SBI ELITE Credit Card

Key Features & Benefits

All You Need to Know About: SBI ELITE Credit Card

The SBI Card ELITE is a premium lifestyle credit card issued by SBI Cards and Payment Services Ltd, available in Visa, Mastercard, and American Express network variants. This card is specifically designed for affluent individuals who seek superior rewards on their everyday spending while enjoying premium travel and lifestyle privileges. The card carries a joining fee of ₹4,999 plus 18% GST and the same amount as annual renewal fee, though the annual fee is waived for cardholders who spend ₹10,00,000 or more in the previous membership year.

The reward structure of the SBI Card ELITE is particularly attractive for dining and grocery enthusiasts. Cardholders earn 5X reward points on spending at dining establishments, departmental stores, and grocery shops, which translates to 10 reward points for every ₹100 spent in these categories. For all other retail purchases except fuel transactions, as well as international transactions, the card offers 2 reward points per ₹100 spent. The redemption value is set at 4 reward points equal to ₹1, making the 5X category effectively worth 2.5% returns and regular spends worth 0.5% returns. Upon card issuance, new cardholders receive a welcome benefit in the form of an e-gift voucher worth ₹5,000 from premium brands including Yatra, Hush Puppies, Bata, Pantaloons, Aditya Birla Fashion, and Shoppers Stop.

The travel benefits of the SBI Card ELITE include comprehensive airport lounge access both domestically and internationally. Cardholders enjoy 8 complimentary visits to domestic airport lounges per year with a limit of 2 visits per quarter. For international travel, the card provides a complimentary Priority Pass membership valued at $99, offering 6 lounge visits annually across over 1,000 lounges worldwide, again restricted to a maximum of 2 visits per quarter. Lounge access requires presentation of the SBI Card ELITE at the lounge entrance and has no minimum spending criteria. Entertainment benefits include free movie tickets worth ₹6,000 per year, providing a maximum discount of ₹250 per ticket for 2 tickets per month, though bookings must be made for at least 2 tickets per transaction and convenience fees may apply.

The card features an attractive milestone rewards program where cardholders can earn up to 50,000 bonus reward points annually, worth ₹12,500 in redemption value. Specifically, 10,000 bonus points are awarded each when spending milestones of ₹3 lakh and ₹4 lakh are achieved during the year, with cumulative benefits available up to ₹8 lakh in annual spending. Additional features include fuel surcharge waiver of 1% up to ₹250 per statement cycle, concierge services for travel and lifestyle assistance, golf benefits and discounts for Mastercard variant holders, fraud liability protection, and air accident insurance coverage. The card charges interest rates of up to 3.5% per month or 42% per annum on unpaid balances, applies a 1.99% foreign exchange markup on international transactions, and levies a reward redemption fee of ₹99 plus GST per redemption transaction. The credit limit is personalized based on the applicant’s profile but generally starts from ₹2 lakh. Application can be completed online through the official SBI Cards website with submission of KYC and income documents, with processing typically taking 3-7 working days.

Pros & Cons

How to Apply

Applying for the SBI Card ELITE is straightforward and can be completed online in minutes. Visit the official SBI Cards website at https://www.sbicard.com/en/personal/credit-cards/lifestyle/sbi-card-elite.page and click on “Apply Now.” Fill in your personal details including name, contact information, employment details, and income information. Upload the required KYC documents such as PAN card, Aadhaar card, address proof, and latest salary slips or income tax returns for verification. Once submitted, your application will be processed within 3-7 working days, and upon approval, the card will be delivered to your registered address. You can track your application status online using the reference number provided.

Detailed Fee Structure

The SBI Card ELITE comes with a joining fee of ₹4,999 plus 18% GST (totaling ₹5,898.82) and an annual renewal fee of ₹4,999 plus GST. The annual fee can be waived if you spend ₹10,00,000 or more in the previous membership year, making it beneficial for high spenders.

Beyond the primary fees, several ancillary charges apply. A reward redemption fee of ₹99 plus GST is charged each time you redeem your accumulated points. Foreign currency transactions attract a 1.99% markup fee on the transaction value. Late payment fees can reach up to ₹1,300 depending on the outstanding amount, while over-limit charges and card replacement fees of ₹100 also apply. Interest charges of up to 3.5% per month (42% per annum) are levied on unpaid balances. Movie ticket bookings, despite being complimentary up to the annual limit, may include booking convenience fees. Understanding these charges helps you maximize benefits while minimizing unexpected costs.

Who Should Get This Card?

The SBI Card ELITE is ideal for affluent professionals, frequent travelers, and lifestyle enthusiasts who spend significantly on dining, groceries, and shopping. If you regularly dine out, shop at departmental stores, or make substantial retail purchases, the 5X reward rate delivers exceptional value. The card particularly suits individuals who can meet the ₹10 lakh annual spending threshold for fee waiver, making the premium benefits worthwhile.

Frequent flyers and travelers benefit immensely from complimentary lounge access at domestic and international airports, while movie enthusiasts appreciate the annual free ticket benefit. Business professionals who incur significant international travel expenses gain from the 2 reward points per ₹100 on foreign transactions combined with the competitive 1.99% forex markup. However, if your annual spending is below ₹3-4 lakhs, the high annual fee may outweigh the rewards earned, making this less suitable for low-to-moderate spenders.

Alternatives & Competitor Comparison

Feature	SBI ELITE Credit Card	Axis Atlas Credit Card
Card Image
Card Network	Amex, Mastercard, Visa	Mastercard, Visa
USP	The SBI Card ELITE offers 5X reward points on dining, grocery, and departmental store spends, plus complimentary airport lounge access and free movie tickets, making it perfect for lifestyle enthusiasts and frequent travelers seeking premium rewards and travel perks.	The Axis Atlas Credit Card is a premium travel rewards card designed for frequent flyers and luxury travelers, offering high EDGE miles on airline and hotel bookings, exclusive lounge access, and milestone bonuses for big spenders. Enjoy seamless travel perks, rewarding redemptions, and global acceptance.
Annual Fee	4999 Plus GST	5000 Plus GST
Joining Fee	4999 Plus GST	5000 Plus GST
Welcome Benefits	E-gift voucher worth ₹5,000 from lifestyle and travel brands including Yatra, Hush Puppies/Bata, Pantaloons, Aditya Birla Fashion, and Shoppers Stop	2,500 EDGE miles credited on spending minimum 3 transactions within 37 days of card issuance, which can be redeemed for travel stays and flights worth roughly ₹5,000.
Lounge Access	Domestic: 2 per quarter | International: 6 per year Maximum 2 international visits per quarter	Domestic: 2 per quarter | International: 1 per quarter
Reward Rate	Earn 5X reward points (10 points per ₹100, worth ₹2.5) on dining, departmental stores, and grocery spends; 2 reward points per ₹100 (worth ₹0.50) on international transactions and all other spends except fuel. 4 reward points = ₹1 redemption value.	5 EDGE miles per ₹100 on travel bookings via Axis Bank Travel Edge up to ₹2 lakh monthly and 2 EDGE miles per ₹100 on all other spends.
Interest Rate	3.5% per month (42% per annum)	3.49% per month (around 42% per annum)
Best For	Dinning, Lounge Access	Lounge Access, Travel
Apply Now	Apply Now	Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions