In today’s fast-paced world, credit cards have become an essential financial instrument, offering convenience, security and a host of benefits. Among the many options available, the State Bank of India (SBI) credit card is a reliable and beneficial choice for millions of Indians. SBI has a credit card for everyone, whether you are a regular traveller, a shopaholic or someone who wants to manage their finances more efficiently. In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of SBI credit cards, looking at their features, benefits, eligibility requirements and how to use them to their full potential.
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Why SBI Credit Card?
SBI, India’s largest public sector bank, has a reputation for trust and dependability. Its credit cards are no exception, offering a perfect balance of affordability, rewards, and convenience. Here are some reasons why SBI credit cards are so popular:
1. Wide Range of Options:
SBI offers a wide range of credit cards that suit different lifestyles and spending habits. From travel rewards cards to cashback and fuel cards, there is something for everyone.
2. Attractive Rewards and Discounts:
SBI credit cards are known for their attractive reward points, cashback offers and discounts on dining, shopping and travel.
3. Low Fees and Interest Rates:
Compared to many private banks, SBI credit cards come with lower joining fees, annual fees and interest rates, making them budget-friendly.
4. Easy Accessibility:
SBI’s wide branch network and user-friendly digital platform makes managing your credit card simple.
5. Secure and Reliable:
SBI offers the best in class security through features like EMI options, fraud prevention, and instant blocking of the card in case of loss or theft.
Best SBI Credit Cards and Their Features
Let us take a deeper look at some of the most popular SBI credit cards and learn how they differ:
1. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
- Best For: Online shoppers and tech enthusiasts.
- Key Features:
- Earn 10x reward points on online spends with partner websites like Amazon, BookMyShow, and Cleartrip.
- Welcome gift worth ₹500 on spending ₹5,000 within the first 2 months.
- Annual fee waiver on spending ₹1 lakh or more in a year.
- Rewards:
- 1 reward point = ₹0.25, redeemable for cashback, vouchers, or merchandise.
2. SBI Prime Credit Card
- Best For: Frequent travelers and high spenders.
- Key Features:
- Complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access.
- 20 reward points per ₹100 spent on dining, groceries, and departmental stores.
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps in India.
- Rewards: 1 reward point = ₹0.25, with accelerated rewards on travel and dining.
3. SBI BPCL Octane Credit Card
- Best For: Fuel savings and highway travelers.
- Key Features:
- Earn 6.25% value back on fuel spends at BPCL pumps.
- Complimentary RSA (Roadside Assistance) and zero fuel surcharge.
- 4 free domestic airport lounge accesses per year.
- Rewards: 2.5% value back on dining and movies, 1.25% on other spends.
4. SBI Card ELITE
- Best For: Luxury seekers and premium users.
- Key Features:
- Unlimited complimentary domestic and international lounge access.
- 12,500 reward points as a welcome gift.
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver and 2.5% forex markup.
- Rewards: 5 reward points per ₹150 spent, with accelerated rewards on travel and dining
5. SBI IRCTC Platinum Credit Card
- Best For: Train travelers and IRCTC users.
- Key Features:
- 10% value back as reward points on IRCTC ticket bookings.
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver and 1% railway surcharge waiver.
- Complimentary railway lounge access at select stations.
- Rewards: 4 reward points per 100 spent on IRCTC and other categories.
