Best SBI Credit Cards in India 2024

Unnati Jain

Author : Unnati Jain

Fact Checker : Kushal Arora

Author : Unnati Jain

Fact Checker : Kushal Arora

SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited, a subsidiary of India’s largest public sector bank, State Bank of India, was established in October 1998. The company focuses on offering top-notch credit card services. As of January 2024, around 1.86 crore SBI credit cards have been issued, making SBI Cards the second-largest card issuer in the country, following HDFC Bank. Headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, SBI Cards operates in over 100 cities nationwide. 

Table of Contents
Best SBI Credit Cards

List of Top SBI Credit Cards

1. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card

This card is ideal for avid online shoppers. It offers great rewards and benefits for online purchases, especially on platforms like Amazon and other e-commerce sites. With a moderate annual fee, it’s a cost-effective choice for those who frequently shop online.

SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card

Joining Fee:

₹ 499 + GST

Best Suited For

Shopping

Renewal Fee:

₹ 499 + GST

Reward Type:

Reward Points

Welcome Benefits:

Amazon Gift Card worth Rs. 500

Key Features

2. Cashback SBI Credit Card

Designed for those who prefer straightforward cashback over reward points, this card offers significant cashback on a variety of purchases. It’s particularly beneficial for frequent shoppers who value immediate savings.

Cashback SBI Credit Card

Joining Fee:

₹ 999 + GST

Best Suited For

Shopping

Renewal Fee:

₹ 999 + GST

Reward Type:

Reward Points

Welcome Benefits:

N/A

Key Features

3. SBI SimplySAVE UPI Rupay Credit Card

This card is perfect for everyday shopping needs, offering reward points on a wide range of spending. It combines convenience with substantial reward points for frequent spenders.

SBI SimplySAVE UPI Rupay Credit Card

Joining Fee:

₹ 499 + GST

Best Suited For

Shopping

Renewal Fee:

₹ 499 + GST

Reward Type:

Reward Points

Welcome Benefits:

2,000 Reward Points on spending Rs. 2,000 within the first 60 days.

Key Features

4. SBI Card PULSE

Aimed at health-conscious individuals, this card offers rewards and benefits related to wellness and health. It includes a fitness tracker and memberships that help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

SBI Card PULSE

Joining Fee:

₹ 1,499 + GST

Best Suited For

Shopping

Renewal Fee:

₹ 1,499 + GST

Reward Type:

Reward Points

Welcome Benefits:

Noise ColorFit Pulse Smart Watch worth Rs. 5,999, complimentary Fitpass Pro and Netmeds First memberships.

Key Features

5. BPCL SBI Card Octane

This card is tailored for those who spend a lot on fuel. It offers substantial reward points on fuel purchases and other categories, making it a great choice for frequent drivers.

BPCL SBI Card Octane

Joining Fee:

₹ 1,499 + GST

Best Suited For

Fuel

Renewal Fee:

₹ 1,499 + GST

Reward Type:

Reward Points

Welcome Benefits:

6,000 bonus reward points worth Rs. 1,500

Key Features

6. SBI Prime Credit Card

Ideal for travelers, this card offers a variety of travel-related benefits, including lounge access and travel vouchers. It’s perfect for those who frequently travel for business or leisure.

SBI Prime Credit Card

Joining Fee:

₹ 2,999 + GST

Best Suited

Travel

Renewal Fee:

₹ 2,999 + GST

Reward Type:

Reward Points

Welcome Benefits:

Gift voucher worth Rs. 3,000 from Yatra, Aditya Birla Fashion, Bata/Hush Puppies, Shoppers Stop, or Pantaloons.

Key Features

7. Club Vistara SBI Card PRIME

Best for frequent flyers, this card provides premium travel benefits, including complimentary flight tickets and memberships. It’s designed to enhance the travel experience with exclusive perks.

Club Vistara SBI Card PRIME

Joining Fee:

₹ 2,999 + GST

Best Suited

Travel

Renewal Fee:

₹ 2,999 + GST

Reward Type:

Reward Points

Welcome Benefits:

1 complimentary Premium Economy class ticket on payment of the joining/renewal fee.

Key Features

8. BPCL SBI Credit Card

Focused on fuel benefits, this card offers reward points and savings on fuel purchases. It’s an excellent choice for individuals who spend a significant amount on fuel.

BPCL SBI Credit Card

Joining Fee:

₹ 499 + GST

Best Suited

Fuel

Renewal Fee:

₹ 499 + GST

Reward Type:

Reward Points

Welcome Benefits:

2,000 Activation Bonus Reward Points worth Rs. 500 on payment of the joining fee.

Key Features

9. SBI ELITE Credit Card

A high-end card offering premium benefits, this card is suited for those who seek luxury and exclusive perks. It includes substantial rewards on lifestyle and travel expenses.

