ICICI Emeralde Private Metal vs AU Bank Zenith
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
AU Bank Zenith wins 6-2. Underrated mid-premium — punches above its fee tier. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal is still the right call if high-net-worth families wanting universal 6 icici points/₹100..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | ICICI Emeralde Private Metal | AU Bank Zenith |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹12,499 | ₹7,500 |
| Joining fee | · ₹12,499 | ₹7,500 |
| Top reward rate | · 6% (general) | 10% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | 6% | · 2% |
| Forex markup | = 2% | = 2% |
| Welcome bonus | = Taj Epicure / EazyDiner Prime / Times Prime annual membership | = 7,500 reward points + Vistara Premium Economy ticket |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹1,500,000 / yr | ₹800,000 / yr |
| Min income | · ₹5,000,000 | ₹1,200,000 |
| Min credit score | · 800 | 780 |
| Editorial rating | 4.8/5 | · 4.4/5 |
Benefits compared
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
AU Bank Zenith
- 10 ZenPoints per ₹100 on travel + dining
- 2 ZenPoints per ₹100 on general spend
- 8 complimentary international lounge visits per quarter
- 12 complimentary domestic lounge visits / year
- Annual milestone: free domestic flight at ₹6L spend
- 4 free golf rounds/quarter at 250+ courses
FAQ
›ICICI Emeralde Private Metal vs AU Bank Zenith: which is better?
AU Bank Zenith wins on more dimensions (6 vs 2). 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 ICICI Emeralde Private Metal for its best categories, AU Bank Zenith for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal: Taj Epicure / EazyDiner Prime / Times Prime annual membership. AU Bank Zenith: 7,500 reward points + Vistara Premium Economy ticket.