Fees and Charges of SBI Bank Credit Cards
The most important factor to consider when applying for a new SBI credit card is the fees and charges. SBI Bank levies annual and renewal fees for its credit cards. The prices vary depending on the benefits of the card. Credit cards with more features and offers attract higher charges. The following are the charges for various SBI Bank credit cards:
| Card Name | Annual Fee (Rs.) | Renewal Fee (Rs.) |
| SimplyCLICK SBI Card | 499 | 499 |
| CASHBACK SBI Card | 999 | 999 |
| SBI Card Unnati | NIL | 499 (5th year onwards) |
| Aditya Birla SBI Card SELECT | 1499 | 1499 |
| Apollo SBI Card | 499 | 499 |
| Club Vistara SBI Card PRIME | 2999 | 2999 |
| IRCTC SBI card | 500 | 300 |
| Paytm SBI Card SELECT | 1499 | 1499 |
| TATA Croma Card SELECT | 2999 | 2999 |
| OLA Money SBI Card | NIL | 499 |
| SBI Card ELITE | 4999 | 4999 |
SBI Bank offers about 30 different types of credit cards. The fees and charges vary for each card. For some cards, you can avoid renewal fees if you transact more than a certain amount per year. The amount varies depending on the type of card. To get current information on fees and charges for all SBI credit cards please visit this official link.
Features and benefits of SBI bank credit cards:
- Contact less Payments: SBI credit cards have a tap-and-pay feature, which lets you make contactless payments, and you can pay with your card instantly by just tapping your phone.
- Insurance: You can get insurance on your credit card to deal with accidents, loss of card, health difficulties, card theft, etc.
- Lower Interest Rate: SBI offers low interest rates on EMI, and you can avail balance transfer facility
- Others Benefits: You can apply for an add-on card to complement your primary credit card. You can upgrade your credit card to get more benefits and points. These are some of the basic benefits of SBI credit cards. Every card offers its own special privileges and rewards. To know more about them, check the terms and conditions of the card.
Eligibility Criteria for SBI Credit Cards
To apply for an SBI credit card, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Age: 21 to 60 years (for primary cardholders).
- Income: Minimum monthly income of 15,000 to ₹25,000, depending on the card type.
- Credit Score: A good credit score (750 or above) is preferred.
- Employment: Salaried individuals, self-employed professionals, and business owners are eligible.
There are some other criteria as well, which depend on the income profile of the applicant. SBI allows both students and salaried individuals to apply for a new credit card.
The eligibility criteria for students are as follows:
- You must be an Indian resident aged above 18 years.
- You should have your PAN card, college admission proof, KYC documents, etc.
- You should have an FD account of Rs. 25,000 or more.
- You should have an FD account of Rs. 25,000 or more.
The eligibility of salaried employees is as follows:
- Age must be between 18 years to 65 years.
- Your minimum CIBIL score must be at least 750 or more.
- You should have a stable source of income with a minimum annual income of Rs. 2 lakh.
Additional eligibility conditions may apply depending on the SBI credit card you are applying for..
How to Apply for an SBI Credit Card
You can apply for SBI credit card both online and offline. You can apply for it by visiting the SBI card website or the nearest bank branch. The steps to apply for SBI credit card online and offline are discussed in detail below.
1. Online Application
The process of applying for SBI credit card online is very simple, fast and transparent. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Visit the official SBI card website.
Step 2: You will find a wide range of credit cards, along with information on their benefits, fees, reward points, eligibility, etc. Check details and choose your card
Step 3: Click on ‘Apply Now’ and complete your application in just 3 steps – Personal Details, Business Details & KYC Details.
Step 4: Enter your personal details, business details and upload KYC documents.
Step 5: Once you enter all the details, it will show you the instant decision on your credit card application.
Step 6: If your profile meets all the requirements, you will receive a call from the bank and an executive will verify your details before issuing and dispatching your card.
Once delivered, your card will reach the address you have chosen within 7 working days.
2. Offline Apply
To apply for an SBI credit card offline, visit your nearest branch. If you already have an account with them, you can get your credit card quickly. Consult a bank professional to find the best credit card for you. Get a credit card application form from the bank and complete it. Then submit it along with the required documents. To get your credit card smoothly, you must be very careful while filling the form.
Tips to Maximize Your SBI Credit Card Benefits:
1. Leverage Reward Points: Use your card for everyday expenses like groceries, fuel, and utility bills to accumulate reward points faster.
