ICICI Bank
ICICI Emeralde Credit Card
This is an invite only card
Top Benefits
Travel Complimentary Unlimited Visits Lounge Access
at domestic and international airports
TATA CLiQ Worth ₹5,000
for American Express Cardholders, twice every year
Best For
Shopping
Travel
The ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card is a top-tier premium card built for high-income professionals and ...
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The ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card is a top-tier premium card built for high-income professionals and ...
The ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card is a top-tier premium card built for high-income professionals and frequent travelers who value exclusive lifestyle benefits. Right out of the gate, its standout feature is the domestic flight cancellation benefit. If your plans change, the bank covers cancellation charges up to Rs. 12,000 on domestic flight and hotel bookings. For a family of four, avoiding non-refundable ticket losses can instantly cover the card's annual fee in a single trip.
Designed for individuals earning a minimum of Rs. 1.5 lakh per month, this card competes aggressively in the luxury segment by offering unlimited domestic and international airport lounge access. Whether you pick the Mastercard or American Express network, you get a powerful travel companion. The American Express variant pushes the value even further by giving you Tata CLiQ shopping vouchers worth Rs. 5,000 twice a year. While it commands a premium Rs. 12,000 joining and annual fee, the high reward multipliers on the iShop portal and extensive travel perks make it a highly practical choice for big spenders.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Is the ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card lifetime free?
No, the card charges a joining fee of Rs. 12,000 and an annual fee of Rs. 12,000. However, the annual fee is waived if you spend Rs. 10 lakh or more in a year.
Who is the ideal user for this card?
This card is perfect for frequent travelers and high earners making at least Rs. 18 lakh per year. The unlimited lounge access and flight cancellation benefits heavily favor those who fly often.
What makes this card different from other premium cards?
The most unique feature is the zero cancellation charges on domestic flight and hotel bookings up to Rs. 12,000. Most competing cards do not offer this direct cash-saving safety net for canceled travel plans.
Which network is better: Mastercard or American Express?
While both offer great base benefits, the American Express variant includes an extra perk of Tata CLiQ shopping vouchers worth Rs. 5,000 twice a year, giving you Rs. 10,000 in added annual value.
Expert Review
As a credit card expert reviewing the ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card, I see a highly targeted product that does one thing exceptionally well: protecting travelers. The Rs. 12,000 flight cancellation waiver is a standout benefit that practically acts as premium travel insurance. Combine that with the low 1.99% forex markup and unlimited lounge access, and it becomes a formidable card for anyone who practically lives out of a suitcase.
However, the card has a glaring flaw: the complete lack of a welcome bonus. Charging a Rs. 12,000 joining fee without offering immediate points or a milestone voucher is a tough pill to swallow, especially when competitors in the same price bracket offer massive upfront rewards. Furthermore, excluding utility and insurance payments from earning reward points restricts the card's everyday utility. Ultimately, I recommend this card strictly for high-income flyers who value convenience and cancellation protection over aggressive reward point farming.
Joining / Annual Fee
Joining Fees
₹14,160 ( ₹12000 + GST )
Annual Fees
₹14,160 ( ₹12000 + GST )
Holding a super-premium card comes with significant upfront and recurring costs. The ICICI Bank Emerald...
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Holding a super-premium card comes with significant upfront and recurring costs. The ICICI Bank Emerald...
Holding a super-premium card comes with significant upfront and recurring costs. The ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card charges a one-time joining fee of Rs. 12,000 plus taxes. As discussed earlier, there is no welcome bonus to immediately offset this charge, so you must rely on the card's travel and lifestyle benefits to recover the value.
From the second year onward, you are charged an annual renewal fee of Rs. 12,000 plus taxes. However, the bank rewards heavy usage. The annual fee is waived completely if you spend Rs. 10 lakh or more in a year on your card. To hit this waiver target, you need to route approximately Rs. 83,333 per month through the card. If you use this card for all your high-ticket purchases, travel bookings, and family expenses, reaching the Rs. 10 lakh milestone is highly achievable for an individual earning the prerequisite Rs. 1.5 lakh monthly salary. If you fall short and spend Rs. 9.5 lakh, you will be billed the full Rs. 12,000 fee on your card anniversary.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the exact joining fee?
