I am beyond that in savings alone. But my Private Banking RM and BM were saying "sir you need multiple crores TRV for this". I was like, no you don't! Its like they were trying to put me down. "Sir you only kept 1 cr. But I have clients with 25 cr home loan sir".
RM asked me to put 20L more (which I did within 90 seconds) but then he too backtracked! It was all extremely unprofessional.
I wish I could get @Dr.Anand456 to help me get these people fired as well lol. Cant believe I was feeling bad for them earlier.
I finally told them to f### off. I am moving my home branch tomorrow (to a tier 1 metro). I probably should drop a word to the old zonal/ regional heads as to why I am leaving.
Serious Update on My Credit Card Application
I have a major update regarding this credit card. Today, I had a conversation with my branch manager. He told me that I am currently not eligible for the metal version of the card because my PPoP (Profit Per Operating Month) is less than ₹50,000.
A PPoP of ₹50,000 simply means that I should be generating a monthly profit of ₹50,000 for ICICI Bank, which is not an easy requirement to meet. Additionally, he wasn’t able to give me a clear answer regarding my TRV (Total Relationship Value). However, he mentioned that to be eligible for this card, one actually needs to be a Private Banking customer, which means having a TRV of more than ₹5 crore. Alternatively, one can qualify if their PPoP exceeds ₹50,000. Only then can this card application be considered.
Issue with Welcome Kit
I was also denied a second welcome kit. The branch manager stated that since my account was upgraded to Private Banking based on my credit card relationship, I am not eligible for a welcome kit. However, when I raised a complaint, customer care assured me that I would receive the welcome kit soon. Now, I have to wait and see whether they actually provide it or not.
Challenges with ICICI Branch Managers
The branch manager's primary focus is always on:
- Fixed Deposits (FDs)
- Savings Account Balances
They do not consider credit card transaction volume or even prioritize personal loans or home loans unless they are worth more than ₹1 crore. If we don’t generate direct business for them, they won’t help us easily.
I have tried changing three Relationship Managers (RMs) and two Branch Managers, but I still don’t see an easy way to obtain this card for myself or most other applicants.
Possible Future Upgrade
However, the branch manager did mention one thing: Since I am already using Times Black and other premium credit cards, I may automatically receive an upgrade offer for the metal version in the near future. This is because my overall credit card portfolio and track record are excellent.
But since I don’t maintain a large balance in my savings account, I cannot apply for this card through the branch.
Concerns About Private Banking Benefits
As for Private Banking, my argument is simple: If ICICI Bank has upgraded my account to Private Banking—whether based on my credit card relationship or any other factor—then I should be entitled to all its benefits.
This status was not given to me for free; I am paying ₹23,500 per year for it. So, I should receive all associated privileges. The branch manager did confirm that I will get all Private Banking facilities but not the welcome kit.
Next Steps
My complaint is still ongoing, and things are improving slowly, one step at a time. Let’s see how this unfolds. The 30-day complaint resolution period will end soon, after which I plan to escalate the matter to the RBI Ombudsman.
Final Thoughts
ICICI branch managers are extremely stubborn—they won’t do anything unless there’s a clear profit for them. But I am just as persistent.
I always fight for what I rightfully deserve. Let’s see who wins this virtual battle—ICICI Bank or me.