ICICI Bank Times Black Credit Card Review: Complete 2026 Update
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Card at a Glance
- Fees & Welcome Benefits
- Reward Point System Explained
- Travel & Lounge Benefits
- Milestone Benefits & Fee Waivers
- Pros & Cons
- Who Should Get This Card?
- Final Conclusion
ICICI Bank Times Black Credit Card Review is a comprehensive look at one of the most talked-about credit cards in India. This card is designed for those who love to travel and shop, offering a range of benefits that can enhance your spending experience. But is it worth it? Let’s dive in!
Quick Verdict
- Is it good? Yes, if you frequently travel and shop online.
- Reward rate? Up to 12X points on hotel bookings, 6X on flights and shopping vouchers.
- Best for? Frequent travelers and online shoppers looking for premium benefits.
Card at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ₹20,000 + GST |
| Joining Fee | ₹20,000 + GST |
| Reward Rate | 6X points on flights and shopping vouchers, 12X points on hotel bookings, 2.5% on international transactions |
| Welcome Benefit | ₹12,000 Lohono voucher or ₹10,000 EaseMyTrip voucher, plus more |
| Lounge Access | Unlimited access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide |
Fees & Welcome Benefits
The ICICI Bank Times Black Credit Card comes with a hefty annual fee of ₹20,000 + GST. While this might seem steep, the card offers a range of welcome benefits that can offset the cost. New cardholders can choose between a ₹12,000 Lohono voucher or a ₹10,000 EaseMyTrip voucher, which can be a great start for travel enthusiasts.
Additionally, cardholders enjoy a full waiver on visa processing fees with Atlys, six complimentary concierge requests through CribLife, and a ₹3,000 Tony&Guy gift voucher. An annual Zomato Gold membership is also included, making it a great choice for food lovers.
Reward Point System Explained
The reward point system is where this card shines. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Category | Reward Points | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | 6X | No limit |
| Hotel Bookings | 12X | No limit |
| Shopping Vouchers | 6X | No limit |
| International Transactions | 2.5% | No limit |
In our experience, the ICICI Bank Times Black Credit Card offers a competitive reward structure, especially for those who travel frequently. However, the base reward rate of 2% on other transactions is relatively low compared to some competitors.
Travel & Lounge Benefits
Travel enthusiasts will appreciate the unlimited access to over 1,300 premium airport lounges across more than 600 cities worldwide. This benefit is not just for the primary cardholder; add-on cardholders also enjoy the same privilege. This is a significant advantage for families or groups traveling together.
Moreover, the card provides comprehensive travel insurance, which is a must-have for any traveler. The insurance covers various aspects, ensuring peace of mind while you explore new destinations.
Milestone Benefits & Fee Waivers
The ICICI Bank Times Black Credit Card offers enticing milestone benefits that can enhance your experience:
- ₹2 Lakhs: Klook Voucher worth ₹10,000
- ₹5 Lakhs: Airport Transfer or Heli ride (~₹8,000)
- ₹10 Lakhs: Tata CLiQ Luxury Voucher worth ₹10,000
- ₹20 Lakhs: Ayatana Resorts Voucher worth ₹20,000
These milestones are achievable for frequent spenders, making the card even more rewarding. Additionally, the annual fee can be waived if you spend ₹25 lakhs in a year, which is a significant target but not impossible for high spenders.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Accelerated rewards on travel and shopping | High annual fee of ₹20,000 + GST |
| Unlimited global lounge access | Low base reward rate (2%) |
| Nominal Forex markup fee | Limited welcome benefits |
| 24/7 concierge services | Complex redemption process for benefits |
| Comprehensive travel insurance | No guest access for lounge visits |
| Fuel surcharge waiver | Statement credit & vouchers reduce effective reward rate |
| Exclusive discounts and experiences | Visa service benefit covers service charges only |
Who Should Get This Card?
This card is ideal for:
- Frequent travelers who value lounge access and travel insurance.
- Online shoppers who can maximize the reward points on shopping vouchers.
- Individuals who can meet the spending targets for milestone benefits.
However, if you’re someone who doesn’t travel often or prefers a lower annual fee, you might want to consider alternatives like the ICICI Coral Credit Card Review or the ICICI Rubyx Credit Card Review.
Final Conclusion
Bottom line, the ICICI Bank Times Black Credit Card is a solid choice for those who travel frequently and enjoy shopping. The rewards structure is appealing, and the benefits can significantly enhance your travel experience. However, the high annual fee and low base reward rate may deter some potential users. If you can leverage the benefits effectively, this card can be a valuable addition to your wallet. For more information, you can visit the official site or check out CardExpert for comparisons.