I received the new Dreamfolks card linked to the ICICI Emeralde credit card this week (late March 2021). It looks like issuers are replacing older Dreamfolks DragonPass cards with updated Dreamfolks Privilege cards across the board.
What’s happening?
Until now, Dreamfolks provided international lounge access through a partnership with DragonPass, issuing cards branded as Dreamfolks DragonPass Privilege. With the recent change, Dreamfolks can directly provide international lounge access through its own network.
As a result, Dreamfolks has ended the DragonPass partnership and issuers such as ICICI Bank are issuing new Dreamfolks Privilege cards that no longer carry the DragonPass logo. The card numbers and benefits remain unchanged, so existing privileges should continue as before.
Why it matters?
This shift puts Dreamfolks in direct competition with Priority Pass, at least within the Indian market for card-linked lounge and airport benefits. We’re already seeing this trend: newly launched premium cards from Axis Bank (Reserve) and SBI Card (Aurum) are opting for Dreamfolks over Priority Pass.
One reason for this move is that credit card issuers prefer to manage multiple airport services with a single vendor. Having a unified partner allows cards to bundle lounge access with additional airport benefits such as spas, meet & greet services, and airport transfers.
Given the current trajectory, it’s likely other issuers will offer Dreamfolks-powered benefits too. That is positive for cardholders because it could expand complimentary airport services beyond lounges to include concierge-style offerings that enhance the overall travel experience.
Five years ago, lounge access felt like a standout perk. As lounges become busier and expectations evolve, concierge services and efficient priority processing at airports are becoming the next differentiator. These services can make passing security and navigating the airport seamless—even without flying business class—and add real value to premium card memberships.
Personally, I’m looking forward to complimentary meet & greet and airport transfer services becoming standard on super-premium cards, likely those with annual fees above INR 10,000. Those additions would meaningfully improve the airport experience for frequent travelers.
That said, let’s hope we stay healthy long enough to enjoy these upgraded airport benefits.