There are moments in life when patience finally pays off. This is one such tale—my journey of getting the SBI Cashback Card after months of anticipation, struggle, and a mix of emotions. If you’re eyeing this card, buckle up! My story might just prepare you for the ride.
Why I Wanted the SBI Cashback Card So Badly
Before diving into my application saga, let’s talk about why the SBI Cashback Card was such a big deal for me. I already had an SBI SimplyClick Card with a solid 3L credit limit, but my craving for cashback rewards knew no bounds. I needed something with higher cashback potential and no restrictions.
While HDFC Millennia was good, the cashback cap of ₹1,000 per month wasn’t cutting it for me. The SBI Cashback Card, with its promise of up to ₹4,000 cashback per month, was my golden ticket.
First Attempt – The Disheartening Rejection (June 2024)
The excitement of applying for a new credit card is unparalleled. Unfortunately, my first attempt in June 2024 ended in disappointment. Here’s how it unfolded:
- I applied through YONO SBI with high hopes.
- Instant rejection followed—reason? Over-leverage!
- Confirmed with customer care and my local SBI branch—they told me to wait 90 days before reapplying.
- The countdown to September 2024 began.
Second Attempt – The Surprise Pre-Approved Offer!
Fast forward to today, and something unexpected happened:
- Opened SBI Internet Banking and saw a banner—“Apply for Credit Card”.
- Clicked, expecting rejection again.
- To my surprise, I was redirected to a pre-approved application process!
It felt like fate had finally sided with me.
The Step-by-Step Application Process
Once I got the offer, here’s how my application went:
Selecting the SBI Cashback Card
- Clicked on the offer link.
- Chose SBI Cashback Card from the list.
Linking My Savings Account
- The application took me to SBI Sprint, where I had to select my savings account.
Filling in Personal & Professional Details
- Entered my details—name, income, occupation, etc.
- Skipped the referral code, which was my biggest regret (missed ₹500 x 2 referral bonuses!).
The KYC Verification Hiccup
- Used DigiLocker for KYC.
- Got stuck but received an application number.
- Resumed via the SBI Card website.
Final Approval & Credit Limit Surprise
- Limit Approved: ₹80,000 (lower than my expected ₹1L but acceptable).
- My existing SBI SimplyClick Card limit factored in.
- Submitted the final application.
Instant Card Issuance & Activation
- Card was approved instantly.
- BIN starts with 4799 59.
- Physical card delivery in 3-7 days.
- Registered on the SBI Card App.
- Set PIN and transaction settings on the SBI website.
SBI Cashback Card vs HDFC Millennia – My Take
I already had the HDFC Millennia, but the cashback cap was limiting my spending power. Now, with the SBI Cashback Card, my cashback potential has shot up! Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | SBI Cashback Card | HDFC Millennia |
|---|---|---|
| Max Cashback Per Month | ₹4,000 | ₹1,000 |
| Cashback Rate | 5% on online spends | 5% on select categories |
| Annual Fee | ₹999 (Waived at ₹2L spends) | ₹1,000 (Waived at ₹1L spends) |
| Joining Benefits | None | ₹1,000 worth of vouchers |
Clearly, for someone who spends a lot online, the SBI Cashback Card is a winner!
Key Learnings From My SBI Cashback Card Journey
- Patience Pays Off – If you get rejected, wait 90 days and try again.
- Check Pre-Approved Offers – Sometimes, SBI gives unexpected approvals.
- Never Forget Referral Codes – I lost ₹1,000 just because I forgot to apply it.
- DigiLocker KYC Might Get Stuck – Be ready to resume via the SBI Card portal.
- Credit Limit May Vary – Your existing SBI credit cards affect new card limits
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cashback benefits of the SBI Cashback Card?
The SBI Cashback Card offers up to 5% cashback on online spending and 1% cashback on offline transactions, making it an excellent choice for frequent shoppers.
Is there an annual fee for the SBI Cashback Card?
Yes, the SBI Cashback Card comes with an annual fee of ₹999, which is waived if you spend ₹2 lakh or more in a year.
How long does it take to receive cashback on transactions?
Cashback earned on transactions is credited to your SBI Card account automatically within two days of the next statement generation.
Are there any exclusions for earning cashback?
Yes, cashback is not applicable on certain transactions like wallet loads, fuel purchases, EMI transactions, and utility bill payments.
How can I track my cashback earnings?
You can track your cashback details through the SBI Card mobile app or website, where your earned and credited cashback will be displayed in the statement.
Conclusion
Getting the SBI Cashback Card is a game-changer for anyone who loves online shopping and wants to save money effortlessly. With its 5% cashback on online spends and 1% on offline transactions, it offers one of the best rewards programs among credit cards in India. While it does come with an annual fee, the potential savings far outweigh the cost, especially if you maximize your online purchases.
If you’re someone who frequently shops online and wants a hassle-free cashback experience, this card is definitely worth it. Now that I’ve got my SBI Cashback Card, I’m ready to make the most of my purchases while enjoying seamless savings!
