SBI Apollo Credit Card: Your Healthcare-Focused Credit Card
Discover the SBI Apollo Credit Card, a unique co-branded credit card designed for healthcare enthusiasts in partnership with Apollo Hospitals. This card offers exclusive discounts, reward points, and benefits tailored for medical expenses, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize health and wellness. With features like instant discounts on Apollo services, fuel surcharge waivers, and a rewarding points system, the SBI Apollo Credit Card combines convenience with savings. Whether you're paying for hospital visits, pharmacy purchases, or daily expenses, this card ensures maximum value. Read on to explore its features, benefits, eligibility, and more to make an informed decision.
Optimized for SEO, this guide covers everything you need to know about the SBI Apollo Credit Card, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your financial needs. From rewards to fees, we’ve got you covered with accurate and user-friendly information.
About SBI Apollo Credit Card
The SBI Apollo Credit Card is a co-branded card launched by State Bank of India and Apollo Hospitals, tailored for healthcare spending. It offers up to 10% instant discounts on select Apollo services, 3X reward points on Apollo transactions, and a complimentary OneApollo Gold Tier Membership. With an affordable annual fee of Rs. 499, this card is ideal for those who frequently use Apollo’s healthcare services, including hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics. It also provides fuel surcharge waivers and contactless payment convenience, making it a versatile choice for everyday and medical expenses.
Basic Details of SBI Apollo Credit Card
Feature
Details
Card Issuer
State Bank of India (SBI)
Joining Fee
Rs. 499 + GST
Renewal Fee
Rs. 499 + GST (Waived on annual spends of Rs. 1,00,000)
Card Category
Healthcare, Rewards
Rewards
3X points on Apollo services, 2X on dining/movies, 1 point per Rs. 200 on other spends
Airport Lounge Access
Not Available
Railway Lounge Access
Not Available
Network
MasterCard
Extra Details of SBI Apollo Credit Card
Contactless Payments: Supports fast and secure transactions at POS terminals.
Add-On Cards: Available for family members (spouse, parents, siblings, or children above 18).
Global Acceptance: Accepted at over 24 million MasterCard outlets worldwide, including 3,25,000 in India.
Easy Bill Pay: Automate utility bill payments for electricity, mobile, and more.
Balance Transfer: Transfer outstanding balances from other credit cards at lower interest rates with EMI options.
Flexipay: Convert transactions above Rs. 2,500 into affordable EMIs.
Cash Withdrawal: Withdraw cash from ATMs globally (charges apply).
Features and Benefits
Welcome Benefit: 500 Reward Points worth Rs. 500 on payment of joining fee.
OneApollo Gold Tier Membership: Complimentary for the first year, offering exclusive healthcare benefits.
Instant Discounts: Up to 10% off on select Apollo services (hospitals, pharmacies, clinics).
Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel transactions between Rs. 500–3,000 (max Rs. 100/month).
Annual Fee Waiver: Renewal fee waived on annual spends of Rs. 1,00,000.
Fraud Protection: Zero liability for fraudulent transactions if reported immediately.
Rewards and Cashback
3X Reward Points: Earn 3 points per Rs. 100 spent on Apollo services (hospitals, pharmacies, clinics).
2X Reward Points: Earn 2 points per Rs. 100 on dining, movies, and entertainment.
1 Reward Point: Earn 1 point per Rs. 200 on other retail spends (except fuel).
Redemption Options: Redeem points for Apollo services, e-Gift Vouchers, or Apollo Health Credits (1 point = Rs. 1).
No Redemption Threshold: Redeem points anytime without minimum limits.
Welcome Points: 500 points credited within 30 days of joining fee payment.
Fees and Charges
Fee Type
Amount
Joining Fee
Rs. 499 + GST
Renewal Fee
Rs. 499 + GST (Waived on Rs. 1,00,000 annual spends)
Finance Charges
3.5% per month (42% annually)
Cash Advance Fee
2.5% of amount or Rs. 500 (whichever is higher)
Foreign Currency Markup
3.5% + GST
Reward Redemption Fee
Rs. 99 per redemption
Eligibility Criteria
Age: Minimum 18 years for primary cardholder; 18 years for add-on cardholder.
Nationality: Indian residents only.
Income: Stable source of income (salaried or self-employed).
Credit Score: Good credit score (preferably 750 or above).
Employment: Salaried or self-employed individuals with verifiable income.
Documents Required
Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License.
Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Utility Bill, Passport, or Rental Agreement.
Income Proof: Salary slips (last 3 months), ITR, or Form 16 for salaried; ITR for self-employed.
Photograph: Recent passport-sized photograph.
Additional Documents: May be required based on bank’s discretion.
