drsel
TF Prestige
Don't you think this is a total waste of your time and energy??
why did you apply for this useless card in the first place?
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ICICI Bank Times Black Credit Card Application Process Experience & My Opinion - Dr.Anand456
- Thread starter Dr.Anand456
- Start date
why did you apply for this useless card in the first place?
Most of the super-premium cards launched last year have been a flop whether it be ICICI Times, IDFC Ashwa and Mayura, HSBC Taj, and the likes.
One of the reason is - it is hyped as super premium card, so people expect a lot than what's out there in the market currently.
But unfortunately due to the credit card buzz over the last few years, many premium, mid-range cards already offer great benefits, so it is very difficult for a super premium card to overcome and offer something much more than what a normal card offers.
Another reason is high fees. Even for less than half the fees, people are getting premium to mid range cards with good benefits (spend based and non-spend based lifestyle benefits) why should they pay hefty fees for a luxury card and get mediocre benefits?
So we can assume that either it is time for the banks to devalue the mid-segment cards and cut down the benefits or they are finding it difficult to bring out something catchy and exciting for the HNI users.
Benefits is what is holding people back. After paying huge fees and being branded as a luxury or HNI card, people expect good benefits. If banks can't offer something exciting, all the luxury card launches will be a flop only.
One of the reason is - it is hyped as super premium card, so people expect a lot than what's out there in the market currently.
But unfortunately due to the credit card buzz over the last few years, many premium, mid-range cards already offer great benefits, so it is very difficult for a super premium card to overcome and offer something much more than what a normal card offers.
Another reason is high fees. Even for less than half the fees, people are getting premium to mid range cards with good benefits (spend based and non-spend based lifestyle benefits) why should they pay hefty fees for a luxury card and get mediocre benefits?
So we can assume that either it is time for the banks to devalue the mid-segment cards and cut down the benefits or they are finding it difficult to bring out something catchy and exciting for the HNI users.
Benefits is what is holding people back. After paying huge fees and being branded as a luxury or HNI card, people expect good benefits. If banks can't offer something exciting, all the luxury card launches will be a flop only.
Hello_World
TF Buzz
No, Not at all. It was just a 5mins effort to apply. I wanted to check whether the card will be approved for me or not, but it was approved instantly.
Shinnok
TF Buzz
Just got delivery of the card - it's a VISA Infinite, looks like they really did mean to make it exclusive
Probably won't activate it I guess, not sure if it really makes sense
Still can't compete with Amazon Pay card 😅
I really don't know how that card is still active and has seen so less devaluation, given ICICI's track record - would have expected at least capping on cashback
Probably won't activate it I guess, not sure if it really makes sense
Still can't compete with Amazon Pay card 😅
I really don't know how that card is still active and has seen so less devaluation, given ICICI's track record - would have expected at least capping on cashback
Shinnok
TF Buzz
EDIT: Not applicable - offer is for Visa Signature, not Infinite 🙁
Visa Offers
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I understand your query and agree with most of your points. However, it's important to note that ICICI Bank has not yet unveiled all the benefits of this card. Features like miles transfer benefits are expected to be added soon, along with other potential updates. The ‘coming soon’ label on certain benefits indicates that more features and events will be introduced in the future. If these updates don’t happen, many cardholders may choose to cancel the card after a year.
As for reward points, super-premium cards are rarely chosen for rewards alone. People typically opt for such cards for their lifestyle benefits, exclusivity, and status symbol. These include invitations to exclusive private events, discounts or complimentary access to prestigious clubs, luxury perks, and premium services like airport transfers via helicopters. These unique features set such cards apart.
Additionally, ICICI Bank is upgrading your account to private banking status with this card. Normally, private banking requires a total relationship value of at least ₹50 lakh with the bank, but here it’s being offered for free. While private banking may not have extensive benefits, it provides two key advantages:
1. A lifetime free Visa Infinite debit card.
2. Easier access to premium credit cards in the future, potentially as lifetime free options.
Furthermore, private banking gives you priority access to various banking products and services. When these benefits are combined, this card can be extremely useful and even transformative for many users.
However, everyone’s circumstances and spending patterns are different. What works well for one person may not be worthwhile for another. Ultimately, the value of this card depends on individual preferences and needs.
Shinnok
TF Buzz
Both the benefits and reward points are kind of bad, though, compared to other cards
Assuming valuation of 10k for hotel voucher, 4k for the Tony&Guy/Interflora voucher and ~500 for Zomato, need 9k worth benefits to break even on the joining fee
It's probably good if you want to join the Quorum club (20% discount on ~4.5L = 90k) - the thing is, you can get it on Plat charge too at better reward point ratio
Private banking is also not mentioned anywhere in card MITC/etc, would say it's almost guaranteed it will get downgraded as it normally requires 5CR NRV (eg, see the WM downgrade recently in Nov)
I don't mean it's a really bad card though - it just has poor ROI at the moment, and going by ICICI's track record, would expect it to get a lot worse (see Emeralde/metal) - ICICI has a rather mercenary attitude towards it's customers in general, will try to maximize it's profits even if it means some customers leave
Probably best to eke out all possible benefits (debit card, etc) now before the inevitable downgrade
Bang on!
The theatres make more money selling their over priced (not so good either) food and drinks.
drsel
TF Prestige
You should never buy food and drinks in the theatre, always eat before going.
Food and drinks is the main profit centre for the theatre
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mayanksomaiyaa
TF Buzz
Vishal K
TF Buzz
“I have received an offer from Amex to upgrade my card, but I’m unsure whether I should proceed with it. Could you please share your views and advice?”
https://www.americanexpress.com/con.../IA_Plat_RCP_Upgrade_New_Acq_Jan_2025_TnC.pdf
https://www.americanexpress.com/con.../IA_Plat_RCP_Upgrade_New_Acq_Jan_2025_TnC.pdf
drsel
TF Prestige
It all depends on the value you can extract from Marriott points
