Need Suggestions for a New Premium Credit Card

[infinityloop]

Hey everyone,
Looking for solid recommendations based on my current card situation and spending pattern. Here’s the detailed context:

1. ICICI EPM Approval Issues:

My RM applied for ICICI EPM on my behalf — got branch-level internal approval, but the central team rejected it, saying branch approvals are no longer considered.

RM is now suggesting I take Emeralde Plastic, use it for a few months, and then “maybe” retry for an upgrade (but clearly no commitments)

2. ICICI Private Banking Route?

I maintain a high TRV with ICICI, and RM hinted I may get moved to ICICI Private Banking soon.

Question for the community: Does ICICI private banking actually trigger pre-approved EPM eligibility? Or is it not worth the effort / relationship maintenance?

3. Thinking About Times Black (Mainly for Tax Payments)

I pay advance taxes, so Times Black is appealing because it gives RPs on tax spends.

Already got HDFC BizBlack, which covers about half my monthly tax payments (₹7,500 RP cap hit).

Plan: Use Times Black for the remaining half + milestone benefits.

Question: Does Times Black earn RPs on jewellery purchases?

4. Current Cards

Axis Atlas

HDFC BizBlack

ICICI Amazon Pay (oldest card)

5. Recently Closed Cards

• Amex Plat Charge
• Amex Gold Charge
• One Card
• Tata Neu Infinity (closed as per HDFC branch team due to BizBlack)
• Indus EasyDiner
• Indus Legend

6. Other Relevant Points

HSBC isn’t available in my city.

• Annual expenses fluctuate, but Tax + Insurance + Fixed Costs easily cross ₹15L individually, ₹25–30L combined (me + wife).
• Lounge access isn’t a big deal — maybe twice a year, most domestic travel is by car.

Please provide suggestions for premium or super premium credit cards that provide good value even without heavy travel. Would love input on whether I should:

• Retry EPM later,
• Take Emeralde Plastic as a stepping stone,
• Get Times Black, or
• Consider other premium options that fit my spending profile.

8. My Profile

Current CIBIL: 787
Age: 27
Income: 5L+ monthly (self-employed)
Wife’s Income: 5L+ monthly (self-employed)
Monthly Expenses: ~₹2L + EMIs + tax payments
Top Monthly Spend Categories: Tax, Utilities, Fuel, Groceries, Clothing
Reward Preference: Reward Points
Card Feature Preferences: Good RP rate, strong acceptance, good ROI on fees
Lounge Access: Not a hard requirement

Appreciate your responses and thanks in advance.

 

[Kabir_1112]

Private banking increases chances of epm. With a good RM you can re try for epm (it needs a good RM as approval depends on them and how much they can push), would personally suggest you to retry epm with a better RM before other option like private banking and times black.
Emeralde plastic is no longer a good card.

HSBC T1 card can also be considered.

 

[infinityloop]

Private banking increases chances of epm. With a good RM you can re try for epm (it needs a good RM as approval depends on them and how much they can push), would personally suggest you to retry epm with a better RM before other option like private banking and times black.
Emeralde plastic is no longer a good card.

HSBC T1 card can also be considered.

I am trying to find someone else probably on a higher level within my city to reapply.

For HSBC, its not offering in my city. I already logged in the application so I have to wait for some time before I can use a different communication address where they offer the card.

 

[sumeet]

One CC agent said HSBC can be tried after 30 days of last rejection. He will make it approved as per his saying.

 

[sourpai]

HDFC Biz Black gives 3.3% return even beyond accelerated cap of 7,500 points. It will be 4.33% per 5L including milestones

Does times black give more than 4.3%? Especially if you add joining fees in the returns calculations?

Honestly you don't need any other card for tax payments as long as you have Biz Black

 

[Desu Sarath]

Hey everyone,
Looking for solid recommendations based on my current card situation and spending pattern. Here’s the detailed context:

1. ICICI EPM Approval Issues:

My RM applied for ICICI EPM on my behalf — got branch-level internal approval, but the central team rejected it, saying branch approvals are no longer considered.

RM is now suggesting I take Emeralde Plastic, use it for a few months, and then “maybe” retry for an upgrade (but clearly no commitments)

2. ICICI Private Banking Route?

I maintain a high TRV with ICICI, and RM hinted I may get moved to ICICI Private Banking soon.

Question for the community: Does ICICI private banking actually trigger pre-approved EPM eligibility? Or is it not worth the effort / relationship maintenance?

3. Thinking About Times Black (Mainly for Tax Payments)

I pay advance taxes, so Times Black is appealing because it gives RPs on tax spends.

Already got HDFC BizBlack, which covers about half my monthly tax payments (₹7,500 RP cap hit).

Plan: Use Times Black for the remaining half + milestone benefits.

Question: Does Times Black earn RPs on jewellery purchases?

4. Current Cards

Axis Atlas

HDFC BizBlack

ICICI Amazon Pay (oldest card)

5. Recently Closed Cards

• Amex Plat Charge
• Amex Gold Charge
• One Card
• Tata Neu Infinity (closed as per HDFC branch team due to BizBlack)
• Indus EasyDiner
• Indus Legend

6. Other Relevant Points

HSBC isn’t available in my city.

• Annual expenses fluctuate, but Tax + Insurance + Fixed Costs easily cross ₹15L individually, ₹25–30L combined (me + wife).
• Lounge access isn’t a big deal — maybe twice a year, most domestic travel is by car.

Please provide suggestions for premium or super premium credit cards that provide good value even without heavy travel. Would love input on whether I should:

• Retry EPM later,
• Take Emeralde Plastic as a stepping stone,
• Get Times Black, or
• Consider other premium options that fit my spending profile.

8. My Profile

Current CIBIL: 787
Age: 27
Income: 5L+ monthly (self-employed)
Wife’s Income: 5L+ monthly (self-employed)
Monthly Expenses: ~₹2L + EMIs + tax payments
Top Monthly Spend Categories: Tax, Utilities, Fuel, Groceries, Clothing
Reward Preference: Reward Points
Card Feature Preferences: Good RP rate, strong acceptance, good ROI on fees
Lounge Access: Not a hard requirement

Appreciate your responses and thanks in advance.

Hi,

Out of topic, How much Eligibility needed for Private Banking?

Don't take Emerald Plastic, My ICICI RM himself told Taking Plastic does not give Upgrade to Metal.

As for today, ICICI considers both at same level. So take only Metal