ICICI Bank is set to roll out major changes to its credit card rules in 2026, affecting fees, reward points, and popular card benefits. The updates will apply across several ICICI Bank credit cards and are expected to impact everyday spending categories such as online gaming, digital wallet loading, transport payments, and entertainment offers.
Cardholders are advised to review the changes carefully to avoid unexpected charges and reduced rewards.
New Charges to Apply on Select Credit Card Transactions
From early 2026, ICICI Bank will introduce additional fees on certain types of transactions:
Online Gaming Transactions
- Payments made on online gaming platforms will attract a 2% charge on the transaction amount
- This applies to gaming-related merchant categories
Wallet Loading Charges
- Loading ₹5,000 or more into third-party wallets using a credit card will incur a 1% fee
- Wallets include popular digital payment platforms
Transport-Related Spending
- Transport transactions exceeding ₹50,000 under specific merchant categories will be charged 1%
These fees could significantly increase costs for users who rely on credit cards for such payments.
Reward Points to Be Capped on Key Spends
ICICI Bank will also tighten reward eligibility on several spending categories:
Transport Spend Reward Limits
- Premium cards (Emeralde, Emeralde Private, Sapphiro, Rubyx):
Reward points applicable only up to ₹20,000 per month - Mid-range cards (Coral, Platinum, co-branded cards):
Reward points capped at ₹10,000 per month
Spends beyond these limits will not earn reward points.
Entertainment Benefits to Get Stricter
Some popular entertainment perks will be revised:
- Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) movie ticket offers may now require a minimum quarterly spend
- Certain entry-level cards may lose free movie benefits entirely from 2026
These changes reduce the overall value of lifestyle perks for casual users.
Other Fee and Policy Updates
- Adjustments to foreign currency conversion and dynamic currency charges on select cards
- Possible new fees on add-on cards, especially for premium variants
Exact charges may vary depending on the card type.
When Will the New Rules Take Effect?
- Transaction-related fees: From January 2026
- Reward caps and benefit changes: From February 2026
ICICI Bank is expected to notify customers individually via email or SMS.
What Cardholders Should Do
✔ Review updated card terms once notified
✔ Reconsider using credit cards for wallet loads and gaming spends
✔ Track reward caps to maximise benefit
✔ Compare alternative cards if benefits no longer suit your spending pattern
Bottom Line
The ICICI Bank credit card changes for 2026 introduce new fees and tighter reward limits, especially for high-frequency digital and lifestyle spending. Understanding these updates in advance can help cardholders adjust spending habits and avoid reduced value from their cards.
Disclaimer: Credit card fees and benefits vary by card type and customer agreement. Cardholders should refer to official ICICI Bank communications for exact terms.
