3 days Ago By Permeit Kaur
Times Internet, the digital division of The Times of India Group, partnered with ICICI Bank and Visa, on Wednesday to introduce the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card, a superpremium co-branded metal credit card to serve affluent Indians and the expanding number of high net-worth individuals (HNIs). The card provides opulent lifestyle services, travel advantages, and select privileges made for HNIs looking for unique premium experiences and services not previously provided by any card. Cardholders will get perks of free doorstep visa services, lounge access, and concierge support through OneVasco with visa fee waivers via Atlys.
Other benefits include a luxury stay gift card through EaseMyTrip, discounts and event access through The Quorum Club, unlimited co-working access with District150, Toni&Guy and Interflora gift and grooming vouchers, and a complimentary annual Zomato Gold membership for dining and delivery benefits. Additionally, it gives access to premium 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.
He stated that the goal was to create a product that was more focused on "aspiration" and "access" than on discounts. "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 complimentary stays at Ayatana Resorts, luxury gift cards from Tata CLiQ, helicopter rides or luxury transfers with partners like Blade India, and a reduction of the annual fee for spending Rs 25 lakh in a single year. Signature perks include fee-free cash withdrawals, reduced foreign exchange markups of 1.49 per cent, unlimited access to more than 1,300 airport lounges, and round-the-clock lifestyle management services.
Reward points on international and domestic transactions of 2.5 per cent and 2 per cent are also offered, with yearly benefits available from the second year. "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.
Approximately ten years ago, in India, one card out of ten was co-branded. According to Sandeep Ghosh, group country manager, India & South Asia at Visa, that percentage is currently close to one out of every three to four cards. "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. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Personal Finance, Business Economy and around the world.
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