SBI Card is undergoing changes to its credit card reward structures, effective from April 1, 2025, for SimplyCLICK and Air India co-branded credit cards. These changes will impact the way cardholders earn rewards on certain transactions. Specifically, the SimplyCLICK SBI Card will earn 5X reward points on Swiggy transactions, down from the current 10X, while maintaining the same rewards rate for other partner merchants. Air India SBI Platinum and Signature Credit Cardholders will see a significant reduction in reward benefits for booking Air India tickets through the airline’s website or mobile app.
The accelerated reward rate for Air India SBI Platinum Credit Cardholders will drop from 15 points per ₹100 spent to 5 points, while the rate for Air India SBI Signature Credit Cardholders will decrease from 30 points to 10 points per ₹100 spent. This represents a 66% to 75% reduction in reward benefits for frequent flyers. With no new benefits announced to offset these changes, cardholders may need to re-evaluate their spending strategies to maximize rewards. Alternatives credit cards that offer better returns on dining and travel purchases may need to be considered.
Overall, these changes will result in a reduction in total reward points for cardholders, particularly for those who heavily use the affected cards for Air India ticket bookings. It is essential for cardholders to review their credit card options and adjust their spending habits accordingly to optimize rewards accumulation.