1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card

Super-premium credit cards have become a key focus for many issuers in India, targeting high-spending customers and individuals with strong banking relationships. However, despite their hefty annual fees and exclusive positioning, these cards do not always deliver enough value to justify their cost. Whether the 1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card can live up to its premium positioning and offer sufficient value to justify its steep ₹1.75 lakh joining fee remains to be seen.

The 1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card stands out for its distinctive design, featuring artwork inspired by Krishen Khanna’s celebrated Bandwallas series. The year 1838 also marks the founding year of The Times of India, adding a historical connection to the card’s identity.

From the outset, this card leaves little doubt about its premium positioning, with a joining fee and annual fee of ₹1.75 lakh + GST. This is a significant price tag, placing the card firmly in the ultra-premium segment and targeting individuals with high spending power and a preference for exclusive experiences.

From prestigious memberships at The Quorum Club to curated travel experiences, business-class lounge access, lifestyle privileges, and a dedicated concierge, the card offers an extensive range of benefits to justify its steep fee. It is also available on the Visa Infinite Privilege tier, which sits above the standard Visa Infinite tier, making it a distinctive offering in the Indian market. The card also opens the door to exclusive Visa Infinite Privilege benefits, including a complimentary Accor+ Explorer membership and other curated experiences, adding another dimension to its premium proposition.

Product Details

• Earn 3% reward points on domestic transactions and 2% on international spends.
• Enjoy a 50% discount on your companion’s Business Class ticket, up to ₹50,000, once every calendar quarter.
• Get a complimentary one-night stay at a private Platinum Villa through Lohono Stays.
• Receive a complimentary 12-month Accor+ Explorer membership and exclusive ITC Hotels benefits.
• Access select Business Class lounges in India twice a year, with one accompanying guest.
• Enjoy unlimited travel visa assistance, international airport transfers, and fast-track immigration benefits.
• Get a complimentary welcome gift worth ₹25,000 from Marshall, Smeg, or Le Creuset.

Welcome Benefits

The 1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card offers a complimentary gift worth ₹25,000, with a choice of premium products from Marshall, Smeg or Le Creuset, redeemable through TATA CLiQ Luxury.

Reward Earning

• Earn 3% reward points on domestic transactions.
• Earn 2% reward points on international transactions.
• Earn up to 1,00,000 reward points per month.
• Earn up to 10,000 reward points per month on utility, telecom, government, tax, education, and insurance spends combined.
• No reward points on fuel, rent, e-wallet, or EMI transactions.

Travel Benefits

Free Business Class Tickets

The 1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card offers 50% off your companion’s Business Class ticket when you book a Business Class ticket, with the discount capped at ₹50,000. This benefit can be availed once every calendar quarter.

Business Class Lounge Access

This super premium credit card offers access to select Business Class lounges at select airports in India for the cardholder and one accompanying guest, twice a year.

Unlimited Travel Visa Services

The 1838 Reserve Credit Card offers unlimited travel visa assistance, including doorstep visa services, premium visa lounge access, and dedicated form-filling support for the cardholder, their spouse, and up to two children.

International Airport Transfers

The 1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card offers one complimentary chauffeur-driven international airport transfer every calendar quarter at select locations.

Domestic Meet & Greet Service

Cardholders can enjoy a warm welcome at leading Indian airports when traveling internationally, subject to eligible international face-to-face spends of over US$1,000 in the preceding 12 months.

Fast-Track Security / Immigration

Enjoy access to fast-track security and immigration services at select locations for the cardholder and one accompanying guest, twice a year.

Lifestyle Benefits

The Quorum Club Membership

The 1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card offers complimentary full-access membership to The Quorum Club for the primary cardholder and their spouse, along with access to over 280 reciprocal private clubs across 52 countries. Members can enjoy curated networking opportunities, cultural and private events, premium dining, wellness facilities and workspaces.

Museum Access For Two

The 1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card offers complimentary access to select iconic museums and cultural destinations worldwide through Klook. Cardholders receive one complimentary museum voucher for themselves and one accompanying guest.

Harrods Rewards Gold Tier

Enjoy a complimentary upgrade to Harrods Gold Tier status, unlocking exclusive privileges, curated rewards, and priority access.

Luxury Grooming Services

Get four complimentary Royal Signature grooming services every quarter.

Movie Tickets Offer

Receive one complimentary movie ticket with the purchase of another ticket every month via District Movies.

Golf Program

Enjoy priority access and green fees when accompanied by one paying guest, once every calendar quarter.

Stay Benefits

Complimentary Luxury Villa Stay

The 1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card offers an exclusive stay experience through Lohono Stays, including one complimentary night at a private Platinum Villa, adding a touch of luxury to your next getaway.

Complimentary Accor+ Explorer Membership

Accor is one of the most popular hotel loyalty programs in the country. As a Visa Infinite Privilege benefit, cardholders receive a complimentary 12-month Accor+ Explorer membership, offering exclusive hotel privileges and dining benefits.

ITC Hotels Benefit

Cardholders can enjoy a complimentary third night for every two consecutive paid nights at participating ITC Hotels, offering additional value on luxury stays. These benefits are available through the card’s Visa Infinite Privilege tier.

1838 Reserve Eligibility

The 1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card is available by invitation only, making it an exclusive offering for select customers. While ICICI Bank has not publicly disclosed specific eligibility criteria, the card is likely aimed at high-net-worth individuals with substantial spending power and a strong banking relationship with the bank. Interested customers can contact their Relationship Manager to register their interest and check whether they qualify for an invitation.

The card is presented in a bespoke Gulbahar box, crafted by Good Earth exclusively for cardholders, adding to its exclusivity.

Final Thoughts

The 1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card certainly has an interesting story to tell. Its distinctive design, inspired by Krishen Khanna’s celebrated Bandwallas series, and its connection to the founding year of The Times of India give it an identity that goes beyond the usual premium credit card offering. The joining and annual fees of ₹1.75 lakh + GST each also make it clear that this card is meant for a very select audience. Since it is available by invitation only, customers will likely need a strong banking relationship with ICICI Bank to be considered for the card.

In terms of benefits, the 1838 Reserve has plenty to offer, particularly for those who frequently travel within India and internationally. The 50% discount on a companion’s Business Class ticket, complimentary luxury villa stay, Accor+ Explorer membership, exclusive club access, and dedicated lifestyle services can deliver meaningful value to customers who make full use of these privileges. Its availability on the Visa Infinite Privilege tier is another major highlight, bringing additional benefits such as the complimentary Accor+ Explorer membership and exclusive hotel privileges.

However, the card is not without its shortcomings. The reward rates of 3% on domestic spends and 2% on international spends are reasonable, but for a card with such a high annual fee, one could expect a stronger focus on everyday reward earnings. The exclusions on fuel, rent, e-wallet, and EMI transactions are also disappointing. Moreover, the lack of an add-on card facility limits the ability to extend the card’s benefits to family members.

There are also certain benefits, particularly complimentary movie tickets and Business Class lounge access, for which the applicable terms and conditions need to be clearer. These details will play an important role in determining the card’s overall value.

Overall, the 1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card has the makings of an exclusive luxury product, but its value depends heavily on how much a cardholder can benefit from its travel and lifestyle privileges. For frequent Business Class travelers and those who enjoy luxury stays and curated experiences, it could be an interesting proposition. However, for customers who prioritize high reward rates and flexibility across everyday spending, the card may not be as compelling.

We will update this review as more clarity emerges on the benefits and their applicable terms.