Although this card has higher joining and annual fees, it’s unmatched in terms of comparison. The features and benefits it offers will compel you to reconsider for the second time!
The ICICI Emeralde Credit Card targets high net-worth individuals.
It offers rewards, travel perks like lounge access and insurance, lifestyle benefits such as golf and hotel memberships, and features like fuel surcharge waivers.
joining and renewal fees
The joining and renewal fees for the ICICI Emeralde Credit Card depend on whether you choose the monthly or annual plan:
Monthly Plan:
- Joining fee: ₹1,000 + GST
- Monthly fee: ₹1,000 (waived off if you spend more than ₹1 lakh in a month)
Annual Plan:
- Joining fee: ₹12,499
- Annual fee: ₹12,499 (reversed if you spend ₹10 lakh or more in a year)
Eligibility Criteria
- Salary ₹3,00,000 or above net monthly salary income
- Annual Income Tax Returns filed₹ 30,00,000 or above
- All existing ICICI Bank Global Private Client customers are eligible to apply for the ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card.
Featues and benefits of icici emeralde credit card
Rewards
- Reward Points: Earn reward points on your spending. The rate can vary depending on the spending category.
- 12,500 Bonus Points (Yearly): You get this after your card is activated and the joining or renewal fee is paid.
- Reward Redemption: Redeem your points for various options like flight tickets, merchandise, gift vouchers, or statement credit.
Travel Benefits
- Unlimited Complimentary Lounge Access: Enjoy access to domestic and international airport lounges through DragonPass and Priority Pass memberships.
- Travel Insurance: Get comprehensive travel insurance coverage including accidental death, medical expenses, baggage loss, and more.
- Low Foreign Transaction Markup Fee: Pay a minimal fee of 1.5% when using the card internationally.
- Airport and In-flight Wi-Fi: Enjoy complimentary access to Wi-Fi services at airports and on flights.
Lifestyle Benefits
- Complimentary Golf: Enjoy complimentary rounds of golf every month at select courses.
- Hotel Membership: Get complimentary Taj Epicure Membership with benefits like free stays, discounts, and spa access at Taj hotels.
- BookMyShow Offers: Get discounts on movie tickets, including up to Rs. 750 off the second ticket with the purchase of one.
- Dining Offers: Enjoy 15% off your dining bills at select restaurants through ICICI Culinary Treats.
- Birthday Treat: Receive a birthday dining voucher worth Rs. 7,500 from Trident Hotels.
- Concierge Services: Avail 24/7 concierge services for travel bookings, restaurant reservations, and more.
Other Features
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Get a waiver on fuel surcharge fees at petrol pumps.
- No Fee on ATM Cash Withdrawals: Withdraw cash from ATMs without any fees.
- No Over Limit Fee: There are no charges for exceeding your credit limit.
- No Cash Withdrawal Fee: No fees for withdrawing cash using your card.
- No Late Payment Charges: Avoid late payment charges if you make your minimum payment on time.
- No Cancellation Charges: No cancellation charges on travel and hotel bookings made with the card.
- Comprehensive Insurance Cover: The card offers various insurance benefits like purchase protection, lost card liability, and air accident death cover.
Hidden fees of icici emeralde credit card
Interest Rates:
- The card carries a high interest rate, typically around 40.8% per annum.
- Failure to pay the full balance each month incurs interest charges that accumulate rapidly.
Card Replacement Fee:
If your card is lost or stolen and requires replacement, there’s a fee of Rs. 3,500.
Charges for Exceeding Credit Limit:
Although there isn’t a specific “over limit fee,” surpassing your credit limit can result in finance charges applied to the entire outstanding balance.
Taxes on Fees:
Joining/annual fees and other charges are subject to additional GST (Goods and Services Tax), which you’ll need to pay.
Being aware of these charges can help you manage your credit card usage more effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.
icici emeralde credit card vs hdfc infinia
| Feature | ICICI Emeralde | HDFC Infinia |
|---|---|---|
| Reward Rate | Varies depending on category (generally lower than Infinia) | 5 points per Rs. 150 spent, 10x on travel and shopping via SmartBuy |
| Welcome Bonus | 12,500 bonus points after card activation and fee payment | Up to 150,000 bonus points depending on spending in first 3 months |
| Airport Lounge Access | Unlimited access via DragonPass and Priority Pass | Unlimited access via Priority Pass |
| Travel Insurance | Comprehensive coverage including accidental death, medical expenses, baggage loss | Comprehensive coverage including accidental death, medical expenses, baggage loss |
| Foreign Transaction Markup | 1.5% | 2% |
| Complimentary Golf | Yes, at select courses | No |
| Hotel Membership | Complimentary Taj Epicure Membership with benefits | No |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Yes | Up to Rs. 1,000 per month |
| Annual Fee | Rs. 12,499 (waived off if spending Rs. 10 lakh annually) | Rs. 12,500 (waived off if spending Rs. 5 lakh annually) |
| Other Benefits | BookMyShow offers, dining discounts, birthday voucher, concierge services, insurance cover | Club Vistana membership discounts, weekend getaway offers, access to select golf courses, lost card liability cover |
How to Apply?
If you want to apply, then click here
Applying Through a Branch Visit:
Locate an ICICI Bank branch near you.
Request to speak with a credit card representative.
The representative will guide you through the application process and provide you with a physical application form.
Fill out the form with your details and provide the required documents mentioned earlier (PAN Card, address proof, income proof).
The representative will submit the application on your behalf.
Similar to the online application, the bank will review your application and contact you regarding the decision.
Who benefits most from this card?
The ICICI Emeralde Credit Card is best suited for high net-worth individuals who spend a lot, travel frequently, and enjoy a luxurious lifestyle.
If these characteristics don’t match your spending habits and priorities, other credit cards might offer better value.
