SBI MILES Credit Card - Your Perfect Travel Companion
About SBI MILES Credit Card
The SBI MILES Credit Card is designed for frequent travelers who want to earn reward points that can be converted to airline miles. This premium travel credit card from SBI Card offers exclusive benefits like airport lounge access, accelerated reward points on travel spends, and various travel-related privileges. Whether you're a business traveler or a leisure traveler, this card helps you earn miles faster and enjoy premium travel experiences.
Key Details
Card Issuer
SBI Card
Joining Fee
₹3,000 + GST
Renewal Fee
₹3,000 + GST (waived on spending ₹3 Lakhs in previous year)
Card Category
Travel Credit Card
Rewards
6 Reward Points per ₹100 on international spends
4 Reward Points per ₹100 on online flight and hotel bookings
2 Reward Points per ₹100 on other spends
Airport Lounge
8 complimentary domestic lounge accesses per year
Railway Lounge
Not available
Additional Card Details
Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations across India (max ₹250 per statement cycle)
Welcome Benefit: 5,000 Reward Points on payment of joining fee
Miles Conversion: 2 Reward Points = 1 Air Mile with 25+ airline partners
Foreign Currency Markup: 2% (3.5% for cash transactions)
Interest Rate: 3.35% per month (40.2% annually)
Cash Withdrawal Limit: 20% of credit limit (max ₹50,000 per day)
Add-on Cards: Available (free for first year, ₹500 + GST annually thereafter)
Contactless Payments: Yes (NFC enabled)
Features & Benefits
Accelerated Reward Points: Earn up to 6X reward points on international spends
Airline Mile Conversion: Convert reward points to miles with 25+ airline partners
Complimentary Lounge Access: 8 domestic airport lounge visits per year
Travel Insurance: Air accident cover of ₹1 crore and lost luggage insurance of ₹50,000
Zero Liability Protection: Protection against fraudulent transactions
EMI Facility: Convert large purchases into easy EMIs
Contactless Payments: Secure tap-and-pay feature for transactions up to ₹5,000
Global Acceptance: Accepted at over 35 million merchant establishments worldwide
Rewards & Cashback
International Spends: 6 Reward Points per ₹100 (3 miles per ₹100)
Online Flight & Hotel Bookings: 4 Reward Points per ₹100 (2 miles per ₹100)
All Other Spends: 2 Reward Points per ₹100 (1 mile per ₹100)
Welcome Benefit: 5,000 Reward Points (2,500 miles) on payment of joining fee
Milestone Benefit: 5,000 bonus Reward Points on spending ₹5 lakhs in a year
Reward Points Validity: 3 years from date of earning
Redemption Options: Convert to airline miles, redeem for hotel stays, merchandise, or cashback
Fees & Charges
Fee Type
Amount
Joining Fee
₹3,000 + GST
Annual Fee
₹3,000 + GST (waived on spending ₹3 Lakhs in previous year)
Add-on Card Fee
Free for first year, ₹500 + GST annually thereafter
Cash Advance Fee
2.5% of transaction amount (min ₹300)
Late Payment Fee
₹500 + GST (for dues between ₹100-₹1,000)
₹750 + GST (for dues between ₹1,001-₹10,000)
₹1,000 + GST (for dues above ₹10,000)
Overlimit Fee
2.5% of overlimit amount (max ₹500 + GST)
Eligibility Criteria
Age: 21-70 years
Income Requirement:
Salaried: Minimum annual income of ₹6 lakhs
Self-employed: Minimum annual income of ₹10 lakhs
Credit Score: 750 or above preferred
Employment: Minimum 2 years of employment/business continuity
Residence: Indian resident
Documents Required
Identity Proof: PAN card (mandatory), Aadhaar card, Passport, or Driving License
Address Proof: Aadhaar card, Passport, Utility bill (not older than 3 months), or Rental agreement
Income Proof (Salaried):
Latest 3 months salary slips
Form 16 or last 6 months bank statements showing salary credits
Income Proof (Self-employed):
Last 2 years ITR with computation of income
Last 6 months bank statements
Business proof (GST registration, Shop Act license, etc.)
Application Process
Online Application:
Visit the official SBI Card website
Navigate to the SBI MILES Credit Card page
Click on 'Apply Now' button
Fill in your personal, employment and income details
Upload required documents
Submit the application
Offline Application:
Visit nearest SBI Card office or SBI branch
Collect the application form
Fill the form and attach required documents
Submit to the representative
Verification: SBI Card representative will verify your details
Approval: If approved, card will be dispatched within 7-10 working days
Activation: Activate the card via SMS or online banking upon receipt
The SBI MILES Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers, especially those who make international trips or book flights/hotels online frequently. The accelerated reward points system (6X on international spends and 4X on travel bookings) makes it one of the most rewarding travel cards in the mid-premium segment.
Pros:
High reward rate on travel-related spends
Good network of airline partners for mile conversion
Reasonable annual fee with waiver possibility
8 complimentary lounge accesses provide good value
Comprehensive travel insurance coverage
Cons:
Joining fee is on the higher side compared to some competitors
No railway lounge access
Reward points have 3 year validity (some cards offer lifetime validity)
International lounge access not included
Verdict: 4.2/5 - This card is highly recommended for frequent travelers who can maximize the accelerated reward points on travel spends. The ability to convert points to miles with 25+ airlines adds tremendous value. However, casual travelers might find better value with no-fee or low-fee travel cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert SBI MILES reward points to airline miles?
You can convert your reward points to airline miles by logging into your SBI Card online account, navigating to the rewards section, selecting 'Convert to Miles', choosing your preferred airline loyalty program, and confirming the conversion. The conversion rate is 2 Reward Points = 1 Air Mile.
Which airline partners are available for mile conversion?
SBI MILES Credit Card has partnerships with over 25 airlines including Air India, Vistara, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and many more. The complete list is available on the SBI Card website.
Is there any cap on reward points earning?
There is no upper limit on the number of reward points you can earn. However, reward points expire after 3 years from the date of earning if not redeemed.
How can I get the annual fee waived?
The annual fee of ₹3,000 + GST is waived if you spend ₹3 lakhs or more in the previous card anniversary year.
Does this card provide international lounge access?
No, the SBI MILES Credit Card currently provides only domestic airport lounge access (8 per year). For international lounges, you would need to consider premium cards like SBI Elite or other bank's premium offerings.
What is the fuel surcharge waiver benefit?
You get 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations across India with a maximum waiver of ₹250 per statement cycle. This is applicable on transactions between ₹500-₹3,000 at fuel stations.
Can I get add-on cards for family members?
Yes, you can get add-on cards for your family members. The first add-on card is free for the first year, and ₹500 + GST annually thereafter.
What is the foreign currency markup fee?
The foreign currency markup fee is 2% of the transaction amount for regular transactions and 3.5% for cash transactions abroad.
Disclaimer
The information provided here about the SBI MILES Credit Card is for informational purposes only. Please verify all details, terms and conditions, fees, and features with the official SBI Card website or customer care before applying. CreditCardPath.in is not affiliated with SBI Card or any other bank, and the information may change without notice. Credit card approvals are subject to the bank's terms and conditions and individual eligibility criteria.
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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Discover a comprehensive list of credit cards available in India, featuring card names, issuers, types, and links for more information. Whether you're seeking cashback, travel rewards, or lifestyle benefits, find the ideal card to match your financial goals.
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