DreamFolks DragonPass Card Review (India)

By | July 9, 2018

Dragon Pass is one of the largest independent Airport Lounge access program that provides Lounge service for frequent travelers across the globe. Their coverage is as good as Priority Pass and they also provide other airport related services like meet & greet and discounts at airport dining outlets. So, to provide access to lounges in India, they need to tie up with lounge service aggregator and that’s where DreamFolks came into picture.

DreamFolks is by far the only company in India that provides single point access to domestic lounge services. In other words, we are able to access the domestic lounges via mastercard, visa, ola etc as they’re linked to dreamfolks lounge directory. Ideally, any bank/card network that needs to provide lounge service for their customers needs to go through Dreamfolks and that’s what Dragon Pass did but with a separate card for India.

DreamFolks DragonPass Card by ICICI

This partnership with DragonPass helps DreamFolks enter into B2C segment, which could potentially shake the lounge access scene in India, especially related to Priority Pass (i think so). So this is how Dreamfolks DragonPass Card is born πŸ™‚ Lets get into the review now,

DreamFolks DragonPass Privilege Card Review

Just like Priority Pass and Dragon pass, Dreamfolks also started selling the card on their website directly, apart from partnerships with banks (like ICICI). The plans/rates are similar to Priority Pass/DragonPass. As per the changes on ICICI gemstone cards on Oct 7th,Β ICICI now replaced their Priority Pass benefit with Dragonpass to their Sapphiro range of cards.

Card Issuance

ICICI Bank

If you sign up for any of ICICI’s new Sapphiro range of cards, you’ll now get the Dragonpass card issued along with it. Though, for existing customers, you need to play some game to get access to it. Inspite of me having ICICI Jet Sapphiro card, i was initially denied for issuance of Dragonpass card by my ICICI Wealth Management support supervisor and was said that only “new customers” can get it.

Thanks to our reader “Shafiq” to find the work around. All you need is, just call the support and ask to issue Priority Pass card. If you already have one, ask them to block it (lost/damaged as reason) and re-issue the same. Within a day, you’ll get confirmation on email/sms that they’re sending you “priority pass” card. But know what? You’ll get Dragonpass card instead πŸ™‚

Remember, Only ICICI Jet Sapphiro variant is worth the cost, the plain Sapphiro card is not that useful.

Hopefully, we may get Dragonpass cards with other banks as well in coming years.

Get Directly

You may also get the card directly via Dreamfolks website. However, it makes sense to do this only if you go for the top end plan that costs about Rs.26k that comes with unlimited Spa access. If you’re hitting the airport very often, this is going to be a great deal.

Ideally you should be making 13 trips or visit departure area 26 times a year to make use of this benefit, not that tough for busy consultants. Anyone here planning for this?

ICICI Linked Benefits

Here are the benefits of DreamFolks DragonPass Privilege Card issued by ICICI with Sapphiro range of cards.

  • Spa: 2 Complimentary sessions (30 mins usually)
  • Lounge Access: 2 Lounge Access (International only, if issued by bank)
  • Add On: Meet & Greet, dining, etc.

The limits on Spa/lounge is too low for such a premium card by ICICI. They could consider making it 4+4 atleast to make it more attractive.

Lounge Access Review

As i mentioned earlier, Dragon Pass (DP) lounge network is very good and is in par with Priority Pass (PP) as far as i know. Most of the lounges that accept PP also accepts DP and in addition i’ve noticed some lounges that accepts only DP.

For ex, Dragon Pass allows you to access T/G lounge in Bali, Indonesia Airport while Priority Pass doesn’t. This lounge is usually reserved for business/first class for some airlines, so you get better atmosphere here as the other lounge is usually quite crowded.

Remember, the Bank issued Dreamfolks Dragonpass card can be used only for access to Intl lounges.

Spa Services Review

One of our reader “Siddharth Mehta” was one of the first few to access the spa benefit in Bangalore Airport and he is quite happy with the experience. I recently visited the O2 Spa at Bangalore airport and availed the spa access. Ideally you get ~30 mins session for each visits left and you can also use both visits the same day.

The service is good and the receptionist is very well aware of this card. They simply take your card number and punch it in their system which shows the available visits. They deduct the count and you’re good to go. You’ll have limited options to choose, for ex: Foot spa (or) Neck/shoulder massage.

Digital Card

You can also access the digital card of the Dreamfolks card through Dragonpass App. You need to use your card number and the password to login. You can get the password by emailing your DF card details to Dreamfolks support.

