ICICI Bank
ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card
This is an invite only card
Top Benefits
Get 2 Complimentary International Airport Lounge
accesses for the primary cardholder at international airport lounges
Buy 1 Get 1 Movies on BookMyShow With
up to ₹500 off on the second ticket, twice every month
Best For
Shopping
Travel
If you frequently fly to the Middle East or beyond, the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card ...
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If you frequently fly to the Middle East or beyond, the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card ...
If you frequently fly to the Middle East or beyond, the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card offers a direct path to elite travel benefits. This premium travel card skips the complicated point conversion math and deposits Emirates Skywards Miles directly into your loyalty account for every purchase you make. The core value proposition is straightforward: you earn 1.5 Skywards Miles for every Rs. 100 you spend, whether you are shopping locally or internationally.
This card works great for high-earning professionals and business owners who want immediate airline status. Right out of the gate, it grants you a complimentary Emirates Skywards Silver Tier Membership. This means you get priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and lounge access in Dubai even before you take your first flight with the card. While many travel cards force you to navigate third-party portals, this card connects straight to your Emirates loyalty profile.
Priced at Rs. 5,000 annually, the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card positions itself against other premium airline co-branded cards. It stands out by offering a solid flat earning rate on everyday spends combined with robust entertainment perks like BookMyShow discounts. If you are loyal to the Emirates network and prefer a straightforward mileage-earning structure over generic reward points, this card deserves a spot in your wallet.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Is the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card lifetime free?
No, this card is not lifetime free. It comes with a joining fee of Rs. 5,000 plus GST and an annual renewal fee of Rs. 5,000 plus GST.
Who should apply for this card?
This card is ideal for frequent international travelers, particularly those who regularly fly with Emirates. You need a minimum monthly income of Rs. 1.5 lakh to qualify for this premium product.
Does this card give direct airline miles?
Yes, instead of generic bank reward points that you have to convert later, this card earns Emirates Skywards Miles directly on your eligible everyday purchases.
Expert Review
As a credit card analyst, I appreciate a card that knows exactly what it wants to be. The ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card does not try to please everyone. It is a highly specialized tool designed for frequent international travelers, and in that specific lane, it performs brilliantly.
The best feature by far is the instant Emirates Skywards Silver Tier Membership. Achieving this status organically takes a lot of flying and money. Being handed this status just for paying the Rs. 5,000 joining fee gives you immediate comfort, lounge access in Dubai, and extra baggage allowance. Earning 1.5 miles per Rs. 100 directly into your Skywards account is also incredibly smooth—no portal math, no point transfer delays.
However, the card is not without its flaws. My main criticism is the strict "No Annual Fee Waiver" policy. In a market where almost every premium card offers a fee waiver on spends of Rs. 3 Lakhs to Rs. 5 Lakhs, being forced to pay Rs. 5,000 plus GST every single year feels rigid, even with the 5,000 renewal miles. Furthermore, a 3.5% forex markup on a premium travel card is higher than expected; many travel-focused cards offer markups of 2% or lower.
Ultimately, if you fly Emirates at least once or twice a year, the perks easily outweigh the fees. If you rarely travel internationally or prefer domestic airlines, the steep non-waivable fees will drain your wallet without providing adequate return.
Joining / Annual Fee
Joining Fees
₹5,900 ( ₹5000 + GST )
Annual Fees
₹5,900 ( ₹5000 + GST )
The fee structure of the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card is straightforward but steep, r...
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The fee structure of the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card is straightforward but steep, r...
The fee structure of the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card is straightforward but steep, reflecting its premium benefits. It is crucial to understand these costs upfront because there are no built-in spending waivers to rescue you from the annual charges.
When your card is issued, you will be charged a one-time joining fee of Rs. 5,000 plus applicable taxes. There is no joining fee offset available. However, this cost is somewhat balanced by the welcome gift of 5,000 Skywards Miles and the Silver Tier Membership. Still, you must be prepared to pay the Rs. 5,000 plus GST on your first statement.
