Hi:
’If you haven’t called ICICI then you haven’t got the best deal" This is what they advertise and this was a reason why I was somewhat interested to go for their card but today I find that it is no more a very good card as it was when I received the card. Initially after two or three attempts also they did not issue me any card of their’s but later I got a preffered gold card which is now of no value as they have taken away all the facilities of a gold card like the personal accident policy, lounge facilities etc. In my card they don’t even have a cash back offer which they are providing in non preffered gold cards. I couldn’t understand why they issued me a preffered card as I still could not make out what is the actual advantage of being preffered. Before by this card I could get petrol of even as low Rs.30/- without any surcharge, but now this facility has been heard to be given to non preffered card users also. Good thing was that they gave me a life time free card & worst thing was that they gave me a balance transfer cheque before I even received the card, that also when I never asked for it. This card still could have been a good card even after their withdrawing the other facilities by giving a few fuel pumps under their lists where one can get fuel without any surcharge as their required petrol station should be only HPCL.
Worst thing is that one may get a call from somewhere asking their card members to go for a health insurance policy by paying the premium in advance or in instalments through their card. In such a situation one does not get even to think what to do or know about the policy etc. They will tell many good stories but after one’s saying yes they simply punch your card telephonically for even a two year simultaneous scheme and after receiving the policy most of them who are aware about other health insurance schemes also but took ICICI’s due their name; only lament remaining helpless. After having this card for several years, they sent me a renewal card also and then cancelled my account as my card was not used for a year since I was abroad and could not use it because this bank doesn’t have netbanking card payment facility
Please read my review " What to Look for in a Credit Card " also. It may be useful too.
Ray