The SBI Apollo Credit Card is a niche offering for those who frequently use Apollo’s healthcare services. Its standout features include 3X reward points on Apollo spends, up to 10% instant discounts, and a complimentary OneApollo Gold Tier Membership. The low joining fee of Rs. 499 and the potential for fee waiver on Rs. 1,00,000 annual spends make it cost-effective. However, it lacks airport or railway lounge access, and the rewards on non-Apollo spends are modest. Ideal for healthcare-focused users, it may not suit those seeking versatile rewards across multiple categories.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and may not be accurate or up-to-date. This is not the official website of State Bank of India or Apollo Hospitals. Please verify details with the official SBI Card website or contact customer care before applying. CreditCardPath.in is not responsible for any discrepancies or losses incurred.
This comprehensive guide helps you navigate India's credit card landscape with confidence. Learn how to choose the right card, understand fees and rewards, improve your credit score, and use credit cards wisely.
Accumulate points redeemable for free hotel stays, room upgrades, and other benefits.
Example: 10 points per ₹100, 5000 points = 1 free night
Maximizing Your Rewards
✓ Use the right card for each spending category (e.g., travel card for flights, cashback card for groceries)
✓ Take advantage of bonus categories that offer extra points/cashback
✓ Pay attention to reward caps and exclusions
✓ Combine cards to maximize different reward types
✓ Redeem points strategically for maximum value
✗ Avoid carrying balances as interest will negate rewards
Reward Calculator
Your estimated annual rewards: ₹0
Credit Card Fees & Charges
Understanding the various fees associated with credit cards helps avoid surprises and manage costs.
Common Credit Card Fees
Fee Type
Typical Charge
How to Avoid
Joining Fee
₹0-₹50,000
Look for lifetime free cards or first-year free offers
Annual Fee
₹0-₹50,000
Negotiate waiver, meet spend requirements, or downgrade
Interest Charges
24-49% p.a.
Pay full balance by due date every month
Late Payment Fee
₹100-₹1,000
Set up autopay or payment reminders
Cash Advance Fee
2.5-3.5% of amount
Avoid cash withdrawals on credit card
Foreign Transaction Fee
3-4% of transaction
Use cards with no forex markup for international spends
Fee Waiver Strategies
Annual fee waiver: Many banks waive fees if you spend a certain amount annually
Lifetime free cards: Several no-fee cards offer decent rewards
Negotiation: Call customer care to request fee waiver, especially if you're a good customer
Downgrade: Switch to a no-fee version of your card before annual fee is charged
Credit Card Eligibility Criteria
Each bank has specific requirements for approving credit cards based on income, credit score, and other factors.
General Eligibility Requirements
Income Requirements
Minimum annual income typically ranges from ₹1.5 lakh for basic cards to ₹18 lakh+ for premium cards.
Salaried vs self-employed may have different documentation requirements
Age Requirements
Most banks require applicants to be between 21-65 years old (18+ for student cards).
Some premium cards may have higher minimum age requirements
Credit Score
Generally need a score of 750+ for premium cards, 650+ for basic cards.
First-time applicants may get secured or low-limit cards
Employment Status
Salaried, self-employed, or students (with parental consent) can apply.
Some professions may get preferential treatment
Documents Required
Identity Proof: PAN card, Aadhaar, Passport, or Driver's License
Address Proof: Aadhaar, Utility bill, Rental agreement, or Passport
Income Proof: Salary slips (3-6 months), Bank statements, or IT returns
Photos: Usually 1-2 passport size photographs
Credit Card Application Process
Follow these steps to successfully apply for a credit card in India.
1
Check Your Eligibility
Review income, age, and credit score requirements
Compare cards that match your spending habits
Check if you're pre-approved for any cards (through net banking/apps)
2
Gather Required Documents
Identity proof (PAN card mandatory)
Address proof (not older than 3 months)
Income proof (salary slips/bank statements)
Passport size photographs
3
Choose Application Method
Online: Bank website, third-party aggregators
Offline: Bank branch, sales agents, or customer care
Pre-approved: Through existing banking relationship
4
Submit Application
Fill application form completely and accurately
Upload/attach required documents
Review terms and conditions carefully
Submit application and note reference number
5
Verification Process
Bank may call for verification
KYC may be done through video or in-person
Additional documents may be requested
6
Approval & Dispatch
Approval typically takes 3-7 working days
You'll receive SMS/email with approval details
Card is dispatched via courier (2-5 days)
7
Activation & First Use
Activate card via SMS, call, or net banking
Set PIN at ATM or through mobile banking
Make first transaction (some banks require this for activation)
Tips for Faster Approval
Apply with your primary bank where you have accounts/relationships
Ensure all information matches your official documents
Maintain a good credit score (750+)
Follow up politely if processing is delayed
Understanding Credit Scores
Your credit score is a crucial factor in credit card approvals and interest rates offered.
