Is the ICICI Bank Expressions Credit Card Right for You?
The ICICI Bank Expressions Credit Card is best suited for users who prioritize Movies, Dining, Shopping. With a joining fee of ₹499 + GST and a renewal fee of ₹499 + GST, this card is positioned for cardholders who can maximize its benefits to justify the cost. It offers Reward Points as its primary reward mechanism, with a rewards rate of Earn 3 RP/₹100 on retail, 1 RP/₹100 on utility/insurance, 6x-12x RP on iShop..
Key Card Details
₹499 + GST
₹499 + GST
Reward Points
3.50% foreign currency markup on all international transactions.
Notable Perks
Domestic Lounge
1 complimentary domestic airport lounge access per quarter (spend ₹75k in prior quarter).
Insurance
Fraud protection includes Counterfeit Card Liability and Account Takeover Cover.
Fee Waiver
Annual fee waived for ₹1.5 lakh spend in preceding anniversary year.
Movie Benefits
Get 25% off (up to ₹100) on 2 movie tickets, twice a month via INOX & BookMyShow.
Things to Consider
No specific welcome benefits are advertised, which might disappoint new cardholders.
A foreign currency markup of 3.50% applies to international transactions, increasing costs.
A rewards redemption fee of ₹99 plus taxes is charged per redemption request.
Benefits & Features
Rewards Rate
Earn 3 RP/₹100 on retail, 1 RP/₹100 on utility/insurance, 6x-12x RP on iShop.
Reward Type
Reward Points
Reward Redemption
Redeem points for products, vouchers, or against outstanding balance. 1 RP = ₹0.25.
Domestic Lounge Access
1 complimentary domestic airport lounge access per quarter (spend ₹75k in prior quarter).
Insurance Coverage
Fraud protection includes Counterfeit Card Liability and Account Takeover Cover.
Movie
Get 25% off (up to ₹100) on 2 movie tickets, twice a month via INOX & BookMyShow.
Dining
Exclusive dining discounts & offers available through the Culinary Treats Programme.
Travel Benefits
1 complimentary domestic airport lounge access per quarter on ₹75k spend in prior quarter.
What matters, explained clearly
ICICI Bank Expressions Credit Card
Introduction
The ICICI Bank Expressions Credit Card is a unique entry-level credit card that allows cardholders to personalize their card's design, choosing from over 175 pre-installed templates or even using their own image. Designed for individuals who appreciate personalization and style, this card offers a range of benefits at a low joining and annual fee. Key advantages include complimentary domestic airport lounge access, reward points on various spends, milestone rewards, and a fuel surcharge waiver. It also provides movie benefits on platforms like BookMyShow and INOX, and exclusive dining discounts. The annual fee can be waived based on a minimum spend, making it an attractive option for first-time cardholders, students, and young professionals.
Fees
- Joining Fee: ₹499 + GST
- Annual Fee: ₹499 + GST
- Spend-Based Waiver: The annual fee is waived off for the next year if a minimum of ₹1.5 lakh or more is spent in the previous anniversary year.
- Rewards Redemption Fee: ₹99 plus applicable taxes per redemption request.
- Foreign Currency Markup: 3.50% of the conversion amount.
- Interest Rates / Finance Charges:
- Monthly interest rate ranges from 3.40% to 3.75%.
- This rate applies to ATM withdrawals (cash advances) and if only the minimum due amount is paid.
- Fuel Surcharge: 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions worth ₹400 - ₹4,000 at HPCL pumps across India.
- Cash Advance Charges: 2.50% of the withdrawn amount, subject to a minimum charge of ₹300.
- Late Bill Payment: Charges range from ₹100 to ₹1300.
Rewards
- Card Design Customization:
- Personalize your credit card to reflect your unique style.
- Choose a card image from over 175 pre-installed templates, covering themes like Zodiac, Sports, Travel, and more.
- Option to upload and use your own picture on the credit card.
- Reward Points Earning:
- Earn 3 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on retail purchases (excluding fuel, utility, and insurance spends).
- Earn 1 Reward Point for every ₹100 spent on utility and insurance purchases/payments.
- Earn from 6x to 12x reward points on iShop.
- Movies:
- Get 25% off on movie tickets, up to a maximum discount of ₹100.
- This offer is valid on booking a minimum of two tickets in a single transaction.
- The movie discount can be availed twice a month through INOX & BookMyShow.
- Dining:
- Enjoy exclusive dining discounts and offers with the Culinary Treats Programme.
- Travel (Lounge Access):
- Receive 1 complimentary domestic airport lounge access per calendar quarter.
