ICICI Credit Card Lounge Access Rules From July 2025

The era of unrestricted complimentary airport lounge access for ICICI Bank credit cardholders is drawing to a close. Starting 1 July 2025, the bank will implement a new policy that links free lounge visits to a minimum spending requirement. This move is set to impact a large number of travellers who have come to rely on this popular credit card perk. This article breaks down the new rules, what you need to do to retain your lounge access, and which cards are exempt from these changes.

Table of Contents

• Understanding the New ICICI Bank Lounge Access Policy
• Which Transactions Count Towards the Minimum Spend?
• Exemptions to the New Rule: Which Cards Are Unaffected?
• How to Avail Your Complimentary Lounge Access

Understanding the New ICICI Bank Lounge Access Policy

ICICI Bank has been a frontrunner in providing complimentary airport lounge access on many of its credit cards. However, in a bid to rationalise this benefit and reward high-spending customers, the bank is introducing a significant change to its policy.

What's Changing with ICICI's Airport Lounge Access?

Effective from 1 July 2025, ICICI Bank credit cardholders will need to meet a minimum spending criterion in the preceding quarter to be eligible for complimentary lounge access in the subsequent quarter. This is a departure from the previous policy, where lounge access was often a standard feature on many cards, irrespective of the spending pattern. To continue enjoying complimentary domestic airport lounge access, cardholders must spend a minimum of ₹75,000 in the previous calendar quarter. This spending threshold is designed to ensure that the benefit is utilised by customers who actively use their ICICI Bank credit cards.

How the Quarterly Spending Will Be Calculated

The spending will be tracked in quarterly cycles. For instance, to be eligible for lounge access between 1 July 2025 and 30 September 2025, a cardholder's spending between 26 March 2025 and 25 June 2025 will be considered.

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Which Transactions Count Towards the Minimum Spend?

It's crucial for cardholders to understand that not all transactions will contribute to the Rs 75,000 quarterly spending requirement.

Included and Excluded Spending Categories

While most retail purchases will be counted towards the minimum spend, certain transactions are explicitly excluded. These include:

• Rent payments
• Education-related payments
• Government service payments
• Annual fees and late payment charges
• Interest payments
• Reward redemptions
• Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI) payments
• Transaction cancellations and reversals

Cardholders should carefully track their spending in eligible categories to ensure they meet the threshold.

Exemptions to the New Rule: Which Cards Are Unaffected?

A select few premium and co-branded credit cards from ICICI Bank are exempt from this new spending-based lounge access rule. The cards that will continue to offer complimentary lounge access without the new spending condition are:

• ICICI Bank Diamant Credit Card
• ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Cards
• ICICI Bank Emirates Emeralde Credit Card
• Adani One ICICI Bank Credit Card
• MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Credit Card
• Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card

Want more options that offer lounge access without heavy spending? Check out the best lounge access credit cards that still provide complimentary access.

How to Avail Your Complimentary Lounge Access

Eligible cardholders can continue to access participating domestic airport lounges by presenting their valid and unexpired ICICI Bank credit card along with a valid boarding pass or flight ticket for travel on the same or the next day. A nominal authorisation fee of ₹2 will be charged to the card to validate it. It's important to note that complimentary access is only for the primary cardholder; any accompanying guests will be charged as per the lounge's policy.

This isn’t an isolated move; RBL Bank recently changed its lounge access benefits. Check out the benefits and new rules in our coverage- RBL Credit Card New Rules.

Similarly, HDFC recently revised its lounge access terms. Check out the revised rules in our coverage- HDFC Credit Card New Rules.

Conclusion

The new lounge access policy from ICICI Bank marks a significant shift in how this popular travel benefit is offered. For cardholders who regularly use their ICICI Bank credit card for substantial retail spending, the change will likely have minimal impact. However, for those who primarily hold the card for lounge access without significant spending, it will be necessary to either increase their card usage or consider one of the exempted premium cards. Before applying for a premium card, check credit score for free to increase your chances of approval. This move aligns with a broader industry trend of making credit card benefits more usage-based, rewarding active and high-spending customers.

Looking to switch to a more rewarding credit card? Browse and know the complete details of the top credit cards in India tailored to your lifestyle needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When does the new ICICI Bank lounge access policy come into effect?

The new policy will be effective from 1 July 2025.

Q2. What is the minimum spending required to get complimentary lounge access?

You need to spend ₹75,000 in the previous quarter to be eligible for complimentary lounge access in the next quarter.

Q3. Do all transactions count towards the minimum spending of ₹75,000?

No, transactions like rent, education, and government payments, as well as fees, interest, and EMI payments, are excluded from the minimum spend calculation.

Q4. Are there any ICICI Bank credit cards that are exempt from this new rule?

Yes, premium and co-branded cards like the ICICI Bank Diamant, Emeralde, Emirates Emeralde, Adani One, MakeMyTrip, and Times Black credit cards are exempt from this new spending requirement.

Q5. How can I check if I am eligible for lounge access?

You can track your quarterly spending on your credit card statements to ensure you meet the ₹75,000 threshold in the eligible spending categories.

Reference:

- The Economic Times