PNB Cuts 2 MasterCard Perks: Is Your Card Still Worth It?

PNB has suspended MasterCard international transactions linked to Russia and is removing free airport lounge access for Platinum Debit cardholders from June 1, 2026. If you travel abroad or use lounges, your card just got weaker.

Here's what happened: PNB has suspended MasterCard-network international transactions connected to Russia, affecting customers who transact in or via Russian channels.. From June 1, 2026, PNB will discontinue complimentary airport lounge access for MasterCard Platinum Debit cardholders — a perk many relied on while travelling.. PNB is also rolling out revised Fixed Deposit interest rates effective June 1, 2026, which may affect returns for existing and new FD investors..

What you should do: Check your PNB debit card network — if it's MasterCard and you travel internationally, apply for a Visa or RuPay variant immediately to avoid transaction failures abroad.. Compare other bank debit and credit cards that still offer free lounge access before June 1 — HDFC, SBI, and Axis have options with lounge benefits intact.. If you hold a PNB FD maturing soon, review the revised June 1 rates now and decide whether to renew with PNB or lock in better rates at another bank or Post Office scheme..

RuPay Select debit cards from several PSU banks still offer free domestic lounge access with zero annual fee — worth switching if you travel 3+ times a year.