SBI MILES Credit Card Review: Detailed 2026 Update
- Quick Verdict
- Card at a Glance
- Fees & Welcome Benefits
- Reward Point System Explained
- Travel & Lounge Benefits
- Milestone Benefits & Fee Waivers
- Pros & Cons
- Who Should Get This Card?
- Final Conclusion
Quick Verdict
Is it good? The SBI MILES Credit Card offers decent rewards, especially for travel enthusiasts, but it has its drawbacks.
Reward rate? You can earn between 1% to 4.7% in rewards, with higher rates for travel-related spends.
Best for? This card is best suited for frequent travelers who can maximize the travel benefits and rewards.
Card at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ₹4,999 + GST |
| Joining Fee | ₹4,999 + GST |
| Reward Rate | 1% to 4.7% (higher for travel spends) |
| Welcome Benefit | 5,000 Travel Credits on spending ₹1L in 60 days |
| Lounge Access | Domestic: 2 per quarter + up to 15 (spend-based), International: 2 per quarter |
| Milestone Benefits | 20,000 Travel Credits on ₹12 Lakhs spend |
Fees & Welcome Benefits
The SBI MILES Credit Card comes with an annual fee of ₹4,999 + GST. This fee can be waived if you spend ₹15 Lakhs in a year, which is quite a high target for most users. The joining fee is the same as the annual fee, which might be a deterrent for some.
As a welcome benefit, you receive 5,000 Travel Credits when you spend ₹1 Lakh within the first 60 days of card issuance. This is a decent incentive to kickstart your journey with the card.
Reward Point System Explained
The reward point system of the SBI MILES Credit Card is structured to benefit travel enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Spend Category | Reward Rate | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Travel (Airlines, Hotels) | 4.7% | No limit |
| Dining, Grocery | 1.5% | Up to ₹1 Lakh |
| Other Categories | 1% | No limit |
While the travel rewards are attractive, the 1% reward rate on regular spends is underwhelming compared to other cards in the market. Additionally, the recent changes mean that redemptions are now capped at 60,000 points per month and can only be done in multiples of 4,000 points, which limits flexibility.
Travel & Lounge Benefits
Travel benefits are where the SBI MILES Credit Card shines. You get access to domestic lounges twice per quarter, plus additional visits based on your spending. For international travel, you can access lounges twice per quarter as well.
However, the lounge access is limited compared to some competitors. The Priority Pass membership is only valid for the first two years, which is a downside for frequent travelers.
Milestone Benefits & Fee Waivers
The card offers several milestone benefits that can enhance your rewards:
- 20,000 Travel Credits on spending ₹12 Lakhs annually.
- Additional domestic lounge visit for every ₹1 Lakh spent (up to 12 visits per year).
- 10,000 Bonus Travel Credits on annual spends of ₹8 Lakhs.
These benefits can significantly increase your rewards if you are a high spender, but they may not be achievable for everyone.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Decent reward rate on travel spends (3%) | High joining fee for the segment |
| Good list of airline and hotel partners | Underwhelming 1% reward rate on regular spends |
| Solid milestone benefit on ₹12 Lakhs spend (~1.7% return) | Poor redemption value for non-airline/hotel partners |
| Multiple transfer partners for airmiles and hotel loyalty points | Limited international lounge access (2 per quarter) |
| Good insurance coverage including accidental air death cover and emergency overseas hospitalization | Delayed lounge voucher issuance (up to 120 days) |
Who Should Get This Card?
The SBI MILES Credit Card is ideal for:
- Frequent travelers who can maximize the travel rewards.
- Individuals who spend significantly on airlines and hotels.
- Those who can meet the high spending targets for milestone benefits.
However, if you are a casual spender or primarily use your card for everyday purchases, you might find better options elsewhere, like the SBI Central Review or the SBI OLA Money Review.
Final Conclusion
In our experience, the SBI MILES Credit Card has its strengths, particularly for those who travel often and can leverage the rewards effectively. However, the high fees and limitations on rewards redemption make it less appealing for casual users. If you’re looking for a card that offers solid travel benefits and can meet the spending requirements, this card could be a good fit. Otherwise, consider exploring other options like the SBI Vistara Review for potentially better rewards and flexibility.