As we head closer to 2026, credit card devaluations were always expected. While most would assume such changes to kick in with the new year, ICICI Bank has moved early by announcing multiple revisions to its credit card features and benefits. These changes will come into effect soon and impact cards across the spectrum, from super-premium to entry-level offerings. You could call it a New Year’s gift, but honestly, it’s anything but that.
Spend-Based BMS Benefit
While ICICI Bank is not completely doing away with BookMyShow benefits, the complimentary movie ticket offer will now come with a clear spend condition. Cardholders will need to spend at least ₹25,000 in the preceding quarter to continue enjoying BookMyShow offers on their credit card. This change slightly reduces the appeal for low spenders, but those who regularly use their card should still be able to unlock movie and event discounts without much effort.
Overall, the benefit shifts from being a free perk to a spend-linked reward, making it less attractive but still usable for active card users. It is quite a surprising move, as this was usually only done for airport lounge access, but now it is anticipated that this move will be followed by other issuers as well.
This change shall be applicable to several credit cards, including.
- ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Adani One Platinum Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Adani One Signature Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Secured Rubyx Credit Card
- ICICI Bank HPCL Platinum Chip Credit Card
- ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Platinum Credit Card
- ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Contactless Credit Card
- ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card
- ICICI Bank NRI Coral Credit Card
Discontinuation of BookMyShow Benefit
- The complimentary movie ticket benefit offered through BookMyShow will be discontinued.
- This change applies to the ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Chip Credit Card and the ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Credit Card.
Cap on Reward Earnings
You will continue to earn Reward Points on transactions made under transportation-related merchant categories, including railways, buses, taxis, tolls, and other transit services (MCC 4111, 4112, 4784, and 4131). However, reward points on these transactions will be capped at spends of up to ₹20,000 per month.
This benefit applies to select ICICI Bank credit cards, such as the Rubyx Credit Card (including Secured and Lead the New variants), Sapphiro Credit Card (including Lead the New variant), and the premium Emeralde and Emeralde Private Credit Cards. Spends beyond the ₹20,000 monthly limit in these categories will not earn reward points, so cardholders should keep an eye on their usage to maximise benefits.
Reward Earning Exclusions/Add-On Charges for ICICI Emeralde Metal Credit Card
- Cardholders shall still earn 6 ICICI Bank Reward Points for every ₹200 spent on regular retail purchases, so everyday spending continues to be rewarded. However, it’s worth noting that several categories have now been excluded from reward earnings, including government services, fuel, property management, rent, tax payments, and third-party wallet transactions. In short, rewards remain intact for standard spends, but large utility-style or mandatory payments won’t add to your points balance anymore.
- From 15 January 2026, a one-time fee of ₹3,500 will be charged for all new Plus (add-on) cards issued on or after this date.
Revision of the Dynamic Currency Conversion Fee
| New Dynamic Currency Conversion Fee | Cards |
| 1.49% | Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card |
| 2% | ICICI Bank Emeralde Metal Credit Card, ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card, ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Credit Card |
| 0.99% | MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Travel Credit Card |
| 1.99% | Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card |
| 3.50% | All Other Credit Cards, Including MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card and MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card |
Bottom Line
ICICI Bank has introduced multiple changes across most of its credit card portfolio, and cardholders should carefully go through the official communication to fully understand how these updates affect their specific card.
While some of the revisions were expected, a few changes, especially the shift of the BookMyShow movie benefit to a spend-based model, came as an unpleasant surprise and clearly mark a major devaluation. Since different changes come into effect on different dates, it is important to keep track of the timelines to avoid missing out on benefits or facing unexpected charges.