A one-time joining fee of Rs. 12,000 is charged at the time of card issuance.
Can the joining fee be waived?
No, the Rs. 12,000 joining fee is mandatory and there is no waiver condition for the first year.
How much is the annual fee from the second year?
The annual renewal fee is Rs. 12,000, charged every year on your card anniversary.
How do I get the annual fee waived?
The annual fee is waived if you spend Rs. 10 lakh or more in a year on your card, as per bank policy.
Does rent payment count toward the Rs. 10 lakh waiver milestone?
Excluded categories, including rent and fuel, do not count toward the Rs. 10 lakh annual fee waiver threshold.
What happens if I spend Rs. 900,000 in a year?
Since you missed the Rs. 10 lakh target, the full annual fee of Rs. 12,000 plus GST will be charged to your account.
Is this card available as lifetime free?
No, under standard terms, this card carries a strict Rs. 12,000 fee unless you meet the Rs. 10 lakh annual spending condition.
When is the annual fee billed to my account?
The annual fee is charged every year at the end of your 12-month membership cycle. If you met the spending condition, the fee will reflect as waived on that statement.
Eligibility
Age
Criteria*
21-60 years
Salary
Criteria*
18LPA
Credit
Rating*
720+
New to credit
allowed
Yes
Existing Bank
Customer Allowed
Yes
Because the ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card sits at the top of the bank's portfolio, the eligibility re...
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Because the ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card sits at the top of the bank's portfolio, the eligibility re...
Because the ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card sits at the top of the bank's portfolio, the eligibility requirements are strict. The bank targets high-net-worth individuals and senior professionals. The minimum age to apply is 21 years, and the maximum age limit is 60 years. This age bracket applies to both salaried employees and self-employed business owners.
The financial barrier to entry is a minimum monthly income of Rs. 150,000. Translated to an annual figure, you need a minimum annual income of Rs. 18 Lakh to qualify. This applies uniformly whether you draw a salary from a corporation or run your own business. On top of the income requirement, you must maintain an excellent credit history. A minimum CRIF credit score of 720 is required for approval. If you earn Rs. 20 Lakh a year but have a history of missed loan payments dropping your score to 680, your application will face rejection. A clean, strong credit profile is mandatory.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the minimum age required to get this card?
You must be at least 21 years old to apply for this credit card.
Is there an upper age limit for applicants?
Yes, the maximum age limit for eligibility is 60 years.
How much salary do I need to qualify?
Salaried individuals need a minimum monthly income of Rs. 150,000, which equals an annual package of Rs. 18 Lakh.
Can a self-employed person apply for this card?
Yes, both salaried and self-employed individuals are eligible. Self-employed applicants must also demonstrate a minimum annual income of Rs. 18 Lakh.
What credit score is needed for approval?
You need a minimum CRIF score of 720 to be considered for approval.
Will I get approved if my income is Rs. 12 Lakh a year?
No, the strict minimum annual income requirement is Rs. 18 Lakh as per bank eligibility rules.
Does the 720 credit score rule apply to self-employed applicants too?
Yes, self-employed applicants also require a minimum CRIF score of 720.
Do I need to submit income tax returns to prove my income?
Yes, self-employed individuals need to provide their latest ITR documents showing an income of at least Rs. 18 Lakh.
All Card Benefits
- Earn from 6x to 12x reward points on iShop
- Shopping voucher from TATA CLiQ worth ₹5,000 for American Express Cardholders twice every year
- Buy one ticket & get up to ₹750 off on the second ticket through BookMyShow
- Unlimited access to international & domestic airport lounges for the primary Cardholder
Welcome Benefits
Surprisingly for a card in the super-premium category, the ICICI Bank Emeralde Cred...
