If you are among the millions of users of SBI Card, 2026 brings several important changes you should be aware of. India’s largest credit card issuer has revised multiple policies related to rewards, airport lounge access, interest rates, and compliance reporting. These updates, effective from early 2026, will have a direct impact on both your spending benefits and overall card usage experience.

While some changes aim to strengthen digital transaction security and curb misuse, others reduce certain privileges that many customers previously enjoyed. Understanding these updates is crucial to managing your finances smartly this year.

Changes in Airport Lounge Access and Reward Benefits

Under the revised guidelines effective January 2026, SBI Card has tightened eligibility for domestic airport lounge access on several popular mid-range cards. Earlier, selected cards offered up to eight complimentary lounge visits per year. This benefit has now been reduced to one free visit per quarter.

For frequent flyers, this change could mean higher out-of-pocket expenses during travel, especially at major airports where lounge access fees are substantial.

In addition, SBI Card has made its reward points structure more restrictive. Reward points will no longer be earned on certain transaction categories, including:

• Rent payments
• Government service charges
• Online gaming and similar digital platforms

According to the bank, this move is intended to prevent transactions that were being carried out primarily to accumulate reward points rather than for genuine spending.

Higher Interest Rates and Late Payment Charges

Failing to pay your credit card bill on time in 2026 could significantly affect your financial health. SBI Card has increased its finance charge to 3.75 percent per month, which translates to nearly 45 percent annually.

The calculation of the Minimum Amount Due (MAD) has also been made stricter. It will now prioritise:

• GST applicable on the bill
• EMI instalments
• Late payment and other penalty charges

This means that simply paying the minimum amount may no longer provide the same relief as before and could keep you in a longer debt cycle.

Additionally, under updated income tax reporting norms, if an individual’s annual credit card spending exceeds ₹10 lakh, the bank is required to report these transactions to the Income Tax Department. High-value spenders must now be more mindful of their card usage and documentation.

What Should Cardholders Do Now?

These changes signal the need for more careful and informed credit card usage. Financial experts suggest choosing cards that closely match your spending habits. For example, cards like SimplyClick may still offer good value for users who primarily shop online.

Cardholders are also strongly advised to avoid cash advances from ATMs, as interest on such transactions is charged from day one and at significantly higher rates.

By selecting the right card, monitoring expenses, and ensuring timely payments, users can still maximise benefits while avoiding unnecessary charges under the new SBI Card rules.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered official banking or financial advice. Credit card rules, charges, and benefits may change at the discretion of the issuing bank. For the latest and most accurate details, always refer to the official SBI Card website or your monthly card statement. The publisher is not responsible for any financial decisions or losses arising from the use of this information.