Wanted to check whether it works smoothly across most products or if there are exclusions during ongoing sales. Thinking of using it, so would love to know if anyone has already tried it.
Over the last couple of years, it feels like airport lounge access has gone from being a niche perk to something a lot more people are actively using.
Earlier, it was mostly limited to frequent flyers or people holding premium credit cards. Now, even mid-tier cards offer complimentary visits, and more travellers seem aware of how to use these benefits. You can see it in how lounges are no longer hidden gems but a regular part of the airport experience for many.
At the same time, the premium segment still feels a bit different. Premium Cards (Amex, Times black and many more) offering unlimited access, smoother entry, or better lounge networks seem to cater to people who travel often and want consistency rather than occasional access. That’s where I think the gap still exists between entry-level benefits and more premium offerings.
Overall, it’s interesting to see how something that once felt exclusive is now becoming part of everyday travel habits.
What's your take, my fellow Sub-redditors?
Been comparing ICICI cards lately and thought of sharing a simple breakdown for anyone exploring options for travel and shopping.
For everyday online spends, Amazon Pay ICICI still looks like one of the most practical picks. Simple rewards structure, and works well as a starter card.
For those moving beyond entry-level cards, Coral and Rubyx can be decent for occasional travel benefits and some lounge usage without stepping into high annual fee territory.
Sapphiro feels like a good middle ground if someone wants stronger lifestyle benefits and travel access, dining privileges, and assisted booking-type perks make it fairly rounded.
At the lifestyle and premium end, cards like Emeralde Private and Times Black seem designed more for people who travel often and value curated privileges, lower forex charges, and premium experiences beyond regular rewards.
I also find many people combine a rewards-focused card with a travel-oriented one rather than relying on a single card.
Would love to hear how others here structure their ICICI card portfolio.