ICICI Bank Credit Card Rules Change From January 15: What Users Must Know

If you use an ICICI Bank credit card , this update deserves your attention. ICICI Bank has announced a fresh set of credit card rules that will come into effect from January 15, 2026. The revised norms will impact reward points, popular offers, foreign currency transactions, add-on cards, wallet loads, gaming spends, and even cash bill payments. Here’s a clear and easy breakdown of what’s changing and how it may affect you.

ICICI Bank Credit Card Rules Get a Refresh

Under the new rules, ICICI Emeralde Metal credit card users will continue to earn 6 reward points for every ₹200 spent on retail purchases. However, reward points will no longer be credited for certain categories. Spends on government services, fuel, property management, rent, tax payments, and third-party wallets will now be excluded from reward benefits.

BookMyShow Offer Now Linked to Spending

Enjoy movie perks? There’s a new condition. To avail of the BookMyShow offer, cardholders must spend at least ₹25,000 in the previous quarter. This eligibility check will be done every quarter and will apply only to select ICICI credit cards.

Add-On Cards to Attract New Fee

Getting an add-on card will now cost more. ICICI Bank has introduced a one-time fee of ₹3,500 for new add-on cards issued on the Emeralde Metal credit card, effective January 15.

Revised Foreign Currency Transaction Charges

ICICI Bank has also updated foreign currency markup fees across different cards:

• Times Black ICICI Credit Card: 1.49%
• Emeralde Metal / Emeralde / Emeralde Private: 2%
• MakeMyTrip ICICI Travel Card: 0.99%
• Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card: 1.99%
• Other cards (MakeMyTrip Signature, Platinum, etc.): 3.50%

Extra Charges on Gaming and Wallet Transactions

Spending on online gaming platforms such as Dream11, Rummy Culture, Junglee Games, and MPL will now attract a 2% fee.

Additionally, loading ₹5,000 or more into wallets like Amazon Pay, Paytm, MobiKwik, Freecharge, and OlaMoney will come with a 1% charge.

Cash Credit Card Bill Payment Gets Costlier

If you pay your credit card bill in cash at a bank branch, be prepared to pay more. The fee has been increased from ₹100 to ₹150 per transaction.

What Cardholders Should Do

With these changes, ICICI Bank credit card users may need to rethink spending habits to avoid extra charges and make the most of rewards. Checking fee structures, tracking eligible spends, and planning wallet or foreign transactions carefully will help you stay ahead once the new rules kick in on January 15, 2026.