SBI Prime Credit Card – Benefits, Fees & Eligibility

SBI Card PRIME

The SBI Card PRIME is a premium lifestyle credit card issued by SBI Card, designed to offer a range of value-added benefits across various categories. With an annual membership fee of ₹2,999, it positions itself as a well-rounded offering, providing complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access, exclusive discounts on hotel bookings, and accelerated reward points on popular spending categories like dining, groceries, departmental stores, and movies. The card is available in Mastercard, RuPay, American Express, and VISA variants, each offering unique network-specific privileges, making it suitable for individuals who frequently spend on travel, shopping, and lifestyle experiences.

Welcome Benefits

• Receive an e-gift Voucher worth ₹3,000 from a choice of brands including Bata/Hush Puppies, Pantaloons, Aditya Birla Fashion, Shoppers Stop, and Yatra.com.
• An SMS will be sent within 30 days of annual fees payment, allowing you to choose your e-voucher.
• The e-voucher will be delivered to your registered mobile number/e-mail ID within 5 days of your request.
• E-gift Vouchers for Bata/Hush Puppies, Pantaloons, and Shoppers Stop can be redeemed by presenting the code at the respective brand store.
• Yatra and Shoppers Stop vouchers can also be redeemed online during purchase.
• Aditya Birla Retail Vouchers are redeemable at Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, Peter England, Planet Fashion, and Simon Carter brand stores.

Fees

• Joining Fee (one-time): ₹2,999 + Taxes (GST).
• Renewal Fee (per annum): ₹2,999 + Taxes (GST) from the second year onwards.
• Spend-Based Waiver: The renewal fee is waived if a minimum of ₹3 Lakhs is spent in the previous year.
• Rewards Redemption Fee: ₹99 + GST.
• Foreign Currency Markup: 3.5% of the transaction amount for international purchases.
• Interest Rates: 3.75% per month (45% per annum) on the outstanding amount if not settled by the due date.
• Fuel Surcharge: 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions ranging from ₹500 to ₹4,000 across all petrol pumps. The maximum surcharge waiver is capped at ₹250 per month, per statement cycle (Government Service Tax is extra, as applicable).
• Cash Advance Charges: 2.5% of the amount withdrawn or ₹500, whichever is higher.
• Add-on Card Fee (per annum): Nil.
• All taxes would be charged as applicable on all fees, interest, and charges.

Rewards

• Accelerated Rewards:
  • Earn 10 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on Dining, Groceries, Departmental stores, and Movies.
  • These accelerated Reward Points are capped at 7,500 Reward Points per calendar month.
• Standard Rewards: Earn 2 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on all other retail expenditures, except fuel.
• Birthday Benefit:
  • Enjoy 20 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on your birthday (valid for one day before, on your birthday, and one day after).
  • Reward points on birthday spends are capped at 2,000 Reward Points per calendar year.
• Milestone Benefits:
  • Receive a Pizza Hut e-Voucher worth ₹1,000 upon achieving spends of ₹50,000 in a calendar quarter. This e-voucher will be sent to your registered mobile number within 30 days of reaching the spend milestone.
  • Obtain an E-Gift Voucher worth ₹7,000 from Yatra.com/Pantaloons on achieving annual spends of ₹5 Lakhs. You will receive an SMS to choose the e-Gift Voucher option within 10 days of achieving this spend milestone.
• Lounge Access:
  • Enjoy 4 complimentary visits per calendar year to International Priority Pass Lounges outside India (maximum 2 visits per quarter).
  • Receive 8 complimentary visits per calendar year to Domestic Lounges in India (maximum 2 visits per quarter) provided by Mastercard/Visa/American Express.
  • Lounge access offers are valid for Primary Cardholders only.
  • Beyond the complimentary Priority Pass visits, a usage fee of $27 applies per visit.
• Golf Benefits (Mastercard Variant only):
  • Receive 4 rounds of complimentary green fees access.
  • Get up to 50% off on golf games.
  • Enjoy 1 complimentary golf lesson per month at selected golf courses across India.
• Dining and Movie Benefits:
  • 5X Reward Points (10 Reward Points per ₹100) on movie spends.
  • Get up to 25% discount on dining bills at partner restaurants (only with American Express variant).
• Travel Benefits:
  • Up to 15% discount on best available room rates and up to 15% discount on Food & Beverage at Lalit Hotels (only available for Mastercard variant).
  • Savings of up to 10% on Hertz car rental and up to 35% on Avis Car Rentals (for Visa card variant only).
  • Exclusive benefits across 900 luxury hotels worldwide (only for the Visa variant).
  • Complimentary Tablet Plus membership, offering access to VIP upgrades and benefits at world’s top hotels in India and abroad (only for the American Express variant).
• Insurance Benefits:
  • Complimentary Air Accident Liability Cover of ₹50 lakhs (Note: This coverage will be discontinued with effect from July 15, 2025).
  • Complimentary credit card Fraud Liability Cover of ₹1 lakh. This cover is applicable from 48 hours prior to reporting of loss until 7 days post reporting of loss.