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Welcome Benefits Surprisingly for a card in the super-premium category, the ICICI Bank Emeralde Cred...
Welcome Benefits
Surprisingly for a card in the super-premium category, the ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card does not offer any explicit welcome benefits or bonus reward points upon activation. When you pay the Rs. 12,000 joining fee, you gain immediate access to the card's ongoing features like lounge access and shopping multipliers, but there is no upfront voucher or point credit to offset that initial cost.
Travel and Airport Lounge Benefits
This is where the card truly shines. Primary cardholders get completely unlimited access to both domestic and international airport lounges. Whether you take 10 flights a year or 50, you will never pay for airport food or comfortable seating again. Additionally, the card provides an incredible safety net for domestic travelers: no cancellation charges on domestic flight and hotel bookings, up to Rs. 12,000. If you book a non-refundable weekend getaway that costs Rs. 10,000 and an emergency forces you to cancel, the bank absorbs that penalty entirely.
Movie and Entertainment Perks
Movie buffs can save heavily on weekend outings with the Buy One Get One (BOGO) offer on BookMyShow. When you purchase a movie ticket, you get up to Rs. 750 off on the second ticket. If you book two premium tickets costing Rs. 600 each, you pay Rs. 600 for the first and get the second one completely free, saving you Rs. 600 instantly. Beyond movies, if you hold the American Express version of this card, you receive a Tata CLiQ shopping voucher worth Rs. 5,000 twice every year. That is a direct Rs. 10,000 lifestyle benefit added to your wallet annually.
Reward Points Structure
The ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card focuses heavily on its proprietary iShop portal for rewards. You earn an accelerated 6x to 12x reward points on iShop purchases. Each reward point holds a solid value of Rs. 0.25. If you buy a premium smartphone worth Rs. 100,000 on the iShop portal and hit a 10x multiplier promotion, you accumulate massive points. (Note: The base reward rate is 1 reward point for every Rs. 100 spent on regular offline and online transactions, which serves as the foundation for your 6x to 12x iShop multipliers). Your points translate directly into real money value, giving you a straightforward way to calculate your returns.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
Driving and commuting become slightly cheaper with a blanket 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all fuel stations in India. Whether you fill up at Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, or Shell, the standard 1% bank surcharge added to credit card fuel swipes is reversed.
Insurance Coverage
Premium cards always come with solid insurance, and this one delivers an outstanding Air Accident Insurance cover up to Rs. 3 Crore. This provides massive financial security for frequent flyers and their families without requiring an external premium payment.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Does the card offer a welcome bonus?
No, this card does not offer any benefits in the welcome category. You do not receive bonus points or vouchers just for joining.
How do I offset the Rs. 12,000 joining fee without a welcome bonus?
You have to use the ongoing features to recover the fee. For example, using the Rs. 12,000 flight cancellation waiver just once completely offsets your initial joining cost.
Will I get welcome points if I hit a spending target in the first month?
ICICI Bank does not currently offer a spend-based welcome bonus on the Emeralde card, as benefits are focused on travel and lifestyle usage rather than upfront activation.
Is there a first-year fee waiver instead of a welcome bonus?
The joining fee of Rs. 12,000 is charged at issuance as per bank policy. There is no standard first-year waiver, but you can waive the second-year fee by spending Rs. 10 lakh in your first year.
How many lounge visits do I get per year?
The primary cardholder receives unlimited access to both domestic and international airport lounges. There is no yearly cap to track.
Does the unlimited lounge access apply to add-on members or guests?
The unlimited benefit is specifically for the primary cardholder. Guest access and add-on card privileges incur standard visit charges, ranging from $27 to $32 per person, depending on the specific lounge network.
How does the flight cancellation benefit work?
If you cancel domestic flight or hotel bookings made with this card, the bank waives the cancellation charges up to a maximum of Rs. 12,000.
