Are you looking for debit cards with lounge access? In this article, we’ll break down the available options, explain which factors to consider, and how you can maximize your benefits when choosing a foreign transaction card that best meets your needs.
This article is part of our free series on accessing and benefiting from offshore debit cards, which you can access using the link above.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to any sections that are immediately relevant to your search.
Table of Contents
- Debit Cards With Lounge Access
- Benefits of Cards With Airport Lounge Access
- How to Apply for a Card With Lounge Access as a Non-Resident
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Explore Your Options?
Debit Cards With Lounge Access
Debit cards with lounge access are available from most major international banks, including HSBC, Citibank, Santander, DBS, ICICI, SBI, and more. These cards offer access to airport lounge facilities to cardholders and guests around the world. That said, not all debit cards offer this benefit. So, if airport lounge access is a priority for you, you should make sure the account you are considering offers lounge access before applying.
Additionally, since frequent travel, international locations, and using your debit card in new and unfamiliar places is a given when accessing international lounges, it’s common for people to misplace their cards. If this happens, it’s important that you immediately report your card lost or stolen to prevent unauthorized use, a practice commonly referred to as hotlisting.
Benefits of Debit Cards With Access to Airport Lounge
Debit cards with access to airport lounges are a popular option for high-net-worth banking clients and frequent travelers. With this in mind, there are a number of additional benefits that cater to these cardholders when they obtain debit cards with access to airport lounges, including:
- Unlimited wifi access
- Free food (typically buffet style)
- Complimentary beverages
- Access to clean bathrooms
- Shower facilities for between flights
- Free newspapers and magazines
- Customer support from front desk staff
Depending on the lounge, certain benefits may require you to pay a small fee or a tip may be expected in the case of complimentary beverages. But, in general, all of these benefits are included with access to an airport lounge when you have cards that offer this as a benefit.
Do You Want Our Free Non-Resident Banking Guide?
Sign up here to receive our Free Non-Resident Banking Starter Guide and weekly updates on the best account opening options available:
How to Apply for a Debit Card With Lounge Access as a Non-Resident
There are a number of ways that you can apply for a debit card with lounge access as a non-resident. One of the ways that we suggest considering is opening accounts with international and offshore banks.
In fact, due to the profiles of clients that open accounts with international and offshore banks, it is common for these banks to offer this as a benefit.
However, not all international banks make this benefit available. In most cases, larger banks, especially those with a presence in multiple countries and that cater to expat clients include lounge access with their cards.
However, there are a number of factors that can impact whether non-residents can open bank accounts with large international banks, including:
- Deposit amount
- Country of citizenship
- Country of residence
- Transaction behavior
- Investment objectives
If you’re interested in opening accounts with these banks, you can access the GlobalBanks Database and determine which banks will actually open accounts for you in your preferred jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are three of the most common questions that we receive about cards with lounge access. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Can Debit Cards Be Used for Lounge Access?
Yes, certain debit cards can be used for lounge access. However, not all banks offer airport lounge access as a benefit with their cards. So, if this is a benefit that you would like to access, it’s important you confirm it’s available before applying.
How Do I Know if My Debit Card Has Access to an Airport Lounge?
To know if your debit card has access to an airport lounge, you can either review the benefits that were outlined for you when first opening your bank account or contact the card issuer. In certain instances, banks also share airport lounge access under the benefits section of your account in the online banking portal.
Is Lounge Access Free With a Debit Card?
No, lounge access is not free with a debit card unless the card provider states it as a specific benefit. In fact, while certain cards do provide lounge access, the vast majority of cards do not. If your card issuer does not offer free lounge access, you can still access airport lounges. However, you will need to pay for entry.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If so, you can access GlobalBanks Insider and start the process of applying for an offshore account in a few clicks.
GlobalBanks Insider is a dedicated account opening solution that involves direct support from our team and direct introductions to the banks of your choosing. It gives you instant access to the…
+ Direct support from a team of banking experts
+ Direct introductions to your desired banks
+ Answers to your most pressing questions and challenges
+ Expert insights on which banks to choose & why
+ Plus FULL access to our entire suite of account opening tools and intelligence!
And “yes!” GlobalBanks Insider is designed to help foreign and non-resident individuals and companies open bank accounts.
You can learn more on the products page from the main menu above.
