Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card – Benefits, Fees & Eligibility

Introduction

The Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card, issued by ICICI Bank in association with Times Internet Ltd. and Visa, is an exclusive, luxurious, and premium metal credit card designed for Ultra-High Net Worth Individuals (UHNIs). It offers unparalleled privileges, including luxury stay gift cards from EaseMyTrip or Lohono, a competitive 1.49% Forex markup, and unlimited complimentary access to both domestic and international airport lounges. A standout feature is the option for luxury airport transfers, including helicopter city transfers at Bangalore Airport, making it a top-tier offering for those with high spending habits and a strong appreciation for fine dining, travel, and shopping.

Welcome Benefits

• Luxury Stay Gift Card from EaseMyTrip worth ₹10,000 or from Lohono worth ₹12,000.
• Lifestyle Gift Cards from Toni and Guy worth ₹3,000 and Interflora worth ₹1,000.
• Annual Zomato Gold Membership for exclusive dining privileges and free delivery.
• Travel visa benefits with Atlys and OneVasco worth ₹10,000, which include doorstep Visa services, complimentary lounge vouchers, and a waiver on processing charges.
• Exclusive access to events at The Quorum Club, even without holding a membership.
• 20% dining discount at select premium restaurants under The Quorum Club benefits, including Café Reed (Mumbai), Zila (Hyderabad), and 689 (Gurugram).
• Welcome benefits are activated via email within 45 business days after the payment of the joining fee.

Fees

• Joining Fee: ₹20,000 + GST
• Annual Fee: ₹20,000 + GST
• Spend-Based Waiver: The annual fee can be waived from the 2nd year onwards on minimum spends of ₹25,00,000 made in the previous year.
• Forex Markup: 1.49%
• ATM Withdrawal: Nil
• Interest Rates: 3.75% per month if only the minimum due is paid.
• Late Bill Payment: Ranging from ₹100 to ₹1300.
• Fuel Surcharge: 1% waiver on fuel transactions at all fuel stations, up to ₹1,000 per statement cycle.
• Rewards Redemption Fee: Not applicable.
• Cash Advance Charges: No cash withdrawal charges.

Rewards

• Reward Points Earning:
  • Earn 2.5% Reward Points on International Spends.
  • Earn 2% Reward Points on Domestic Spends.
  • A cap of 5,000 Reward Points per statement cycle applies to Utility payments, Insurance premium payments, Education payments, and Government payments.
  • No Reward Points are earned on fuel transactions, rent payments, or transactions converted into EMIs; points earned on such transactions will be reversed.
  • Accelerated Reward Points can be earned on the iShop Rewards portal for travel bookings (stays, flights, and bus) and brand vouchers, with a maximum of 15,000 Bonus Reward Points per statement cycle.
• Milestone Benefits (Spend-Based):
  • On spends of ₹2 Lakh: Receive a ₹10,000 Klook Voucher for unique international experiences and activities.
  • On spends of ₹5 Lakh: Access Airport Transfer by Luxury Sedan or Helicopter. The helicopter service is available once annually at Bangalore Airport, while cab transfers can be availed twice annually.
  • On spends of ₹10 Lakh: Receive a ₹10,000 Tata CLiQ Luxury Gift Card for high-end fashion.
  • On spends of ₹20 Lakh: Enjoy a one-night luxury stay at Ayatana or Lohono worth ₹20,000.
• Travel Benefits:
  • Unlimited complimentary domestic airport lounge access for both primary and add-on cardholders by swiping the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card.
  • Unlimited complimentary international airport lounge access for both primary and add-on cardholders with a complimentary Priority Pass Membership, providing access to over 1,400 lounges in 145+ countries worldwide.
  • Low 1.49% Forex Markup on international purchases.
  • Luxury Airport Transfers as part of milestone benefits.
  • Discounts on Avis Rental Cars: 25% on chauffeur-driven cars and 35% on premium rental cars.
  • Exclusive Encalm Xenia Lounge Access for cardholders achieving USD 5,000 in eligible face-to-face (F2F) spends from October 1, 2025, onwards, allowing one guest.
  • Refund of ₹12,000 on domestic flight and hotel bookings with no cancellation charges.
• Dining & Lifestyle:
  • Annual Zomato Gold Membership for exclusive dining privileges and free delivery.
  • Elite Club benefits including special offers on membership and access to events at The Quorum Club, along with dining discounts at select restaurants.
  • Curated Luxury Services from CribLife, offering 6 exclusive lifestyle management services.
  • Lifestyle Gift Cards from Toni and Guy and Interflora.
• Protection & Services:
  • Premium Protection including an Air Accident Insurance cover.
  • Comprehensive Insurance Cover:
    • Personal Accident (Death Only): ₹3,00,00,000
    • Purchase Protection: ₹1,40,000
    • Credit Shield: ₹1,00,000
    • Loss of Checked in Baggage: ₹84,000
    • Plane Hijacking: ₹1,00,000
    • Card Liability Cover: ₹50,000
    • Medical Expenses for Bodily Injury Caused by and Arising Out of Rail/Road Accident: ₹50,000
    • Loss of Passport: ₹35,000
    • Baggage Insurance: ₹25,000
    • Delay of Checked in Baggage: ₹21,000
    • Missing of Connecting International Flight During Transit: ₹21,000
    • Delay in Flight: ₹17,500
  • 24x7 Concierge Services available domestically and internationally by calling the toll-free number 18002670731.