From the second year onwards, an annual renewal fee of Rs. 5,000 plus GST is charged to your account. Unlike many other credit cards that waive this fee if you spend a certain amount (like Rs. 3 Lakhs or Rs. 5 Lakhs) in a year, this card has strictly no annual fee waiver. Whether you spend Rs. 10,000 or Rs. 20 Lakhs in a year, you will have to pay the Rs. 5,000 renewal fee. The bank softens this blow by awarding you 5,000 bonus Skywards Miles upon every annual renewal.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the joining fees for this card?
The one-time joining fee for this card is Rs. 5,000 plus applicable GST.
Is there any way to waive the joining fee?
No, there is no joining fee offset available. The fee must be paid, though you do receive a welcome bonus of 5,000 miles to compensate for the cost.
What is the annual or renewal fee?
From the second year onwards, the card carries an annual renewal fee of Rs. 5,000 plus GST.
Is there an annual fee waiver based on my yearly spending?
No, this card offers absolutely no annual fee waiver regardless of how much you spend during the year.
Do I get any benefit for paying the annual renewal fee?
Yes, every time you renew the card and pay the Rs. 5,000 fee, you receive an annual bonus of 5,000 Emirates Skywards Miles.
When will the annual fee be charged?
The annual fee is typically billed to your card statement at the completion of 12 months from your card issuance date.
Can I convert the joining fee into EMIs?
You can convert joining and annual fees into 3 to 6-month EMIs via the iMobile app once they appear on your statement, subject to interest rates of 1.33% to 1.5% per month.
Is the GST amount included in the Rs. 5,000 fee?
No, the GST (currently 18%) is charged over and above the Rs. 5,000 fee. So your actual out-of-pocket cost will be Rs. 5,900.
Eligibility
Age
Criteria*
21-60 years
Salary
Criteria*
18LPA
Credit
Rating*
720+
New to credit
allowed
Yes
Existing Bank
Customer Allowed
Yes
Getting approved for the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card requires meeting strict age, in...
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Getting approved for the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card requires meeting strict age, in...
Getting approved for the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card requires meeting strict age, income, and credit profile standards. The bank positions this as a premium lifestyle product, and the eligibility rules reflect that tier.
Age is the first hurdle. The primary applicant must be at least 21 years old to apply. The maximum age limit for applying is 60 years. This specific 21 to 60 age bracket applies uniformly to both salaried employees and self-employed professionals.
The income requirement is quite high compared to standard market cards. You must have a minimum monthly income of Rs. 150,000. Translated annually, this means both salaried and self-employed applicants must demonstrate a yearly income of at least Rs. 18 Lakhs. If your salary is Rs. 1.6 lakh per month, you comfortably meet this threshold. The bank accepts applications from both employment types, provided the income proof is solid.
Finally, your credit history plays a major role. The bank requires a minimum CRIF score of 720. A score of 720 or above shows a track record of responsible credit behavior, prompt repayments, and a healthy credit utilization ratio. If your score is below 720, the chances of your application being rejected are high.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to apply for this card?
The primary applicant must be at least 21 years old to be eligible for this credit card.
What is the maximum age limit for the primary cardholder?
The upper age limit for applying for this card is 60 years.
What is the minimum salary required for salaried applicants?
Salaried individuals need a minimum monthly income of Rs. 1,50,000 (which equals Rs. 18 Lakhs annually) to qualify.
What is the minimum annual income for self-employed applicants?
Self-employed professionals and business owners must also demonstrate a minimum annual income of Rs. 18 Lakhs.
Can self-employed individuals apply for this card?
Yes, self-employed business owners and professionals are completely eligible as long as they meet the Rs. 18 Lakhs annual income requirement.
What credit score (CRIF/CIBIL) is needed for approval?
A minimum CRIF credit score of 720 is required by the bank to process and approve your application.
Will my application be rejected if my credit score is below 720?
A score below 720 results in immediate application rejection for this premium tier; you must improve your credit profile before applying.
Do I need an existing relationship with ICICI Bank to apply?
