Updated on April 17, 2026
Author: MybankingTips Team
ICICI Bank has announced a major change in its airport lounge access policy for select co-branded credit cards. Starting 1 July 2026, cardholders will need to meet a spend-based condition to continue enjoying lounge benefits.
This update impacts popular travel-focused cards that earlier offered lounge access without any spending requirement.
₹75,000 Spend Requirement Introduced
From July 2026, users of the following cards must spend ₹75,000 in a quarter to unlock lounge access:
- MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Credit Card
- Adani One ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card
- Adani One ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card
This is a significant shift, especially for users who relied on these cards mainly for complimentary lounge visits.
What Has Changed?
Earlier
- Complimentary lounge access without spending condition
Now
- Spend ₹75,000 in the previous quarter
- Only then eligible for lounge access in the next quarter
This change aligns these cards with the broader industry trend of spend-based benefits.
Cards Still Offering Lounge Access Without Spend Condition
Some premium ICICI Bank credit cards continue to offer lounge access without any spending requirement:
- ICICI Bank Diamant Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Emirates Emeralde Credit Card
- Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card
These cards are positioned in the premium segment and come with higher fees and exclusive benefits.
Impact on Cardholders
Key Effects
- Lounge access becomes harder to achieve
- Casual users may lose this benefit
- Frequent spenders remain unaffected
For many users, this reduces the overall value of these co-branded travel cards.
Why Is ICICI Bank Making This Change?
Banks are increasingly shifting towards spend-based models to ensure benefits are used by active customers.
This helps:
- Control costs
- Reduce misuse of lounge benefits
- Reward high-spending users
Should You Continue Using These Cards?
Continue If
- You can easily spend ₹75,000 per quarter
- You use the card for regular transactions
Consider Alternatives If
- You mainly used the card for lounge access
- Your spending is below the required threshold
Bottom Line
ICICI Bank’s new lounge access rule marks another devaluation in the credit card space. By introducing a ₹75,000 quarterly spend condition, the bank is limiting access to users who actively spend on their cards.
If lounge access is a key factor for you, it may be time to review your card usage or explore better alternatives.
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