Huge Discounts and Airport Lounge Access with Credit Cards | Guide for Pakistanis

As people who travel often will agree, having the right credit card can make travel cheaper and even more luxurious. Flight and accommodation bookings also attract massive discounts and, in some cases, other benefits like entry to the airport lounge, free travel insurance, or even cash back. These cards, therefore, benefit Pakistani travellers by offering massive discounts and other travel privileges at the international level.

Aspect	Details
Top Credit Cards for Pakistanis	HBL Platinum, UBL Visa Infinite, Standard Chartered World Mastercard
Airport Lounge Access	Free access to over 1,000 lounges worldwide
Savings on Flights and Hotels	Up to 30% on selected airlines and hotel chains
Annual Fees	Ranges from PKR 5,000 to PKR 20,000
Cashback Offers	Up to 5% on travel-related purchases
Popular Lounge Networks	LoungeKey, Priority Pass
Additional Benefits	Travel insurance, foreign exchange discounts

Credit cards are primarily payment instruments, but being a loyal traveller will give you access to many benefits. These credit cards feature air travel and accommodation rewards, including cheap airline tickets, hotels and luxury access to airport lounges. To give some examples, they were created to deliver outstanding utility for business travellers and tourists. Their utilisation in travel can benefit Pakistanis by cutting expenses and improving comfort throughout a trip.

Credit Card	Main Benefits	Annual Fee	Lounge Access
HBL Platinum Credit Card	Access to 1,000+ lounges, discounts on flights/hotels	PKR 10,000	Priority Pass
UBL Visa Infinite	Complimentary lounge access, hotel/flight discounts	PKR 20,000	LoungeKey
Standard Chartered World Mastercard	Free lounge access, cashback on travel expenses	PKR 12,000	LoungeKey, 25 lounges globally
MCB Lite Card	Travel discounts, limited lounge access	PKR 5,000	Access to selected lounges
Faysal Bank Titanium Card	Hotel and flight discounts, complimentary lounge access	PKR 8,000	LoungeKey

Step	Details
Step 1: Choose the Right Credit Card	Select a card that offers complimentary lounge access, such as HBL Platinum or UBL Visa Infinite.
Step 2: Enroll in Lounge Program	Many credit cards partner with lounge access programs like LoungeKey or Priority Pass. You may need to activate lounge access online.
Step 3: Present Your Card at the Lounge	Show your eligible credit card at participating lounges. Some lounges require a digital Priority Pass.
Step 4: Enjoy Complimentary Services	Most lounges provide free Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and comfortable seating. Premium lounges may also offer showers and private spaces.

Airline	Discount	Eligible Credit Cards
Qatar Airways	Up to 20% off student and business fares	UBL Visa Infinite, HBL Platinum
Emirates	Up to 15% off selected flights	Standard Chartered World Mastercard, UBL Visa
Turkish Airlines	10% discount on international flights	HBL Platinum, Faysal Bank Titanium
Etihad Airways	Exclusive student deals, 10% off economy class	HBL Platinum, Standard Chartered Mastercard

Hotel Chain	Discount	Eligible Credit Cards
Accor Hotels	Up to 20% off on selected stays	HBL Platinum, Standard Chartered Mastercard
Hilton	Up to 15% off on select locations	UBL Visa Infinite, HBL Platinum
Marriott	Special discounts in select cities	Standard Chartered Mastercard, HBL Platinum
Holiday Inn	10% off for credit cardholders	UBL Visa Infinite, Faysal Bank Titanium

Complimentary Travel Insurance	Most credit cards offer free travel insurance, covering trip cancellations, lost baggage, and medical emergencies, providing peace of mind while traveling abroad.
Foreign Exchange Discounts	Many cards offer competitive foreign exchange rates, allowing you to save money when making international purchases or withdrawing cash abroad.
Concierge Services	High-end credit cards, like UBL Visa Infinite, include 24/7 concierge services to assist with travel bookings, reservations, and even exclusive event access.

Use Lounge Access During Layovers	If you have a long layover, take advantage of your credit card’s lounge access to enjoy free Wi-Fi, snacks, and comfortable seating.
Book Flights and Hotels Through Partner Sites	Many credit cards offer greater discounts when booking via their partner websites, giving you exclusive deals not available to the general public.
Take Advantage of Cashback Offers	Credit cards like Standard Chartered World Mastercard offer up to 5% cashback on travel-related purchases, maximizing your savings on airfare and hotel bookings.
Check for Seasonal Promotions	Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions offered by credit cards, as they can provide extra discounts or bonuses on travel expenses.
Earn Loyalty Points	Join loyalty programs of airlines or hotels to double your rewards and get extra points by using your credit card for bookings.

Step	Details
Step 1: Choose a Credit Card	Research cards that offer the benefits you need, such as discounts and lounge access.
Step 2: Check Eligibility	Make sure you meet the requirements for the card (e.g., income level, credit score).
Step 3: Apply Online or at a Bank	Submit your application online or visit the bank to apply for the credit card.
Step 4: Activate and Start Using	Once approved, activate your card and start using it to enjoy travel perks.