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

Punjab National Bank has suspended MasterCard transactions linked to Russia and is scrapping free airport lounge access for MasterCard Platinum Debit cardholders from June 1, 2026. If you hold this card, two key benefits disappear at once.

Here's what happened: PNB has suspended MasterCard network activity tied to Russia-linked international transactions, in line with global sanctions compliance — affecting cardholders who transact with Russia-connected merchants or accounts.. From June 1, 2026, PNB MasterCard Platinum Debit cardholders will no longer receive complimentary airport lounge access, a perk many cardholders relied on for domestic and international travel.. PNB has also revised its fixed deposit interest rates effective June 1, 2026 — meaning if you hold or plan to open an FD with PNB, the returns you earn may be different from what was advertised earlier..

What you should do: Check your PNB debit card type right now — log into PNB's mobile app or netbanking to confirm if you hold a MasterCard Platinum Debit card and whether you'll lose lounge access from June 1.. Compare alternative cards before June 1 — several public and private sector banks offer free lounge access on RuPay Platinum or Visa Signature cards, sometimes with zero annual fee.. Review PNB's revised FD rates on their official website before renewing or opening any fixed deposit — even a 0.10–0.25% difference on ₹5 lakh changes your maturity amount by ₹500–₹1,250 per year..

RuPay Platinum Debit cards issued by many PSU banks — including PNB itself — still offer complimentary lounge access. Switching networks within the same bank could preserve this perk at no extra cost.