Complete Guide to SBI MILES Credit Card: Features, Benefits, and Review | Apkacyber

1. Introduction to the SBI MILES Credit Card

The SBI MILES Credit Card series represents a new travel-focused offering from SBI Cards & Payment Services Ltd., designed to cater to users who frequently travel but don’t want to commit to a specific airline or hotel chain. Launched in April 2024, this card suite is India’s first true “travel-neutral” credit card, allowing customers to accumulate travel credits that can be converted into a wide range of air miles or hotel reward points.

The lineup includes three tiers:

• SBI MILES – Entry-level card

• SBI MILES PRIME – Mid-range variant

• SBI MILES ELITE – Premium travel card

Each card is tailored to different spending habits and travel needs.

---

2. SBI MILES (Basic Version)

2.1 Charges and Introductory Perks

• Joining and annual fee: ₹1,499 + GST (total ~₹1,769)

• Welcome bonus: 1,500 Travel Credits upon spending ₹30,000 within the first 60 days

2.2 Reward System

• Earn 2 Travel Credits (TC) for every ₹200 spent on travel expenses

• 1 TC per ₹200 on other general purchases

• Redeem TCs in multiple ways:

  • 1 TC = ₹1 when transferred to airline or hotel partners

  • 1 TC = ₹0.50 when booking through SBI’s travel portal

  • 1 TC = ₹0.25 when used for catalogue-based redemptions

The highest value comes from converting to loyalty programs.

2.3 Travel and Lifestyle Benefits

• 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year

• For every ₹1 lakh spent annually, an extra domestic lounge visit is granted (up to 8 additional visits)

• Priority Pass membership provided (no free international visits in this variant)

• Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% (on ₹500–₹4,000 transactions), capped at ₹250 per statement cycle

• Foreign exchange fee: 3% + GST

2.4 Annual Milestone Rewards

• Earn 5,000 bonus Travel Credits after spending ₹5 lakh in a year

• Annual fee waiver if yearly spends reach ₹6 lakh

 

---

3. SBI MILES PRIME (Mid-Level Option)

3.1 Fees and Welcome Benefits

• Fee: ₹2,999 + GST (totaling ~₹3,536)

• Welcome reward: 3,000 Travel Credits after ₹60,000 spend in 60 days

3.2 Rewards and Redemption

• Earn 4 TC per ₹200 on travel spends

• 2 TC per ₹200 on all other purchases

• Redemption rates remain the same as the base version

3.3 Additional Perks

• 8 free domestic lounge visits annually

• 4 free international lounge accesses per year via Priority Pass

• Complimentary Priority Pass membership (valid for 2 years)

• Reduced foreign exchange markup at 2.5%

• Fuel surcharge waiver continues as in the base variant

3.4 Spending Milestones

• Bonus of 10,000 Travel Credits on crossing ₹8 lakh in annual spending

• Waiver of annual fee if spends exceed ₹10 lakh

• Extra domestic lounge visits available (1 per ₹1 lakh of spend, capped at 12/year)

---

4. SBI MILES ELITE (Top-Tier Offering)

4.1 Charges and Benefits

• Annual fee: ₹4,999 + GST (~₹5,899 total)

• Welcome gift: 5,000 Travel Credits after ₹1 lakh spent in 60 days

4.2 Reward Earning Potential

• Travel expenses earn 6 TC per ₹200 (i.e., 3% reward rate when optimally redeemed)

• Non-travel spending earns 2 TC per ₹200

4.3 Premium Features

• 8 domestic and 6 international lounge visits annually

• Travel insurance includes coverage for delayed flights, baggage loss, and passport issues

• Lower forex fee: 1.99%

• Free Priority Pass for 2 years

• Fuel surcharge waiver applies

4.4 High-Spend Milestone Benefits

• Receive 20,000 bonus Travel Credits upon reaching ₹12 lakh in annual spend

• Annual fee reversal at ₹15 lakh annual spend threshold

• Up to 15 extra domestic lounge visits possible (1 per ₹1 lakh spent)

---

5. Travel Credit Redemption Options

SBI has partnered with more than 20 airline and hotel loyalty programs, including:

• Air India, Vistara, Emirates, Qatar Airways, United, and Air France-KLM

• Hotels like Accor, IHG, ITC, and Shangri-La

Conversions typically happen at 1 TC = 1 loyalty mile/point, though exceptions apply. For example, Shangri-La conversions might be less favorable at a 6:1 ratio.

---

6. Important Update: Insurance Benefit Withdrawn

As of July 15, 2025, the complimentary ₹1 crore Air Accident Insurance previously available on PRIME and ELITE cards has been discontinued. Cardholders should explore standalone travel insurance options to maintain coverage.

---

7. Comparison with Other Cards and User Reviews

Expert Feedback

• CardMaven notes that the base variant offers poor value (0.5%–1% return), especially if used for low-value redemptions

• Mint reports that even the Elite variant struggles to compete with Axis Atlas or Amex Platinum Travel, which offer higher rewards and more robust benefits

• Paisabazaar gives the card a moderate 3/5 rating, praising the breadth of travel partners but criticizing low earn rates

Community Insights

• Reddit users find the base variant underwhelming and suggest other cards like SBI Cashback or Axis Magnus for better value

• PRIME variant earns praise as a solid “backup” travel card

---

8. Pros and Cons Summary

---

9. Ideal Users for SBI MILES Cards

This card is best suited for:

• Individuals who travel regularly (domestically and internationally)

• Users who redeem points through airline/hotel transfers rather than SBI’s own portal

• Cardholders who can hit spending milestones to maximize value

• People who value domestic lounge access and Priority Pass benefits

However, those who:

• Spend less than ₹2–3 lakh annually

• Prefer cashback or broader rewards

• Don’t travel often
  …may find better value in simpler credit cards like SBI Cashback Card or Amazon ICICI Card

---

10. Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The SBI MILES Credit Card series provides a flexible, travel-centric rewards platform with a wide range of partner airlines and hotels. However, the true value lies in transferring Travel Credits, not using them on SBI’s own portal or merchandise.

If your travel expenses are high, and you’re willing to optimize redemptions, SBI MILES PRIME or ELITE can deliver solid value. For lighter users, the base card may not be worth the fee.

Recommendation Summary:

• Go for ELITE: if you travel internationally often and spend ₹12–15 lakh per year

• Choose PRIME: for moderate spenders (~₹8–10 lakh/year) who want lounges + rewards

• Avoid base MILES: unless you are new to travel rewards and want to explore the ecosystem

---

11. Recent Policy Changes to Note (as of July 2025)

• Air Accident Coverage withdrawn from PRIME and ELITE

• Other credit card rules changed, including due dates and minimum payment policies—review your SBI card terms online for full updates

---

12. Final Comparison Table

 

Read More:-