Does the cancellation waiver apply to international flights?
No, this specific benefit is strictly limited to domestic flight and hotel bookings.
Do I get access to railway lounges?
This card does not offer any benefits in the railway lounge category.
What is the exact discount I get on movie tickets?
You get up to Rs. 750 off on the second movie ticket when you buy one through BookMyShow. If the second ticket costs Rs. 500, it is fully free.
How often can I use the BookMyShow offer?
You can avail of this benefit up to twice every month, providing significant savings for regular cinema-goers.
Do Mastercard holders get the Tata CLiQ voucher?
No, the shopping voucher from Tata CLiQ worth Rs. 5,000 (twice a year) is strictly an exclusive bank offer for American Express cardholders.
Can I use the BookMyShow benefit for plays or concerts?
This benefit is restricted to movie ticket bookings and does not extend to non-movie events like plays or concerts.
What is the value of one reward point?
One reward point equals Rs. 0.25. This means 1,000 reward points give you Rs. 250 in value.
How many points do I earn on normal purchases?
You earn a base rate of 1 reward point per Rs. 100 on all standard purchases outside the iShop platform.
How do the 6x to 12x multipliers work?
When you shop through the ICICI iShop portal, your base reward points are multiplied by 6 to 12 times depending on the merchant or ongoing offers.
Do I earn points on fuel purchases?
No, fuel transactions are entirely excluded from earning reward points.
Can I earn points when I pay my electricity bill?
No, utility bill payments are excluded from the rewards program. A Rs. 5,000 electricity payment will earn zero points.
Are insurance premiums eligible for reward points?
No, payments made toward insurance premiums fall under the bank's exclusion list and do not earn points.
Is there a limit to how many points I can earn on iShop?
There is no monthly or annual capping on accelerated reward points earned via the iShop portal.
Do I get any bonus points for hitting high spends?
The card rewards high spending with an annual fee waiver at Rs. 10 lakh, but it does not provide additional milestone bonus points beyond this threshold.
What is the fuel surcharge waiver on this card?
You get a 1% waiver on fuel transactions at all fuel stations across the country.
Is there a minimum transaction amount to get the waiver?
The fuel surcharge waiver applies to transactions between Rs. 400 and Rs. 4,000.
What is the maximum surcharge waiver I can get in a month?
The fuel surcharge waiver is capped at Rs. 500 per month.
Do I also earn reward points on the fuel I buy?
No, fuel transactions only qualify for the surcharge waiver and are excluded from earning reward points.
What kind of insurance comes with this card?
The card offers an Air Accident Insurance cover of up to Rs. 3 Crore for the primary cardholder.
Do I need to pay extra for this insurance?
No, this insurance cover is a complimentary benefit included with your card membership.
How do I ensure the air accident cover is active?
You must use your Emeralde card to book your flight tickets to ensure the Rs. 3 Crore air accident coverage is active for your trip.
Does the card offer medical insurance while traveling abroad?
This card provides specific Air Accident Insurance but does not include international medical emergency coverage.
How to Redeem Rewards & Cashback?
Rewards Conversion Rate
1 reward point = ₹0.25
Redemption Options
- ishop
- Health & Beauty
- Travel & Luggage
- Shopping Vouchers
- Home Appliances
- Electronics
- Fashion & Lifestyle
To check redemption catalogue
The reward redemption process for the ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card revolves around a dedicated redem...
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The reward redemption process for the ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card revolves around a dedicated redem...
The reward redemption process for the ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card revolves around a dedicated redemption catalogue at https://ishop.reward360.in/. Every reward point you earn holds a cash value of Rs. 0.25. The platform gives you extensive flexibility to use your points across multiple lifestyle categories. You can redeem points for products in Health & Beauty, Travel & Luggage, Home Appliances, Electronics, Fashion & Lifestyle, or convert them into Shopping Vouchers.
