ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card: A Detailed Breakdown; Is It The Best Premium Card In India?

In 2023, ICICI Bank unveiled the Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card, a symbol of luxury and exclusivity in the financial sector. This prestigious card was designed to offer cardholders unparalleled benefits and features. Fast forward to February 2025, and the introduction of the iShop portal significantly enhanced the card's appeal, offering up to 12X reward points for transactions made through the portal. This article delves into the myriad of benefits provided by the Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card and assesses its standing in the competitive credit card market.

The Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card stands out as ICICI Bank's most premium offering, aimed at providing cardholders with an exceptional blend of luxury and convenience. From indulging in premium dining experiences to enjoying access to luxurious golf courses, this card is designed to cater to the elite. Among its numerous benefits, cardholders can enjoy joining perks, such as a one-year Taj Epicure Membership, which includes a complimentary night stay at select Taj properties, discounts on dining, spa, and salon services, along with vouchers for discounted stays at Taj hotels.

Upon activating the card and paying the joining fee, new members are welcomed with 12,500 reward points, each point valued at up to Rs. 1. Additionally, cardholders receive an annual EazyDiner Prime Membership, offering guaranteed discounts of 25% to 50% at over 3,000 top restaurants across India. The card's rewards system is structured to offer 6 points for every Rs. 200 spent on retail purchases, excluding certain categories. Achieving spending milestones within the card anniversary year unlocks further benefits, including EaseMyTrip air travel vouchers worth Rs. 6,000.

Enhanced Rewards Through iShop Portal

The recent launch of the iShop portal by ICICI Bank in February 2025 has elevated the rewards potential for Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card holders. Specifically tailored for transactions on the portal, the card now offers an accelerated reward rate of up to 12X points. This enhancement makes it possible for cardholders to earn significant rewards on bookings for hotels, flight tickets, and more, through the portal.

For instance, spending on hotel bookings via the iShop portal accrues 72 reward points for every Rs. 200 spent, essentially providing a 36% value back on such transactions. Similarly, booking flight tickets or purchasing shopping vouchers through the portal allows cardholders to earn 18 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent. These rewards can then be redeemed for booking hotels, flights, or buying vouchers through the iShop portal, highlighting a return value of up to 36% on hotel bookings and an admirable 18% on flights and shopping vouchers.

Additional Cardholder Benefits

Beyond the lucrative rewards system, the Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card offers several other advantages. These include unlimited complimentary access to domestic and international lounges for both primary and supplementary cardholders, zero cancellation charges on bookings made with the card, and a BOGO offer on BookMyShow, granting up to Rs. 750 off on a second ticket. The card also provides cardholders with unlimited golf rounds or lessons each month, along with a low foreign currency mark-up fee and a waiver on fuel surcharges.

While the card imposes certain limits and exclusions, such as capping reward points on insurance, grocery, utility, and education transactions, these do not significantly detract from its overall value proposition. The redemption of reward points is versatile, allowing for their use in various categories at favorable conversion rates.

Fees, Eligibility, and Final Thoughts

The Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card carries a joining and annual fee of Rs. 12,499 plus taxes, which can be waived if the cardholder spends over Rs. 10 lakh in a card anniversary year. This fee structure is accompanied by an invitation-only application process, underscoring the card's exclusive nature.

Considering the card's exceptional reward rates, especially with the introduction of the iShop portal, it certainly ranks among the best offerings in the credit card industry. Those lucky enough to receive an invite from ICICI Bank should consider taking advantage of this card's unique benefits.