Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card Review

Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card – a premium metal offering from ICICI Bank, crafted in collaboration with Times Internet Limited and Visa. This exclusive card caters to high-net-worth individuals seeking unparalleled luxury and benefits. Despite its substantial annual fee of ₹20,000, the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card delivers a host of premium perks. A generous 2.5% reward rate on international spending, and a competitive 1.49% Forex markup.

The Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card is Designed with frequent travelers and high-spenders in mind, this super-premium card also appeals to discerning enthusiasts of fine dining, shopping, and exclusive events. While the card boasts an impressive array of features, it has faced some criticism for not fully meeting expectations in certain areas. Nonetheless, the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card remains a top-tier option for those seeking an unmatched luxury credit card experience.

Overview

Fees & Charges

• The annual fee will be charged at the start of your card’s anniversary period.

Benefits

Welcome Benefits

• EaseMyTrip complimentary Luxury Stay Gift Card worth ₹10,000
• Travel Visa Benefits with Atlys and OneVasco worth ₹10,000
• Annual Complimentary Zomato Gold Membership
• Toni & Guy Gift Card worth ₹3,000.
• Interflora Gift card worth ₹3,000.

Milestone Benefits

• Spend ₹2,00,000 and Receive Klook’s Gift Card Voucher worth ₹10,000.
• Spend ₹5,00,000 and Receive ₹10,000 worth of luxury transportation, including either airport transfers in a sedan (₹5,000 x 2) or a helicopter service (₹10,000 x 1) from BLADE/AVIS. This offer is available only for travel from Bangalore Airport to select destinations.
• Spend ₹10,00,000 and Receive Tata Cliq Luxury Gift Card  worth ₹10,000.
• Spend ₹20,00,000 and  Receive Avanta Resorts stay Gift Card worth ₹20,000.

The ideal spending limit for most users would be around ₹10 lakh, assuming travel to destinations like Ladakh isn’t primarily for redeeming accommodation benefits. At this spending level, the card offers milestone rewards worth approximately ₹30,000, equating to a 3% reward rate on top of the regular 2% rewards. While a total return of 5% on spending might seem appealing, it’s essential to factor in that the joining fee delivers only ₹10,000 in value. Therefore, a more comprehensive analysis is required to accurately assess the card’s true reward rate, which we will delve into shortly.

Rewards on Times Black ICICI Bank Card

Earn Points

• Earn 2 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on Domestic Spends
• Earn 2.5 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on International Spends
• Earn 6 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on Flights & Hotels

Exclusions

• No points on fuel and rent payments.
• You can earn up to 5,000 Reward Points each month by making payments for utilities, insurance, education, and government services.
• No reward points for education fee payments processed through third-party digital platforms. However, payments made directly on school or university websites or at point-of-sale terminals qualify for earning points.

Reward Points Expiry

• Earned points do not have an expiration date; however, they will be lost if the card remains inactive for more than a year.

Airport Lounge Access

Enjoy unlimited complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide with Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card, offering a luxurious and relaxing travel experience. Whether you’re on a business trip or vacation, access premium lounges with amenities like Wi-Fi, refreshments, and comfortable seating. Travel in style and comfort with unmatched convenience at airports across the globe.

My Opinion

When ICICI Bank launched the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card, it was meant to compete with premium cards like the Axis Primus and Amex Centurion. Officials said the card was designed to take on the dominance of the Amex Centurion in India’s high-end card market.

However, after reviewing its benefits, the card doesn’t meet expectations. While it offers some exclusive perks, like helicopter airport transfers, these are only available in Bengaluru, making them impractical for most users. The doorstep visa service is also limited to certain locations, reducing the card’s appeal outside big cities.

The rewards program is not impressive, offering just 2% back with a cap of 5,000 points per month on categories like utilities and government payments. It doesn’t offer rewards on fuel or rent payments, and the 1% fee on rent transactions (with only the first rent payment free) makes it less valuable.

Compared to the more affordable Emeralde Private Metal Card, the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card doesn’t seem as competitive. Its 1.49% + GST fee on international transactions is higher than many similar cards, and it offers fewer concierge services, which premium cardholders usually expect to be comprehensive.

Although marketed as exclusive, the card’s prestige is reduced because many existing ICICI customers are approved with a shared limit.

In conclusion, the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card doesn’t live up to the hype. With its disappointing features and limitations, it fails to offer the exclusivity, value, and benefits expected from a premium card. This card is best avoided.

How to Apply

• Times Black Credit Card apply through online on Timesblack website
• The application process is very easy, especially for existing ICICI credit card holders. It offers instant approval, so you can get your card details immediately.