPay Platinum debit cards will be discontinued from the specified date.

NPCI key changes to RuPay card offerings

1. Lounge access on RuPay Platinum debit cards

Effective April 1, 2026, RuPay Platinum debit cardholders will no longer be able to enter airport lounges (domestic and international) and railway lounges. Until March 31, 2026, however, lounge access on these cards will continue under the spend-based eligibility system managed under the Benefit Management System (BMS).

2. Lounge access on Select debit cards

Effective April 1, 2026, access to airport lounges (domestic and international) and railway lounges on Select Debit cards shall be strictly spend-based under the Benefit Management System (BMS) only. Customers will be required to meet certain spending criteria specified by their issuing bank to qualify for airport or railway lounge access benefits.

3. Lounge access on Feature Debit Cards (Platinum and Select)

NPCI said that banks may continue offering lounge access under customised feature card offerings agreed between issuers and RuPay.

The NPCI, in the circular, further said, "All member banks are requested to make a note of this circular and take necessary action to update their RuPay card product offerings and customer communication."

Punjab National Bank no longer offers lounge access facility on RuPay Platinum debit card

Meanwhile, Punjab National Bank (PNB) said that the RuPay Platinum debit card customers will no longer be able to avail free domestic airport lounge access facilities as the public sector lender has ended the service applicable from April 1, 2026, the bank said in a statement.

For, RuPay Platinum debit card customers, the domestic lounge access facility will be available on a minimum spend basis, according to the bank.

According to a statement on the PNB website, "Discontinuation of all complimentary lounge access on PNB RuPay Platinum Debit Cards.' Dear PNB RuPay Platinum debit card customers, kindly note that all complimentary lounge access facilities on PNB RuPay Platinum debit cards will be discontinued from April 1, 2026. This is for your information and necessary action."

HDFC Bank ends complimentary lounge access service on RuPay Platinum Debit Cards

HDFC Bank stated, "Effective 1st of April, 2026, complimentary lounge feature on RuPay Platinum Debit Cards will be discontinued."

Punjab and Sindh Bank ends lounge access service on RuPay Platinum Debit Cards

Punjab and Sindh Bank has also ended lounge access service on the debit card. The Punjab & Sindh stated, "Effective 01-04-2026, complimentary lounge access to airport lounges (domestic & international) and railway lounges on P&SB Platinum Debit Cards shall be discontinued."

ESAF Small Finance Bank too ends the service

ESAF Small Finance Bank stated, "Pursuant to the revised guidelines issued by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the complimentary Domestic & International Airport Lounge and Railway Lounge access on the RuPay Platinum Debit Cards will be discontinued with effect from 1st of April 2026. Accordingly, from this date, ESAF RuPay Platinum Debit Cardholders will not be eligible to avail complimentary lounge access benefits on the card. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your continued association with ESAF Bank."

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