2. Avail Discounts and Offers: Keep an eye on SBI’s partner offers for dining, travel, and shopping to save big.
3. Pay Bills on Time: Avoid late payment fees and interest charges by paying your credit card bills in full and on time.
4. Opt for EMI Options: Convert high-value purchases into easy EMls to manage your finances better.
5. Monitor Your Spending: Use the SBI Card app to track your expenses and stay within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the joining fee for SBI credit cards?
- Joining fees vary depending on the card. For example, the SimplyCLICK card has a fee of ₹499, while the Elite card costs ₹4,999.
2. Can I get a waiver on the annual fee?
- Yes, most SBI credit cards offer an annual fee waiver if you spend a certain amount (e.g., 1 lakh) in a year.
3. How do I redeem reward points?
- Reward points can be redeemed through the SBI Card app or website for cashback, vouchers, or merchandise.
4. Is there a limit on reward points?
- Reward points are subject to a maximum cap, which varies by card. Check the terms and conditions for details.
5. What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?
- Immediately block your card through the SBI Card app or customer care and request a replacement.
SBI, the largest public sector bank, offers great credit card offers and privileges. You can choose from options such as lifestyle cards, reward cards, shopping cards and travel cards, among others. Each of these has different benefits. Choose based on your spending habits.
Credit cards are indeed a necessity in today’s fast-paced lifestyle, and SBI’s offerings seem to cater to a wide range of needs. The variety of cards available ensures that there’s something for everyone, from frequent travelers to daily shoppers. The low fees and robust security features make SBI credit cards a smart choice for managing finances efficiently. With such attractive rewards and discounts, it’s no wonder they’re popular. How do the reward systems of SBI credit cards compare to those of other banks?
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! You’re absolutely right—SBI Credit Cards are designed to cater to diverse lifestyles, and their reward systems are a key highlight. Let’s break down how they compare to other banks’ offerings:
1.Variety and Flexibility
SBI’s rewards span cashback, reward points, and category-specific benefits (e.g., travel credits, lounge access, or partner vouchers). For instance:
– The CASHBACK SBI Card offers 5% cashback on online spends with no merchant restrictions, which is rare compared to competitors like HDFC or Axis, where cashback is often limited to select categories .
– Cards like SBI Card PRIME provide 10x reward points on dining, groceries, and movies, along with milestone benefits like lounge access and annual fee waivers .
2. Accelerated Rewards on Partner Platforms
SBI partners with brands like Swiggy, Yatra, and Apollo 24×7 to offer 10x reward points on transactions. While recent changes reduced rewards for Swiggy (from 10x to 5x starting April 2025), they still outperform many banks in niche categories like healthcare and travel bookings .
3. Travel-Focused Benefits
SBI’s premium travel cards (e.g., Club Vistara SBI PRIME) previously offered milestone vouchers and lounge access, though some benefits are being phased out in 2025. However, cards like SBI Card ELITE retain perks like free movie tickets and low forex markup fees (1.99%), which are competitive with Axis Bank’s Magnus but at a lower annual fee .
4. Fee Structure and Waivers
SBI’s low joining/renewal fees (e.g., ₹499 + taxes for SimplyCLICK) and spend-based reversals (e.g., annual fee waived on spends of ₹1–3 lakh) make them more accessible than premium cards from ICICI or Citibank, which often charge higher fees without guaranteed waivers .
5. Unique Co-Branded Partnerships
Cards like Tata Neu Infinity (5% NeuCoins on Tata brands) and Reliance SBI Card (discount vouchers for Reliance Retail) provide targeted savings unmatched by competitors. For example, HDFC’s Swiggy card offers 10% cashback but lacks such broad retail partnerships .
Where SBI Lags: – Some banks (e.g., Axis Magnus) offer higher reward redemption values for travel.
– Recent reductions in Air India ticket rewards (e.g., from 30x to 10x points on the Air India SBI Signature Card) may make travel-focused users explore alternatives.
Would you like me to dive deeper into any specific comparison?😊