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Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card

The Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card is a travel credit card made for people who fly often with Emirates Airlines. It has a joining and yearly fee of ₹10,000. When you get the card, you receive 10,000 Skywards Miles and a free Silver Tier membership for the first year. If you spend ₹15 lakh in a year, you can upgrade to Gold Tier, which gives even more benefits. You also earn up to 2.5 Skywards Miles for every ₹100 you spend, which you can use to book flights or upgrade your seat with Emirates.

The Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card also gives many other benefits besides travel. You get unlimited access to airport lounges in India and other countries. You also get 1 free movie ticket when you buy 1 on BookMyShow and discounts at select restaurants. These offers make the card useful for daily life too. But one thing to note is that it has a 3.5% fee on spending in foreign currency, which might not be good if you travel abroad a lot. Overall, it’s a good card for people who fly with Emirates and want extra perks.

Credit Card Detail
Joining Fee
Rs. 10000.00 +GST
Renewal Fee
Rs. 10000.00 +GST
Best Suited For
Travel | Shopping
Reward Type
Reward Points
Welcome Benefits
You’ll get 10,000 Skywards Miles as a welcome bonus when you pay the yearly fee.
Rewards Rate
You earn 2.5 Skywards Miles for every ₹100 you spend on most purchases, and 1 Mile for every ₹100 spent on insurance and utility bills.
Reward Redemption
You can use the Skywards Miles you earn to book flights or other travel services on the Emirates Skywards website.
Movie & Dining
Enjoy a Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer on movie tickets (up to ₹750) and get special discounts at top restaurants through the ICICI Bank Culinary Treats Programme.
Travel
You get unlimited lounge access at airports outside India and free spa sessions at select Indian airports every year.
Golf
N/A
Domestic Lounge Access
Free and unlimited access to airport lounges within India.
International Lounge Access
You get unlimited free access to international lounges and spa services at select airports in India through the Dreamfolks Pass.
Insurance Benefits
N/A
Interest Rates
The interest rate is 3.40% per month, which adds up to 40.8% per year.
Spend-Based Waiver
N/A
Rewards Redemption Fee
Nil
Cash Advance Charges
You will be charged either ₹500 or 2.5% of the amount you withdraw, whichever is more.
Foreign Currency Markup
3.50% +GST
Fuel Surcharge
You’ll get a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel purchases of up to ₹4,000.
Card Details
  • Get 10,000 Skywards Miles as a joining bonus every year after paying the annual fee.
  • Enjoy free Emirates Skywards Silver Tier membership for one year.
  • Spend ₹5 lakh in a year to renew Silver Tier membership.
  • Upgrade to Gold Tier by spending ₹15 lakh in a year.
  • Earn up to 2.5 Skywards Miles for every ₹100 spent.
  • Use Skywards Miles for booking flights, hotels, events, and more.
  • Get unlimited free access to international airport lounges.
  • Enjoy 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits every 3 months.
  • Get unlimited free spa sessions at select airports in India.
  • Enjoy Buy 1 Get 1 free movie tickets (up to ₹500 off) twice a month via BookMyShow.
  • Get exclusive dining discounts under the ICICI Culinary Treats Program.
  • Save 1% fuel surcharge on transactions at all fuel stations.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- Free Silver Tier membership, up to 2.5% rewards, flight upgrades, unlimited lounge access, and movie ticket discounts.
Cons
- The card has a high fee for international transactions (3.5%) and gives fewer reward points on utility and insurance payments. It also comes with a high annual fee of ₹10,000 and doesn’t offer any option to get this fee waived.

Key Considerations Before Applying for a Credit Card in India:

  • Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, which typically include age, income, credit score, and employment status as defined by the issuing bank or financial institution.
  • Credit Score: A strong credit score can significantly improve your chances of approval and result in more favorable terms, such as lower interest rates or higher credit limits. Verify that your credit score is healthy before applying.
  • Interest Rates and Fees: Compare the annual percentage rates (APR), processing fees, late payment penalties, and foreign transaction charges associated with various cards. These costs can vary widely and impact the overall value of the card.
  • Rewards and Benefits: Evaluate the rewards, cashback, discounts, or other perks offered by the card to ensure they align with your spending patterns. Some cards may provide better benefits in specific categories, such as travel, shopping, or dining.
  • Credit Limit: Review the credit limit offered by the card to ensure it meets your financial needs. Avoid applying for cards with excessive limits if you are concerned about managing debt, as this can lead to higher interest charges.
  • Repayment Terms: Understand the repayment structure, including the minimum payment amount, payment due dates, and any associated penalties. Being clear about these terms can help you manage payments effectively and avoid interest buildup.
  • Card Type and Features: Choose a card type that matches your specific needs—whether standard, premium, or specialized cards like those offering travel rewards or dining privileges. Ensure the features of the card align with your lifestyle and spending habits.
  • Bank’s Reputation: Opt for a financial institution with a proven reputation for customer service and transparency. Consider researching customer reviews and assessing their support channels to ensure reliable service.
  • Hidden Charges: Be aware of any hidden fees, including annual fees, balance transfer charges, foreign transaction fees, or cash withdrawal charges. These can add up over time and affect the overall cost-effectiveness of the card.
  • Credit Utilization: Maintain a balance within your credit limit to avoid high credit utilization ratios, which can negatively impact your credit score. Responsible use of credit is essential for maintaining financial health.
  • Long-Term Financial Plans: Consider how the credit card fits into your overall financial strategy. Avoid accumulating unnecessary debt and choose a card that supports your long-term financial goals without adding financial strain.
Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of lounge access do I get with this credit card?

You get unlimited free access to both domestic and international airport lounges, plus spa services at select Indian airports through Dreamfolks.

Are there any movie ticket offers with this card?

Yes, you can enjoy a Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer on BookMyShow, with a maximum discount of ₹750 on the second ticket. This can be used up to 4 times a month.

Can I earn bonus Skywards Miles with this card?

Yes, you get 10,000 Skywards Miles when you pay the joining fee and another 10,000 Miles every year on renewal.

Does this card waive the annual fee if I spend a certain amount?

No, the card doesn’t offer any spending-based waiver. You need to pay the ₹10,000 annual fee every year to keep the card active.

Is this card a good option for people who travel a lot?

If you often fly with Emirates, this card can save you money through rewards, upgrades, and travel-related perks.

How much do I earn on utility and insurance payments?

You earn 1 Skywards Mile for every ₹100 spent on utility and insurance bills using this card.

What is the annual fee for the Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card?

The card has an annual fee of ₹10,000 plus taxes, and there's no option to get this fee waived.

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