If you use ICICI Bank credit card, then this news is very important for you. From January 2026, the bank is going to change many rules related to charges, reward points and benefits for all its retail credit card customers. These changes will be implemented in phases between January and February 2026, which will have a direct impact on everyday spending, travel booking, entertainment and online transactions. Under the new rules, if you make transportation transactions worth more than ₹50,000 in select merchant category codes, you will have to pay an additional fee of 1%. This change will especially affect those who book high-cost flights, trains and buses.
Limit on reward points
Now a monthly limit has been imposed on the reward points received on transportation expenses. For Emeralde, Emeralde Private, Sapphiro and Rubyx cards, rewards will be limited to ₹20,000 per month. For mid-tier cards like Coral, Platinum, Manchester United, CSK and Expressions, this limit will be ₹10,000 per month. Due to this, you may get less rewards on railway and bus ticket booking.
BookMyShow offer now with conditions
The popular BookMyShow buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offer is now available with conditions. To avail this offer, cardholders need to spend at least ₹25,000 in the previous calendar quarter. This facility will be completely discontinued on the Instant Platinum Credit Card from February 2026.
Major changes in super-premium cards
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) fees on Emeralde Metal, Emeralde Private and Emeralde (PVC) cards have been increased to 2%. Additionally, reward points will no longer be available on government services, fuel, fares, taxes and wallet transactions on the Emeralde Metal card. Also, a one-time fee of ₹3500 will be charged for the new add-on card.
Charges on online gaming and wallet loading
A 2% fee will be charged on transactions made on online gaming platforms like Dream11, MPL and Rummy Culture. Similarly, loading ₹5000 or more into third-party wallets like Amazon Pay and Paytm will attract a 1% fee.
When will these changes come into effect?
Most of the rules will come into effect from January 15, 2026, while some changes to reward caps and benefits will come into effect from February 1, 2026. ICICI Bank has advised customers to read the new rules carefully to avoid any unexpected charges.
