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ICICI Bank · Visa / Mastercard / Amex / RuPay · हिन्दी

ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card: full review

The ICICI Emeralde is a lifestyle card for frequent domestic travellers who want unlimited lounge access without Infinia's income requirements. Post-2026 devaluations have reduced its movie and lounge perks, but the card still delivers strong overall value at ₹12,000 if you travel domestically and use lounges regularly.

Apply now ↗Annual fee: ₹12,000 + taxes
Last updated: August 2026 · Current terms verified
ICICI BANK
VISA
)))
EMERALDE
ASHOK KUMAR
12/28
₹12,000 + taxes (waived on ₹10,00,000/year spend)Annual fee
4 reward points per ₹100 on all spends (1% base; up to 4% on iShop travel); unlimited lounge accessReward structure
Unlimited domestic + international (primary cardholder)Lounge access

Key benefits of the ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card

4 reward points per ₹100 on all eligible spends including utilities and insurance (1 RP = ₹0.25)Up to 4% effective rate on iShop travel redemptions (flights/hotels via ICICI portal)Unlimited complimentary domestic + international lounge access for primary cardholder4 complimentary golf rounds/lessons per month (on ₹50,000 previous month spend)Buy 1 Get 1 on movie tickets via BookMyShow (on ₹25,000/quarter spend from Jan 2026)₹5,000 Tata CLiQ welcome voucher (Amex variant)Comprehensive travel insurance including flight cancellation cover
Apply now ↗ Min. income: ₹25L+/year · Credit score: 750+
Pros and cons
Pros
✓ Unlimited lounge access at ₹12,000 fee, strong for frequent travellers
✓ Earns on utilities and insurance, rare for premium cards
✓ Available on 4 network variants including Amex
✓ Strong welcome benefits offset first-year fee
Cons
✗ Post-Jan 2026: movie BOGO now requires ₹25,000 quarterly spend threshold
✗ 1% base rate is low for a ₹12,000 fee card vs competitors like Infinia
✗ Best redemption (4%) only via ICICI iShop portal, not flexible
✗ 3.5% forex makes it poor for international spending
Quick facts
Issuer ICICI Bank
Network Visa / Mastercard / Amex / RuPay
Annual feeThe yearly fee a bank charges for holding the card, often waived if you spend enough in a year.Full definition → ₹12,000 + taxes (waived on ₹10,00,000/year spend)
Joining feeA one-time fee charged when you first get the card, separate from the recurring annual fee.Full definition → ₹12,000
Lounge accessFree entry to airport lounges, usually limited to a set number of visits per quarter or year.Full definition → Unlimited domestic + international (primary cardholder)
Forex markupThe extra fee your bank adds on top of the real exchange rate for any spend in a foreign currency.Full definition → 3.5%
Min. incomeThe minimum income, credit score, and other conditions a bank requires before approving your application.Full definition → ₹25L+/year
Min. credit scoreYour 3-digit credit score (300-900), higher scores make approval easier and can unlock better cards.Full definition → 750+
SourceICICI Bank's published card terms and official card page · Last updated August 2026
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Frequently asked questions
The annual fee for ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card is ₹12,000 + taxes (waived on ₹10,00,000/year spend). The joining fee is ₹12,000.
The main benefits of the ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card are: 4 reward points per ₹100 on all eligible spends including utilities and insurance (1 RP = ₹0.25); Up to 4% effective rate on iShop travel redemptions (flights/hotels via ICICI portal); Unlimited complimentary domestic + international lounge access for primary cardholder; 4 complimentary golf rounds/lessons per month (on ₹50,000 previous month spend); Buy 1 Get 1 on movie tickets via BookMyShow (on ₹25,000/quarter spend from Jan 2026); ₹5,000 Tata CLiQ welcome voucher (Amex variant); Comprehensive travel insurance including flight cancellation cover.
4 reward points per ₹100 on all spends (1% base; up to 4% on iShop travel); unlimited lounge access
ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card is best for Premium lifestyle card with unlimited lounge access and broad rewards. The ICICI Emeralde is a lifestyle card for frequent domestic travellers who want unlimited lounge access without Infinia's income requirements. Post-2026 devaluations have reduced its movie and lounge perks, but the card still delivers strong overall value at ₹12,000 if you travel domestically and use lounges regularly.
The minimum income requirement for ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card is ₹25L+/year. A minimum credit score of 750+ is also recommended.
Yes, ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card offers Unlimited domestic + international (primary cardholder).
ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card charges a 3.5% foreign currency markup on international transactions. This is in line with the standard 3.5% charged by most Indian credit cards.
Related guides
Best Travel Credit Cards →Best Shopping Credit Cards →Best Credit Cards for Amazon and Flipkart →Best Premium Credit Cards →Best Super Premium Credit Cards →
Card reviews
IDFC FIRST Ashva Credit CardFrequent travellers who book hotels and flights through the IDFC FIRST Bank app specifically, where the real redemption value is highest; weak for everyday spending outside the appAxis Bank Select Credit CardHigher spenders (₹6L+ income) who will spend ₹3L+ a year, want international lounge access through Priority Pass with 12 visits, and want a 2% earn rate on everyday retail spendsAxis Bank Privilege Credit CardModerate-to-high spenders in the ₹6-15L income range who will hit the lounge spend gate every quarter and want a simple, uncapped reward rate without chasing accelerated categoriesRBL Bank IRCTC Credit CardFrequent IRCTC train travellers who will use the railway lounges and want cancellation protection, not a general-purpose rewards card
Compare with similar cards
ICICI Bank Emeralde vs ICICI Bank Rubyx Compare →ICICI Bank Emeralde vs ICICI Bank Sapphiro Compare →ICICI Bank Emeralde vs HDFC Infinia Compare →
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ICICI Bank Emeralde₹12,000 + taxes
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