Joining Fee:

₹ 4,999 + GST

Best Suited

Movies

Renewal Fee:

₹ 4,999 + GST

Reward Type:

Reward Points

Welcome Benefits:

E-vouchers worth Rs. 5,000 from Yatra, Aditya Birla Fashion, Hush Puppies/Bata, Pantaloons, or Shoppers Stop.

Key Features

10. Club Vistara SBI Credit Card

Designed for frequent travelers, this card offers significant travel rewards, including complimentary flight tickets and exclusive memberships, enhancing the travel experience.

Club Vistara SBI Credit Card

Joining Fee:

₹ 1,499 + GST

Best Suited

Travel

Renewal Fee:

₹ 1,499 + GST

Reward Type:

Reward Points

Welcome Benefits:

1 economy class air ticket e-voucher and Club Vistara Base membership.

Key Features

SBI Bank Credit Card Features and Benefits

While each SBI credit card offers unique features, here’s a general overview of benefits you can expect from an SBI Credit Card:

1. Welcome Benefits – Upon joining, you’ll receive welcome perks which may include points, accelerated cashback, complimentary prime memberships, or other rewards. Some cards may require you to spend a minimum amount within a certain period to unlock these benefits, while others offer them without any spending requirements.

2. Reward Points/Cashback – Many SBI credit cards offer reward points (RPs) or cashback on your purchases. These rewards vary by category and card type, but they provide value for each transaction.

3. Milestone Benefits – Earn milestone rewards by reaching specified spending thresholds. For example, you might receive 10,000 bonus RPs for spending Rs. 2 lakhs or more in a year. These rewards can be in the form of points, gift vouchers, or other incentives.

4. Travel Benefits – SBI offers travel-centric credit cards with perks like complimentary air tickets, airport lounge access, and free memberships to airline programs, making them ideal for frequent travelers.

5. Entertainment Benefits – Enjoy perks like complimentary movie tickets, discounts on BookMyShow, and significant savings on dining and catering to your entertainment needs.

6. Other Benefits – Additional privileges may include golf benefits, insurance coverage, fuel surcharge waivers, zero liability protection, and spend-based annual fee waivers.

SBI Bank Credit Card Rewards and Cashback

All SBI Credit Cards reward you with points or cashback on all your spending. The reward rate varies by card and spending category. Here’s a summary of the reward rates for some of the best SBI Credit Cards:

1. SBI Card ELITE

  • 10 Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent on dining, groceries, and departmental stores.
  • 2 Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent on all other purchases.

2. SBI Card PRIME

  • 20 Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent on utility bill payments.
  • 10 Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent on groceries, dining, and departmental stores.
  • 2 Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent on all other retail purchases.

3. Paytm SBI Card SELECT

  • 5% cashback on movies, travel, and Paytm Mall through the Paytm App.
  • 2% cashback on any other spends on the Paytm app.
  • 1% cashback on all other online/offline purchases.

4. SimplySAVE SBI Credit Card

  • 10 Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent on movies, dining, departmental stores, and groceries.
  • 1 Reward Point per Rs. 100 spent on all other purchases.

5. SimplyCLICK SBI Credit Card

  • 10 Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent online on Amazon, BookMyShow, UrbanClap, Lenskart, and Cleartrip.
  • 5 Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent on other online purchases.
  • 1 Reward Point per Rs. 100 spent on all other purchases.

6. BPCL SBI Card OCTANE

  • 25 Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent on BPCL fuel stations, Bharat Gas, and Lubricants.
  • 10 Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent on movies, groceries, dining, and departmental stores.
  •  1 Reward Point per Rs. 100 spent on all other purchases.

7. IRCTC SBI Card Premier

  • 3 Reward Points per Rs. 125 spent on utility bills and dining.
  • 1 Reward Point per Rs. 125 spent on all other retail purchases.

8. Club Vistara SBI Card PRIME

  • 4 Club Vistara Points per Rs. 200 spent on retail purchases.

9. Etihad Guest SBI Premier Card

  • 6 Etihad Guest Miles per Rs. 100 spent on Etihad.com.
  •  4 Etihad Guest Miles per Rs. 100 spent on international purchases.
  •  2 Etihad Guest Miles per Rs. 100 spent on all other purchases.

10. Air India SBI Signature Card

  • 4 Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent on all purchases.

11. Cashback SBI Card

  • 5% cashback on online transactions.
  •  1% cashback on offline and utility bill spends.

How To Earn and Redeem SBI Bank Credit Card Reward Points?

State Bank of India’s rewards credit cards let you earn points on almost all spends, with accelerated points in select categories. To maximise benefits, choose a card that rewards your frequent spending categories. Bonus points can be earned through welcome offers and milestones. 

