SBI Credit Card Rules Change from September 1: Here’s How Customers Will Be Affected

Kiran News | State Bank of India Card (SBI Card) has implemented significant changes to its reward points program, directly impacting millions of cardholders from September 1, 2025. Previously, customers could earn reward points on nearly every expenditure, but now certain categories have been excluded from the rewards program.

Expenses No Longer Eligible for Reward Points

As per the new guidelines, no reward points will be given for payments made on digital gaming platforms or government services. This means that transactions such as purchasing credits for online games or making payments on government portals will no longer earn reward points.

Which Cardholders Are Affected?

This rule change especially affects customers holding Lifestyle Home Center SBI Card, Lifestyle Home Center SBI Select, and Lifestyle Home Center SBI Prime Card. Any gaming or government-related payments made using these cards will not receive reward points under the new policy.

Previous Changes to the Rewards Program

This is not the first time SBI Card has made such a move. In December 2024, the company had already stopped giving reward points on digital gaming expenses for certain cards. Similarly, in June 2025, HDFC Bank also discontinued reward points for skill-based gaming transactions across all its cards.

New Rules for Reward Redemption

The new changes are not limited to just reward categories; important amendments have also been made in reward redemption. Now, a fee of ₹99 plus taxes will be charged each time reward points are redeemed. There is no need for separate registration, and the redeemed products will be sent only to the cardholder’s registered address. Reward points can be used to pay outstanding dues, but only in multiples of 2,000 points. Additionally, points from different cards cannot be combined or transferred.

Impact on Customers

These new rules will particularly affect customers who frequently use their cards for online gaming and government services. The timing of this change, right before the festive season, will limit additional savings and benefits for such cardholders. Now, customers will need to reconsider their spending strategies to maximize their rewards.