- To avail this benefit, you must spend ₹75,000 or more on your Expressions Credit Card in the preceding calendar quarter.
- The lounge access benefit is exclusively applicable to the primary cardholder.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver:
- Benefit from a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on all fuel transactions of up to ₹4,000 at any HPCL fuel outlet in India.
- This waiver applies to both the primary cardholder and Plus (supplemental) cardholders.
- Fraud Protection:
- Cardholders are protected against fraudulent transactions with Counterfeit Card Liability, covering unauthorized usage.
- The card provides an Account Takeover Cover, safeguarding you if your personal information is accessed or misused by a third party without your consent.
- Security Features (Chip and PIN):
- The credit card includes an embedded microchip for enhanced security, protecting against counterfeiting and duplication.
- For transactions at merchant outlets, customers must enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete the payment.
- The PIN is not required for online transactions.
Rewards Redemption Guide
- Reward points can be redeemed for a wide array of products and vouchers, including:
- Health & Beauty items
- Travel & Luggage
- Shopping Vouchers
- Home Appliances
- Electronics
- Fashion & Lifestyle products
- Points can also be redeemed against the card's outstanding balance.
- The earned Reward Points can be redeemed through the Reward catalogue on the ICICI Bank's website or by logging in to the iMobile app.
- Value of Reward Points: 1 Reward Point = ₹0.25.
Card Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Rules
- Applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Applicant's age should be between 21 and 65 years.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof
- Address Proof
- Income Proof
- No physical documents are required if the application is processed via Digilocker.
Card Review
The ICICI Bank Expressions Credit Card is an excellent choice for individuals seeking an entry-level credit card that combines practicality with a unique personalization feature. It is particularly well-suited for students and young professionals who value the ability to customize their card's appearance. With a nominal annual fee of ₹499 + GST, which can be waived on an annual spend of ₹1.5 lakh, the card offers good value. Its standout features include a decent reward rate on retail purchases, quarterly complimentary domestic airport lounge access (subject to a spending condition), and valuable movie ticket discounts on platforms like BookMyShow and INOX. Additional benefits such as dining offers through the Culinary Treats Programme and a fuel surcharge waiver further enhance its appeal. While it does not offer specific welcome benefits and has a foreign currency markup, its overall package of personalization, rewards, and lifestyle perks makes it a strong contender for those looking for an affordable yet feature-rich credit card to start their credit journey.
Important Product Details
- Positive Highlights:
- Unique custom card design option, allowing personalization with over 175 templates or a personal image.
- Offers competitive reward points earning on retail purchases (3 points per ₹100).
- Provides significant discounts on movie tickets (25% off up to ₹100, twice a month on a minimum of two tickets).
- Includes complimentary domestic airport lounge access quarterly (subject to spending ₹75,000 in the preceding quarter).
- Access to exclusive dining benefits through the Culinary Treats Programme.
- Features a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at HPCL pumps on transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000.
- Low joining and annual fees, with a convenient spend-based waiver option for the annual fee.
- Comprehensive fraud protection benefits, including Counterfeit Card Liability and Account Takeover Cover.
- Enhanced transaction security with an embedded microchip and PIN requirement for merchant outlet transactions.
- Negative Highlights:
- No specific welcome benefits are advertised for this card.
- A foreign currency markup of 3.50% applies to international transactions.
- A rewards redemption fee of ₹99 plus applicable taxes is charged per redemption request.
- High interest rates of 3.40% - 3.75% per month are applicable for cash advances and if only the minimum due is paid.
Other Details
- CVV (Card Verification Value): This is a three-digit security code located on the back of your Expressions Credit Card, next to the signature panel. It can also be accessed by logging into the iMobile app or Internet Banking.
- Credit Card Due Date: The due date for your ICICI Bank Expressions Credit Card can be found on your monthly statement, within the iMobile app, through Internet Banking, or by contacting Customer Care at 1800 1080.
- ICICI Bank Plus Card: This option allows you to extend card benefits and services to your loved ones, suggesting supplementary card facilities.
- Image Upload Guidelines: Detailed guidelines for personalizing your card design are available separately.
- Most Important Terms & Conditions (MITC): For comprehensive details on all charges and terms, refer to the MITC document provided by the bank.
- Lounge Access Details: For the complete list of eligible lounges and updated criteria for lounge access, specific links are provided by the bank.
- Movie Ticket Booking Terms: For detailed terms and conditions regarding movie ticket offers and booking, refer to the BookMyShow offer page.
- Chip and PIN Security: More information regarding the security features of the chip and PIN technology is available in the bank's FAQs.