Rewards Redemption Guide

• Reward Points can be redeemed for Gift Vouchers available on the SBI Card website or through the SBI mobile app.
• You can also use Reward Points to settle your card's outstanding balance (Statement Credit).
• The value of Reward Points is 1 Reward Point = ₹0.25, which means 4 Reward Points = ₹1.

Card Eligibility Criteria

• Salaried Individuals:
  • Age: 18 years - 65 years
  • Income: ₹32,000 per month
• Self-employed Individuals:
  • Age: 21 years - 65 years
  • Income: ₹32,000 per month (as per Income Tax Returns)

Card Review

The SBI Card PRIME is a strong contender in the premium lifestyle credit card segment, especially for individuals with significant spending in dining, groceries, departmental stores, and movies, where it offers an impressive 10X reward rate. Its travel benefits, including complimentary domestic and international lounge access, are a major draw for frequent travelers. The attractive welcome benefits and milestone rewards further enhance its value proposition.

Pros:

• Offers substantial reward points on key spending categories, providing good value back.
• Provides generous complimentary lounge access, with 8 domestic and 4 international visits annually.
• The welcome benefit of gift vouchers worth ₹3,000 is a valuable perk upon card issuance.
• The annual renewal fee can be waived by achieving a reasonable annual spend of ₹3 lakhs.
• Network-specific privileges (Mastercard, Visa, American Express) add diverse benefits across golf, dining, and travel.
• Includes a fraud liability cover and zero liability protection for enhanced security.

Cons:

• The basic reward rate of 2 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent (0.5% effective reward rate) is relatively low compared to the accelerated categories.
• The value of 1 Reward Point at ₹0.25 is not the highest in the market.
• The complimentary Air Accident Liability Cover of ₹50 lakhs is set to be discontinued from July 15, 2025.
• Accelerated reward points are capped at 7,500 RPs per calendar month, which might limit earning potential for very high spenders in those categories.
• The requirement of ₹3 lakhs annual spend for renewal fee waiver, while achievable, can be considered high for some users.

Overall Verdict: The SBI Card PRIME is an excellent choice for individuals who prioritize lifestyle benefits, particularly in travel, dining, and shopping. It serves as a well-balanced premium card, offering a good mix of rewards and privileges for its annual fee. While its base reward rate could be higher, the accelerated rewards and milestone benefits largely compensate, offering significant value to those whose spending patterns align with the card's strengths. It is a suitable option for those seeking a premium card experience without the higher annual fee of ultra-premium cards.