For example, if you accumulate 20,000 reward points from your high-multiplier iShop purchases, the total cash value of your points is Rs. 5,000 (20,000 x 0.25). You can log into the reward portal and pick a Rs. 5,000 lifestyle voucher or a travel bag from the catalogue without paying a single rupee out of pocket. Furthermore, the bank does not charge any reward redemption fees, ensuring you get exactly 100% of the value you earned.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Where do I go to redeem my reward points?
You need to visit the dedicated portal at https://ishop.reward360.in/ to view the catalogue and redeem your points.
What can I get with my reward points?
You can choose from Health & Beauty items, Travel & Luggage, Home Appliances, Electronics, Fashion & Lifestyle goods, or Shopping Vouchers.
How much are 10,000 points worth?
Since 1 reward point equals Rs. 0.25, a balance of 10,000 points gives you exactly Rs. 2,500 in purchasing power on the portal.
Is there a fee to redeem my points?
No, there is no reward redemption fee charged. You keep the full value of your points.
Can I use my points to pay my credit card bill?
Reward points are intended for product and voucher redemption via the iShop portal and cannot be converted into statement credit.
Do I have to redeem points in specific multiples?
You must have a minimum of 500 reward points to initiate a redemption on the iShop portal.
Will my points expire if I don't use them?
Reward points on this card are valid for 3 years from the date of accumulation, giving you ample time to redeem them.
Bank Exclusions
You will not earn points / cashback on spends in the following categories
For Points / Cashback Earnings
Fuel
ATM Withdrawal
Cash Advance
EMIs
Balance Transfer
Personal Loan
Insurance Payments
Utility Bills
Government Spends
Education Payments
Rent
E-Wallet Loading
For Spends Waiver
Fuel
ATM Withdrawal
Cash Advance
EMIs
Balance Transfer
Personal Loan
Insurance Payments
Utility Bills
Government Spends
Education Payments
Rent
E-Wallet Loading
Even premium cards have strict boundaries. The ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card explicitly excludes cert...
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Even premium cards have strict boundaries. The ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card explicitly excludes cert...
Even premium cards have strict boundaries. The ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card explicitly excludes certain everyday spending categories from its rewards program. You will not earn any reward points on Fuel, Insurance, and Utility payments. If you use this card to pay a Rs. 20,000 annual life insurance premium, you earn zero points. If you pay a Rs. 8,000 electricity and water bill, you earn zero points. If you swipe for Rs. 4,000 at a petrol pump, you earn zero points (though you do get the 1% surcharge waiver). You must route these expenses through a different card if you want to maximize your returns on essential bills.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Will I earn rewards on petrol or diesel purchases?
No, fuel purchases are completely excluded from the reward points program.
Does paying my electricity bill give me reward points?
No, all utility bills are explicitly excluded from earning rewards.
What happens if I pay my health insurance with this card?
Insurance payments fall under the exclusion list. A Rs. 15,000 health insurance premium swipe will yield zero reward points.
Do rent payments earn reward points?
Rent payments do not earn reward points and attract a processing fee of Rs. 199 plus GST per transaction.
Why are these categories excluded?
Banks exclude low-margin, high-volume transactions like utilities and fuel to balance the heavy costs of premium features like unlimited lounge access.
Do excluded transactions still count toward the Rs. 10 lakh annual fee waiver?
Excluded transactions like fuel and utilities do not contribute toward the Rs. 10 lakh annual spending milestone for the fee waiver.
