1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card Launched

ICICI Bank has officially launched the much-awaited 1838 Reserve Credit Card, an ultra-premium offering designed for high-net-worth individuals. While the card has plenty of exciting benefits, its steep joining and annual fees mean it will likely appeal to a select group of customers.

The 1838 Reserve Credit Card offers a range of luxury lifestyle, travel, hospitality, and concierge benefits, along with a reward rate of 3% on domestic spends and 2% on international spends. One of its biggest highlights is that it is issued on the Visa Infinite Privilege network, making it one of the most exclusive credit card offerings in India.

However, considering its high annual fee, the reward rate alone may not be enough to justify the cost. The card’s value will largely depend on how effectively you use its complimentary memberships, luxury experiences, and other premium privileges.

The 1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card is an invite-only offering. Those interested in the card can express their interest through the official website.

Particulars	Details
Joining Fee	₹1,75,000 + GST
Annual Fee	₹1,75,000 + GST
Annual Fee Waiver	Not Available
Domestic Reward Rate	3%
International Reward Rate	2%
Card Network	Visa Infinite Privilege
Availability	Invite-Only

Welcome Benefits

The card offers several premium welcome benefits, including luxury stays, shopping privileges, and curated experiences.

Complimentary Luxury Overnight Stay (Value: ₹50,000)

Enjoy a complimentary overnight stay at select Platinum Villas from Lohono Stays, offering an exclusive luxury getaway.

Complimentary Welcome Gift (Value: ₹25,000)

Choose an exclusive luxury gift from brands such as Marshall, Smeg, or Le Creuset through Tata CLiQ Luxury.

Museum Experience (Value: ₹7,500)

Enjoy a curated museum experience through Klook for yourself and one guest.

Visa Infinite Privilege Benefits

As a Visa Infinite Privilege cardholder, you also get access to a selection of premium lifestyle, travel, and hospitality benefits.

Harrods Gold Tier Status

Get complimentary Gold Tier status at Harrods, the renowned luxury department store.

Accor+ Explorer Membership

Enjoy Accor+ Explorer membership, along with Gold Tier status and enhanced travel and dining privileges, subject to the applicable program terms.

Complimentary Stay at ITC Hotels

Enjoy a complimentary overnight stay benefit at participating ITC Hotels when you stay for three nights and pay for two, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

Other Benefits of the 1838 Reserve

Beyond its welcome benefits, the card offers several premium memberships and services designed to enhance your lifestyle.

The Quorum Club Membership

Get full access to The Quorum Club and a network of more than 280 private clubs across 52 countries.

Dedicated Concierge by Crib Life

Access a dedicated concierge line with a Lifestyle Manager who can assist with your requests and help manage various aspects of your lifestyle.

Truefitt & Hill Royal Signature Services

Enjoy four Royal Signature Services at Truefitt & Hill, the renowned luxury grooming brand, with one service available every quarter.

Business Class Companion Ticket Offer

The 1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card also offers a Business Class companion ticket benefit. Cardholders can book one Business Class ticket and get 50% off the companion’s ticket, up to ₹50,000. This benefit can be availed once every calendar quarter, making it a useful addition for those who frequently travel in Business Class.

Business Class Lounge Access

The 1838 Reserve Card offers complimentary access to Business Class lounges at select airports in India. Cardholders can access these lounges along with one accompanying guest, twice per year, providing a more comfortable experience while traveling internationally.

Reward Points & Capping

The 1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card offers a reward rate of 3% on domestic spends and 2% on international spends. However, reward earnings are subject to category-wise caps per statement cycle. Overall Reward Points Cap: Up to 1,00,000 Reward Points per statement cycle.

Regular Eligible Spends: Reward earnings are capped at 90,000 Reward Points per statement cycle, cumulatively across categories other than those listed. Utilities, Insurance, Education & Government Payments: Reward earnings are capped at 10,000 Reward Points per statement cycle, cumulatively across all four categories.

The following categories share a combined cap of 10,000 Reward Points per statement cycle:

• Utilities
• Insurance Premiums
• Education
• Government Payments

No Reward Points are awarded on transactions in the following categories:

• Fuel
• Rent Payments
• E-wallet Loading
• EMI Transactions

Bottom Line

The 1838 Reserve Credit Card is a unique offering, to say the least. The name draws inspiration from the founding year of The Times of India, giving the card a story of its own.

The card is beautifully designed, and the concept behind it is interesting. However, the features don’t quite match the premium feel of the card. With a joining and annual fee of ₹1.75 lakh + GST, there could have been so many more benefits to make the proposition truly compelling.

It seems banks are increasingly focusing on the outer design and positioning of super-premium credit cards rather than putting the same effort into their benefits. A premium card needs more than an impressive name and a well-designed exterior; the features should be just as exceptional.

A full credit card review shall soon follow.