DreamFolks DragonPass Card (Digital)

Bottomline

India’s Credit card industry along with the Aviation sector is booming and Dreamfolks made the entry into B2C segment at right time. The Unique benefits like spa access is a brilliant idea compared to the regular Lounge access benefit. If Priority Pass follows this idea, it would be mind blowing to see how much revenues the Spa outlets would make!

Its good to see a new player in the lounge access segment, after all, it should result in better card offers for consumers like us.

Have you got your Dreamfolks Dragonpass Card? Feel free to share your experiences in comments below.

Author: Siddharth

Helping Indians to choose right credit cards, pick right offers and enjoy luxury vacations for less. Day & night exploring the spiritual reality of our human existence.

62 thoughts on “DreamFolks DragonPass Card Review (India)

  1. Amex Guy

    I don’t think it’s operated the way you mention. There is no such think as Dragonpass Privilege Card that’s sold internationally, or by any other bank. Unlike a PP, you’re not really getting a regular physical Dragonpass. This thing looks like ICICI partnered with DreamFolks for domestic/spa and Dragonpass for international lounges and shoved it into one card. They can easily encode two cards onto one magnetic strip.

    besides, DP don’t need to partner with Dreamfolks, they are already present in India. Almost every lounge I’ve been to have a Dragonpass machine.

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      DreamFolks-DragonPass Alliance happened in early 2017
      Check: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPpbATl0Z4E

      Been in touch with Dreamfolks since then and have been waiting for months for this card to go live. I’ve just sent the article to them to check for factual inaccuracies and will update accordingly.

      Yes, its confusing as to why Dragonpass needs this tie up. Reason is, dreamfolks wants to get into B2c segment. Its basically a Dreamfolks card, with dragon pass tie up for intl access, so Dreamfolks can sell the card easily both via banks and direct market. But we call it as “Dragonpass card” as that’s the name we’re familiar with πŸ™‚

      Ofcourse its different from DragonPass Intl card.

      Reply
      1. Amex Guy

        “Its basically a Dreamfolks card, with dragon pass tie up for intl access.”

        That, I can live with. πŸ™‚ I can see use of this as they support a spa in Lucknow. Since there are no lounges in Lucknow on PP, this may help. But on 2 swipes complimentary sounds too much of a hassle to get a new card.

        Reply
        1. Siddharth Post author

          True that. Hope they increase the free limits to make it more attractive for ppl who get the card for spa/lounge access as primary reason.

          They can do a lot difference to the industry with what they’ve come up, but lets see if they’re determined to make an impact πŸ™‚

          Reply
        2. Tathagat

          I came to know that there is a lounge in lucknow which has access through diners/rupay card though have not verified the information yet !! I case , if someone has used it, do share the info.
          Thanks

          Reply
          1. Amex Guy

            That lounge is not free for India issued cards. It is on Diners network, but for domestic lounges, HDFC uses DreamFolks, not Diners network. If you have a non-HDFC Diners card, it should be free. Otherwise, 1600 charge.

  2. Abhishek Roy

    While most of the credit card companies have partnered with Priority Pass all kind of lounge visits in India and Abroad, I am sure with this partnership between DragonPass and DreamFolks, the footprint of Dragon Pass has increased drastically in India as DreamFolks are the biggest lounge providers in India, so I can see a lot of banks will slowly provide this option of lounge access too with their credit cards. While having a Priority Pass is good, I am sure keeping a DragonPass Card too in the pocket can sure give you access to more options when it comes to lounges.

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      Yeah!

      Priority Pass + Dreamfolks DragonPass + Diners = Access to typically any lounge, except those few Biz/first class ones πŸ™‚

      Reply
      1. aka

        Siddharth ,

        You have been doing great work for a while now πŸ™‚

        Just a small query- how do we find out whether any airport lounge has a tie up with a particular card short of walking upto it and trying our luck !! As in , say , the zesto lounge at Lucknow – which card will get a complimentary access to it ?

        Reply
      2. Kaustav

        Need one clarity…..i guess normally the priority pass membership that one gets through amex travel platinum or hdfc regalia would be a standard membership where the entry is charged like $32 for the member and also any guest for the international lounges. Atleast the PP membership I have got through amex platinum travel CC is a standard so no free visits in international lounges….i guess its free for the domestic lounges..is it the same for dragonpass??
        I have got a Sapphiro card recently….nowhere its written that the dragonpass membership is a classic, preferential or prestige. Let me know how to get a standard plus uograge of PP and atleast a preferential update in dragonpass

        Reply
  3. Vishal

    @Sid just saw Dream Folks website about the packages, I think of taking that card we can opt for Indus Iconia which has unlimited domestic lounges in india even for addon cards. as far domestic is considered Iconia is best even compared to Infinia/exclusive or any other super premium card. what do you say

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      Yes, Iconia serves the purpose for lounge access.

