Finally, my wait got over, and I’ve got the SBI Cashback Card approved by what I would call the most arrogant bank – SBI! It feels surreal, almost like a victory after so much anticipation. If you’ve been waiting for months (or even longer), you know what I’m talking about. The wait, the uncertainty, the endless rejections – all of it adds up to a massive relief when you finally receive that approval!
But let me rewind a bit and take you through my journey. If you’ve been holding your breath, wondering how I got the SBI Cashback Card despite my previous rejection, this article is for you. I’m going to share my story and break down the step-by-step process of getting approved – and also give you a few tips on how to make sure you don’t miss out on any potential rewards.
My Previous Experience with SBI SimplyClick Card
Before we dive into the process, let me give you a bit of background. I’ve been using the SBI SimplyClick card for some time now. I’ve been pretty happy with it, as it offers a decent limit of 3 lakhs. While it serves my needs well, I felt it was time to upgrade to the SBI Cashback Card, hoping for more rewarding cashback benefits.
SBI SimplyClick was my gateway into the world of SBI credit cards, and it gave me the confidence to apply for the SBI Cashback Card. It had its perks, but let’s face it – the cashback rewards were just too modest for my taste. That’s when I thought, “Why not aim higher and apply for a card that gives you more value for every purchase?” The SBI Cashback Card had my attention, and I was determined to get it.
The Long Wait and First Rejection
Now, let’s talk about the first attempt. It was June, and I was excited to apply for the SBI Cashback Card through the YONO app. I followed all the steps, filled out the form, and clicked “submit,” eagerly awaiting approval. But, guess what? It was instantly rejected! The reason – over-leverage. I had been using my credit lines extensively, and SBI didn’t seem too happy with that. According to SBI customer care and my branch, I was “over-leveraged.” Can you believe that?
I had to wait 90 days. Yes, 90 days of complete frustration. No matter what I did, I couldn’t apply again. All I could do was sit tight and wait for the grace period to end. September 2024 seemed like forever. But I never lost hope – and that, my friends, is where the story truly begins.
The Unexpected Opportunity
Fast forward to today. It’s a regular day, and I’m just browsing my internet banking like I usually do. But then something caught my eye. There was a banner inviting me to apply for a credit card. At first, I thought it might just be some generic offer. But when I clicked on it, I was taken aback. Could this be a pre-approved offer?
I immediately clicked the link to apply for the SBI Cashback Card, hoping my luck had finally turned around. Now, let me walk you through how this worked for me. I know a lot of you may be in the same boat – you’ve been waiting for the 90-day period to end, and you’re wondering if you should try applying again.
Step-by-Step Process to Get the SBI Cashback Card
Let’s get into the details now, and I’ll walk you through the steps that helped me secure the SBI Cashback Card. This guide will help you understand the process better and save you from any confusion.
Visited the Application Link
I clicked on the SBI credit card application link that I saw in my internet banking account. The first step was simple – I chose the SBI Cashback Card from the available options.
Select Your Savings Account
Once I chose the card, I was asked to select the savings account associated with the application. This took me to SBI Sprint, which is a platform they use to process credit card applications.
Fill in Personal and Professional Details
I entered all my details, including personal information (name, address, etc.) and professional details (employment status, income, etc.). This part is crucial, as it helps the bank assess your creditworthiness. Don’t rush – ensure everything is accurate. I almost missed the chance to use a referral code at this point, but I was too excited to proceed.
You’ll see an option to input a referral code – which I forgot to use, much to my regret. I had two referral codes – one from my father and the other from my brother, both SBI card holders. But the excitement of applying before the 90-day wait overwhelmed me.
KYC Process via Digilocker
The next step was the KYC (Know Your Customer) process. This is where things got a bit tricky. I attempted to complete my KYC through Digilocker, which allows you to verify your Aadhaar card details online. For some reason, the process got stuck. However, an application number was still generated at this stage, which allowed me to proceed with the next step.
Resumed the Application
I went to the SBI Cards website and resumed my application. Thanks to the Digilocker system, my KYC details were fetched automatically, and I only had to upload a photo. This made the process smoother and faster.
Credit Limit Offered
Once all the details were verified, I was offered a credit limit of Rs. 80,000. While I had hoped for a limit of Rs. 1 lakh, it made sense that the bank factored in my existing credit cards, including the SBI SimplyClick card.
Instant Approval
To my surprise, the approval came almost instantly! I received a confirmation, and my new SBI Cashback Card was on its way. The physical card should be delivered in 3-7 days.
Card Registration
Once I received the card, I registered it on the SBI Card app and set up the PIN and transaction limits. This part was smooth and user-friendly. After that, I was ready to start using my new card!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SBI Cashback Card, and how does it work?
The SBI Cashback Card is a credit card that offers cashback on various purchases. It allows you to earn cashback for every transaction made at select merchant categories, such as groceries, dining, and online shopping. You can redeem the cashback as a statement credit, which helps reduce your credit card balance.
What are the cashback benefits of the SBI Cashback Card?
The SBI Cashback Card offers cashback on a variety of categories, such as:
- 5% cashback on online purchases (on select platforms).
- 5% cashback on grocery and departmental store spends.
- 1% cashback on all other transactions. The cashback earned is credited to your account at the end of each billing cycle.
Are there any annual fees for the SBI Cashback Card?
Yes, the SBI Cashback Card comes with an annual fee. The fee is typically waived off if you meet a certain spending threshold during the year. The exact fee and waiver conditions are detailed on the card issuer’s official website.
How can I redeem the cashback earned on the SBI Cashback Card?
You can redeem the cashback earned on your SBI Cashback Card as a statement credit, which will be applied directly to your credit card balance. The redemption process is automatic at the end of each billing cycle, but you can track your cashback through the SBI Card website or mobile app.
Is there a limit to how much cashback I can earn with the SBI Cashback Card?
Yes, there is a cap on the cashback you can earn each month in different categories. For example, cashback on grocery and departmental store purchases might have a monthly limit, and once you reach that limit, you will earn regular cashback (1%) on further spending. Make sure to review the card’s terms to understand the specific limits.
Final Thoughts and Regret
I can finally say it – I’ve got my SBI Cashback Card, and I’m thrilled with it. The cashback limits are much higher compared to my old card. With the SBI Cashback Card, I can earn up to Rs. 4,000 in cashback each month, which is a significant boost compared to my old HDFC Millennia card.
However, there’s one tiny regret – I forgot to use the referral code during the application. I missed out on a potential Rs. 500 referral bonus for both me and the person who referred me. While that’s a minor loss, it’s a lesson learned.
If you’re in a 90-day waiting period like I was, try applying directly through Net Banking or the Sprint platform. Don’t wait for some pre-approved offer to pop up like I did. Get the ball rolling, and you may just get lucky like I did!
