← Part of ICICI Credit Cards in India
The Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card is a premium co-branded offering for frequent Emirates flyers in India. IT provides 2 Skywards Miles for every ₹100 spent on both domestic and international transactions, effective January 15, 2026. India represents Emirates Skywards’ fifth-largest membership base, with over 2 million members.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Co-branded Travel Credit Card (Premium Variant) |
| Issuing Bank | ICICI Bank |
| Airline Partner | Emirates Skywards |
| Target Audience | Frequent Emirates flyers and high-income international travelers |
| Joining Fee | ₹10,000 + GST |
| Annual Fee | ₹10,000 + GST |
| Welcome Bonus | 10,000 Skywards Miles & complimentary Emirates Skywards Silver Tier membership (first year) |
| Reward Rate (Effective Jan 15, 2026) | 2 Skywards Miles for every ₹100 spent on domestic and international retail transactions |
| Emirates Flight Discount | Up to 10% on Emirates flight bookings (using promo code INICI26) |
| Domestic Airport Lounge Access | Two complimentary visits every three months via Dreamfolks Pass |
| International Airport Lounge Access | Unlimited complimentary access via Dreamfolks Pass |
| Complimentary Spa Sessions | Unlimited complimentary sessions at select Indian airports via Dreamfolks Pass |
| Complimentary Movie Tickets | 4 free tickets every month via BookMyShow |
| Movie/Events Ticket Eligibility (Effective Apr 1, 2026) | Minimum spend of ₹25,000 or more in the preceding spends quarter |
| Foreign Currency Markup Fee | 3.5% on all foreign currency transactions |
| Cash Advance Fee | 2.5% of withdrawn amount, subject to a minimum of ₹500 |
| Add-on Cards | Up to three for immediate family members (spouse, parents, siblings, or children 18+ years) |
| Skywards Miles Crediting | Within 48 hours of credit card statement generation date |
This card offers substantial travel and lifestyle benefits, making IT suitable for individuals prioritizing premium travel experiences and rewards with Emirates.
Emeralde Card: Key Features & Benefits
The Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card offers a suite of premium benefits, including unlimited airport lounge access and a complimentary Emirates Skywards Silver Tier membership. Cardholders earn 2 Skywards Miles for every ₹100 spent on eligible domestic and international transactions, effective January 15, 2026.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Skywards Miles Earning (Domestic & International) | 2 Skywards Miles for every ₹100 spent on eligible domestic and international retail transactions (effective 15 January 2026, reduced from 2.5 Miles) |
| Welcome Bonus | 10,000 bonus Skywards Miles and a complimentary Emirates Skywards Silver Tier membership for the first year (upon payment of joining fee) |
| Annual Renewal Benefit | 10,000 Skywards Miles annually (upon payment of annual fee) |
| Emirates Skywards Silver Tier Membership | Complimentary Silver Tier membership, valid as long as the card remains active |
| Emirates Skywards Gold Tier Fast Track | Achieve Gold Tier membership with a total spend of ₹15,00,000 within 12 months from card issuance date, including ₹50,000 on Emirates flights booked via emirates.com or Emirates Contact Centre |
| Airport Lounge & Spa Access | Unlimited complimentary access to international and domestic airport lounges, including spa visits at select Indian airports via Dreamfolks Pass |
| Movie/Events Tickets (BookMyShow Offer) | Complimentary movie/events tickets with BookMyShow. Starting April 1, 2026, cardholders must spend ₹25,000 or more in the preceding spends quarter for eligibility. |
| Dining Benefits | Exclusive offers through the ICICI Bank Culinary Treats Programme |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400–₹4,000, capped at ₹250 per month |
| Foreign Currency Markup Fee | 3.5% on all foreign currency transactions |
| Cash Advance Fee | 2.5% of the withdrawn amount, subject to a minimum of ₹500 |
| Add-on Cards | Up to three add-on cards for immediate family members (spouse, parents, siblings, or children 18 years and above) |
| Emirates Flight Discount | Up to 10% discount on Emirates flight bookings using promo code INICI26 |
| Eligibility (Salaried) | Minimum monthly income of ₹2,50,000 |
| Eligibility (Self-Employed) | Minimum annual income of ₹45,00,000 |
The card’s benefits are tailored for frequent international travelers, offering substantial savings on flights, lounge access, and lifestyle perks.
