Times Internet, ICICI Bank unveil super-premium metal credit card

MUMBAI: Times Internet, the digital arm of The Times of India Group, in partnership with ICICI Bank and Visa, on Wednesday launched the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card, a super-premium co-branded metal credit card to cater to affluent Indians and the growing base of high net-worth individuals (HNIs).

The card offers experiences, travel benefits, luxury lifestyle services, and curated privileges designed for HNIs seeking differentiated premium experiences and services hitherto not offered by any card.

Cardholders will enjoy welcome privileges of complimentary doorstep visa services, lounge access, and concierge support through OneVasco with visa fee waivers via Atlys, a luxury stay gift card via EaseMyTrip, discounts and event access through The Quorum Club, unlimited co-working access with District150, grooming and gifting vouchers from Toni&Guy and Interflora, and a complimentary annual Zomato Gold membership for dining and delivery benefits. Besides, it provides access to exclusive invite-only events by The Times of India Group.

"The idea we have been thinking about is how do you turn our readers into members of different sorts... Overall, I think there's a broader push for us to think about our customers like members and provide a wider set of benefits to them," said Satyan Gajwani, vice chairman at Times Internet. The intent was to build a product that is centred around "aspiration" and "access", more than discounts, he added.

"Combining ICICI Bank's experience in financial services and Visa's global payments expertise with Times Internet's deep understanding of premium lifestyles, this card offers unparalleled experiences. Its distinctive metal design, crafted from historic Times of India printing plates, reflects our commitment to innovation and tradition," Gajwani said.

Milestone rewards include helicopter rides or luxury transfers with partners like Blade India, luxury gift cards from Tata CLiQ, complimentary stays at Ayatana Resorts, and an annual fee waiver for spending Rs 25 lakh in a year. Signature benefits include unlimited access to over 1,300 airport lounges, reduced foreign currency markups of 1.49%, fee-free cash withdrawals, and 24/7 lifestyle management services.

Reward points of 2.5% on international transactions and 2% on domestic spends are also offered, with annual privileges available from the second year onwards.

"This new credit card will play an important role in the overall personal banking experience offered by the bank to its customers," said Rakesh Jha, executive director, ICICI Bank.

About a decade ago, one out of every 10 cards used to be a co-branded card in India. Today, that share is nearly 1 out of every three-four cards, said Sandeep Ghosh, group country manager, India & South Asia at Visa. "People who are already carded need a very good reason to get yet another credit card. It's not just about the basic functionality of a credit card; they want something above and beyond that. And that's really fuelling this growth," he said.