While an existing relationship is not mandatory, customers with an active ICICI savings account or a pre-approved offer experience significantly higher approval rates.
All Card Benefits
- Earn up to 4% cashback on iShop
- Earn Emirates Skywards Miles on every ₹100 spend: 1.5 Miles (Domestic), 1.5 Miles (International)
- 5,000 Skywards Miles on annual renewal
- 5,000 Skywards Miles and complimentary Emirates Skywards Silver Tier Membership
- 2 complimentary international airport lounge accesses
- 2 domestic lounge accesses per quarter on minimum spend of ₹75,000 in the preceding calendar quarter
- Complimentary Priority Pass Membership (access to 1,400+ lounges in 145+ countries)
- Complimentary DreamFolks Membership (access to 650+ lounges in 100+ countries)
- Book 1 movie ticket on BookMyShow and get up to ₹500 off on the second ticket, twice every month
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400–₹4,000
Welcome and Renewal Benefits
The moment you activate your card and pay the joining fee, you get a ...
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Welcome and Renewal Benefits The moment you activate your card and pay the joining fee, you get a ...
Welcome and Renewal Benefits
The moment you activate your card and pay the joining fee, you get a significant boost to your travel profile. The card offers a welcome bonus of 5,000 Skywards Miles along with a complimentary Emirates Skywards Silver Tier Membership. This membership immediately upgrades your travel experience with perks like priority boarding and excess baggage allowance on Emirates flights.
When you renew the card each year, you receive another 5,000 Skywards Miles. To put this in practical terms, if you pay your Rs. 5,000 renewal fee, these 5,000 bonus miles effectively help justify the cost of keeping the card active year after year.
Reward Points Structure
The primary engine of this card is its mileage earning capability. For every Rs. 100 you spend on eligible purchases, you earn 1.5 Skywards Miles. This flat rate applies equally to both domestic and international spends. If you spend Rs. 50,000 on regular shopping in a month, you will accumulate 750 Skywards Miles directly in your account.
Additionally, if you prefer cash value for certain online purchases, you can earn up to 4% cashback when shopping through the ICICI iShop portal. The regular reward conversion rate on the bank platform values 1 Reward Point at Rs. 0.15. So, if you manage to earn 10,000 regular reward points through promotional offers, they translate to Rs. 1,500 in value.
Airport Lounge Access and Memberships
Travel comfort is a major focus here. The card provides 2 complimentary international airport lounge visits. It also includes a complimentary Priority Pass membership, giving you entry to over 1,400 lounges across 145 countries, and a DreamFolks membership covering 650 lounges in 100 countries. Keep in mind that while the membership is free, visits beyond your complimentary quota will attract usage charges.
For domestic travel, you get 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter. However, this is tied to a spending milestone. You must spend a minimum of Rs. 75,000 in the preceding calendar quarter to get the domestic lounge access for the next quarter. If you spend Rs. 25,000 per month consistently, you will comfortably hit this target.
Movie and Entertainment Benefits
The ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card steps out of its travel focus to offer excellent entertainment value. When you book one movie ticket on BookMyShow, you can get up to Rs. 500 off on the second ticket. You can use this offer twice every month.
Let us look at the math: If you go to the movies twice a month and claim the full Rs. 500 discount each time, you save Rs. 1,000 monthly. Over a year, this benefit alone can save you Rs. 12,000, effectively covering the cost of the annual fee twice over.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
To help with your daily commute, this card offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions made at petrol pumps. The waiver applies strictly to transactions between Rs. 400 and Rs. 4,000.
If you fill up your tank for Rs. 2,000, the typical Rs. 20 surcharge added by the petrol station will be waived on your credit card statement. Remember, while you save on the surcharge, fuel transactions do not earn any Skywards Miles.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I get the welcome 5,000 Skywards Miles?
The welcome miles are credited to your linked Emirates Skywards account after you pay the initial joining fee of Rs. 5,000 plus GST and meet any preliminary activation conditions.
What does the Silver Tier Membership actually give me?
