ICICI Bank Times Black Review
Super-premiumICICI Bank
Quick Facts
Joining Fee₹20,000
Renewal Fee₹20,000
Best ForRewards
Forex Markup1.49%
30-Second Verdict
Expert VerdictAs a super-premium offering, the Times Black is the gold standard for high-value rewards, offering outstanding yields on accelerated spending portals and premium transfer partners.
Luxury & Lifestyle•International Travel•High Reward Yield
Who Should Apply
- You spend at least ₹25,00,000 annually to waive fees.
- You value airport lounge access and travel perks.
- You want a steady return rate of 2% on standard spends.
- You dine out frequently and utilize culinary discounts.
Who Should Skip
- You want to avoid paying an annual fee of ₹20,000.
- Your average monthly card spends are less than ₹1,00,000.
- You prefer cash statement credits over travel reward point transfers.
Key Numbers
Base Reward Rate
2 RP / ₹100
Accelerated Rate
1.25X, 6X, 12X
Forex Markup
1.49%
Joining Fee
₹20K
Annual Fee
₹20K
Eligibility
Age: 21 - 70 Years
Requires monthly salary > ₹2,00,000.
Domestic Lounge
Unlimited
Primary: Yes • Add-on: No • Guest: No
International Lounge
Priority Pass
Unlimited
Primary: Yes • Add-on: Yes • Guest: No
Reward Point Mechanics
Understanding how your spends translate into real-world value is key. Here is how you earn, translate, and redeem your reward points.
Earning Blueprint
Accrual & MultipliersBase Earn Rate:2 RP / ₹100
Multipliers & Milestones:
Category-Cap 1x2% yield
Utility, Insurance, Education & Government Payments: Capped at 5,000 reward points per statement cycleAccelerated 6x12% yield
6X rewards on Flight Bookings & Vouchers via iShop ICICI Offers portalAccelerated 12x24% yield
12X rewards on Hotel Bookings via iShop ICICI Offers portalAccelerated 1.25x2.5% yield
2.5% rewards on International SpendsMilestone 1x
Discover Klook's unique international experiences and activities Worth ₹10,000 on spends of ₹2 lakhMilestone 1x
WeWork day passes (India) or airport transfers from Thumby Aviation, Avis or Indian Travel House Worth ₹10,000 on spends of ₹5 lakhMilestone 1x
Indulge in high-end fashion with a Tata CLiQ Luxury Gift Card Worth ₹10,000 on spends of ₹10 lakhMilestone 1x
One night luxury stay Worth ₹20,000 at Ayatana or Lohono on spends of ₹20 lakhPoint Translation
Value depends on how you redeemStandard Currency Point Value
1 Times Reward Points = ₹1
when redeemed for flights/travelRedemption Values:
Vouchers:₹1 per pt
Cashback:₹0.4 per pt
Standout Features & Privileges
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Memberships |
|
| Luxury Travel Privileges | Experience luxury worldwide with complimentary lounge access |
1. Fees & Charges
- Joining Fee: ₹20,000 + GST
- Annual Fee: ₹20,000 + GST
- Renewal Fee Waiver: The annual fee is waived if you spend ₹2,500,000 or more in the preceding card anniversary year. Spend ₹25 Lakhs in a card year to get renewal fee waived.
2. Airport Lounge Access
For frequent flyers, lounge privileges provide significant comfort and savings:
- Domestic Lounges: Eligible: True (Visa/Mastercard Lounge Program). Complimentary Visits: Unlimited. Spend threshold: None.
- International Lounges: Eligible: True (Priority Pass). Complimentary Visits: Unlimited. Spend threshold: None.
3. Rewards Rate & Value
Optimize your spending with the card's rewards structure:
- Base Reward Rate: Earn an effective 2% back on general purchases.
- Point Valuation: 1 Times Reward Points = ₹1 value.
- Important Exclusions: Spends on Rent do not earn standard reward points.
4. Verdict: Should You Apply?
Get it if...
- ✓ You value having lounge access on network programs.
- ✓ Your primary spending categories align with this card's reward structure.
Skip it if...
- ✗ You prefer direct cash-back over reward points or travel miles.
- ✗ Your major spending is on excluded categories like rent or utilities (Rent).
Exclusions & Caps Warning
- Spends on Rent, Government transactions, and Wallet Loads are excluded from the annual waiver threshold of ₹25,00,000.
- Fuel transactions do not earn standard reward points, but are eligible for a 1% surcharge waiver up to ₹500/month.
- Cash advances, balance transfers, and EMI conversions do not earn reward points.
Pros & Cons
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
|
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Rewards Point Calculator
Estimate your annual rewards based on your customized spending profile. Slide the bars to adjust your spends and see the total reward points earned.
Total Reward Points Earned
29,000
Points / Year
Premium Dining & Lifestyle Benefits
| Category | Privileges & Details |
|---|---|
| Travel & Lounges | Complimentary international airport lounge access (Unlimited lounges) |
| Dining & Culinary | Annual membership of Zomato Gold. Special offers on membership and access to events at The Quorum Club and dining discounts at select restaurants. |
| Entertainment & Movies | Buy 1 Get 1 ticket free, up to 2 free tickets per month. |
| Insurance Coverages | Air Accident Cover: Up to ₹0 Lakh |
| Other Perks & Memberships |
|
Redemption Sweet Spots
Best Value Redemption Strategy: Redeeming points for statement credits yields poor value. Instead, transfer points to airline/hotel loyalty programs (like Marriott Bonvoy or airline miles) to secure maximum value per point.
Cardswise Score
8.0
Rewards8/10
Travel Perks9/10
Lifestyle8/10
Value for Money7/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee and waiver limit of ICICI Bank Times Black?
The annual fee is ₹20,000 + GST. The fee is waived if you spend ₹2,500,000 in the previous card year.
Does ICICI Bank Times Black offer complimentary lounge access?
Domestic lounge: Unlimited (Spend requirement: None). International lounge: Unlimited.
What is the foreign exchange markup fee?
The card has a foreign exchange markup of 1.49%.
What is the spending limit on the card?
The card limit is determined based on your credit score, ITR/salary documents, and existing credit relationship with the issuing bank.
How do you apply for this card?
You can apply online via the issuer's portal, netbanking, or by visiting a local branch with income proof documents.
Do reward points expire?
The reward points are typically valid for 24 months.
Times Black
₹20,000 Joining Fee