Bank Fee Structure
| Structure | Details |
|---|---|
Forex Markups  2% forex markup is charged on transactions made in currencies other than INR. Applies to international POS payments and online purchases charged in foreign currency. | 2% |
APR Fees Finance charges of 3.75% per month (45% per annum) apply on unpaid outstanding balances until the amount is fully repaid | 3.75% |
ATM withdrawal No fee is charged when withdrawing cash | Not Applicable |
Reward Redemption Fees No fee is charged when redeeming reward points on this card. | Not Applicable |
Link for all T&Cs | Click Here |
Railway Surcharge A railway booking surcharge of 1.80% for online transactions and 2.50% for other bookings is applied, with additional bank charges and taxes recovered at actuals. | 1.80% |
Rent Payment Fees 1% of the transaction amount is charged as a fee on rent payment transactions, subject to applicable GST and platform charges | 1% |
cheque Payment Fees A fee of ₹150 of the payment amount is levied for cheque return, cheque dishonour, or auto-debit reversal | ₹100 |
Cash Payment Fees ₹150 cash payment fee per deposit | ₹150 |
| Late Payment Fees | Amount Due |
|---|---|
| ₹0–₹100 | ₹0 |
| ₹100–₹500 | ₹100 |
| ₹501–₹1,000 | ₹500 |
| ₹1,001–₹5,000 | ₹600 |
| ₹5,001–₹10,000 | ₹750 |
| ₹10,001–₹25,000 | ₹900 |
| ₹25,001–₹50,000 | ₹1,100 |
| Above ₹50,000 | ₹1,300 |
When dealing with a premium card, understanding the fine print saves you from unexpected hits to your w...
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When dealing with a premium card, understanding the fine print saves you from unexpected hits to your w...
When dealing with a premium card, understanding the fine print saves you from unexpected hits to your wallet. Below is a detailed breakdown of every fee associated with the ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card, from interest rates to penalty charges.
The joining fee for this card is a strict Rs. 12,000 plus taxes. A one-time joining fee is charged at the time of card issuance as per the bank's policy. There is no welcome bonus or upfront fee waiver offered to offset this cost, meaning you pay this amount outright to gain access to the card's premium features.
The annual fee is Rs. 12,000 plus taxes, charged every year on your membership anniversary. However, the annual fee is waived if you spend Rs. 10 lakh or more in a year on your card, as per bank policy. For example, if your total spends hit Rs. 1,050,000 by month 12, the Rs. 12,000 charge is reversed, making the card free for the next year.
Finance charges of 3.75% per month (45% per annum) apply on unpaid outstanding balances until the amount is fully repaid. This is a very high APR. If you roll over a balance of Rs. 20,000 for one month, the bank will charge you Rs. 750 in pure interest alone, significantly eating into any rewards you earned.
Late payment fees are structured in slabs based on your outstanding balance: ₹0 (for balances up to ₹500), ₹400 (₹501-₹1,000), ₹750 (₹1,001-₹10,000), ₹950 (₹10,001-₹25,000), ₹1100 (₹25,001-₹50,000), and ₹1300 for balances above ₹50,000. If you forget to pay a Rs. 15,000 bill, you will be slapped with a Rs. 950 late fee.
A 1.99% forex markup is charged on transactions made in currencies other than INR. This applies to international POS payments and online purchases charged in foreign currency. For example, if you spend USD equivalent to Rs. 100,000 on a hotel in Dubai, the bank adds a Rs. 1,990 markup fee. This is a very competitive rate for international travelers compared to the standard 3.5% on basic cards.
2.5% of the withdrawn amount is charged on cash advances using the credit card, subject to a minimum of Rs. 500. If you urgently withdraw Rs. 10,000 from an ATM, the 2.5% calculation comes to Rs. 250, but since the minimum is Rs. 500, you will be charged a flat Rs. 500 fee. Withdrawing cash is always an expensive move.
A surcharge fee of Rs. 199 plus GST applies on rental transactions made using the credit card. If you use a third-party app to pay a Rs. 30,000 monthly house rent with this card, your bank statement will reflect an extra Rs. 199 charge just for the convenience.
A surcharge of 1% is applied to transactions made for booking railway tickets. If you book a train journey worth Rs. 5,000 via IRCTC, expect an extra Rs. 50 added to your billing statement.
