ICICI Credit Cardholders Face New Lounge Access Rules: Is Free Entry Truly Over?
Intro: The Lounge Luxury That Just Got Costlier
ICICI : Until recently, carrying an ICICI Bank credit card was like holding a VIP pass to India’s busiest airports. A swipe here, a transaction there—and voilà, you had access to plush airport lounges where you could enjoy a coffee, charge your phone, and wait for your flight in peace. But as of January 1, 2025, that little luxury is no longer so easily earned. ICICI Bank has revised its domestic lounge access policy, and it’s making waves among customers.
What’s Changed? From Perk to Performance-Based Privilege
Starting this year, ICICI has implemented a spend-based model for complimentary lounge access. The previously relaxed ₹35,000 quarterly spend threshold has now doubled to ₹75,000. If you fail to meet this threshold in one quarter, you lose access in the next.
So, if you’re planning a lounge break between January and March 2025, you must have spent ₹75,000 between September 26 and December 26, 2024. The rule will apply quarterly moving forward:
| Spend Period | Eligible Lounge Access Period |
|---|---|
| 26 Sep 2024 – 26 Dec 2024 | 1 Jan 2025 – 31 Mar 2025 |
| 26 Dec 2024 – 25 Mar 2025 | 1 Apr 2025 – 30 Jun 2025 |
| 26 Mar 2025 – 25 Jun 2025 | 1 Jul 2025 – 30 Sep 2025 |
| 26 Jun 2025 – 25 Sep 2025 | 1 Oct 2025 – 31 Dec 2025 |
So yes, free lounge access still exists, but now it comes with strings attached—your spending habits.
Which Credit Cards Are Affected?
The new policy affects 21 mid-range ICICI credit cards that previously offered lounge access with minimal effort. Here are some of the prominent ones:
- ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card
- ICICI Expressions and MINE Cards (Visa/Mastercard)
- HPCL Super Saver Credit Card
- Manchester United Platinum Card
- MakeMyTrip Platinum
- SPEEDZ, Parakram, CSK Credit Card
- Business Blue Advantage
- MakeMyTrip Business Platinum
If you hold one of these, the ₹75,000 quarterly spend rule applies.
Who Still Gets Unlimited Lounge Access?
Not all cardholders are impacted. Those holding premium ICICI cards can still breeze into lounges without worrying about their last-quarter spending:
- ICICI Emeralde Credit Card
- Emeralde Private Metal Card
- ICICI Diamant Credit Card
These high-end cards continue to offer unlimited complimentary lounge access, untouched by the new rules.
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): The New Hidden Fee
One of the lesser-known but significant changes is the introduction of a 1% fee on Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), effective February 5, 2024. DCC happens when foreign merchants offer to bill you in INR instead of their local currency. While it sounds helpful, it often results in a poor exchange rate and now comes with a direct 1% penalty. The smarter move? Always opt to pay in the local currency when traveling abroad.
Other Quiet Rollbacks You Might Have Missed
ICICI has also made several subtle changes to its credit card offerings:
- Spa access discontinued on even premium cards
- No reward points on wallet recharges and rent payments
- An annual ₹199 fee imposed on all supplementary cards
These small but impactful changes emphasize the bank’s shift toward more usage-linked benefits.
Financial Ratios & Key Data
| Card Name | Annual Fee (₹) | Quarterly Spend for Lounge Access (₹) | Reward Rate | Other Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICICI Coral Credit Card | 500 | 75,000 | 1% – 2% | Movie offers, dining discounts |
| ICICI MINE Credit Card | 1,000 | 75,000 | 1.5% | Brand-based rewards |
| Manchester United Platinum | 499 | 75,000 | 1% | MU merchandise vouchers |
| HPCL Super Saver | 500 | 75,000 | 2.5% (fuel) | Fuel surcharge waiver |
| ICICI Emeralde Credit Card | 12,000 | None | 2%+ | Unlimited lounge & spa access |
| ICICI Diamant Credit Card | 1,25,000 | None | Up to 5% | Concierge, golf, unlimited lounge |
Final Boarding Call: Swipe Smart, Not Just Often
ICICI’s revamped lounge access rules reflect a broader shift across the banking industry—benefits must now be earned. This new spend-linked model encourages higher card usage and better engagement, but it also alienates light users who valued small luxuries. The message is clear: if you want the perks, you must actively use your card.
Before your next flight, ask yourself—did I spend ₹75,000 last quarter? If not, that airport cappuccino and comfy seat may have to wait.
🔍 Q&A Section – Quick Clarity for Cardholders
Q1: Is lounge access completely removed for ICICI credit cardholders?
No, it’s not removed but now requires a quarterly spend of ₹75,000 to qualify.
Q2: Which ICICI cards still offer free lounge access without conditions?
Premium cards like Emeralde, Emeralde Private Metal, and Diamant still offer unlimited access without any spend requirement.
Q3: How is the eligibility period calculated?
Your spend in a specific quarter (e.g., Sep–Dec 2024) determines your lounge access in the following quarter (e.g., Jan–Mar 2025).
Q4: What is the DCC charge and how can I avoid it?
ICICI charges 1% on Dynamic Currency Conversion. To avoid it, always pay in the local currency when abroad.
Q5: Are there any other hidden charges or rollbacks?
Yes. ICICI has discontinued spa access, removed reward points on wallet loading/rent, and imposed fees on add-on cards.
Conclusion:
While free airport lounge access hasn’t entirely vanished for ICICI Bank credit cardholders, it certainly isn’t “free” anymore. The game has changed, and to keep enjoying those travel perks, cardholders need to stay informed, spend smart, and adapt quickly.
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