ICICI Bank to charge 2% fee on online gaming transactions
What's the story
ICICI Bank has announced new changes to its credit card features and charges, effective between January and February 2026. The changes will affect reward point accruals, movie benefits, add-on card fees, dynamic currency conversion fees, and transaction-related charges across several popular ICICI Bank credit cards. Notably, the bank will levy a 2% fee on online gaming transactions.
Fee details
New charges on online gaming transactions and 3rd-party wallets
The new rules include a 2% fee on transactions made on online gaming platforms like Dream11, Rummy Culture, Junglee Games, and MPL. The charge will be applicable to payments as well as any similar Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) introduced in the future for similar transactions. A 1% fee will also be levied on loading funds onto third-party wallets such as Amazon Pay, MobiKwik, Paytm, Freecharge, and OlaMoney for transaction amounts of ₹5,000 or more.
Additional costs
Charges on transportation and add-on card fees
ICICI Bank will also charge a 1% fee on transactions through select transportation merchant categories exceeding ₹50,000. For new Plus (Add-on) Cards issued after January 15, 2026, a one-time fee of ₹3,500 will be charged. The bank has also revised the dynamic currency conversion fee for various credit cards including Times Black and Amazon Pay cards.
Benefits update
Reward points and BookMyShow benefits
Despite the changes, ICICI Bank credit card holders will continue to earn 6 reward points for every ₹200 spent on retail transactions, excluding spends on government services, fuel, property management, rent and tax payments. However, complimentary movie benefits via BookMyShow will be discontinued for some cards from February 1. Other cards will continue to enjoy these benefits if they spend ₹25,000 or more in the preceding quarter.
Rule changes
ICICI Bank's revised rules for credit card holders
The new rules from ICICI Bank also include a 1% fee on transactions through select transportation merchant categories exceeding ₹50,000. This will be applicable to all retail credit cards. For transactions made on online gaming platforms, a 2% charge will be levied. The same goes for loading funds onto third-party wallets such as Amazon Pay and Paytm with transaction amounts of ₹5,000 or more.