What the Amazon ICICI Credit Card Is
The Amazon ICICI Credit Card is a rewards card issued by ICICI Bank in partnership with Amazon. It gives you cashback or reward points when you spend money, with higher rewards on Amazon purchases and fuel. The card is free to hold in the first year, then costs between ₹499 and ₹999 per year depending on which version you choose — though some versions waive the fee if you spend above a certain amount annually.
This card is designed for people who shop on Amazon regularly or fill up at fuel pumps often. It is not a charge card that you pay off in full each month — it works like a standard credit card where you can carry a balance and pay interest on what you owe. That flexibility is useful if you need to spread payments, but the interest rate (which varies by your creditworthiness) can make purchases expensive if you carry a balance for months.
Key Takeaways
- The Amazon ICICI card offers cashback or points on Amazon purchases and fuel, with lower rewards on other spending, so it works best if those are your main expenses.
- You need an existing ICICI Bank account or relationship to be considered, and the bank will check your credit score and income before deciding whether to issue the card.
- The card is free in year one, then costs ₹499 to ₹999 annually depending on the variant, though spending thresholds can waive the fee in later years.
- Interest rates on carried balances vary based on your credit profile, so the real cost of using this card depends on whether you pay your full bill each month.
- Reward points or cashback expire after a set period (usually 12 months), so you need to use them or they disappear.
Reward Structure and Where You Earn the Most
The card offers different reward rates depending on where you spend. On Amazon.in purchases, you typically earn 3% to 5% cashback or points, depending on which variant of the card you hold. On fuel purchases at petrol pumps, you earn 2% to 5% cashback. On other purchases — groceries, restaurants, bills — the rate drops to 1% or lower.
This structure means the card only makes financial sense if Amazon and fuel are genuinely where you spend most of your money. If you spend ₹10,000 a month on Amazon and ₹5,000 on fuel, but only ₹2,000 elsewhere, the rewards on those first two categories will outweigh the annual fee. If your spending is spread across many categories, a general-purpose rewards card might give you better value.
Rewards come as either cashback (money credited to your card bill) or points (which you redeem for Amazon vouchers or other rewards). Points usually expire after 12 months of inactivity, so if you earn points and forget about them, they vanish. Cashback typically does not expire as long as your account stays active.
How to Understand the Different Card Variants
ICICI offers several versions of the Amazon card, each with different reward rates and annual fees. The entry-level variant usually has a lower annual fee but also lower cashback rates. Premium variants offer higher rewards but cost more per year. Some versions are designed for specific groups — students, women, or high-income earners — and come with different benefits like airport lounge access or travel insurance.
Before you decide which variant to pursue, calculate whether the higher rewards on your typical spending will cover the higher annual fee. If you spend ₹50,000 a year on Amazon at 5% cashback, that is ₹2,500 in rewards. If the premium card costs ₹999 per year, you come out ₹1,501 ahead. But if you only spend ₹20,000 on Amazon, you earn ₹1,000 in rewards — not enough to cover the fee. The bank's website or a branch can show you the exact rates for each variant so you can do this math yourself.
What Happens When You Carry a Balance
The rewards on this card only make sense if you are not paying interest on what you owe. Credit card interest rates in India typically range from 36% to 48% per year, depending on your credit score and the bank's policy. If you spend ₹10,000 and earn ₹500 in cashback, but then carry that ₹10,000 balance for three months, you will pay roughly ₹900 to ₹1,200 in interest — wiping out your reward and costing you money overall.
The card works best if you pay your full bill by the due date each month. Many people use credit cards this way: they spend throughout the month, earn rewards, then pay everything off when the bill arrives. If you cannot pay the full amount, the interest charges will quickly exceed any rewards you earn. Before you pursue this card, be honest about whether you can pay your full bill each month. If you typically carry balances, a rewards card is not the right tool for you.
Credit Score and Income Requirements
ICICI Bank will not issue this card to everyone who asks. The bank checks your credit score (a three-digit number that reflects your history of borrowing and repaying) and your income. A credit score of 750 or higher generally makes approval more likely, though the bank may issue cards to people with lower scores if they have a strong income or an existing relationship with the bank.
Income requirements vary by card variant. Entry-level cards may require a minimum annual income of ₹3 to ₹5 lakh, while premium variants may ask for ₹10 lakh or more. If you do not meet these thresholds, the bank will decline your request. You can check your own credit score for free through services like CIBIL or Experian before you explore, so you know roughly where you stand. If your score is below 700, you may want to focus on improving it before explore — paying bills on time and reducing existing debt both help.
How to Get the Card and What Documents You Need
You can request the Amazon ICICI card through the ICICI Bank website, the Amazon app (if you are an Amazon Pay user), or by visiting an ICICI branch in person. The online route is fastest — you fill out a form with your personal details, income, and employment information, and the bank reviews it within a few days.
You will need to provide proof of identity (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or driver's license), proof of address (utility bill, rental agreement, or bank statement), and proof of income (salary slips, tax returns, or bank statements showing regular deposits). If you already have an ICICI Bank account, the process is usually faster because the bank already has some of this information. If you do not, you may need to open a savings account first — the bank will tell you if that is required.
Once you submit your request, the bank typically takes 5 to 10 business days to make a decision. If approved, the card arrives by post within 7 to 14 days. You set up it by calling the number on the back or through the ICICI mobile app, then you can start using it when ready.
Comparing This Card to Other Options
The Amazon ICICI card is one of many rewards cards available in India. Other cards offer different reward structures — some give flat cashback on all purchases, others offer higher rewards on dining or travel. A general-purpose 1.5% cashback card might beat the Amazon ICICI card if your spending is spread across many categories, even though it does not specialize in any one area.
Before you commit to this card, list your actual spending for the last three months by category. Add up what you spent on Amazon, fuel, groceries, dining, and everything else. Then calculate what rewards you would earn with the Amazon ICICI card versus a competing card. The card that gives you the most rewards for your actual spending pattern is the one to choose. Do not pick based on the highest advertised cashback rate — pick based on where your money actually goes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I do not use my reward points before they expire?
Points typically expire 12 months after you earn them if your account remains inactive. Once they expire, they are gone and cannot be recovered. Cashback does not expire as long as your account is active, but points must be redeemed or used within the window. Set a reminder on your phone to check your points balance every few months so you do not lose them.
Can I get this card if my credit score is below 700?
It is possible but less likely. ICICI Bank considers other factors beyond your score — your income, employment stability, and whether you already have an account with them. If you have been declined, ask the bank why, then work on improving your score by paying bills on time and reducing existing debt before you explore again.
Does the annual fee get waived if I spend enough?
Yes, on most variants. If you spend above a certain amount in a year (usually ₹1 to ₹2 lakh depending on the card version), the annual fee is waived for the next year. Check the specific terms for your variant, as the spending threshold varies. This means the card can be free if you use it regularly for your Amazon and fuel purchases.
What is the difference between cashback and reward points?
Cashback is money credited directly to your card bill, which reduces what you owe. Reward points are a separate currency that you redeem for Amazon vouchers, gift cards, or other rewards. Cashback is simpler because it directly lowers your bill, while points require an extra step to convert into something useful. Points also expire, while cashback does not.
Can I use this card outside India?
Yes, you can use it internationally at merchants that accept Visa or Mastercard (depending on which network your card runs on). However, you will typically pay a foreign transaction fee of 2% to 3% on top of the purchase, and you will not earn the same rewards rates as you do in India. For international travel, check whether a dedicated travel rewards card offers better value.