Credit card users should get ready for some major updates in 2026.
IDFC First Bank and ICICI Bank have revised their rules, affecting reward points, benefits, and fees.
These changes will particularly impact international spenders, premium cardholders, and frequent users of lounges and online services.
IDFC First Bank Updates
IDFC First Bank has made several changes across its cards:
Lower international rewards – Ashva and Mayura Premium cards now give 5X reward points on international spending, down from 10X.
But if you spend ₹20,000 per month, you can still earn 10X points.
Minimum payment matters – Failing to pay the minimum by the due date means no reward points for that month. This also applies to Club Vistara cards.
Reduced rewards on Lifetime Free cards – Classic, Select, and Wealth cards now earn 1 point for every ₹200 spent instead of ₹150.
Lounge access limited – Select cards now allow only 1 free domestic lounge visit per quarter, and Wealth cards also see fewer visits.
FASTag and railway spending changes – Recharges and railway transactions now earn 1X reward point, and a 1% surcharge applies if FASTag recharges exceed ₹10,000 per billing cycle.
ICICI Bank Updates
ICICI Bank is also revising benefits for many cardholders:
Online gaming becomes costly – Platforms like Dream11, Rummy Culture, and MPL will now attract a 2% charge on credit card payments.
Super-premium card charges – DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) charges increase to 2% for Emerald, Emerald Private, and Emerald PVC cards.
No rewards on certain spends – Emerald Metal card users will not earn points on government payments, fuel, taxes, and third-party wallets.
Wallet loading fees – Adding ₹5,000 or more to Amazon Pay, Paytm, MobiKwik, or OlaMoney now incurs a 1% fee.
Entertainment offer changes – BookMyShow’s ‘Buy One Get One’ offer now requires ₹25,000 spent in the previous quarter to qualify.
These changes will be rolled out from January and February 2026.
Experts say international spenders and premium card users will feel the biggest impact, as rewards and benefits are now reduced across many categories.