Rewards Redemption Guide

• Reward points can be redeemed for various categories including Health and Beauty, Travel and Luggage, Shopping Vouchers, Home Appliances, Electronics, and Fashion and Lifestyle.
• The value of 1 ICICI Bank reward point can be up to ₹1 when redeemed for products and vouchers.
• When redeeming ICICI Bank reward points against your statement, the redemption rate is 1 Reward Point = ₹0.40.

Card Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be an Indian citizen over 21 years of age.
• A salaried individual with a monthly income of ₹2,00,000.
• A self-employed individual with an annual income of ₹24,00,000.
• Documents Required: Proof of identity, proof of address, and income proof.
• No physical documents are required for the application process.
• Video KYC verification is required, involving providing PAN Card and Aadhaar Card details, followed by a video-based verification with an ICICI Bank employee. Video KYC is available 24x7.

Card Review

• Overall Verdict: The Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card is a luxurious offering from ICICI Bank, specifically designed for ultra-high-net-worth individuals with significant spending power and a desire for premium benefits. While it carries a substantial annual fee, it delivers numerous exclusive benefits across luxury stays, travel, lifestyle, and mobility. It is particularly well-suited for those who frequently engage in domestic and international travel, appreciate fine dining, exclusive events, and high-end shopping, and can fully leverage its extensive privileges.
• Pros:
  • Offers a wide array of luxurious and premium benefits, such as helicopter city transfers (limited to Bangalore Airport), access to exclusive Times Group events, and discounts at The Quorum Club.
  • Provides high reward rates of 2.5% on international spends and 2% on domestic spends.
  • Includes unlimited complimentary access to both domestic and international airport lounges.
  • Features a comprehensive insurance cover for various eventualities.
  • Boasts a competitive 1.49% Forex markup, which is lower than many standard credit cards.
• Cons:
  • Despite being a premium card with high joining and annual charges, the imposition of a 1.49% Forex fee is a drawback, as several credit cards with lower fees offer zero Forex charges, effectively reducing the net reward rate on international spending.
  • The annual fee waiver threshold of ₹25 lakh per annum is quite high compared to other premium credit cards.
  • The unique helicopter city transfer benefit is limited to Bangalore Airport and can only be availed once per year.
  • A monthly cap of 5,000 reward points applies to specific spending categories like utilities, insurance, education, and government payments.
  • No reward points are earned on fuel and rent transactions.

Important Product Details

• This is a premium metal credit card offering specially designed for ultra-high-net individuals.
• The card is a collaboration between ICICI Bank, Times Internet Limited, and Visa.
• It comes with a joining and annual cost of ₹20,000 + GST.
• Cardholders receive 24/7 domestic and international concierge services.
• Enjoy up to 35% discount on luxury and chauffeur-driven rental cars with Avis.
• Complimentary international and domestic airport lounge access is a key feature.
• The card offers privileges and benefits tailored for those seeking the best in luxury and convenience.
• Milestone Benefits can be accessed through the Times Black app for a period of six months, starting from the date the eligible cardholder is notified.
• Card PIN can be generated using the iMobile app, Net Banking, or the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system.
• Benefits can be extended to loved ones through the ICICI Bank Plus Card.

Other Details

• The card is positioned as an exclusive offering that brings convenience and curated experiences to a select audience.
• For other charges and applicable terms and conditions, cardholders are advised to refer to the Most Important Terms & Conditions (MITC) and other relevant T&Cs documents.
• Nominee details can be updated for the complimentary insurance policy on the credit card.