The Emirates Skywards Silver Tier offers practical travel benefits like priority check-in, guaranteed excess baggage allowance, and complimentary lounge access at the Dubai International Airport.
Do I get the 5,000 miles every year?
Yes, the bank awards you 5,000 Skywards Miles annually when you renew your card and pay the Rs. 5,000 annual fee for the upcoming year.
Does the Silver Tier status renew every year automatically?
Silver Tier status is valid for one year. To maintain this status, you must earn 25,000 Tier Miles or complete 25 flights with Emirates within your membership cycle.
What is the base earning rate on this card?
You earn 1.5 Emirates Skywards Miles for every Rs. 100 spent on both domestic and international eligible transactions.
Do I earn more miles for international spending?
No, the earning rate is a flat 1.5 Miles per Rs. 100 regardless of whether the transaction is made in India or abroad.
How much is a regular reward point worth?
For standard bank reward points redeemed through the iShop platform, 1 Reward Point is valued at Rs. 0.15. This means 1,000 points give you Rs. 150 in value.
What is the iShop cashback offer?
You can earn up to 4% cashback on purchases made through the ICICI iShop portal using your credit card.
Do I earn miles on my rent payments?
No, rent payments are specifically excluded from earning any Skywards Miles or reward points on this card.
Will paying my electricity bill earn miles?
No, utility bill payments are part of the excluded categories and will not earn any miles on this card.
Do I earn miles when paying for my child's school fees?
Education payments are excluded from the rewards program. A Rs. 50,000 school fee payment will earn zero miles.
Are miles earned on fuel purchases?
Fuel transactions are fully excluded from earning miles. You only get the fuel surcharge waiver, not miles.
How many international lounge visits do I get?
You receive 2 complimentary international airport lounge accesses through the provided network memberships.
Is there a condition for domestic lounge access?
Yes, to get your 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter, you need to spend at least Rs. 75,000 using the card in the previous calendar quarter.
What happens if I spend only Rs. 50,000 in a quarter?
If you fall short of the Rs. 75,000 threshold, you will not receive the complimentary domestic lounge access for the following quarter.
Are Priority Pass visits free unlimited?
No, the card gives you complimentary membership to Priority Pass, but actual free visits are limited to the 2 international lounge accesses provided. Subsequent visits will be charged at standard network rates.
How does the BookMyShow offer work?
When you buy a minimum of two tickets on BookMyShow using this card, the price of the second ticket is discounted by up to Rs. 500.
Can I use the movie offer every week?
No, this specific BookMyShow discount is capped at two usages per month.
What if my second ticket costs Rs. 300?
If your second ticket costs Rs. 300, the entire Rs. 300 will be free. The discount covers the ticket price up to a maximum limit of Rs. 500.
Do I get discounts on food and beverages at the cinema?
The discount applies strictly to the ticket price. Most BookMyShow credit card offers exclude food and beverages unless specifically bundled as a "movie combo" ticket in the booking flow.
What is the minimum amount required for the fuel surcharge waiver?
You must swipe your card for a minimum of Rs. 400 at the fuel pump to trigger the 1% surcharge waiver.
Is there a maximum transaction limit for the fuel waiver?
Yes, the waiver only applies to individual fuel transactions up to Rs. 4,000. Any single swipe above this amount will not qualify for the waiver.
Do I earn Skywards Miles when I buy petrol?
No, fuel purchases are excluded from the rewards program. You only get the surcharge waiver.
Does the waiver apply to all petrol bunks?
Yes, the 1% waiver is generally applicable across all major fuel station networks in India as long as the transaction falls within the Rs. 400 to Rs. 4,000 range.
Milestone Benefits
5000 reward points(Worth ~ ₹750)
Spend ₹5,00,000 in 365 days
How to Redeem Rewards & Cashback?
Rewards Conversion Rate
1RP = ₹0.15
Redemption Options
- Emirates Skywards program
- ishop
To check redemption catalogue
Redeeming the value you build on the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card is largely an autom...
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Redeeming the value you build on the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card is largely an autom...
