AU Bank LIT vs ICICI Emeralde Private Metal
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal wins 5-4. High-net-worth families wanting universal 6 ICICI points/₹100. AU Bank LIT is still the right call if pick-your-own-categories — toggle 5x on the categories you spend in..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | AU Bank LIT | ICICI Emeralde Private Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | · ₹12,499 |
| Joining fee | None | · ₹12,499 |
| Top reward rate | · 1% (general) | 6% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 6% |
| Forex markup | · 3.5% | 2% |
| Welcome bonus | = Customizable category boosts at sign-up | = Taj Epicure / EazyDiner Prime / Times Prime annual membership |
| Fee waiver threshold | · N/A (no fee) | ₹1,500,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹360,000 | · ₹5,000,000 |
| Min credit score | 720 | · 800 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.4/5 | 4.8/5 |
Benefits compared
AU Bank LIT
- Customize 1 of 8 spend categories at any time
- 5x reward points on chosen category
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- 4 free domestic lounge visits/year
- No annual fee, ever
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal
- Unlimited domestic + international lounge access for self & guest
- 6 reward points per ₹100 across all categories
- Taj Epicure annual membership included
- 24x7 concierge + Golf privileges
- 2% forex markup
FAQ
›AU Bank LIT vs ICICI Emeralde Private Metal: which is better?
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal wins on more dimensions (5 vs 4). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use AU Bank LIT for its best categories, ICICI Emeralde Private Metal for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
AU Bank LIT: Customizable category boosts at sign-up. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal: Taj Epicure / EazyDiner Prime / Times Prime annual membership.