Credit Card Users Alert: ICICI Bank Revises Charges on Gaming, Wallet and Transport Payments from 2026
Credit card users who rely on their cards for daily spending, online payments, and rewards need to pay close attention. One of the country’s leading private banks, ICICI Bank, has announced a series of changes to its credit card charges and benefits that will come into effect between January and February 2026. These revisions are expected to directly impact everyday expenses, digital transactions, and reward structures, making it essential for cardholders to understand what is changing and how it may affect their spending habits.
The bank has clarified that several transaction categories—especially online gaming, third-party wallets, and transport-related payments—will now attract additional fees. Alongside this, some popular reward benefits and entertainment offers are being capped, modified, or discontinued for certain cards.
Online Gaming Transactions to Attract Extra Fees
ICICI Bank has decided to impose an additional charge on payments made to online gaming platforms using credit cards. From the revised effective date, a fee of 2 percent will be applicable on transactions carried out on popular gaming platforms such as Dream11, Rummy Culture, Junglee Games, MPL, and similar services.
The bank has also stated that if new gaming-related merchant category codes (MCCs) are introduced in the future, the same charge structure will apply to those platforms as well. This means credit card users who regularly spend on fantasy sports or online gaming should be prepared for higher transaction costs going forward.
Loading Money into Wallets Will Become Costlier
Credit card users who frequently load money into third-party digital wallets will also feel the impact of the new rules. ICICI Bank has announced a 1 percent fee on wallet loading transactions of ₹5,000 or more.
This charge will apply to popular wallet services such as Amazon Pay, Paytm, MobiKwik, Freecharge, and OlaMoney. Each transaction that crosses the ₹5,000 threshold will attract this additional fee, making wallet-based spending more expensive for users who rely heavily on credit cards for such transfers.
Higher Charges on Large Transport Payments
Transport-related expenses are also set to become costlier. If a cardholder spends more than ₹50,000 on certain transport-related merchant categories, an additional fee of 1 percent will be levied on the excess amount.
This change may particularly affect users who make high-value travel bookings or transport payments using their credit cards. Large-ticket transactions related to travel and mobility services could now significantly increase overall spending.
Changes in Reward Points and Card Benefits
ICICI Bank has also revised its reward points structure across multiple credit cards. While reward points will continue to be offered on retail spending, new limits have been introduced depending on the card type and transaction category.
For example, on select premium cards, reward points on transport-related merchant category codes will now be capped at monthly limits such as ₹20,000 or ₹10,000, depending on the card variant. Insurance-related spends will also have defined limits beyond which reward points may not be credited at the existing rate.
In addition to rewards, some entertainment benefits are being altered. The popular free BookMyShow movie ticket benefit has been discontinued for certain cards, while for others, it has been converted into a spend-linked offer. This means users will need to meet a minimum spending requirement in a previous quarter to qualify for movie benefits in the next quarter.
Add-On Card Fees and Foreign Currency Charges Revised
Another notable change is the introduction of a one-time add-on card fee for specific premium cards. For instance, new add-on cards issued under select premium variants will now attract a one-time charge of ₹3,500.
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) fees have also been revised across different credit cards. Depending on the card, the DCC charge will range between 0.99 percent and 2 percent. This fee applies when international transactions are converted into Indian currency at the point of sale, which can significantly affect overseas spending.
What Credit Card Users Should Do
With these changes taking effect soon, ICICI Bank credit card users should carefully review their spending patterns and card benefits. Transactions that were previously cost-effective—such as gaming payments or wallet loading—may now attract extra charges. Similarly, reward caps could reduce the value of points earned on specific categories.
Experts advise cardholders to read the updated terms and conditions, track spending limits, and consider whether their existing card still aligns with their usage needs. Being informed and adjusting spending habits in advance can help users avoid unexpected charges and make better financial decisions in 2026.