Redeeming the value you build on the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card is largely an automated and highly specific process. Unlike standard cards where you log into a portal to hunt for items, your core earnings on this card are Emirates Skywards Miles.
As you spend on the card, the bank calculates your miles at the rate of 1.5 miles per Rs. 100. These miles are automatically transferred to your linked Emirates Skywards membership account. You do not need to manually initiate a points transfer. Once the miles hit your Emirates account, you log into the Emirates website or app to use them for flight bookings, seat upgrades, or partner airline tickets.
If you earn generic reward points or use the iShop portal for the up to 4% cashback offers, you redeem those through the dedicated portal: https://www.icici.bank.in/ishop. On this platform, standard reward points hold a conversion rate where 1 Reward Point equals Rs. 0.15. For example, if you accumulate 20,000 reward points, you can redeem them for items or vouchers worth Rs. 3,000. Be aware that initiating a manual reward redemption on the bank's portal will attract a handling fee of Rs. 99 plus GST.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I redeem my Emirates Skywards Miles?
Your miles are automatically credited to your Emirates Skywards account. You must log into the Emirates website or app directly to redeem them for flights or upgrades.
Do I have to pay a fee to transfer miles to Emirates?
No, the core miles earned on your spends are transferred automatically without any manual intervention or transfer fees.
Where do I redeem regular reward points?
You can redeem regular reward points by visiting https://www.icici.bank.in/ishop and logging in with your credit card credentials.
What is the rupee value of a single reward point?
When redeeming through the bank's platform, 1 Reward Point is valued at Rs. 0.15. So, 1,000 points are worth Rs. 150.
Is there a fee for redeeming reward points through the bank portal?
Yes, every time you place a redemption request for reward points on the portal, a fee of Rs. 99 plus GST is charged to your credit card statement.
How long does it take for miles to reflect in my Emirates account?
Miles are usually credited to your Emirates Skywards account within a few days after your monthly credit card statement is generated.
Bank Exclusions
You will not earn points / cashback on spends in the following categories
For Points / Cashback Earnings
Rent
Government spends
Education Payments
Fuel
Cash Advances
ATM Withdrawals
Insurance Payments
Utility Bills
For Spends Waiver
Rent
Government spends
Education Payments
Fuel
Cash Advances
ATM Withdrawals
Insurance Payments
Utility Bills
To maximize your benefits with the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card, you need to know exa...
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To maximize your benefits with the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card, you need to know exa...
To maximize your benefits with the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card, you need to know exactly which transactions will not earn you any miles or rewards. The bank has a strict list of excluded categories. If you swipe your card for these expenses, the transaction goes through, but you earn zero miles.
The excluded categories are Rent, Government spends, Education Payments, Fuel, Cash Advances, ATM Withdrawals, Insurance Payments, and Utility Bills.
Let us look at the real-world impact of these exclusions. If you pay your Rs. 30,000 monthly house rent via a credit card app, you might expect to earn 450 miles (at 1.5 miles per Rs. 100). However, because rent is excluded, you earn exactly 0 miles. Similarly, paying a Rs. 15,000 LIC insurance premium or a Rs. 5,000 electricity bill will yield zero rewards. It is best to use this card primarily for travel, dining, and retail shopping where the miles flow without restriction.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Which transactions do not earn any miles on this card?
You will not earn miles on Rent, Government spends, Education Payments, Fuel, Cash Advances, ATM Withdrawals, Insurance Payments, and Utility Bills.
Will I earn miles if I pay my monthly electricity and water bills?
No, utility bills are completely excluded from earning any miles or reward points on this card.
Does paying house rent with this card earn any rewards?
No, rent payments are an excluded category. Furthermore, rent payments usually attract a 1% surcharge fee.
Can I use this card to pay my child's college fees and earn miles?
No, education payments are on the strict exclusion list and will not accumulate any Skywards Miles.
Are tax payments or government fees eligible for rewards?
No, all government spends, including income tax payments or municipal taxes, are excluded from earning rewards.
If I buy petrol, do I get miles along with the surcharge waiver?