Redeem points for flights, hotels, shopping, and more at 1 RP = Rs. 0.25 via the SBI Card website. Club Vistara, Air India, and Etihad Guest points have specific redemption processes. Be mindful of redemption fees and expiry dates.

How to Redeem SBI Credit Card Reward Points

Redeem Points via the SBI Website:

  • Step 1:  Log into https://www.sbicard.com
  • Step 2: Select ‘Rewards’ and then ‘Redeem Rewards.’
  • Step 3: Browse the Rewards Catalogue and select your desired items.
  • Step 4: Click ‘Redeem now’ and confirm your selection.

Redeem Points through the SBI Mobile App:

  • Step 1: Log in to the SBI mobile app.
  • Step 2: Tap on ‘Rewards’ from the menu and choose ‘Redeem Rewards.’
  • Step 3: Browse the Rewards Catalogue and pick your reward items.
  • Step 4: Tap ‘Redeem’ and confirm your choice.

SBI Credit Card Eligibility Criteria

To get approved for an SBI Credit Card, you need to meet these basic eligibility requirements:

  • Salaried employees should be 18-65 years old.
  •  Self-employed individuals should be 21-60 years old.
  •  Applicants must have a stable income (income requirements vary by card).
  •  Applicants should have a good credit history.

Documents Required

You need the following documents to apply for an SBI Credit Card. You must have one identity proof, one address proof, and one proof of income.

Identity Proof (any one of these):

  • PAN card
  • Aadhaar card
  • voter card
  • passport
  • Driver’s license

Address Proof (any one of these):

  • Voter ID
  •  Passport
  •  Utility bills
  •  Aadhaar Card
  •  Driving Licence
  •  Rent agreement
  •  Municipal or property tax receipt
  •  House allotment letter from the central or state government

Income Proof:

  • For salaried employees: Latest salary slip
  •  For self-employed individuals: Latest ITR (Income Tax Return) / Form 16

SBI Credit Card Annual Fees and Charges

Different SBI Credit Cards are designed for different individuals and come with varying annual fees. Premium cards with higher annual fees offer more benefits, while basic cards with lower fees offer fewer benefits.

1. SBI Card ELITEAnnual fee: Rs. 4,999
Renewal fee waived if you spend Rs. 10,00,000 or more within the card anniversary year.
2. SBI Card PRIME Annual fee: Rs. 2,999
 Renewal fee waived if you spend Rs. 3,00,000 or more
3. Paytm SBI Card SELECTAnnual fee: Rs. 1,499
No renewal fee waiver
4. SimplySAVE SBI Credit Card Annual fee: Rs. 499
 Renewal fee waived if you spend Rs. 1,00,000 or more
5. SimplyCLICK SBI Credit CardAnnual fee: Rs. 499
Renewal fee waived if you spend Rs. 1,00,000 or more
6. 6. BPCL SBI Card OCTANE Annual fee: Rs. 1,499
 Renewal fee waived if you spend Rs. 2,00,000 or more
7. IRCTC SBI Card Premier Annual fee: Rs. 1,499
 Renewal fee waived if you spend Rs. 2,00,000 or more
8. Club Vistara SBI Card PRIMEAnnual fee: Rs. 2,999
No renewal fee waiver
 9. Etihad Guest SBI Premier CardAnnual fee: Rs. 4,999
Renewal fee waived if you spend Rs. 5,00,000 or more
 10. Air India SBI Signature CardAnnual fee: Rs. 4,999
No renewal fee waiver
11. Cashback SBI CardAnnual fee: Rs. 999
Renewal fee waived if you spend Rs. 2,00,000 or more

Other Fees & Charges

In addition to the annual fee, SBI Credit Cards have various other charges, including:

  • Interest Rate: 3.5% per month on all cards.
  •  Cash Advance Charges: 2.5% of the withdrawn amount, with a minimum of Rs. 300.
  • Foreign Currency Markup Fee: 1.99% on SBI Card Elite and 3.5% on all other cards.

How To Activate SBI Credit Cards?

Activating your HDFC Credit Card is simple and can be done through various methods:

1. Through Net Banking

To activate your SBI Credit Card through Net Banking, you need to be registered with SBI Card’s Net Banking facility. You can register by visiting the SBI Card website. First-time users can register by clicking on ‘First time user?’. After logging in, follow these steps:

  • Step 1 : Login to your SBI Card account.
  • Step 2: Enter your credentials (Login ID and Password).
  • Step 3: Navigate to the ‘Requests’ tab and select the ‘Card Activation’ option.
  • Step 4: If you have multiple credit cards, select the card number from the drop-down box.
  • Step 5: Click on the ‘Activate’ button to authorise the activation

2. Through Mobile Banking

To activate your SBI Credit Card through mobile banking, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Install the SBI Application.
  • Step 2: If you do not have a User ID and Password, click on ‘First time user/Sign-Up’ and follow the steps to set them up.
  • Step 3: If you have a User ID and Password, log in to the app. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number and email address.
  • Step 4: Enter the OTP, set a device name, and click on proceed.
  • Step 5: Set an M-PIN and enable touch ID.
  • Step 6: Go to the ‘Requests’ tab and select ‘Card Activation’.
  • Step 7: Select the card number and click on ‘Activate’.

