SBI Card SBI Card Elite Review
PremiumSBI Card
Quick Facts
Joining Fee₹4,999
Renewal Fee₹4,999
Best ForRewards
Forex Markup1.99%
30-Second Verdict
Expert VerdictThe Elite is a powerful travel companion, prioritizing unlimited lounge access and airport privileges for frequent flyers.
Luxury & Lifestyle•International Travel
Who Should Apply
- You spend at least ₹10,00,000 annually to waive fees.
- You value airport lounge access and travel perks.
- You want a steady return rate of 0.5% on standard spends.
- You dine out frequently and utilize culinary discounts.
Who Should Skip
- Your average monthly card spends are less than ₹25,000.
- You prefer cash statement credits over travel reward point transfers.
Key Numbers
Base Reward Rate
2 RP / ₹100
Accelerated Rate
5X
Forex Markup
1.99%
Joining Fee
₹4,999
Annual Fee
₹4,999
Eligibility
Age: 21 - 70 Years
Requires net monthly salary > ₹60,000 or ITR > ₹9 Lakhs.
Domestic Lounge
2/Quarter
Primary: Yes • Add-on: No • Guest: No
International Lounge
Priority Pass
6
Primary: Yes • Add-on: No • Guest: No
Reward Point Mechanics
Understanding how your spends translate into real-world value is key. Here is how you earn, translate, and redeem your reward points.
Earning Blueprint
Accrual & MultipliersBase Earn Rate:2 RP / ₹100
Multipliers & Milestones:
Accelerated 5x2.5% yield
10 reward points per ₹100 spent on Dining, Departmental stores and Groceries.Accelerated 5x2.5% yield
10 reward points per ₹100 spent on international transactions.Point Translation
Value depends on how you redeemStandard Currency Point Value
1 SBI Card Points = ₹0.25
when redeemed for flights/travelRedemption Values:
Vouchers:₹0.25 per pt
Partner Transfers
Miles conversion ratiosAir Arabia AA RewardsRatio 2:1
AirAsia RewardsRatio 1:1
Air Canada AeroplanRatio 1:1
Flying BlueRatio 1:1
Air India Maharaja ClubRatio 1:1
British Airways Executive ClubRatio 1:1
Cathay Pacific Asia MilesRatio 1:1
Etihad GuestRatio 1:1
Emirates SkywardsRatio 2:1
Ethiopian ShebaMilesRatio 2:1
JAL Mileage BankRatio 2:1
Saudia AlFursanRatio 2:1
SpiceClubRatio 1:1
Royal Orchid PlusRatio 1:1
Turkish Miles &SmilesRatio 2:1
United MileagePlusRatio 2:1
Qantas Frequent FlyerRatio 1:1
Vietnam Airlines LotusmilesRatio 1:1
ALL - Accor Live LimitlessRatio 2:1
IHG One RewardsRatio 1:1
Club ITCRatio 2:1
Jumeirah OneRatio 2:1
Orchid RewardsRatio 1:1
Wyndham RewardsRatio 1:1
Shangri-La CircleRatio 6:1
Radisson RewardsRatio 1:1
1. Fees & Charges
- Joining Fee: ₹4,999 + GST
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999 + GST
- Renewal Fee Waiver: The annual fee is waived if you spend ₹1,000,000 or more in the preceding card anniversary year. Waived on annual spends of ₹10 Lakhs or more.
2. Airport Lounge Access
For frequent flyers, lounge privileges provide significant comfort and savings:
- Domestic Lounges: Eligible: True (Visa Lounge Program). Complimentary Visits: 2 per quarter. Spend threshold: None.
- International Lounges: Eligible: True (Priority Pass). Complimentary Visits: 6 per year. Spend threshold: None.
3. Rewards Rate & Value
Optimize your spending with the card's rewards structure:
- Base Reward Rate: Earn an effective 0.5% back on general purchases.
- Point Valuation: 1 SBI Card Points = ₹0.25 value.
- Important Exclusions: Spends on Rent do not earn standard reward points.
4. Verdict: Should You Apply?
Get it if...
- ✓ You value having lounge access on network programs.
- ✓ Your primary spending categories align with this card's reward structure.
Skip it if...
- ✗ You prefer direct cash-back over reward points or travel miles.
- ✗ Your major spending is on excluded categories like rent or utilities (Rent).
Exclusions & Caps Warning
- Spends on Rent, Government transactions, and Wallet Loads are excluded from the annual waiver threshold of ₹10,00,000.
- Fuel transactions do not earn standard reward points, but are eligible for a 1% surcharge waiver up to ₹500/month.
- Cashback is capped at ₹5,000 per billing cycle.
- Cash advances, balance transfers, and EMI conversions do not earn reward points.
Pros & Cons
Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Rewards Point Calculator
Estimate your annual rewards based on your customized spending profile. Slide the bars to adjust your spends and see the total reward points earned.
Total Reward Points Earned
29,000
Points / Year
Premium Dining & Lifestyle Benefits
| Category | Privileges & Details |
|---|---|
| Travel & Lounges | Complimentary international airport lounge access (Unlimited lounges) |
| Dining & Culinary | Dining & stay benefits at Trident properties. |
| Entertainment & Movies | Free movie tickets worth ₹6,000 p.a. (₹250 per ticket, max 2 tickets per month). |
| Other Perks & Memberships |
|
| Memberships |
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Redemption Sweet Spots
Best Value Redemption Strategy: Redeeming points for statement credits yields poor value. Instead, transfer points to airline/hotel loyalty programs (like Marriott Bonvoy or airline miles) to secure maximum value per point.
Cardswise Score
8.0
Rewards6/10
Travel Perks7/10
Lifestyle8/10
Value for Money8/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee and waiver limit of SBI Card SBI Card Elite?
The annual fee is ₹4,999 + GST. The fee is waived if you spend ₹1,000,000 in the previous card year.
Does SBI Card SBI Card Elite offer complimentary lounge access?
Domestic lounge: 2 per quarter (Spend requirement: None). International lounge: 6 per year.
What is the foreign exchange markup fee?
The card has a foreign exchange markup of 1.99%.
What is the spending limit on the card?
The card limit is determined based on your credit score, ITR/salary documents, and existing credit relationship with the issuing bank.
How do you apply for this card?
You can apply online via the issuer's portal, netbanking, or by visiting a local branch with income proof documents.
Do reward points expire?
The reward points are typically valid for 24 months.
Elite
₹4,999 Joining Fee