No, you only get the 1% fuel surcharge waiver. Fuel transactions do not earn any Skywards Miles.
Bank Fee Structure
| Structure | Details |
|---|---|
Forex Markups  3.5% forex markup is charged on transactions made in currencies other than INR. Applies to international POS payments and online purchases charged in foreign currency. | 3.5% |
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 2.5% of the withdrawn amount is charged on cash advances using the credit card (minimum ₹500, if applicable) | 2.5% |
Reward Redemption Fees A redemption handling fee of ₹99 plus GST is charged on catalogue-based reward redemptions | ₹99 |
Link for all T&Cs | Click Here |
Railway Surcharge A surcharge of 1.80% is applied to transactions made for booking railway tickets | 1.80% |
Rent Payment Fees A surcharge fee of 1% applies on rental transactions made using the credit card | 1% |
cheque Payment Fees A fee of ₹100 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 | ₹1100 |
| More than ₹50,000 | ₹1300 |
Understanding the exact costs associated with the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card is cri...
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Understanding the exact costs associated with the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card is cri...
Understanding the exact costs associated with the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card is critical, as premium cards come with premium penalties. Below is a detailed breakdown of every fee you might encounter, complete with real-world financial examples so you know exactly what to expect.
The Joining Fee is a flat Rs. 5,000 plus GST. This is a one-time charge applied to your very first statement. While there is no joining fee offset available to wipe this charge, the bank does provide 5,000 welcome Skywards Miles to help balance out the cash you spent.
The Annual or Renewal Fee is also Rs. 5,000 plus GST, charged from the second year onwards. Crucially, there is no annual fee waiver on this card. For example, even if you put Rs. 20 Lakhs of business expenses on this card in a year, you will still see a Rs. 5,000 fee on your anniversary month statement, though you do receive 5,000 renewal miles.
The APR or Interest Rate is set at 3.99% per month, which translates to a massive 47.88% per annum. Finance charges of 3.75% per month (47.88% per annum) apply on unpaid outstanding balances until the amount is fully repaid. For example, if you roll over a balance of Rs. 10,000 to the next month, you will be hit with roughly Rs. 399 in interest charges for just that one month.
Late Payment Charges are tiered based on your outstanding balance: Rs. 0 for balances up to Rs. 100; Rs. 100 for balances between Rs. 100 and Rs. 499; Rs. 500 for balances between Rs. 500 and Rs. 4,999; Rs. 750 for balances between Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 9,999; and Rs. 1,200 for balances above Rs. 10,000. For instance, if you forget to pay a bill of Rs. 6,000, the bank will add a Rs. 750 late fee to your next statement.
The Foreign Transaction or Forex Markup Fee is 3.5%. This 3.5% forex markup is charged on transactions made in currencies other than INR and applies to international POS payments and online purchases. If you swipe your card for a dinner in Dubai equivalent to Rs. 10,000, the bank will charge an additional Rs. 350 just for processing the foreign currency.
The ATM Cash Withdrawal Fee is 3%. According to bank policy, 2.5% of the withdrawn amount is charged on cash advances using the credit card. If you use this card in an emergency to withdraw Rs. 10,000 from an ATM, you will immediately be charged a fee of Rs. 300 (using the 3% rate), plus high daily interest from the moment the cash leaves the machine.
The Rent Payment Convenience Fee is 1%. A surcharge fee of 1% applies on rental transactions made using the credit card. If you pay a monthly rent of Rs. 25,000 through a property portal using this card, a fee of Rs. 250 will be added to your bill, and remember, rent payments do not earn any reward miles.
The Railway Surcharge is 1.8%. A surcharge of 1.8% is applied to transactions made for booking railway tickets. If you book train tickets worth Rs. 2,000 on the IRCTC website using this card, expect to pay an extra Rs. 36 as a surcharge.
The Cash Payment Fee is Rs. 250. There is a Rs. 250 cash payment fee per deposit if you walk into an ICICI Bank branch to clear your credit card bill using physical cash instead of paying digitally.