Important Product Details

• Reward Points Earning:
  • 10 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on dining, groceries, departmental stores, and movies.
  • 2 Reward Points per ₹100 on all other retail spends (excluding fuel).
  • 20 Reward Points per ₹100 on birthday spends (capped at 2,000 Reward Points per calendar year).
  • Accelerated Reward Points are capped at 7,500 Reward Points per calendar month.
• Milestone Rewards:
  • Pizza Hut e-Voucher worth ₹1,000 on quarterly spends of ₹50,000.
  • E-Gift Voucher worth ₹7,000 from Yatra.com/Pantaloons on annual spends of ₹5 Lakhs.
• Lounge Access:
  • 4 complimentary international lounge visits per calendar year via Priority Pass (max 2 per quarter). Beyond complimentary visits, a $27 usage fee applies.
  • 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per calendar year (max 2 per quarter).
• Fee Waiver: Renewal fee waived on annual spends of ₹3 Lakhs.
• Network-Specific Privileges:
  • Mastercard: 4 complimentary golf rounds, up to 50% off on golf games, 1 complimentary golf lesson per month, up to 15% discount on room rates and F&B at Lalit Hotels.
  • Visa: Up to 10% off on Hertz car rental, up to 35% off on Avis Car Rentals, and exclusive benefits at 900 luxury hotels worldwide.
  • American Express: Up to 20% discount at over 700+ partner restaurants, complimentary Tablet Plus membership for hotel upgrades and privileges.
• Insurance & Security:
  • Complimentary Air Accident Liability Cover of ₹50 lakhs (discontinued from July 15, 2025).
  • Complimentary Fraud Liability Cover of ₹1 lakh (applicable 48 hours prior to reporting loss till 7 days post reporting).
  • Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized/fraudulent purchases if reported timely.
  • Chip and PIN enabled for enhanced security.
  • Contactless payment advantage for fast, convenient, and secure daily purchases.
• Other Key Features:
  • Global acceptance at over 24 million outlets worldwide, including 3,25,000 in India.
  • Emergency card replacement service globally (for VISA and Mastercard).
  • Add-on cards for up to 2 family members (above 18 years).
  • Cash access from over 1 million Visa/Mastercard/American Express ATMs worldwide.
  • Easy Bill Pay facility for utility bills.
  • Flexipay option to convert transactions of ₹2,500 or more into EMIs within 30 days of purchase.
  • Balance Transfer on EMI facility to transfer outstanding balances from other credit cards at lower interest rates.

Other Details

• Contact Information:
  • Customer Helpline: 1860 180 1290 (toll-free), 1860 500 1290, or 39 02 02 02 (prefix local STD code).
  • Email: customercare@sbicard.com (provide credit card number, registered mobile number, and name).
  • Twitter: @SBICard_Connect
  • Reporting Lost Card: Call the helpline numbers.
• Application Process:
  • Online: Apply via the official SBI Card website by filling out the online form and uploading required documents.
  • Offline: Visit the nearest SBI branch, fill out the application form, and submit necessary documents (proof of identity, address, and income).
• Application Status: Check status online on the SBI Card website under 'Credit Cards' -> 'Track Application', by calling customer care, or by visiting a branch.
• Credit Limit: The credit limit is dynamic and depends on an individual's past payment behavior and credit history. It may increase with responsible card usage. Requests for credit limit increases can be made through customer care or a branch.
• Bill Payment Methods:
  • Online: SBI Card YONO app, SBI Card Billdesk, NEFT/IMPS.
  • Offline: SBI ATM (via bill payment option), cheque deposit at an ATM dropbox, or cash payment at any SBI branch.
• Card Blocking:
  • SMS: Send "BLOCK XXXX" to 5676791 (XXXX being the last 4 digits of your card number).
  • Customer Care: Contact SBI Card customer care immediately.
  • Net Banking: Log in to your net banking account and use the 'Request' tab to block your card.
• Terms and Conditions: Detailed terms and conditions and usage directions are available on the SBI Card website. Continued use of the card will be deemed acceptance of any amendments to the terms and conditions.
• International Usage: The SBI Card PRIME can be used for international transactions. Ensure international transactions are enabled on your card through internet banking.
• Assistance: For assistance, call the SBI Card helpline numbers.