What is a Credit Score?
A 3-digit number (300-900) that represents your creditworthiness based on your credit history. In India, CIBIL is the most popular bureau, followed by Experian, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark.
750
300 (Poor)600 (Fair)750 (Good)900 (Excellent)
How Credit Scores Are Calculated
Payment History (35%): Timely payments boost score, late payments hurt
Credit Utilization (30%): Keep below 30% of total limit
Credit Age (15%): Longer credit history is better
Credit Mix (10%): Healthy mix of different credit types
New Credit (10%): Too many new applications can lower score
Improving Your Credit Score
Pay On Time
Set up autopay or reminders to never miss due dates.
Keep Utilization Low
Aim to use less than 30% of your total credit limit.
Limit New Applications
Space out credit applications by 6+ months.
Maintain Old Accounts
Don't close old credit cards as they help credit history length.
Be aware of these common credit card scams and protect yourself from fraud:
1. Phishing Calls/SMS
How it works: Scammers call/SMS pretending to be from your bank, asking for card details or OTP to "update records" or "unblock card".
Protection: Never share OTP, CVV, or PIN. Banks never ask for these details.
2. Fake Reward Points
How it works: You get messages saying you've earned reward points with a link to claim them, which is actually a phishing site.
Protection: Always check reward points through official bank apps/websites only.
3. Skimming Devices
How it works: Fraudsters install devices on ATMs/swipe machines to steal card data when you use them.
Protection: Use contactless payments or cover PIN pad when entering PIN. Check for tampering.
4. Fake Customer Care Numbers
How it works: Fraudsters list fake customer care numbers online that connect to them instead of the bank.
Protection: Always use customer care numbers from official bank cards/statements.
What to Do If Scammed
Immediately call bank's official customer care to block card
Change all online banking passwords
File complaint with bank and cyber crime police
Monitor statements for unauthorized transactions
Know the Credit Card Traps
These common traps can lead to debt if you're not careful:
1. Minimum Payment Trap
Paying only the minimum amount due (typically 5% of balance) leads to high interest charges that keep growing.
Solution: Always pay full balance by due date.
2. Reward Points Obsession
Spending more just to earn rewards often costs more than the rewards' value.
Solution: Use card for planned purchases only.
3. EMI Conversion Offers
Converting purchases to EMIs seems convenient but often has hidden charges and higher effective interest.
Solution: Read all terms before converting to EMI.
4. Free Credit Period Misunderstanding
Many think all purchases get 50-day interest-free period, but cash advances and some transactions don't qualify.
Solution: Understand your billing cycle and due dates.
5. Annual Fee Waiver Conditions
Some cards waive fees only if you spend a certain amount, which may tempt you to overspend.
Solution: Choose no-fee cards or negotiate waivers.
Think Before Spending
Responsible credit card use requires mindful spending habits:
Questions to Ask Before Every Purchase
Do I really need this or just want it?
Can I pay the full amount when the bill comes?
Is this purchase within my monthly budget?
Am I buying this just to earn reward points?
Would I buy this if I had to pay cash right now?
Smart Spending Strategies
Budget First
Set a monthly spending limit for your card based on your income and expenses.
Track Regularly
Check your spending weekly using bank apps to stay on track.
Use Alerts
Enable SMS/email alerts for all transactions to monitor spending.
Separate Needs/Wants
Use different cards for essential vs discretionary spending.
The 30-Day Rule
For non-essential purchases over ₹5,000, wait 30 days. If you still want/need it after 30 days, then buy it.
How You Can Make Money Through Credit Cards
Smart credit card use can actually help you earn money if done responsibly:
1. Sign-up Bonuses
Many cards offer cash bonuses or reward points when you spend a certain amount in the first few months.
Example: Spend ₹50,000 in first 3 months and get ₹5,000 cashback.
2. Reward Arbitrage
Use cards that give more points for specific categories and redeem for maximum value.
Example: Use travel card for flight bookings to earn miles worth more than cashback.
3. Referral Programs
Earn money by referring friends to apply for cards through your referral link.
Example: Some banks pay ₹1,000-5,000 per successful referral.
4. Reselling Gift Cards
Buy discounted gift cards using reward points and resell them for cash.
Note: Check bank policies as some prohibit this.
5. Flipping Products
Buy products during card-specific sales (with additional discounts) and resell.
Example: Buy electronics during 10% cashback offers and sell at 5% profit.
Important Warning
These methods require discipline. Never spend just to earn rewards or you'll lose more than you gain.
Always pay full balance on time to avoid interest charges that negate earnings.
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