ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card Review
Author And Publisher: Gyro 3.oICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card
Financial Expert Advice
Choose Your First (or Next) Credit Card Wisely
"Limit yourself to holding two credit cards A/C—one for daily expenses and auto-debits, and another reserved for emergencies.
Avoid chasing cashback, miles, rewards or Investments, as this can distract from sound financial management;
and lead to unnecessary debt. Focus on stability & discipline."
ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card Review
"Power. Prestige. Private."
Introduction
The ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card is a super-premium, invite-only credit card designed for high-net-worth individuals seeking luxury, exclusivity, and comprehensive lifestyle benefits. With its metal construction, generous credit limits, and an impressive suite of travel, dining, and entertainment perks, this card stands out as one of India’s most aspirational financial products. It is particularly attractive for frequent travelers and those who value premium experiences, Here’s a detailed review to help you decide if this card is right for you.
Key Features and Benefits
- Invite-Only Exclusivity: The Card Is Available Only To Select High-Income Individuals, Typically Through Invitation From ICICI Bank.
Welcome and Renewal Benefits
Welcome Benefit: 12,500 reward points and complimentary Taj Epicure and EazyDiner Prime memberships.
Renewal Benefit: 12,500 reward points upon renewal.
Reward Structure
| Spend Category | Reward Rate (per ₹200) | Cap/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retail | 6 Reward Points | None. |
| Grocery | 6 Reward Points | 1,000 RP/statement. |
| Education | 6 Reward Points | 1,000 RP/statement. |
| Utilities | 6 Reward Points | 1,000 RP/statement. |
| Insurance | 6 Reward Points | 5,000 RP/statement. |
| Fuel, Tax, Rent | No Rewards |
- Flights & Hotels: 1 point = ₹1.
- Luxury Brand Vouchers (Apple, Tanishq, Tumi, etc.): 1 point = ₹1.
- Rewards Catalogue – Other Products: 1 point = ₹0.60.
- Statement Credit: 1 point = ₹0.403.
Insurance Coverage
- Personal Accident (Air Accident - Death only): ₹3,00,00,000.
- Purchase Protection: ₹1,40,000.
- Credit Shield: ₹1,00,000.
- Loss of Checked-in Baggage: ₹84,000.
- Plane Hijacking: ₹75,000.
- Card Liability Cover (Lost Card, Counterfeit, Skimming, Phishing, Online Fraud): ₹50,000.
- Medical Expenses (Rail/Road Accident Bodily Injury): ₹50,000.
- Loss of Passport & Travel Documents: ₹35,000.
- Baggage Insurance: ₹25,000.
- Delay of Checked-in Baggage: ₹21,000.
- Missing Connecting International Flight (Transit): ₹21,000.
- Delay in Flight: ₹17,500.
- Activation: All insurance benefits are only applicable if the ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card has been used at least once in the last 60 days prior to the event.
- Primary Card Only: Insurance benefits are exclusively available on the Primary Card. No cover is provided on Supplementary Cards.
- Minimum Due Payment: To avail of insurance benefits, ensure the minimum amount due on your Credit Card is paid at all times.
- International Travel Specific: Travel insurance covers (like Baggage, Flight Delay, Missing Connections, etc.) are applicable for International travel only, not domestic. This applies only when tickets are purchased using the ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card.
Milestone Benefits
- Get 2 EaseMyTrip vouchers on annual spends of ₹8 lakh Vouchers worth up to ₹6000.
golf Benefits
Entertainment Perks
- Buy One Get One up to ₹750 off on BookMyShow twice a month on movies, concerts & events.
Concierge Service
Unlimited lounge access
Unlimited International airport lounge access for both Primary & Plus Card members.
Unlimited Domestic airport lounge access for both Primary & Plus Card members.
Annual Fee and Charges
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹12,499 + GST | |
| Annual Fee | ₹12,499 + GST | Waived on spends of ₹10 lakh or more. |
| Add-On Card Fee | Nil | Up to 3 complimentary add-on cards. |
| Finance Charges | 3.4–3.75% per month | 40.8–45% per annum. |
| Foreign Currency Markup | 2% (+GST) | |
| Cash Withdrawal Fee | Nil | Interest still applies. |
Struggling to keep up with mounting credit card bills?
Card Essential
| Type | Reward Points |
| Welcome Benefits | get 12,500 EDGE REWARD points memberships*. |
| Annual Fee | ₹12,499 + GST |
| Reward Structure | Rewards On SPENDS |
| Renewal Benefit | Spend ₹10 Lakh+ annually, get your renewal fee waived. |
Rewards and Benefits Analysis
The Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card is a strong contender in the super-premium segment, offering a robust 3% base reward rate (with milestone benefits pushing this higher), unlimited lounge access, and exclusive lifestyle perks. The inclusion of insurance, education, and utilities in the reward program is rare and adds significant value for high spenders. While the card does not offer point-to-mile conversions, its redemption value for flights, hotels, and luxury vouchers is highly competitive.
Practical Considerations
Best for: High-net-worth individuals, frequent travelers, and those who value luxury and exclusivity.
Annual fee waiver: Requires annual spends of ₹10 lakh or more—easily achievable for the target audience.
No rewards on fuel, tax, or rent payments.
No point-to-mile conversion: Points are best redeemed for flights, hotels, or luxury brand vouchers.
Invite-only: Availability is limited to select customers.
Redemption Options
Redeem points for flights, hotels, luxury brand vouchers, or general products.
Statement credit is available but offers lower value.
Ideal User Profile
High spenders who can maximize the card’s reward and milestone benefits.
Frequent travelers who value unlimited lounge access and low forex fees.
Individuals who enjoy premium dining, golf, and entertainment experiences.
Those who appreciate exclusive lifestyle and travel perks.
Final Thoughts
The ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card is a top-tier, invite-only card that delivers exceptional value for high-net-worth individuals. Its luxury features, unlimited lounge access, and comprehensive reward structure make it a standout in the super-premium segment. For those who can qualify and maximize its benefits, it offers one of the best all-round experiences in the Indian credit card market.
Additional Tips for Potential Applicants
Plan your annual spends to qualify for the annual fee waiver.
Maximize your rewards by using the card for all eligible purchases.
Take advantage of unlimited lounge access, premium memberships, and milestone benefits.
Redeem points for flights, hotels, or luxury brand vouchers for maximum value.
Check with your Relationship Manager for eligibility, as the card is invite-only.
This review provides a balanced view of the card's strengths Insurance & Perks and weaknesses, helping readers make informed decisions about whether the ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card aligns with their
lifeStyle Habits And Financial Goals.
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