      You don’t really need to buy the packages from their website unless you need Unlimited spa benefit that comes with their top end package.

      Reply
  4. Ramprasad

    Hi Sid,

    I had got Priority Pass with ICICI Jet Airways Sapphiro CC.

    On noticing their offering change to DragonPass, I sent a mail to their customer care requesting DragonPass & without any questions, they dispatched one to my address. So, now I have their Priority Pass (which is of no use anyway) & this DragonPass.

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      Cool. I haven’t tried the email way as i got used to instant connect to Wealth management support lately.

      Reply
  5. Saurabh

    I am holding saphiro jet airways since more then 3 years and even my spends are pretty good. But they haven’t given me priority pass with it. Are you sure they are issuing dragon pass complimentary with jet airways saphiro.

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      Yes they do and that’s what the article is all about. Most Sapphiro card holders do not know this.

      Reply
      1. Saurabh

        I just spoke to my wealth management officer and he said that previously priority pass and now dragon pass is issued only with visa variant. As I am holding amex variant of the card they cannot issue me the same

        Reply
        1. Siddharth Post author

          False info!
          Hang up. Call again and ask to issue Priority Pass. Repeat until you’re successful πŸ˜›

          You may also email them if you prefer to, worked for someone!

          Reply
          1. Saurabh

            Finally received my Dragon pass after much efforts. Though it’s valid only for international usage but it’s good to have something different from the usual priority pass. Thank you so much Sidharth for the help.

  6. Siddharth Mehta

    Thanks sid for mentioning my post. Probably one of the first blogs where my post ever got mentioned πŸ™‚

    Hope to provide more such useful posts and info in future.

    Reply
  7. Nikhil Goel

    I’ve received my new ICICI Jet Sapphiro today but got no dragon pass with it. Seems like they want us to call them specially and ask for it.

    Reply
  8. Anoop E S

    I called the customer care and told them that I lost the priority pass card. They said they will send the replacement priority pass card within 5 days. And as mentioned in this post, I got the dragon pass card.

    Btb how to activate it in the dragon pass mobile application?

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      Update:
      You can now access the digital card details via DragonPass App.

      Reply
  9. Gagan

    I got this card delivered last week from ICICI Bank – this is replacement of Priority Pass which was issued for my Sapphiro Card.

    Just for this card was delivered without any specific request from my side.

    Reply
  10. Nikhil Goel

    I just received this card after doing 2 transactions on my Jet Sapphiro card.
    Does the 2 international lounge access work only with international tickets or we can access them while holding a domestic ticket at any international terminal like T-3 at Delhi?

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      Its for usage out of country. You can use the credit card for domestic access.

      Reply
      1. Nikhil Goel

        Actually this card belongs to my dad and all his cards are having lounge access via Visa Signature only. I was wondering if there might be any case where the visa machines are not working as I’ve seen in some of your posts, then this would come as a backup option.

        Reply
  11. Shafiq

    Kolkata Airport Update (9 Jan 2018): O2 spa at kolkata airport is closed permanently, TFS lounge is open. Unable to use one of my complimentary visits to O2 spa with dragonpass card. Travelling with 6E to Delhi.

    Reply
  12. Siddharth Mehta

    Tried using Dragonpass at O2 spa in T2 domestic terminal of Mumbai. It wasn’t accepted. They say that it is valid only for O2 spa located at internal departures πŸ™

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      That’s sad now!

      Was it still mentioned on the list? If so, Raised a complaint to Dreamfolks and ICICI?

      Reply
  13. Shafiq

    Tried using Dragonpass at O2 spa in T3 domestic terminal of Delhi. It wasn’t accepted. It is valid only for O2 spa located at international departures only.

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      It clearly states that it can be used only at Domestic departures. Did you raise the concern with ICICI and dreamfolks?

      Reply
      1. Chetan

        Is there a list of domestic airports when it can be used for spa?