Emeralde Card: Fees & Charges 2026
The Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card carries a joining fee of ₹10,000 + GST and an equivalent annual fee, reflecting its premium travel benefits. Foreign currency transactions incur a 3.5% markup, while cash advances are charged at 2.5% of the withdrawn amount, with a minimum fee of ₹500.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹10,000 + GST | ICICI Bank website (as of 2026) |
| Annual Fee | ₹10,000 + GST | ICICI Bank website (as of 2026) |
| Foreign Currency Markup Fee | 3.5% on all foreign currency transactions | ICICI Bank website (as of 2026) |
| Cash Advance Fee | 2.5% of withdrawn amount (min. ₹500) | ICICI Bank website (as of 2026) |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% on ₹400–₹4,000 fuel spends (up to ₹250/month) | ICICI Bank website (as of 2026) |
| BookMyShow Offer Eligibility (from Apr 1, 2026) | Spend ₹25,000 or more in the preceding spends quarter | ICICI Bank website (as of 2026) |
| Reward Rate (from Jan 15, 2026) | 2 Skywards Miles for every ₹100 spent on eligible domestic and international retail transactions | ICICI Bank website (as of 2026) |
| No Skywards Miles on (from Jan 15, 2026) | Insurance, utility, government, and education payments | ICICI Bank website (as of 2026) |
These fees and charges are for cardholders to understand their overall cost of ownership and maximize the card’s benefits effectively.
Earning & Redeeming Skywards Miles
The Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card allows cardholders to earn 2 Skywards Miles on every ₹100 spent on both international and domestic transactions, effective January 15, 2026. These miles are credited to the registered Emirates Skywards account within 48 hours of the credit card statement generation date.
Redeeming these Skywards Miles can lead to significant savings on travel with Emirates and its partners.
- Earning Rate: Cardholders earn 2 Skywards Miles for every ₹100 spent on eligible international and domestic transactions. This rate applies from January 15, 2026, a change from the previous 2.5 Skywards Miles per ₹100.
- Welcome Bonus: New cardholders receive 10,000 bonus Skywards Miles upon payment of the joining fee, along with a complimentary Emirates Skywards Silver Tier membership for the first year.
- Annual Renewal Miles: An additional 5,000 Skywards Miles are awarded annually upon payment of the annual fee, based on eligibility criteria.
- Exclusions: Skywards Miles are not earned on specific categories such as insurance, utility, government, and education payments.
- Skywards Account Integration: Miles are automatically credited to the cardholder’s Emirates Skywards account. If a member does not have an account, ICICI Bank creates one during the application process.
- Redemption Options: Accumulated Skywards Miles can be redeemed for Emirates flights, flight upgrades, hotel stays, and various services offered by Emirates and its global partners.
- Add-on Card Benefits: Spends made by up to three add-on cardholders (for spouse, parents, siblings, or children 18 years and above) also earn Skywards Miles, which are credited to the primary cardholder’s account.
- Tier Membership Benefits: The card provides complimentary Emirates Skywards Silver Tier membership, valid as long as the card remains active. Cardholders can fast-track to Emirates Skywards Gold Tier by spending ₹15 lakh within 12 months, with ₹50,000 spent on Emirates flights via emirates.com or Emirates Contact Centre.
The card’s reward structure is designed to benefit frequent flyers of Emirates, offering direct value through mile accumulation and tier upgrades.
Eligibility & Application Process
The Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card is currently not accepting new applications as of 2026. For those interested in future availability, the card typically requires a high income threshold and specific age criteria for Indian citizens.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be Indian citizens to be eligible for the card.
- Age Criteria: The primary applicant’s age should be between 21 and 65 years.
- Salaried Income: Salaried individuals generally need a minimum monthly income of ₹2,50,000.
- Self-Employed Income: Self-employed individuals typically require a minimum annual income of ₹45,00,000.
