New ICICI Credit Card Lounge Access Rules 2025: What You Need to Know
If you’re an ICICI Bank credit cardholder who loves travel perks, there’s an important update you should know. Starting July 1, 2025, ICICI Bank is changing the rules for free domestic airport lounge access on select credit cards. These updates involve new spending criteria, card eligibility, and usage conditions.
Let’s break down everything you need to know — in simple terms — so you can make the most of your travel benefits.
🔄 What’s Changing?
Many banks in India are revising their credit card lounge access policies, and ICICI Bank has joined the trend. From July 1, 2025, you’ll need to meet a quarterly spending threshold of ₹75,000 to continue enjoying free access to airport lounges.
🧾 Quick Snapshot of the New Rules
- Effective Date: July 1, 2025
- Benefit: Complimentary lounge access at select domestic airports
- Requirement: Spend ₹75,000 in a defined 3-month period
- Verification: Present valid ICICI credit card + boarding pass for same-day or next-day travel
- Access Fee: ₹2 nominal charge (used to validate your card)
- Guests: May be charged extra as per lounge policy
🎯 Who’s Eligible for Free Lounge Access?
Not all ICICI credit cards are included under this benefit. It’s available only on select credit cards. High-end premium cards with separate lounge benefits are excluded.
❌ Cards Not Eligible:
- ICICI Bank Diamant Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Emeralde (Private/Metal) Credit Cards
- ICICI Bank Emirates Emeralde Credit Card
- Adani One ICICI Bank Signature & Platinum Credit Cards
- MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Credit Card
- Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card
💡 Why? These cards may already include their own lounge access programs or have tie-ups with other service providers.
🧮 How Does the ₹75,000 Spending Rule Work?
To qualify for free lounge access, you must spend ₹75,000 or more in the previous quarter. Your eligibility gets activated for the following quarter.
📆 Spending & Access Example:
| Spending Period | Lounge Access Period |
|---|---|
| March 26 – June 25, 2025 | July 1 – September 30, 2025 |
| June 26 – September 25, 2025 | October 1 – December 31, 2025 |
| September 26 – December 25, 2025 | January 1 – March 31, 2026 |
🧳 Tip: Plan major purchases like electronics, vacations, or home appliances within a quarter to meet the ₹75,000 target smartly.
🚫 What Type of Spending Doesn’t Count?
Before you swipe your card thinking every transaction will count — read this carefully. Not all expenses are eligible towards the ₹75,000 threshold.
❌ Excluded Transactions:
- Rent payments (via rent platforms or directly)
- School/college fees or any education-related expenses
- Government-related transactions (e.g., taxes, challans)
- Fees & charges: annual fees, late fees, interest, penalties
- EMI repayments (including No Cost EMIs)
- Cancellations, refunds, and reversals
- Reward point redemptions
- Credit balance refunds
📌 Insight: Focus on regular retail purchases like shopping, dining, travel bookings, groceries, and fuel — those are most likely to be eligible.
🛫 How to Use the Lounge Access Benefit?
Once eligible, here’s how you can avail your free lounge visit:
✅ At the Airport:
- Show your valid ICICI Bank credit card
- Provide a same-day or next-day boarding pass
- A nominal charge of ₹2 will be debited to verify your eligibility
- Lounge access is allowed only for the cardholder. Guests may incur additional charges.
🛋️ Note:
Access is provided by third-party lounge operators, not directly by ICICI Bank. Availability may vary by airport and lounge partner.
✨ 3 Smart Tips to Maximize This Benefit
- Use Your Card Strategically: If you’re close to the ₹75,000 mark, consider using your ICICI card for larger purchases before the quarter ends.
- Track Eligible Transactions: Keep a manual or digital record of your card usage. Many banking apps also show your “lounge eligibility” status.
- Check Lounge Partners in Advance: Each airport may have different lounges that accept ICICI cards. Check on the bank’s website or call customer care before your trip.
💬 Real-Life Use Case:
Ravi, a frequent flyer from Delhi, made a ₹50,000 online furniture purchase and booked a ₹30,000 family holiday during May. He easily crossed the ₹75,000 mark and enjoyed free lounge access during his July trip — saving over ₹2,000 on food and comfort before his flight.
✅ Pro Tip: Combine festive sales and travel planning to meet the spend threshold without over-stretching your budget.
📌 Final Takeaway
If you’re an ICICI Bank credit cardholder, keeping track of your quarterly spending is now more important than ever — especially if you enjoy airport lounge privileges.
By spending ₹75,000 in a quarter (on eligible purchases), you unlock 3 months of comfort and luxury at the airport — for free. But remember, not all cards and spends qualify, so stay informed and spend wisely.
✈️ Quick Recap:
- ✅ Spend ₹75,000 in a quarter to qualify
- ✅ Access starts in the next quarter
- ✅ Only specific ICICI cards are eligible
- ❌ Rent, education, government payments, etc. don’t count
- ✅ Lounge entry requires same/next-day travel proof
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the ₹2 fee refundable?
No. It is a nominal fee charged for card verification and is non-refundable.
Q2. Can I access international airport lounges?
This policy applies only to domestic airport lounges in India.
Q3. Can I take my family with me into the lounge?
Only the primary cardholder gets free entry. Guests may be charged as per lounge rules.
Q4. How can I check if I’m eligible?
Log in to your ICICI Bank account or credit card app. Some cards display lounge access status under “Benefits” or “Offers.”