As 2026 approaches, credit card devaluations were always on the horizon. However, ICICI Bank has moved earlier than expected, announcing a series of changes that impact almost its entire credit card portfolio. From super-premium cards like Emeralde to entry-level offerings such as Coral, the revisions reduce reward value, add spending conditions, and introduce new fees.
Calling this a year-end update would be generous — for many cardholders, this is a clear devaluation.
Spend-Based BookMyShow Benefit Introduced
ICICI Bank is not fully removing BookMyShow (BMS) benefits, but it is making them spend-linked.
To continue enjoying Buy One Get One (BOGO) movie or event tickets, cardholders must now spend ₹25,000 or more in the previous quarter.
This marks a shift from free lifestyle perks to usage-based rewards, a trend previously limited mostly to airport lounge access.
Cards Impacted by Spend-Based BMS Rule
- ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Adani One Platinum Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Adani One Signature Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Secured Rubyx Credit Card
- ICICI Bank HPCL Platinum Chip Credit Card
- ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Platinum Credit Card
- ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Contactless Credit Card
- ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card
- ICICI Bank NRI Coral Credit Card
For low spenders, this significantly reduces the appeal of these cards.
BookMyShow Benefit Discontinued on Select Cards
The complimentary BookMyShow benefit will be completely discontinued on the following cards:
- ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Chip Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Credit Card
This removes one of the few lifestyle perks available on ICICI’s entry-level cards.
Cap Introduced on Reward Earnings for Transport Spends
ICICI Bank will continue awarding reward points on transport-related merchant categories such as:
- Railways
- Bus services
- Taxi and cab payments
- Toll charges
- Transit services
However, reward points will now be capped at spends of ₹20,000 per month in these categories.
Applicable Cards
- ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card (including Secured & Lead the New variants)
- ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card (including Lead the New variant)
- ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Credit Card
Spends beyond ₹20,000 in a month under these categories will not earn any reward points.
Reward Exclusions & Add-On Charges for Emeralde Metal Card
While the ICICI Emeralde Metal Credit Card will continue to earn 6 Reward Points per ₹200 on regular retail spends, several categories are now excluded from reward earnings:
- Government payments
- Fuel
- Rent and property management
- Tax payments
- Third-party wallet transactions
Additionally, from 15 January 2026, ICICI Bank will charge a one-time fee of ₹3,500 for any new Plus (add-on) card issued on or after this date.
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) Fee Revised
ICICI Bank has also revised Dynamic Currency Conversion fees across its credit card range.
This change impacts international transactions and overseas online payments.
Bottom Line
ICICI Bank’s latest announcement introduces multiple negative changes across its credit card lineup. While some revisions were expected, others — especially the spend-based BookMyShow rule and reward earning exclusions — significantly reduce the value proposition for many cardholders.
Since these changes come into effect on different dates, users should carefully track timelines and review official communication to avoid surprises.
Overall, this marks one of the largest ICICI credit card devaluations in recent years, and it may push users to reconsider card usage or explore alternatives.