        Reply
  14. Debbarma

    Reading through your sentence, “Remember, Only ICICI Jet Sapphiro variant is worth the cost, the plain Saphirro card is not that useful.”
    I have understood that you are holding ICICI Jet Sapphiro variant + Dragoon pass (USD 99 annual membership fee is complimentary and visit chargeable @ USD 27). Then what is the benefit, if it is not coming with the free pass with Jet Sapphiro varient.

    Reply
  15. Anoop E S

    O2 spa in GVK Lounge at Mumbai T2 Domestic is in the list of spa as per ICICI Bank website. But They are not accepting it saying that they are not allowed to accept it. But they say it could be used at another outlet near to Gate no 86.

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      There are some recent changes to the list.

      Call Dreamfolks support @ 1800 1234 109
      Usually a guy named ‘Shashank’ attends the call. He should be able to help.

      Reply
    2. Akash Jain

      I used the 86 gate O2 spa yesterday. Works fine. 30 MINS foot massage was complemetary.

      Is this 1 per year or quarter?

      Reply
  16. NAGARAJ

    Siddharth : You mentioned, ”Remember, Only ICICI Jet Sapphiro variant is worth the cost, the plain Sapphiro card is not that useful”.

    Could you pls explain this. Recently I got upgraded to Sapphiro master card. not the jet variant. So

    Reply
  17. DP

    Hi Sidharth
    How do you get the password for Digital Card? Is it from customer care or sending mail to which address?

    Reply
  18. Ameya

    Hi Sid
    I don’t know if you have tried this, so sharing my experience.
    I used the DragonPass issued by ICICI (with Jet Sapphiro) at the Miracle Lounge for First Class (while travelling Y) at BKK.
    The best part was, as there were 2 entries pending in my card, I swiped them both in quick succession for myself and my wife. No extra charges or alarms were raised by the agent at the counter.
    Have not tried this with Priority Pass. Can anyone confirm if the same can be attempted with PP?

    Reply
  19. AB

    There seems to be loop hole in icici system, I have cancelled my jet saphiro card last year and i have been told by customer service that dragon pass associated with get cancelled automatically. After an year suddenly there is a charge of around 2000 appeared on my rubyx card, i have contacted ICICI wealth management customer service and surprise surprise they said you have used your dargon pass in singapore airport with guests and 2 visits are free and charged for one. Initially every customer service agent and even their manager says dragon pass or priority pass should get cancelled automatically if you cancel the credit card. But backend team said it wont cancelled automatically we need to raise a request again to cancel. When i asked them how can you give free access on dragon pass if i am no longer holding the card, they don’t have a clue. Folks if any one cancel saphiro or jet saphiro, there is a chance that your dragon pass is still active and it can be used or misused. Customer service even at wealth management level is too bad. Is any one faced similar experiance ?

    Reply
  20. Ashish Nikhare

    Visited O2 Spa at Mumbai Terminal 2 Domestic departures. Dreamfolks Standy Poster was pasted at the reception. They readily accepted Dragon Pass Card. Had a relaxing Foot Reflexology for 30 minutes. Nice peaceful & calm ambience and better massage compared to the Heaven on Earth spa. Remember to visit O2 Spa located near “Gate No. 86” of Terminal 2 Domestic departure.

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      Yes, O2 Spa is good almost everywhere. Have tried in Mumbai,Bglr,Delhi airports.

      Reply
  21. Athul

    Hi. Is there any Dragon Pass physical card? I bought the membership directly through DP website but I haven’t got any physical card yet. But instead, I’m using the digital card through their mobile app.
    If there’s any sort of physical card, anyone knows how to apply for the same?

    Reply
  22. Anshul

    Are the 2 complimentary spa sessions valid per calendar year or per card membership year?

    Reply
  23. meow

    recently got an offer of icici sapphiro LTF . very happy considering bms free tickets .
    international lounge access are less though (only 2)

    Reply
  24. AMEY

    i recently got an offer of LTF ICICI SAPPHIRO .VERY HAPPY AS IT IS ONLY CARD WHICH GIVES SPA AND THE BMS OFFER . BUT ONLY 2 INTERNATIONAL LOUNGES IS VERY LESS

    Reply
  25. Rachit

    I cannot find any Indian spas in the DragonPass list. Are they all removed?

    Reply
  26. Muk

    Just got ICICI Saphiro credit card LTF basis my wealth account I hav. And eager to use the Spa facility during my Goa trip this week.

    Reply
  27. Subrata

    I got my Dreamfolks card today from IDFC First bank linked to my Wealth Credit Card.

    Reply

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