ICICI Bank has announced a major update for its credit card users. The bank has changed the way the Minimum Amount Due (MAD) is calculated.
These changes will apply to different credit card categories from March 1, 2026 and March 20, 2026.
The bank has also updated the spending rules required to get airport lounge access.
This update will mainly affect customers who pay only the Minimum Amount Due instead of paying the full bill every month. Under the new system, MAD will include more charges than before, so the minimum payment may become higher.
When Will the New MAD Rules Apply?
ICICI Bank will implement the new MAD calculation in two phases for different card categories.
From March 20, 2026 (these cards):
Business Black Advantage
Business Blue Advantage
Business Platinum
Platinum Credit Card
Corporate Gold
Travel Credit Card
Self-Employed Credit Cards
From March 1, 2026 (these cards):
Emeralde Private Metal
Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card
Emeralde Mastercard Credit Card
What is Minimum Amount Due (MAD)?
Minimum Amount Due is the smallest amount you must pay every month to keep your credit card account active and avoid late fees.
But remember:
Paying only MAD does not clear the full bill
Interest continues on the remaining balance
After the new rules, MAD may be higher than before.
How Will MAD Be Calculated Now?
Earlier, MAD was mostly a small percentage of spending.
Now ICICI Bank will calculate MAD using a detailed formula that includes:
GST
EMI (principal + interest)
Fees and charges
Over-limit amount
Previous MAD unpaid
5% of retail spend + cash advance
Finance charges
MAD Calculation Examples
Scenario A: When 5% of spending is higher than finance charges
If 5% of expenses is more than the finance charge, MAD will be:
GST + EMI + Fees + Over-limit + Previous MAD + 5% Spend
Example credit limit: ₹35,000
Scenario B: When finance charges are higher than 5% of spending
If finance charges exceed 5% of expenses, the bank will add the full finance charge:
5% Spend + Full Finance Charge + EMI + Fees + Over-limit + Previous MAD
Example credit limit: ₹1,15,000
What This Means for Customers
Earlier:
MAD was usually a small part of the bill
Now MAD may include:
EMI amount
Fees
Finance charges
Over-limit usage
So MAD will no longer be a very small payment. It will show a more realistic part of your total outstanding balance.
Airport Lounge Access Rules Also Changed
ICICI Bank has also updated airport lounge access rules from July 1, 2026.
To get complimentary lounge access, customers must spend ₹75,000 in the previous quarter.
Example:
| Lounge period | Spending period | Required spend |
|---|---|---|
| July–September 2026 | March 26 – June 25, 2026 | ₹75,000 |
Why Did ICICI Bank Make These Changes?
According to the bank, the new MAD structure is designed to better show customers’ real outstanding balance.
Expected benefits:
Lower credit risk
Clearer balance visibility
Less habit of paying only minimum amount
Which Users Will Be Most Affected?
1. Customers who pay only MAD
They may now see a higher minimum payment.
2. Customers with EMI on credit card
EMI amounts may now be included in MAD.
3. Over-limit users
Over-limit amount will be added to MAD.
4. Revolving credit users
Higher finance charges will increase MAD.
Most Important Things to Remember
Minimum Amount Due ≠ Full bill payment
Interest continues even after paying MAD
New MAD includes more charges
The real risk of unpaid balance is now clearer
