If you are looking for a premium credit card that offers lounge access, travel perks, and movie offers, then the ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card might catch your eye. It’s pitched at the higher end of the cards from ICICI Bank and aims to reward those who spend big and travel often. In this ICICI Bank Sapphiro credit card review, you will get a clear breakdown of its main benefits, its costs, where it shines (and where it doesn’t), and ultimately whether it’s a good fit for them.
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card Review: Quick Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Card issuer | ICICI Bank |
| Annual fee / Joining fee | Joining fee about ₹6,500 + GST; annual fee ₹3,500 + GST (though waiver conditions apply) |
| Welcome bonus | High spenders, frequent travellers, entertainment lovers. |
| Best for | High-spenders, frequent travellers, entertainment lovers. |
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card Key Benefits and Rewards Value
Cashback / Rewards
The card earns reward points (RPs) rather than pure cashback. For example:
- On international spends: ~4 RPs per ₹100 (≈ 1% value if 1 RP = ₹0.25)
- On domestic spends: ~2 RPs per ₹100 (≈ 0.5% value)
- Milestone rewards: e.g., spend ₹4 lakh in a year → 4,000 RPs; thereafter 2,000 RPs for each additional ₹1 lakh (up to a cap)
Why it matters: If one spends significantly overseas or on categories that yield bonus points and redeems smartly, there is decent value. But for low or moderate spenders, the returns may feel modest.
Travel benefits
- Domestic airport lounge access: 4 complimentary visits per quarter (i.e., up to 16 per year) if the spending threshold in the previous quarter was met (~₹75,000)
- International airport lounge access: 2 visits per year via partner programmes (e.g., DreamFolks, Priority Pass).
- Other travel-related perks: Flight delay, baggage loss insurance, and concierge services on premium lines.
Why it matters: For someone flying often, lounge access and travel insurance add tangible comfort and savings (on lounge passes, etc). But these benefits only make sense if the thresholds and usage match.
Shopping / Partner Offers
- Movie ticket offer: Buy one get one free via partners like BookMyShow, up to two times a month.
- Dining and lifestyle offers: At select restaurants, outlets, and online shopping partners.
Why it matters: These kinds of perks help users get value beyond pure point-earning. If someone enjoys cinema, dining out, the BOGO movie tickets may bring joy.
EMI / Big spend perks
- Golf rounds/lessons: Up to 4 complimentary rounds/lessons per month if certain spending in the previous month is achieved.
- Fuel surcharge waiver: At fuel stations, there’s 1% waiver on transactions from ₹400 to ₹4,000.
Why it matters: These are niche but nice benefits — if one uses them. Many cardholders don’t play golf, travel on premium flights, or use lounges often, which reduces practical value.
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card Fees and Charges
- Joining fee: ~₹6,500 + GST.
- Annual fee: ~₹3,500 + GST (from 2nd year) unless certain spend triggers waiver.
- Waiver condition: For example, spend ~₹6 lakh in a year to waive the fee.
- Interest rate (APR): ~3.4% per month (~40.8% p.a) on revolving credit.
- Foreign currency transaction (forex) mark-up: ~3.5% of transaction value.
- Late payment, cash advance, etc: Example from one source: late payment fees vary (₹100 up) depending on the outstanding.
Why it matters: The fee structure is significant. If one cannot meet waiver conditions or use the benefits, the cost may outweigh the benefit. The interest rate shows the importance of paying the balance in full each month.
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card Review: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong travel & lifestyle perks (lounges, movie BOGO, golf)
- Good welcome vouchers offset the joining fee if one uses them
- Premium feel & status appeal
Cons:
- High joining + annual fee, and waiver requires high spend → not for casual users
- Rewards rate on domestic spend is relatively modest (≈0.5%)
- Many benefits require meeting spend thresholds or usage criteria (lounge access, golf)
- Forex mark-up still above average (≈3.5%)
Who Should Apply for the ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card?
Best for:
- Frequent travellers who fly domestically & internationally, who will use lounge access and travel insurance
- Big spenders (annual card spend ₹4-6 lakh or more) who can meet the milestone/waiver thresholds
- People who love cinema, dining out, golf, luxury lifestyle perks, and will use the card for those
Not ideal for:
- Casual spenders or those who spend small amounts each month
- People who only use credit cards for occasional online shopping or utilities, and who won’t meet the spend thresholds
- Those primarily looking for fuel cards, low fees, or a simple cashback structure
How to Apply for ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
Eligibility criteria:
- Age: 21 to ~65 years (primary)
- Minimum income: Salaried around ₹75,000/month or self-employed ~₹9–10 lakh/year (varies)
- Good credit history/score recommended
Documents required:
- Identity proof (PAN, Aadhaar, passport, etc)
- Address proof (utility bill, Aadhaar, etc)
- Income proof (salary slips, ITR, bank statements)
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card Review: FAQs
Q. Can the annual fee ever be waived?
A. Yes—if you meet the annual spend requirement (for example, ~₹6 lakh in the prior year), then the annual fee may be waived.
Q. What happens if I don’t meet the spend threshold for lounge access?
A. You may lose or have reduced club/lounge privileges. For example, domestic lounge access is linked to spending ₹75,000 in the previous quarter.
Q. Is the reward redemption easy?
A. Yes—you can redeem the reward points against vouchers, statement credit, gift catalogues. However, note that the reward rate and value per point may not match those of some competitor cards.
Q. Does the fee make sense for everyone?
A. No—the fee only makes sense if you can (a) use the perks significantly and (b) meet spend thresholds. Many users say that unless it’s offered lifetime-free (LTF), it may not be worth it.
Q. Can fuel transactions earn the same rewards?
A. Fuel surcharge is waived (1% waiver), but reward rate may differ; fuel category often excluded or lower earning.
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card Review: Verdict
The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card is clearly a premium offering. If you are a high spender, travel frequently, enjoy luxury lifestyle perks, and can make full use of the lounge access, movie offers, and other benefits, then the card can deliver excellent value relative to its cost.
However, for someone with moderate spending or who won’t use perks fully, the fee and requirements may make it less appealing. If you shop a lot, travel often, and can hit the spend criteria, this card could save you a fair bit year-on-year.