A cash payment fee of Rs. 200 is applied if you choose to pay your credit card bill by depositing physical cash at an ICICI bank branch. You can completely avoid this fee by paying your bill online via NEFT, UPI, or net banking.
A fee of Rs. 200 of the payment amount is levied for cheque return, cheque dishonour, or auto-debit reversal. If your bank account lacks funds when your auto-debit triggers to pay your credit card bill, you incur this Rs. 200 bounce penalty.
There is no reward redemption fee on this card. When you convert your points into vouchers or products on the iShop portal, you are not charged any processing fee, ensuring your rewards retain their full Rs. 0.25 per point value.
| Fee Type | Amount / Rate |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | Rs. 12,000 |
| Annual Fee | Rs. 12,000 (Waived on Rs. 10 Lakh spend) |
| Interest Rate (APR) | 3.75% per month (45% annually) |
| Late Payment Fee | Up to Rs. 1300 based on balance slab |
| Forex Markup | 1.99% |
| Cash Withdrawal Fee | 2.5% (Minimum Rs. 500) |
| Rent Payment Fee | Rs. 199 + GST |
| Railway Surcharge | 1% |
| Cash Bill Payment | Rs. 200 |
| Cheque Bounce Fee | Rs. 200 |
| Reward Redemption Fee | N/A (Zero) |
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the joining fees for this card?
The joining fee is Rs. 12,000 plus taxes, charged one-time when the card is issued.
What is the annual or renewal fee?
The card charges an annual fee of Rs. 12,000 from the second year onwards.
Is there an annual fee waiver based on spending?
Yes, the annual fee is waived if you spend Rs. 10 lakh or more in a 12-month period.
How can I get this card lifetime free?
The card is available on a paid basis only, unless you hold a specific corporate relationship that offers a promotional waiver. You must meet the spending criteria to waive the yearly fee.
What is the interest rate if I don't pay my full balance?
The bank charges an interest rate of 3.75% per month, which equals 45% per annum.
How is the interest calculated on outstanding balances?
Finance charges of 3.75% apply to your daily unpaid balance from the date of the transaction until the amount is fully repaid. Example: A Rs. 10,000 balance costs Rs. 375 a month.
What are the late payment charges?
Late fees range from Rs. 0 to Rs. 1300 depending on the amount you owe. A balance above Rs. 50,000 attracts the maximum Rs. 1300 penalty.
Is the late payment fee different based on outstanding amount?
Yes, it follows a slab structure. For instance, an outstanding balance between Rs. 1,001 and Rs. 10,000 carries a Rs. 750 fee.
What is the forex markup for international transactions?
The card charges a 1.99% forex markup fee on foreign currency transactions, making it a good choice for international travel.
Can I withdraw cash using my credit card?
Yes, but you will pay a 2.5% fee on the withdrawn amount, with a minimum charge of Rs. 500. It is an expensive way to access money.
Are there fees for paying rent with this card?
Yes, you pay a flat Rs. 199 plus GST surcharge fee every time you process a rental transaction.
Is there a fee for paying my bill in cash?
Yes, paying your credit card bill with physical cash at a branch incurs a Rs. 200 convenience fee.
What happens if my payment cheque bounces?
A penalty of Rs. 200 is levied to your account for any cheque return or auto-debit reversal.
Are there charges for railway ticket bookings?
Yes, a 1% surcharge is added to all railway tickets booked using this credit card.
Is there a fee to redeem my reward points?
No, there is no reward redemption fee. You can convert your points to products or vouchers at zero extra cost.
Documents Required
To process your application smoothly, you must provide proof of identity, address, and income. Having these ready prevents unnecessary delays.
You need your PAN Card as the primary identity document. For address proof, an Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID is acceptable. To prove your income, salaried employees should provide their latest two months' salary slips and the last three months' bank statements showing salary credits. Self-employed applicants must submit their latest Income Tax Return (ITR) computation along with business continuation proof.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What identity proof do I need?
You must provide a valid PAN card and Aadhaar card for KYC processing.
