Mumbai, 25 October 2025:
As financial landscapes evolve, SBI cardholders are expected to adapt to some significant changes that will take effect next month. Staying updated on these modifications is crucial for users seeking to make the most of their credit rewards and protections. Let’s dive into the upcoming alterations that could affect your spending and protection plans.
Changes to Reward Points on Digital Transactions
Beginning on **1 September 2025**, SBI cardholders, particularly those using the Lifestyle Home Centre SBI Card, Lifestyle Home Centre SBI Card SELECT, and Lifestyle Home Centre SBI Card PRIME, will notice a crucial shift in reward point accumulation. Purchases made on digital gaming platforms and government-related transactions will no longer qualify for rewards. This change could impact frequent users of these platforms who often relied on accumulating points for future benefits.
For instance, consider a user who frequently engages with online gaming or utilizes their credit card for government fees. Losing the opportunity to earn reward points could deter them from using their SBI card for these particular transactions. As the Indian economy continues to adapt to digital payments, understanding such nuances is essential for cardholders to maximize their financial strategies.
Revised Plan for Card Protection Plan Customers
A more noteworthy change is set to occur on **16 September 2025**, with customers enrolled in the Card Protection Plan (CPP) being automatically transitioned to updated plan variants based on their renewal dates. These updates will be communicated via SMS or email at least 24 hours prior to the renewal due date, ensuring that cardholders can stay informed of their new benefits.
The revised CPP now offers three distinct variants: classic, premium, and platinum. The classic plan renewal will now cost **₹999**, the premium at **₹1,499**, and the platinum plan at **₹1,999**. These plans provide crucial protections against fraud, ensuring coverage of up to **₹1 lakh** across all tiers. Such coverage is pivotal, especially in a time when digital transaction fraud has seen a surge.
Additionally, the emergency travel assistance feature has been enhanced under the new plans. For example, the classic CPP will provide up to **₹80,000** in assistance, while the premium plan will increase this to **₹1,20,000**, and the platinum plan will offer **₹1,60,000**. This comprehensive support can become a lifesaver for travelers who find themselves in unforeseen situations.
Coverage Variations and Family Benefits
In terms of who is covered under these plans, the classic variant will provide coverage for the primary cardholder alone. In contrast, the premium plan extends this coverage to both the cardholder and their spouse, while the platinum plan includes the primary cardholder, spouse, and both parents. This enhancement allows cardholders to think strategically about their family’s financial safety, especially for those with frequently traveling family members.
Discontinuation of Air Accident Insurance
It’s worth noting that starting **11 August 2025**, SBI Card has also discontinued complimentary air accident insurance coverage of **₹1 crore** on select cards, including the UCO Bank SBI Card ELITE, Central Bank of India SBI Card ELITE, and several others. This change might cause concern among frequent flyers who relied on this security feature during air travel. Understanding the implications of such changes is crucial for cardholders, prompting them to explore alternative travel insurance options or other SBI card products that still offer comprehensive coverage.
As the Indian banking sector continues to innovate and adjust to market demands, these changes by SBI present both challenges and opportunities for cardholders. Staying informed and adapting to new policies can better equip consumers to manage their finances efficiently.
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Original source: www.livemint.com
