SBI Card has announced important updates to its credit card reward points program, affecting customers using the SimplyCLICK SBI Card, Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card, and Air India SBI Signature Credit Card. The revised reward system will come into effect from March 31, 2025, and April 1, 2025, impacting online food orders and Air India ticket bookings. If you hold any of these cards, it’s time to understand what changes are coming and how they will affect your rewards.
SimplyCLICK SBI Card: Swiggy Orders to Earn Fewer Reward Points
Currently, SimplyCLICK SBI Card users get 10X reward points on online transactions from select partner websites, including Swiggy. However, from April 1, 2025, the reward rate for Swiggy transactions will be reduced to 5X points instead of the previous 10X.
The good news is that other partner platforms like Apollo 24×7, BookMyShow, Cleartrip, Domino’s, IGP, Myntra, Netmeds, and Yatra will continue to offer 10X reward points. SBI Cardholders who frequently use Swiggy might want to reconsider their payment methods to maximize rewards.
According to SBI Card’s official website: “From April 1, 2025, SimplyCLICK SBI Card users will receive 5X reward points instead of 10X on Swiggy transactions. However, 10X reward points will still be available on other partner merchants.”
Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card: Reduced Rewards on Ticket Booking
If you are an Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card holder, the reward rate on booking Air India tickets will drop significantly. Currently, cardholders earn 15 reward points per ₹100 spent on ticket bookings through Air India’s official website or mobile app. But from March 31, 2025, this will be reduced to just 5 reward points per ₹100 spent.
As per SBI Card’s update: “From March 31, 2025, Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card users will earn only 5 reward points instead of 15 for every ₹100 spent on Air India ticket bookings.”
Air India SBI Signature Credit Card: A Significant Reduction in Benefits
If you have an Air India SBI Signature Credit Card, the changes will impact you the most. Currently, the card offers 30 reward points per ₹100 spent on booking Air India tickets. However, from March 31, 2025, the rewards will be slashed to just 10 points per ₹100 spent.
SBI Card’s notification states: “From March 31, 2025, Air India SBI Signature Credit Card users will receive only 10 reward points per ₹100 spent instead of 30 for Air India ticket bookings.”
This change will significantly impact users who frequently travel with Air India, as they will now earn two-thirds fewer reward points than before.
How Will These Changes Affect SBI Card Users?
With the reduction in reward points, SBI Credit Card users need to rethink how they use their cards for maximum benefits. Here’s what you can do:
- For SimplyCLICK SBI Card users: If you frequently order food from Swiggy, consider using other payment methods or switch to ordering from Apollo 24×7, BookMyShow, Cleartrip, Domino’s, IGP, Myntra, Netmeds, and Yatra, where the 10X reward points benefit still applies.
- For Air India SBI Platinum & Signature Credit Card users: Since reward points on Air India ticket bookings are being reduced, it might be beneficial to explore alternative travel credit cards that offer better rewards on flight bookings.
- Compare alternative credit card benefits: With these changes, you may want to check out other SBI credit cards or competitor cards that provide better benefits for your spending habits.
Why is SBI Card Making These Changes?
While SBI Card has not officially disclosed the reason behind these reductions, it is common for banks to periodically revise reward programs to balance costs and benefits. Since travel and food delivery are high-spending categories, SBI Card may have reduced reward rates to manage expenses while still offering competitive benefits on selected platforms.
Final Takeaway: Should You Continue Using SBI Credit Cards?
If you use an SBI credit card primarily for Swiggy or Air India bookings, you might not find the rewards as beneficial as before. However, if you use other partner platforms for SimplyCLICK SBI Card, you can still enjoy 10X reward points on selected merchants.
For frequent Air India travelers, these changes make it essential to compare reward programs with other airline-specific or travel-focused credit cards.
Since these changes take effect from March 31 and April 1, 2025, SBI Card users should plan their spending strategies accordingly to maximize rewards and minimize losses.
