ICICI Emeralde Credit Card Review (2026)
ICICI's answer to the Infinia. 5x on everything, 10x on travel, unlimited lounges, and Taj hotel benefits. The super-premium card for ICICI loyalists.
Last updated: 2026-03-28· By PointsWallah Editorial
Fee Details
| Annual Fee | ₹12,000 |
| Joining Fee | ₹12,000 |
| Fee Waiver | Spend 8L in a year |
| Income Required | ₹25L/year |
| Network | Visa |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Yes |
Reward Rates
Currency: ICICI Reward Points
Milestone Benefits
10,000 bonus reward points on spending 8L
Lounge Access
Our Review
The Emeralde is ICICI's attempt to compete head-on with HDFC Infinia. On paper, it matches: 5x base rate, unlimited lounge access, Taj benefits. Where it diverges: the 10x on travel and international spends gives it an edge for frequent travelers (Infinia gives 10x only via SmartBuy). The Taj InnerCircle Epicure membership adds tangible hotel value. But the ICICI reward point ecosystem remains the weak link — fewer transfer partners, lower flexibility, and less community knowledge about optimal redemptions. If you bank with ICICI and have a strong relationship, the Emeralde is a legitimate super-premium option. But if you can choose between banks, the Infinia's ecosystem advantage is still meaningful.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- + 5x on all spends — matches HDFC Infinia's base rate
- + 10x on travel and international spends
- + Unlimited domestic AND international lounge access with guest
- + Complimentary Taj InnerCircle Epicure membership
Cons
- - 12,000 annual fee — high even for super-premium
- - 25L income requirement limits accessibility
- - ICICI reward point ecosystem is less flexible than HDFC's
- - Less widely recognized as a status symbol compared to Infinia or Amex Platinum
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ICICI Emeralde Credit Card worth it in 2026?
It depends on your spending. The ICICI Emeralde Credit Card costs ₹12,000/year (waiver: Spend 8L in a year). With an effective base return of 1.5%, you'd need to spend approximately ₹8L per year just to break even on the fee. If your annual spend exceeds that, the card earns you money.
What is the ICICI Emeralde Credit Card annual fee?
The ICICI Emeralde Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹12,000. Joining fee is also ₹12,000. Fee waiver: Spend 8L in a year.
What is the minimum salary required for ICICI Emeralde Credit Card?
The minimum annual income required for the ICICI Emeralde Credit Card is ₹25L. However, if you have an existing banking relationship with ICICI Bank, you may get approved at a lower income level.
Disclaimer: This review is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Card features, fees, and reward structures may change without notice. Please verify all details on ICICI Bank's website before applying. We may earn a commission if you apply through our links — this does not affect our editorial assessment.