ICICI Bank has announced multiple updates to its credit card fee structure, reward policies, and usage rules that will come into effect in January and February 2026. These changes impact online gaming transactions, wallet loading, travel spends, reward earning limits, dynamic currency conversion, and add-on card fees.
Cardholders who frequently use their cards for digital payments, gaming, travel, or high-value transactions should carefully understand these revisions to avoid unexpected charges in 2026.
Key Credit Card Changes Introduced by ICICI Bank in 2026
Online Gaming Transactions to Attract New Charges
ICICI Bank will now charge a 2% fee on all online gaming and fantasy sports transactions. This includes payments made on gaming platforms, apps, and similar digital services.
Charges on Wallet Loading Transactions
A 1% fee will be applicable when loading ₹5,000 or more into third-party digital wallets using an ICICI credit card.
Transportation and Travel Spend Fees
High-value transportation spends will attract a 1% fee once the transaction value crosses ₹50,000. This applies to select travel-related merchant categories.
Revised Fees and Charges: Old vs New (2026)
Changes to Reward Points and Earning Limits
ICICI Bank has revised how reward points are earned across several spending categories:
- Retail spends will continue to earn reward points as per the card variant
- Certain categories such as rent, fuel, government payments, insurance, wallet loads, and taxes may not earn reward points
- Monthly reward caps have been introduced on transportation and insurance payments
- Reward earning on high-value transactions is now limited to predefined thresholds
These changes may reduce reward accumulation for users who rely heavily on specific spending categories.
Dynamic Currency Conversion Fee Updates
For international transactions processed in Indian rupees, ICICI Bank has revised its dynamic currency conversion (DCC) charges. The applicable fee will now vary depending on the credit card type, increasing the cost of overseas spending for some users.
Entertainment and Lifestyle Benefit Revisions
Popular benefits such as movie ticket offers and lifestyle perks are also being revised:
- Some credit cards will now require minimum quarterly spending to unlock movie benefits
- Certain card variants may see complete removal of entertainment offers
- Benefit eligibility will depend on card type and spending behaviour
Add-On Credit Card Fees Introduced
From January 15, 2026, ICICI Bank will charge a one-time fee for issuing add-on credit cards on select variants. This change affects customers who issue supplementary cards for family members.
Important Dates to Remember
- January 15, 2026: New transaction fees, DCC charges, wallet fees, add-on card charges start
- February 1, 2026: Reward caps and revised benefit eligibility rules apply
What These ICICI Credit Card Changes Mean for You
With rising digital transactions and evolving spending patterns, ICICI Bank has tightened its credit card policies for 2026. Cardholders should:
- Review spending categories that now attract extra charges
- Track reward caps before making high-value transactions
- Meet spending thresholds to retain lifestyle and entertainment benefits
- Compare foreign currency costs before international usage
Being aware of these changes will help cardholders avoid surprise fees and optimise credit card usage in 2026.
Upcoming Changes in ICICI Bank Credit Card Features & Charges (2026)
ICICI Bank has announced multiple updates to reward structures, transaction charges, and benefit eligibility across several credit card variants. These changes will be implemented in phases starting January 15, 2026 and February 1, 2026.
Revised Features & Charges Table
Key Takeaways for Cardholders
- Core reward rates remain unchanged for premium cards
- Digital payments like gaming and wallet loads will become more expensive
- Reward caps may impact high-spending users
- Lifestyle benefits will now depend on spending thresholds
- Add-on cards may no longer be completely free
What Remains and What’s New
While some benefits continue, others are being restricted or repriced. Core benefits such as earning points on everyday retail spends still apply under the updated rules, but exclusion categories and caps have expanded. At the same time, dynamic foreign transaction costs and fees on digital wallets and gaming are clearly increasing.