ICICI Bank has announced a major update to its credit card fees, reward structures and benefits, with most changes coming into effect from January 15, 2026. These changes will affect how you earn rewards, pay for certain transactions, and enjoy perks from your ICICI Bank credit cards — so it’s important to know what’s new.
1. Reward Points & Category Rules
- On premium cards like Emeralde & Emeralde Metal, you’ll still earn points (e.g., 6 points per ₹200) but no points on spends like:
• Government services
• Fuel
• Rent
• Property management
• 3rd-party wallet loads like Paytm/Amazon Pay
This means some everyday spends won’t contribute to rewards anymore.
2. Entertainment Benefits (BookMyShow) Changes
- Popular perks like BookMyShow offers (e.g., buy-one-get-one) now require a minimum quarterly spend of ₹25,000 to be eligible.
- This will be checked quarterly — so if you want entertainment benefits, you must spend regularly.
3. New & Increased Transaction Fees
Online Gaming
- A 2% fee will now apply to transactions on gaming platforms like Dream11, MPL, Junglee Games, Rummy Culture, etc.
3rd-Party Wallet Loads
- A 1% fee will apply when loading ₹5,000 or more into wallets like Paytm, Amazon Pay, MobiKwik, Freecharge, etc.
Transport Category Fee
- Some reports note fees (e.g., 1% fee on transportation spends above ₹50,000) — such costs may apply on high transport bills such as train/bus bookings.
4. Foreign Currency Charges (DCC) Revised
When you spend in foreign currency (e.g., international travel or overseas websites), the Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) fee has been updated:
| Card Type | DCC Fee |
|---|---|
| Times Black | 1.49% |
| Emeralde / Emeralde Metal / Emeralde Private | 2.00% |
| MakeMyTrip Travel | 0.99% |
| Amazon Pay ICICI | 1.99% |
| Other ICICI cards (Platinum/Signature etc.) | 3.50% |
This impacts how much you pay when making purchases in foreign currency.
5. Add-On Card Fee
- For Emeralde Metal Credit Cards, every new add-on card issued from Jan 15, 2026 will attract a one-time fee of ₹3,500.
6. Branch Cash Payment Fee Increase
- The fee for clearing credit card dues with cash at ICICI branches is rising from ₹100 → ₹150 per transaction.
What This Means for Cardholders
Higher costs on digital habits:
• Gaming and wallet loads are now not “free”; they incur extra charges.
• International spending costs vary by card.
Reward earning tightened:
• Some previously rewarded categories (wallet loads, taxes, rents) now won’t earn points.
Perks require more activity:
• Entertainment offers now need consistent quarterly spends to qualify.