Priority Pass is widely regarded as the leading independent airport lounge access program worldwide. One advantage of Priority Pass is its rapid expansion: over the past year it added more than 100 lounges, bringing the network to more than 1,000 lounges globally.
My Priority Pass Card Issued with HDFC Regalia
In India, HDFC Bank offers Priority Pass cards as a benefit on several of its credit cards. Some of these HDFC cards include Priority Pass membership even when the card carries no annual fee, which makes HDFC an attractive option for many cardholders. That said, the bank is not always fully transparent about how the Priority Pass benefit works, so the following notes explain important details and practical tips.
Understand Your Priority Pass Card Issued by HDFC Bank
#1 How to receive a Priority Pass card from HDFC
Primary cardholders: On certain HDFC credit cards, the Priority Pass card is included automatically with the primary card kit. On other cards, you may need to complete a required number of transactions within a specified period to trigger issuance. If the Priority Pass card is not issued automatically, contact HDFC customer care by phone or email to request it. Delivery typically takes up to seven working days once processed.
Add-on cardholders: Add-on cardholders do not receive a Priority Pass automatically. If you want an add-on Priority Pass, you must request it from HDFC customer care, either by calling or by email. Add-on cards will be processed on request and delivered after verification.
#2 Complimentary access limits
Each Priority Pass membership includes a number of complimentary visits per year. After those complimentary visits are used, a fee applies—historically around US$27 per visit—and guests are typically charged the same rate per guest. Below are example limits for popular HDFC credit cards (confirm with HDFC for the most current details):
- HDFC Infinia — Complimentary visits: Unlimited; includes up to three add-on Priority Pass cards
- HDFC Regalia — Complimentary visits: 6 per membership year
- HDFC Regalia First — Complimentary visits: 3 per membership year
Important: Priority Pass add-on cards share the same complimentary-visit allowance as the primary card. Add-on cards do not receive a separate allotment. For example, if the Regalia primary card has six complimentary visits, that total is shared between the primary and any add-on Priority Pass cards.
#3 Validity and renewal of Priority Pass memberships
HDFC Priority Pass memberships are provisioned with a specific number of visits and remain active while the linked credit card account is active. The membership stays valid even if the primary credit card is renewed. Visit allowances and limits are typically reset at the end of the calendar year (December 31). Because of the way HDFC handles issuance and renewals, the timing of when you request a replacement card can matter.
Tip: Do not request a new Priority Pass card immediately after your primary credit card is renewed unless you have exhausted your visit allowance. Request a replacement only when needed. If you are unsure of your remaining complimentary visits, contact HDFC customer care by phone or email to confirm the current balance.
#4 Using Priority Pass lounges
Accessing an airport lounge with a Priority Pass card is straightforward. Present and swipe your Priority Pass card at the lounge reception and sign the point-of-sale (POS) terminal. Some lounges may also ask to see your boarding pass for verification or to confirm travel details. Keep in mind that entry rules and required documentation can vary by lounge and airport, so carry both your Priority Pass card and boarding pass when you visit.
Note that lounge access policies and fees can change. For example, there have been updates where certain domestic lounge entries were reclassified and subject to fees when issued through HDFC. Always check the current terms with HDFC or refer to the Priority Pass membership information provided with your card.
If you use a Priority Pass provided by HDFC, consider tracking your visits and asking HDFC customer care for exact entitlements and any changes to the program. Sharing your experience with other travelers can also help highlight how HDFC implements Priority Pass benefits in practice.
Do you use an HDFC-issued Priority Pass card? Feel free to share your experience in comments or with fellow travelers to help others understand real-world usage and any recent changes.