Denied lounge access recently? Check if your credit card issuer has linked it to monthly spends

Credit card issuers have been curtailing benefits on credit cards. Today's Ask Wallet-Wise query answers how to ensure that a lounge access on your card. 

Moneycontrol’s Ask Wallet-wise initiative offers expert advice on matters related to personal finance and money-related queries. You can email your queries to askwalletwise@nw18.com, and we will try and get a top financial expert to address your queries.

On my recent visit, a lounge access was declined on my credit card. I previously used lounge access on the same card. What could be the reason for denial? Can a credit card company change terms and conditions mid-year? How to ensure I have lounge access on my next visit?

Expert Advice: Your lounge access may have been declined due to changes in your credit card’s lounge access program. Many banks and credit card issuers have started linking the lounge benefit to monthly or quarterly spend milestones, which means you are now required to meet a certain spend threshold to be eligible for free lounge access. It is also possible that the lounge access benefit may have been removed altogether from your card.