- Required Documents: documents include identity proof (e.g., PAN card, Aadhaar), address proof (e.g., utility bills), and income proof (e.g., salary slips, ITR).
- Application Status: As of 2026, ICICI Bank is not processing new applications for the Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card.
- Application Channels: When available, applications are typically made online via the ICICI Bank website or at an ICICI Bank branch.
Prospective applicants should monitor the ICICI Bank official website for any updates regarding the future availability of this premium credit card.
Emeralde vs Sapphiro vs Rubyx Cards
ICICI Bank offers three co-branded Emirates Skywards credit card variants: Emeralde, Sapphiro, and Rubyx. The Emeralde card is the premium offering, while Sapphiro is mid-tier and Rubyx is the base variant, each catering to different spending profiles.
| Feature | Emeralde Card | Sapphiro Card | Rubyx Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card Variant | Premium | Mid-tier | Base |
| Joining & Annual Fee (2026) | ₹10,000 + GST | ₹5,000 + GST (estimated) | ₹2,000 + GST (estimated) |
| Skywards Miles on every ₹100 spent (Post-Jan 2026) | 2 Miles | 2 Miles | 1.5 Miles |
| Welcome Bonus Skywards Miles | 10,000 Miles | 5,000 Miles (estimated) | 2,500 Miles (estimated) |
| Complimentary Skywards Tier | Silver Tier (first year) | None (estimated) | None (estimated) |
| Domestic Airport Lounge Access | Unlimited complimentary | 2 complimentary per quarter | 1 complimentary per quarter |
| International Airport Lounge Access | Unlimited complimentary | 2 complimentary per year | Not offered |
| BookMyShow Offer (Post-Jan 2026) | Spend ₹25,000+ in preceding quarter for eligibility | Spend ₹25,000+ in preceding quarter for eligibility | Spend ₹25,000+ in preceding quarter for eligibility |
| Foreign Currency Markup Fee | 3.5% | 3.5% (estimated) | 3.5% (estimated) |
| Movie Tickets | 4 free tickets every month | 2 free tickets every month (estimated) | 1 free ticket every month (estimated) |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% on ₹400–₹4,000 spends, up to ₹250/month | 1% on ₹400–₹4,000 spends, up to ₹250/month (estimated) | 1% on ₹400–₹4,000 spends, up to ₹250/month (estimated) |
| Fast track to Emirates Skywards Gold tier | Spend ₹15 lakh within 12 months (₹50,000 on Emirates) | Not offered | Not offered |
The Emeralde card provides significantly more travel and lifestyle benefits, including unlimited lounge access and higher Skywards Miles earning potential, compared to its Sapphiro and Rubyx counterparts.
Recent Devaluation & Changes 2026
The Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card has seen specific changes take effect from early 2026, impacting its rewards structure and certain benefits. These adjustments affect how cardholders earn Skywards Miles and qualify for complimentary offers.
- Skywards Miles Earning Rate: As of January 15, 2026, the earning rate for Skywards Miles on international and domestic transactions has been revised to 2 Skywards Miles for every ₹100 spent. Previously, cardholders earned 2.5 Skywards Miles per ₹100 spent.
- BookMyShow Offer Eligibility: From April 1, 2026, eligibility for complimentary movie/event tickets with BookMyShow requires a minimum spend of ₹25,000 or more on the card within the preceding spends quarter. This is a new condition for availing the offer.
- Exclusions on Mile Earning: Spends on categories such as insurance, utility payments, government services, and education payments are now excluded from earning Skywards Miles. This change impacts overall mile accumulation.
- Emirates Skywards Gold Tier Fast Track: Cardholders can still fast-track to Emirates Skywards Gold tier membership by spending ₹15 lakh within 12 months of card issuance, with ₹50,000 specifically on Emirates flights booked via emirates.com or Emirates Contact Centre. This specific condition remains unchanged.
- Complimentary Skywards Silver Tier: The complimentary Emirates Skywards Silver Tier membership remains valid as long as the card is active, providing consistent tier benefits for cardholders.
These changes require cardholders to adjust their spending strategies to maximize the card’s benefits effectively in 2026.