What documents do salaried employees need?
Salaried applicants need their latest 2-3 months' salary slips and a recent bank statement showing salary credits.
What income proof is needed if I am self-employed?
Self-employed individuals must submit their latest Income Tax Returns (ITR) showing a minimum gross income of Rs. 18 Lakh, along with business proofs.
Do I need to submit physical photographs?
No, if you opt for Video KYC, your photo is captured digitally during the video call.
Is address proof mandatory?
Yes, your Aadhaar card serves as address proof. If your current address is different, you will need a valid utility bill or rental agreement.
Can I apply with just my PAN card?
No, PAN alone is not enough. You must provide valid income and address proofs to secure a premium card approval.
Who Should Get This Card?
The "Just in Case" Traveler: If you book family vacations months in advance and constantly worry about sick kids or sudden work meetings ruining non-refundable tickets, this card is your holy grail. The Rs. 12,000 cancellation waiver is a massive stress reliever.
The Amex Tata CLiQ Shopper: If you opt for the American Express version, the Rs. 10,000 annual Tata CLiQ voucher value covers almost the entire Rs. 12,000 annual fee effortlessly.
Who should skip it? The Utility Payer. If your main goal is to earn heavy cashback on electricity bills, insurance premiums, and daily fuel, this card is a terrible fit. Those categories earn zero rewards here. Look for a dedicated utility or cashback card instead.
Credit Limit and What to Expect
Because the ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card requires a massive Rs. 18 Lakh annual income and a premium credit score of 720, you can expect a high initial credit limit. Premium cards in this bracket start with limits ranging from Rs. 3 Lakh to Rs. 5 Lakh, scaling upwards based on your existing debt and banking relationship.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What credit limit will I get with a Rs. 1.5 Lakh monthly salary?
While limits are personalized, a salary of Rs. 1.5 Lakh per month yields an initial credit limit between Rs. 3 Lakh and Rs. 5 Lakh.
Can I request a higher limit immediately after getting the card?
Banks require 6 to 12 months of good repayment history before entertaining a credit limit increase request.
Does my 720 CRIF score guarantee a high limit?
A 720 score gets you approved, but your limit depends on your income-to-debt ratio and existing credit lines.
Will my limit decrease if I don't use the card much?
Banks periodically review accounts. Prolonged inactivity could lead to a limit reduction, so regular usage is recommended.
Can I set a maximum spend limit for safety?
Yes, you can use the bank's mobile app to set daily or per-transaction limits for online, POS, and international spends.
Does withdrawing cash affect my overall credit limit?
Yes, your cash advance limit is a sub-limit of your total credit limit. Withdrawing cash reduces your available balance for purchases.
How to Apply?
Getting your hands on the ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card is a streamlined digital process. You can apply directly through the ICICI Bank website, via the iMobile app if you are an existing customer, or through trusted financial platforms. The process relies heavily on Video KYC, allowing you to complete verification from your home or office without visiting a physical branch.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I apply for this card completely online?
Yes, the application process is digital and can be completed via the bank's website or mobile app.
Do I need to visit a branch for KYC?
No, you can complete the verification through a Video KYC call. Keep your original PAN card and Aadhaar handy.
How long does approval take?
Approvals take 7 to 10 working days after the successful completion of your Video KYC.
Can existing ICICI customers upgrade to this card?
Yes, existing customers can request an upgrade through net banking, provided they meet the Rs. 18 LPA income and credit score criteria.
What if my Video KYC fails due to poor internet?
If the video call drops, you can reconnect using the same link. If it fails entirely, you must arrange for physical document pickup.
Can I track my application status online?
Yes, you will receive an application reference number which you can use on the bank's tracking portal.
That’s the full story of this credit card
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Top Benefits
Top Benefits
Travel Complimentary Unlimited Visits Lounge Access
at domestic and international airports
TATA CLiQ Worth ₹5,000
for American Express Cardholders, twice every year
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