ICICI Bank Sapphiro Visa Credit Card vs Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?
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In short: ICICI Sapphiro has the lower annual fee (₹3,500 vs ₹20,000); ICICI Sapphiro includes 4 airport lounge visits a quarter, ICICI Times Black unlimited domestic & international lounge access; ICICI Times Black has the lower forex markup (1.49% vs 3.5%).
| Key facts | ICICI Sapphiro | ICICI Times Black |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹3,500 | ₹20,000 |
| Joining fee | ₹6,500 | ₹20,000 |
| Annual fee waived | On ₹6 lakh annual spend | On ₹25 lakh annual spend |
| Lounge access | 4 airport lounge visits a quarter | Unlimited domestic & international lounge access |
| Forex markup | 3.5% | 1.49% |
From issuer benefit data, checked 22 Oct 2026. Rewards, milestones and welcome benefits are in the full table below.
The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Visa Credit Card and the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card both cater to premium customers but differ significantly in fees, rewards, and travel benefits. Sapphiro offers moderate fees with reward points focused on international spends and utilities, while Times Black commands a high fee with accelerated rewards and extensive lounge access. Your choice depends on your spending patterns, travel frequency, and willingness to pay higher fees for premium perks.
Comparison notes and quick badges use AI, grounded in the benefit data shown in the table. Confirm details on each issuer’s site.
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| Feature | ICICI Bank Sapphiro Visa Credit Card | Times Black Icici Bank Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | ICICI Bank | ICICI Bank |
| Network | Visa | Visa |
| Joining fee | Joining Fee of Rs.6500 | Joining Fee of Rs.20000 |
| Annual / renewal fee | Second Year Onwards Annual Fee of Rs.3500 | Annual Fee of Rs.20000 |
| Annual fee waiver | Spend Rs.6 Lakh For Waiver of Annual Fee | Spend Rs.25 lakh For Annual Fees Waiver |
| Reward rate (headline) | Earn 2 Reward Points per Rs.100 | 2% Reward Points on Domestic Transactions |
| Lounge — domestic | 4 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Quarter | Enjoy Unlimited Complimentary Lounge Visits in India |
| Lounge — international | 2 Complimentary International Airport Lounge Access | Enjoy Unlimited Complimentary International Lounge Visits |
| Welcome benefit | 20000 Reward Points Every Anniversary Year | EaseMyTrip Complimentary gift voucher worth Rs.10000 |
| Foreign currency markup | 3.50% - Foreign Currency Transactions | 1.49% - Foreign Currency Transactions |
Which is better for rewards?
When it comes to rewards, the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card provides a more lucrative structure with 2% reward points on domestic transactions and higher accelerated points on hotel bookings and flights. It also offers rewards on education, government payments, insurance, and utilities, making it versatile. The Sapphiro card offers 2 reward points per Rs.100 spent, with a boost to 4 points on international spends, but lacks the breadth and accelerated categories found in Times Black. Overall, Times Black is better suited for heavy spenders seeking maximum rewards.
Which is better for travel?
In travel benefits, Times Black stands out with unlimited complimentary domestic and international lounge access, plus milestone benefits like luxury airport transfers and WeWork passes on high spends. Sapphiro offers a limited number of complimentary lounges per quarter (4 domestic and 2 international) and includes 4 complimentary rounds of golf monthly with minimum spend criteria. For frequent travelers seeking premium lounge access and additional luxury perks, Times Black is superior, while Sapphiro offers decent travel benefits at a lower cost.
Which has lower effective cost?
The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Visa Credit Card has significantly lower fees with a joining fee of Rs.6500 and renewal fee of Rs.3500, waived on Rs.6 lakh annual spend. In contrast, Times Black has a steep Rs.20000 joining and renewal fee, waived only if you spend Rs.25 lakh annually. The forex markup is also lower on Times Black at 1.49% compared to 3.5% on Sapphiro, which may benefit frequent international spenders. Overall, Sapphiro is more cost-effective for moderate spenders, while Times Black targets high net worth individuals willing to pay for premium privileges.
Fee Waiver Complexity
The Sapphiro card offers a fee waiver on a relatively moderate annual spend of Rs.6 lakh, making it more accessible to mid-tier spenders. Times Black requires a much higher spend of Rs.25 lakh to waive its substantial Rs.20,000 annual fee, targeting ultra-premium users.
Forex Markup Charges
Times Black has a significantly lower forex markup fee at 1.49%, which benefits frequent international travelers. Sapphiro charges 3.5% on foreign currency transactions, which is comparatively high.
Who should pick ICICI Bank Sapphiro Visa Credit Card?
Consider ICICI Bank Sapphiro Visa Credit Card if you prefer a lower annual fee with a reasonable waiver threshold and want decent rewards on international spends and utilities. It is also suitable if you value limited but complimentary lounge access and occasional golf benefits without the need for heavy spending to unlock perks.
Who should pick Times Black Icici Bank Credit Card?
Consider Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card if you are a high spender looking for premium travel benefits including unlimited lounge access, accelerated rewards across multiple categories, and exclusive milestone offers. This card suits those who can justify the high fees with substantial annual spends and want luxury perks like airport transfers and premium vouchers.
Frequently Asked Questions
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Visa Credit Card has a joining fee of Rs.6500 and renewal fee of Rs.3500, while Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card charges Rs.20000 for both joining and renewal.
Sapphiro waives the annual fee if you spend Rs.6 lakh in a year. Times Black requires a much higher spend of Rs.25 lakh annually to waive its Rs.20000 fee.
Times Black offers unlimited complimentary lounge visits both domestically and internationally. Sapphiro provides 4 domestic and 2 international complimentary lounge accesses per quarter.
Times Black charges a forex markup of 1.49%, whereas Sapphiro charges 3.5% on foreign currency transactions.
Sapphiro offers 20,000 reward points every anniversary year and various vouchers on joining fee payment. Times Black provides EaseMyTrip vouchers worth Rs.10,000 and other gift vouchers on joining.
Times Black provides multiple milestone benefits such as complimentary airport transfers, WeWork passes, and vouchers on high spends. Sapphiro does not offer milestone benefits.