The Cheque Payment Fee is Rs. 500. If your payment cheque bounces or is returned, the bank levies a flat cheque return fee of Rs. 500 plus GST, in addition to applicable late payment penalties.
The Reward Redemption Fee is Rs. 99 plus GST. A fee of Rs. 99 plus GST will be charged for Reward Redemption when you manually exchange your regular bank reward points for items on the iShop portal. If you redeem points for a Rs. 500 voucher, the Rs. 99 fee heavily eats into your actual savings.
| Fee Type | Amount / Rate |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | Rs. 5,000 + GST |
| Annual Fee | Rs. 5,000 + GST (No waiver) |
| Interest Rate (APR) | 3.99% per month (47.88% annually) |
| Late Payment Fee | Up to Rs. 1,200 based on balance |
| Forex Markup Fee | 3.5% |
| ATM Withdrawal Fee | 3% (or 2.5% per bank terms) |
| Rent Payment Fee | 1% |
| Railway Surcharge | 1.8% |
| Cash Payment Fee | Rs. 250 per deposit |
| Reward Redemption Fee | Rs. 99 + GST |
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the joining fees for this card?
The one-time joining fee is Rs. 5,000 plus GST, which cannot be offset by spending.
What is the annual or renewal fee?
The annual renewal fee is Rs. 5,000 plus GST, charged every year on your card anniversary.
Is there an annual fee waiver based on spending?
No, this card has absolutely no annual fee waiver. You must pay the Rs. 5,000 fee regardless of your yearly spends.
What is the interest rate (APR) if I don't pay my full balance?
The interest rate is 3.99% per month. If you carry a balance of Rs. 10,000, you will be charged roughly Rs. 399 in interest per month.
What are the late payment charges?
Late fees range from Rs. 0 to Rs. 1,200. For an outstanding balance of Rs. 3,000, you will be charged a Rs. 500 late fee.
Is the late payment fee different based on outstanding amount?
Yes, it is based on slabs. A balance of Rs. 200 attracts a Rs. 100 fee, while a balance of Rs. 15,000 attracts the maximum Rs. 1,200 fee.
What is the forex markup for international transactions?
The forex markup is 3.5%. Spending Rs. 10,000 equivalent in a foreign currency will cost you an extra Rs. 350.
Can I withdraw cash using my credit card?
While you can, it is extremely costly as it attracts a 3% withdrawal fee and immediate high interest with no interest-free period.
Are there fees for paying rent with this card?
Yes, rent payments attract a 1% surcharge fee. Paying a Rs. 20,000 rent bill will incur a Rs. 200 fee.
Is there a fee for paying my bill in cash?
Yes, if you deposit cash at a branch to pay your credit card bill, you will be charged a Rs. 250 fee per deposit.
Are there charges for railway ticket bookings?
Yes, booking railway tickets carries a 1.8% surcharge. A Rs. 1,000 ticket will cost an extra Rs. 18.
Is there a fee to redeem my reward points?
Yes, if you manually redeem standard reward points on the iShop portal, a fee of Rs. 99 plus GST is charged per request.
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
Is a PAN card mandatory to apply?
Yes, a valid physical PAN card is strictly mandatory for the application and the Video KYC process.
Can I use my Aadhaar card for both ID and address proof?
Yes, an Aadhaar card is widely accepted as a valid document for both identity and current address verification.
What income proof do salaried individuals need to show?
You will need to provide your latest salary slips (usually for the last 3 months) and bank statements reflecting the salary deposits to prove your Rs. 1.5 Lakh monthly income.
What if I am self-employed and don't have salary slips?
Self-employed applicants must submit their latest Income Tax Returns (ITR) clearly showing an annual income of Rs. 18 Lakhs or more.
Do I need to submit physical copies of my documents?
If you apply online and complete Video KYC, you can upload digital copies of your documents. Physical submission is only required if digital verification fails.
Is a passport mandatory for this travel card application?
While a passport is great for ID and address proof, it is not legally mandatory to get the card, though you will obviously need one to use the international travel benefits.