Customer Support & Grievance Redressal
ICICI Bank provides multiple channels for customer support regarding the Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card. Cardholders can report unauthorized transactions immediately through customer care or internet banking to ensure timely action.
For any issues or queries, cardholders should use the official contact methods provided by ICICI Bank.
- Customer Care Numbers: Contact ICICI Bank’s 24-hour customer care for immediate assistance with card queries, transactions, or reporting fraud. Specific numbers for credit cards are available on the official ICICI Bank website.
- Internet Banking: ICICI Bank’s internet banking portal allows cardholders to manage their credit card, view statements, and raise service requests online. This platform is accessible anytime for convenience.
- Email Support: For detailed queries or to submit documents, cardholders can use the designated email support channels. Response times typically range from 24 to 48 hours.
- Branch Visit: For complex issues requiring in-person assistance, cardholders can visit any ICICI Bank branch across India. Branch staff can help with account-specific concerns.
- Grievance Redressal Mechanism: ICICI Bank has a structured grievance redressal process, starting with customer care, escalating to the Head of Customer Service, and then to the Principal Nodal Officer if the issue remains unresolved.
- RBI Ombudsman Scheme: If a complaint is not resolved by ICICI Bank within 30 days, or if the resolution is unsatisfactory, cardholders can approach the Reserve Bank of India’s Integrated Ombudsman Scheme. This scheme covers various banking services, including credit cards.
Prompt communication with ICICI Bank is for resolving any credit card-related issues efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- ICICI Bank offers 24-hour customer care and internet banking for immediate credit card support.
- The bank has a multi-tiered grievance redressal system, escalating from customer care to a Principal Nodal Officer.
- Unresolved complaints can be escalated to the RBI’s Integrated Ombudsman Scheme after 30 days.
For detailed contact information and to initiate a complaint, visit the official ICICI Bank website or the RBI’s Sachet portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main benefits of the Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card in 2026?
The Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card offers 2 Skywards Miles per ₹100 spent on all transactions, unlimited complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges, and a complimentary Skywards Silver Tier membership for the first year. Cardholders also receive 10,000 bonus Skywards Miles upon joining. , from April 1, 2026, complimentary movie/event tickets via BookMyShow require a preceding quarterly spend of ₹25,000.
How many Skywards Miles do I earn with the Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card?
You earn 2 Skywards Miles for every ₹100 spent on both international and domestic transactions with the Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card. These miles are credited to your registered Emirates Skywards account within 48 hours of your credit card statement generation date. Supplementary cardholders also earn miles at the same rate, credited to the primary cardholder’s account.
What is the annual fee for the Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card in 2026?
The Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card has a joining fee and an annual fee of ₹10,000 each. This fee includes benefits such as 10,000 bonus Skywards Miles and a complimentary Emirates Skywards Silver Tier membership for the first year. Always confirm the latest fee structure with ICICI Bank directly.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card?
ICICI Bank sets specific eligibility criteria for the Emirates Skywards Emeralde Credit Card, typically including a strong CIBIL score (often 750+), a stable income, and a minimum age of 21 years. Specific income requirements vary, so check the official ICICI Bank website for the most current details. Meeting these criteria helps secure approval for this premium travel card.
How can I redeem Skywards Miles earned with this credit card?
Skywards Miles earned with the Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card can be redeemed for flight bookings with Emirates and partner airlines, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. You can manage your redemptions directly through your Emirates Skywards account. Ensure your Skywards account is linked and active to utilize your accumulated miles.
Does the Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card offer lounge access?
Yes, the Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card provides unlimited complimentary access to both international and domestic airport lounges. This benefit also includes spa visits at select airports in India, d via Dreamfolks Pass. This feature is a key advantage for frequent travelers.
What is the foreign currency markup fee on the Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card?
The foreign currency markup fee on the Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card is 3.5% on all international transactions. This fee applies when you use your card for purchases in a currency other than Indian Rupees. Always factor this charge into your international spending calculations.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not financial advice. Interest rates, fees, and eligibility change frequently. Verify current details with the lender or regulator (RBI / SEBI / IRDAI) before deciding.