SBI Card Rules Change – Setback for SBI Card Users! These Benefits No Longer Available

SBI Card Rules Change: If you are an SBI credit card user, this news is going to prove extremely useful for you. Certain rules are changing—specifically those related to rewards—that are significant in nature, and it is crucial for you to be aware of them. SBI Card has implemented a major overhaul to the reward system of its premium co-branded cards, effectively limiting the scope of the benefits offered.

Did you know that you will no longer receive the same number of reward points as before when paying utility bills or shopping online via the PhonePe app? This change is bound to impact your finances. Read on to understand the specifics of how exactly this development will affect your pocket.

The New Math on the PhonePe App

If you use PhonePe, this is essential information for you. When you pay utility bills, recharge your mobile, or pay insurance premiums through the PhonePe app, you currently earn 100 reward points (equivalent to 10% of the value) for every ₹100 spent. The maximum monthly cap for these rewards is currently set at 2,000 points.

What Changes from July 1st?

While the overall monthly cap remains at 2,000 points, it has now been bifurcated into two distinct categories. Under the new rules, you will be able to earn a maximum of only 500 reward points per month, specifically for insurance premium payments. For all other remaining categories, the maximum monthly limit for reward points will be capped at 1,500.

A Setback for Online Shoppers

Are you aware that these new changes have resulted in a disadvantage for those who shop online? The benefits previously enjoyed by users of this card for online shopping on e-commerce platforms—such as Amazon and Flipkart—have been directly curtailed. Specifically, the monthly cap on the 5% reward points earned through online shopping has been slashed from 2,000 points down to just 1,000 points per month. Consequently, the savings you accrue from online shopping will now be lower than they were previously. Reward Points Will Drop to Zero on These Expenses

Starting from the second half of the year—specifically July 1, 2026—if you use this card for the expenses listed below, you will not earn a single reward point. These include toll and bridge payments; purchases of gifts or souvenirs; purchases of gold and silver; and the payment of school or college fees. Payments for utility bills or insurance made outside of dedicated mobile apps are also excluded, as are any UPI transactions conducted outside of the PhonePe app.

Find Out Which Benefits Remain Unchanged

Amidst these significant cutbacks by SBI Card, there are certain features that remain entirely unaffected. In other words, they will continue to operate exactly as they did before. You will continue to earn 1% in reward points on other general online or offline expenses, just as always.

The 1% fuel surcharge waiver applicable to petrol and diesel refuelling will also remain in effect. Furthermore, you will continue to enjoy the benefits of complimentary domestic airport lounge access (four times a year) and a complimentary Priority Pass membership, without any specific spending threshold requirements.