3. Through Email

You can also activate your SBI Credit Card via email:

  •  Step 1: Login to your SBI Card account.
  • Step 2: Click on the email option under ‘Contact Us’.
  • Step 3: Mention your card numbers and request card activation.
  • Step 4: The response will be available on your SBI Card account as well as your registered email address.

SBI Credit Cards Login/Net Banking

SBI, India’s largest public bank, offers highly sought-after credit cards. Using your SBI credit card effectively involves accessing the online services offered by SBI, which requires registering your card for net banking services. Here’s how to do it:

Net Banking

  • Step 1: Visit http://www.sbicard.com 
  • Step 2: Click on the ‘New User? Register Now’ option under the ‘Login’ button.
  • Step 3: You will be redirected to a new webpage.
  • Step 4: Provide your credit card number, CVV number, and date of birth.
  • Step 5: Click on the ‘Proceed’ button.
  • Step 6: Enter the One Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number and email address, then click ‘Proceed’
  • Step 7: Choose a unique User ID and Password for your SBI Credit Card.
  • Step 8: Click on the ‘Confirm’ button.
  • Step 9: Once registration is complete, you can access the SBI Credit Card Net Banking service.

Logging into SBI Credit Card Net Banking

After registering for SBI Credit Card Net Banking, you can log in by following these steps:

  • Step 1: Visit SBI Credit Card Login at https://www.sbicard.com/creditcards/app/user/login
  • Step 2: Provide your User ID and Password.
  • Step 3: Click ‘Login’

Logging into SBI Credit Card Net Banking through Mobile Number

To log in using your mobile number:

  • Step 1: Enter your registered mobile number in the required field.
  • Step 2: Enter your card PIN.
  • Step 3: Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number to log in.

Logging into SBI Credit Card Net Banking through Card Number

To log in using your card number:

  • Step 1: Enter the details of your primary card number.
  • Step 2: Enter your date of birth.
  • Step 3: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number to log in.

How To Compare SBI Credit Cards & Choose The Best One?

1. Variety of Cards: SBI, being one of the leading credit card issuers, offers an extensive array of credit cards tailored to meet diverse consumer needs and preferences. These cards span various categories, ranging from entry-level cards with basic features to high-end premium cards laden with exclusive benefits.

2. Purpose-driven Selection: Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to introspect and identify the specific purpose behind obtaining a credit card. Understanding your financial objectives and spending patterns is crucial in determining which card type suits you best. Whether you’re looking to build your credit history, earn rewards on everyday purchases, or indulge in luxury perks, SBI has a card tailored to your needs.

3. Analysis: Once you’ve pinpointed your requirements, the next step involves thorough research and comparison. Evaluate the features, benefits, fees, and charges associated with each SBI Credit Card option. Scrutinise factors such as reward points structure, cashback offers, annual fees, introductory APRs, and any additional perks like travel insurance or airport lounge access.

4. Informed Decision-making: Armed with comprehensive knowledge about the available options, embark on the decision-making process with confidence. While it may entail investing some time and effort into careful consideration and perhaps even some number-crunching, the payoff is worth it. By selecting the right SBI Credit Card, you’re not only optimising your financial management but also maximising the benefits and savings potential that come with it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SBI offers a diverse range of credit cards tailored to various lifestyles and preferences. By analysing your spending habits and comparing the features, fees, and benefits of different SBI Credit Cards, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals. 
Whether you’re seeking to build credit, earn rewards, or enjoy luxury perks, there’s a suitable option available. Investing time in thorough research and evaluation ensures that you select the best SBI Credit Card for your needs, ultimately enabling you to maximise savings and enhance your overall financial well-being.

FAQs

Q1. What are the eligibility criteria for an SBI Credit Card?

A1. You must be at least 21 years old and have a stable source of income. A good credit score increases your chances of approval.

Q2. How can I redeem SBI Credit Card reward points?

A2. Reward points can be redeemed through the SBI Card website or mobile app for a variety of options like travel bookings, shopping vouchers, and cashback.

Q3. What is the annual fee for the SBI ELITE Credit Card?

A3. The annual fee for the SBI ELITE Credit Card is Rs. 4,999 + GST.

Unnati Jain
Unnati Jain

With a degree in Psychology, Media Communication, and Literature, Unnati has gained valuable experience in the tech and finance sectors by integrating the understanding of human behavior, effective communication and storytelling techniques. Read More...

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