SBI Card ELITE Review 2026 — Fees, Rewards & Eligibility
Issuer: State Bank of India (SBI)
Network: Visa | Tier: Premium
The SBI Card ELITE is a premium credit card that offers accelerated rewards on dining and grocery spends, complemented by lifestyle benefits like Buy 1 Get 1 movie tickets and airport lounge access. It's an excellent choice for those who want premium benefits without the ultra-premium price tag.
Why Choose the SBI Card ELITE?
The SBI Card ELITE is a Premium-tier Visa credit card issued by State Bank of India (SBI), rated 4.5/5 by the Credit Card Hunt editorial team. It is best suited for Entertainment lovers and dining enthusiasts. With a reward rate of 2X on dining & grocery and an annual fee of ₹4,999 + GST, it ranks among the popular Rewards cards in India in 2026.
New cardholders are welcomed with 5,000 Reward Points, which adds immediate value in the first year and helps recover the ₹4,999 + GST joining fee.
SBI Card ELITE Fees & Charges
| Annual Fee | ₹4,999 + GST |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹4,999 + GST |
| Interest Rate | 3.50% per month |
| Foreign Markup | 3.5% + GST |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% waiver on ₹500-₹3,000 |
SBI Card ELITE Rewards & Benefits
| Reward Rate | 2X on dining & grocery |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | 5,000 Reward Points |
| Lounge Access | 6 domestic + 6 international per year |
| Best For | Entertainment lovers and dining enthusiasts |
Key Highlights of the SBI Card ELITE
- 2X rewards on dining & grocery
- Complimentary movie tickets (Buy 1 Get 1)
- Domestic & international lounge access
- Trident & Milestone Privileges
- Comprehensive travel insurance
SBI Card ELITE Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum income ₹10 lakh per annum
- Good CIBIL score (750+)
- Age 21-65 years
Minimum Income Required: ₹10,00,000+ per annum
Advantages of the SBI Card ELITE
- Great for dining & entertainment
- Movie ticket benefits
- Good lounge access
- Reasonable annual fee for premium tier
- Milestone rewards
Drawbacks of the SBI Card ELITE
- 3.5% foreign markup is high
- Limited international lounges
- Reward rate could be better on general spends
- No 1:1 miles transfer
SBI Card ELITE — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee of the SBI Card ELITE?
The SBI Card ELITE has an annual fee of ₹4,999 + GST and a joining fee of ₹4,999 + GST. New cardholders receive 5,000 Reward Points as a welcome benefit, which helps offset the joining cost.
Does the SBI Card ELITE offer airport lounge access?
Yes — the SBI Card ELITE offers 6 domestic + 6 international per year.
Who is eligible for the SBI Card ELITE?
The minimum income requirement is ₹10,00,000+ per annum. Banks typically also look for a CIBIL score of 700 or above and a clean repayment history.
What is the reward rate of the SBI Card ELITE?
The SBI Card ELITE earns 2X on dining & grocery. It is best suited for Entertainment lovers and dining enthusiasts.
Credit Cards Similar to the SBI Card ELITE
If you are considering the SBI Card ELITE, these rewards credit cards are worth comparing before you apply:
- HDFC Infinia by HDFC Bank — rated 4.9/5, ₹12,500 + GST annual fee
- Diners Club Black Credit Card by HDFC Bank — rated 4.8/5, ₹10,000 annual fee
- Platinum Card by American Express (Amex) — rated 4.8/5, ₹60,000 annual fee
- Axis Magnus by Axis Bank — rated 4.7/5, ₹12,500 + GST annual fee
Expert Rating: 4.5/5