The launch of the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card was preceded by an extensive marketing campaign led by Times Internet Ltd. The company invested heavily in promotional efforts, including full-page advertisements in major newspapers, an exclusive pre-launch event, and widespread social media outreach on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Launched in 2024, this premium credit card is designed for the Ultra-High Net Worth Individual (UHNI) segment, offering a range of exclusive lifestyle, travel, and luxury benefits. From complimentary lounge access to premium concierge services, the card promises a host of privileges tailored for affluent customers.
However, with a hefty joining and annual fee of ₹20,000, the key question remains: Does the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card truly offer enough value to justify its cost? Read on for an in-depth analysis of its features, rewards, and how it compares in the premium credit card market
Fees
| Joining Fee | ₹20,000+GST ~₹23,600 |
| Welcome Benefit | ₹10,000 EaseMyTrip Hotel GV, ₹3,000 Toni&Guy GV, OneVasco & Atlys Visa services (₹10,000), Zomato Gold, and more |
| Annual Fee | ₹20,000+GST~₹23,600 |
| Renewal Benefit | Same as welcome benefits |
| Annual Fee Waiver | ₹25 Lakh annual spend requirement |
The only worthwhile welcome and renewal benefits of the Times Black ICICI Bank credit card are the EaseMyTrip hotel voucher and the Zomato Gold membership. The visa services from OneVasco and Atlys have limited value since they only cover the platforms’ processing fees, not the actual embassy charges. Additionally, these services are mostly restricted to Tier 1 cities, making a reputed visa agency or direct application a more practical choice. Compared to traditional visa agencies, Atlys may not always offer the best pricing, particularly for complex visa types that require additional support.
The ₹3,000 Toni&Guy benefit might be useful if you’re already a customer, but otherwise, it’s just another premium voucher. Overall, the card doesn’t provide enough value to justify its joining and annual fees.
Rewards
Coming to the crux of what every credit card is about – the rewards.
| Spend Category | Reward Rate |
|---|---|
| Domestic Spends | 2% RP |
| International Spends | 2.5% RP |
| Utilities, Insurance, Education, Government Services | 2% RP capped at 5000 RP/statement cycle |
| Education fee payments via third-party apps | No Rewards |
For a credit card with a ₹20,000 annual fee, the reward rate feels too low to justify the cost. At this price, a minimum of 3% rewards on spending would make it more competitive. Many premium cards in this range offer higher rewards on travel, dining, or international spending, helping users recover the fee through regular use. With a lower reward rate, the card relies too much on perks like lounge access and concierge services, making it less valuable for those who prioritize earning points or cashback.
Milestone Rewards on the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card – Are They Worth It?
The Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card offers milestone rewards based on annual spending. However, the value they provide may not always justify the high spending requirements. Breakdown of milestone rewards:
| Annual Spend | Reward | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|
| ₹2 Lakh | ₹10,000 Klook voucher | 5% return – Useful for travelers and booking supported activities. |
| ₹5 Lakh | Luxury sedan airport transfers | Varies – Nice perk, but only valuable if you frequently travel. |
| ₹10 Lakh | ₹10,000 Tata CLiQ Luxury voucher | 1% return – Low value compared to the high spending requirement. |
| ₹20 Lakh | One-night stay at Ayatana Resorts | Subjective – A luxury stay, but not compelling for such high spending. |
While these milestone benefits on the Times Black ICICI Bank credit card add some value, they are niche and may not appeal to everyone. The reward rate is relatively low, and other premium credit cards offer better flexibility with cashback, travel points, or statement credits.
Klook offers deals on attractions like Universal Studios, Disneyland, Burj Khalifa, and Gardens by the Bay. Travelers can also book transport options such as the Japan Rail Pass, Eurail Pass, airport transfers, and metro cards. Adventure seekers can enjoy activities like snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, Halong Bay cruises, Dubai desert safaris, and Mount Fuji tours. To maximize value, use vouchers for theme parks, rail passes, and high-end experiences.
Ayatana Resorts offer luxury stays in scenic locations like Coorg and Ooty, with premium cottages, waterfalls, and lush greenery. Booking during off-peak seasons or using offers can make it more affordable. However, the ₹20K voucher may not cover the full cost, so expect some extra expenses.
Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
| Domestic Airport Lounge Access | Unlimited (via Visa) |
| International Airport Lounge Access | Unlimited (via Priority Pass) |
Both primary and add-on cardholders receive unlimited lounge access at domestic and international airports, a valuable perk for frequent travelers. However, guest access is not included on the Times Black ICICI Bank credit card, meaning cardholders cannot bring along friends or family members unless they have their own eligible card.
Other Key Benefits & Charges
- Forex Transactions: 1.49% + GST (1.76% total) markup. With 2.5% reward points, the net effective cost is reduced to 0.7%, making the Times Black ICICI Bank credit card a competitive choice for international spending.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver, capped at ₹1,000 per statement.
- Zero Cancellation Charges: Covers flight and hotel bookings made with the card, but only for 4/5-star hotels, limited to 2 incidents per year, up to ₹12,000 (domestic only).
- Concierge Services: iAssist and Criblife provide assistance with reservations, travel planning, and lifestyle services.
- Event Access: Invitations to ET & Quorum events, though details are unclear right now.
- Retail Offers: Discounts on brands like TUMI, Interflora, and Kaya Clinic.
Accelerated Rewards with ICICI Bank iShop
HDFC Bank SmartBuy has long been a trendsetter for accelerated earnings on credit cards -something ICICI Bank had been missing. With ICICI iShop, users can earn up to 24% in reward points, significantly boosting returns on select purchases.
The Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card has a higher annual fee than the ICICI Emeralde Private Credit Card but offers lower accelerated rewards on iShop and a lower cap on bonus points. This makes it less rewarding for everyday spending, especially for those looking to maximize their benefits. A higher earn rate or better bonus cap would have made it more competitive.
| Regular Reward Rate | Flight Bookings/Gift Vouchers | Hotel Bookings | Bonus Points Cap in iShop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2% | 6X RP ~12% | 12X RP ~24% | 15,000 RP |
Rewards Redemption
| Redemption Category | Value of 1 Reward Point |
|---|---|
| Flights & Hotels | ₹1 |
| Statement Credit | 40 paise |
To get the most value, it’s best to redeem points for flights, hotels, or premium brand vouchers. Using them for statement credit or general products lowers their worth, making these options less attractive.
Pros: What Works Well
- Unlimited lounge access for both primary and add-on cardholders.
- Competitive forex markup (1.76% net effective cost).
- Milestone benefits for high spenders, including Klook vouchers and airport transfers.
- Zero cancellation fees on domestic flights and 4/5-star hotel bookings (₹12,000/year).
- Concierge & luxury brand discounts (TUMI, Interflora, Kaya Clinic).
- Insurance coverage: ₹3 crore air accident cover, baggage loss, and fraud protection.
Cons: Where It Falls Short
- Poor reward rate (2% domestic, 2.5% international) compared to competitors.
- High annual fee (₹20,000 + GST) with limited everyday value.
- Milestone rewards require high spending, making them hard to unlock.
- No guest lounge access, unlike other premium cards.
- Limited visa assistance, covering only processing fees, not embassy charges.
Conclusion
The Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card is a premium offering designed for frequent travelers and high spenders, packed with unlimited airport lounge access, concierge services, and milestone rewards. It stands out with its luxury perks like hotel vouchers, airport transfers, and brand discounts, but falls short on rewards and everyday value.
The biggest drawbacks are its low reward rate (2-2.5%), high annual fee (₹20,000 + GST), and challenging milestone benefits, which require significant spending to unlock. Additionally, no guest lounge access and limited utility of visa services make it less competitive than other premium credit cards. For a card aimed at UHNIs, expectations were higher.
Despite being marketed to UHNIs, it lacks exclusivity. There’s no strict eligibility requirement, as anyone with an existing ICICI Bank credit card can get instant approval via the Times Black website. This ease of access diminishes its premium appeal, especially compared to invite-only or income-restricted luxury cards.
The Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card is best suited for frequent travelers who can take advantage of unlimited lounge access and milestone rewards. However, its low reward rate, high annual fee, and lack of exclusivity make it less compelling compared to other premium credit cards that offer better rewards and greater flexibility.
Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card