Who Should Get This Card?
The Emirates Loyalist: If your business or family ties have you flying to Dubai or connecting through the Middle East multiple times a year, this card is a no-brainer. The instant Silver Tier status saves you money on baggage and provides lounge comfort in Dubai immediately.
The High Spender Seeking Simple Math: If you hate logging into reward portals to figure out point transfer ratios, this card removes the friction. You spend money, and Skywards Miles drop directly into your airline account. It is simple, automatic, and highly effective for busy professionals earning over Rs. 18 Lakhs annually.
Who Should Avoid This Card? If you primarily travel domestically via IndiGo or Vistara, or if you refuse to pay non-waivable annual fees, look elsewhere. The Rs. 5,000 yearly fee is a fixed sunk cost. If you are not flying Emirates to recoup that value, the card becomes a pure expense.
Credit Limit and What to Expect
Your credit limit determines how much you can spend on your card at any given time. Because the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro requires a high minimum income of Rs. 1.5 Lakhs per month, the starting credit limits tend to be generous to match the premium nature of the card.
The bank assigns this limit based on your CRIF score of 720 or higher, your existing debt obligations, and your income stability. You can usually view your assigned credit limit in the welcome letter or the mobile banking app once the card is active.
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Commonly Asked Questions
What will be my starting credit limit?
Based on the Rs. 18 Lakh annual income requirement and premium card positioning, starting credit limits for the Sapphiro range from Rs. 3 Lakhs to Rs. 7 Lakhs.
Can I ask the bank to increase my credit limit later?
Yes, after 6 to 12 months of responsible usage and timely payments, you can request a limit enhancement through the banking app.
Does spending my full credit limit impact my credit score?
Yes, utilizing more than 30% of your total credit limit regularly can negatively impact your CRIF score. It is best to keep utilization low.
Is there a separate limit for international spending?
Your overall credit limit covers international spends, but you must manually enable international transactions and set specific usage limits via the bank app.
Can I transfer funds from my credit limit to my bank account?
While technically possible via cash advance, it is highly discouraged as it attracts a 3% withdrawal fee and immediate high-interest charges.
What happens if I accidentally spend over my limit?
Over-limit transactions attract a fee of 2.5% of the over-limit amount, subject to a minimum of Rs. 500. It is best to enable "Over-limit Consent" in the app if you expect to exceed your assigned limit.
How to Apply?
Applying for the ICICI Emirates Skywards Sapphiro Credit Card is a fully digital and smooth process. You can apply online to save time and get a faster decision.
Start by visiting the official bank website or a trusted partner platform. You will need to fill in basic details like your PAN, employment type, and monthly income. Based on your CRIF score and income details, the system will evaluate your preliminary eligibility. Once conditionally approved, you will upload your income documents. Finally, complete the Video KYC process by holding up your physical PAN card to a bank agent over a video call. This removes the need for physical branch visits entirely.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Where can I apply for this credit card online?
You can submit your application directly on the official ICICI Bank website or through verified financial partner platforms.
What is Video KYC and is it mandatory?
Video KYC is a digital verification process where a bank agent verifies your identity over a video call. It is mandatory for completing online applications without branch visits.
What do I need for a successful Video KYC call?
Keep your physical PAN card ready, sit in a well-lit room, ensure a strong internet connection, and have a blank paper and pen ready for a signature.
How long does the approval process take?
Once your Video KYC and document verification are successful, credit card approval typically takes 5 to 7 working days.
Can I track my application status online?
Yes, after applying, you will receive an Application ID that you can use on the bank's tracking portal to check your real-time status.
What happens if my Video KYC fails?
If the video call drops or fails due to network issues, you will usually be given a link to retry, or a bank representative may visit your address for physical verification.
That’s the full story of this credit card
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Top Benefits
Top Benefits
Get 2 Complimentary International Airport Lounge
accesses for the primary cardholder at international airport lounges
Buy 1 Get 1 Movies on BookMyShow With
up to ₹500 off on the second ticket, twice every month
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