The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced revised guidelines for RuPay credit cardholders, adding a tier-based spending system for accessing exclusive airport lounges. Starting January 1, 2025, eligible cardholders will enjoy complimentary lounge access. It is based on their spending patterns.
Image credit: livefromalounge.
As many banks reduce lounge access perks, RuPay’s initiative stands out. It offers an enhanced travel experience for frequent flyers.
| Key Highlights Details: |
| Launch Date January 1, 2025 |
| Exclusive Lounge RuPay lounge at Terminal 3 (T3), Departure Pier 11, near Boarding Gate 41, IGI Airport, Delhi |
| Eligibility Select RuPay credit cardholders (Platinum, Select, and higher variants) |
| Access Criteria Based on tiered spending patterns managed through the RuPay Benefit Management System (RBMS) |
| Premium Lounge Services Food, drinks, entertainment, and luxury amenities |
| Participating Banks HDFC Bank, SBI Card, ICICI Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank |
| Data Requirements Update DE 102 data element length increased from 19 to 30 digits |
| Benefit Management Issuers and member banks share details quarterly to confirm eligibility |
What’s New with RuPay’s Exclusive Lounge?
RuPay has launched its first exclusive lounge at Terminal 3 (T3) of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. You can find it at Departure Pier 11, near Boarding Gate 41. This lounge offers a premium experience for RuPay cardholders. It features an extensive menu of food and beverages along with various entertainment options.
Who Can Access the Lounge?
Access to the RuPay Exclusive Lounge is limited to specific credit cardholders. Only those with Select, Platinum, or higher variants will be eligible for entry. The guidelines emphasize that access is based on spending patterns tracked through the RuPay Benefit Management System (RBMS).
What are the Eligibility Criteria?
Eligibility for lounge access will depend on the cardholder’s spending behavior. Member banks and issuers will provide quarterly updates on eligible cardholders. It ensures that only those who meet the required spending criteria gain access.
Spending Tiers and Benefits
The lounge access is structured around spending tiers:
| Tier | Spend Limit | Access Policy |
| Tier 1 | ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 | 2 complimentary visits per quarter |
| Tier 2 | ₹50,001 – ₹1 lakh | 4 complimentary visits per quarter |
| Tier 3 | ₹1 lakh – ₹5 lakh | 8 complimentary visits per quarter |
| Tier 4 | More than ₹5 lakh | Unlimited lounge access |
At the end of each calendar quarter, any unused complimentary visits will reset to zero.
Enhancing the Customer Experience
NPCI, as a prominent domestic payment scheme, is committed to improving customer experiences. To facilitate this, they have implemented the following measures:
- Mandatory Data Element: Data element DE 102 will be a required part of the authorization response message from issuers to acquirers.
- Information Sharing: Issuers must begin sharing relevant data in DE 102 for all RuPay transactions.
- Data Length Increase: The length of DE 102 will expand from 19 digits to 30 digits at both the issuer and acquirer ends.
In conclusion, These enhancements aim to ensure that RuPay cardholders can easily access the benefits and rewards associated with their cards while enjoying a more streamlined experience.
