SBI Cashback Review 2026

What is SBI Cashback Credit Card?
The SBI Cashback Credit Card is a premium shopping card that offers a flat 5% direct cashback on almost all online transactions without merchant restrictions. It comes with an annual fee of ₹999, which is waived upon spending ₹2 Lakhs in a year, and provides 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits annually.

Table of Contents

1. Card Overview & Fees

SBI Cashback Credit Card Credit Card Design

SBI Cashback Credit Card

Best For: Online Shopping Cashback

Joining Fee
₹999 + GST
Annual Fee
₹999 + GST (Waived on ₹2 Lakh spend)
Apply SBI Cashback Card →

2. Key Benefits & Features

Welcome BenefitsNone
Cashback/Reward Rate5% on online spends, 1% on offline
Lounge Access4 complimentary domestic visits per year (1 per quarter)
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% surcharge waiver (Transactions between ₹500 - ₹3,000)
EMI OptionsAvailable on purchases above ₹2,500 via Flexipay
Other BenefitsUp to 20% discount via Swiggy/Zomato on partner restaurants | None

3. Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

  • ✔️ Flat 5% cashback on all online spends without merchant restriction
  • ✔️ Automatic statement credit
  • ✔️ 4 free lounge visits
  • ✔️ Easy fee waiver criteria

❌ Cons

  • ✖️ High joining fee
  • ✖️ No welcome benefits
  • ✖️ No international lounge access
  • ✖️ Cashback capped at ₹5000 per billing cycle

4. Eligibility & Documents Required

Age: 21 to 65 years

Minimum Income: ₹25,000+ per month

Documents: PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Income Proof (Salary Slip/ITR)

Note: Online application requires Aadhaar linked to mobile number for instant e-KYC.

5. Expert Verdict (2026)

✅ Who Should Apply: Heavy online shoppers who prefer direct cashback over reward points and don't want to be tied to a specific merchant.

❌ Who Should Avoid: Frequent international travelers seeking miles, global lounge access, and zero forex markup.

"The SBI Cashback card is currently the undisputed king of online shopping in India. The flat 5% cashback across almost all online merchants without jumping through hoops is unbeatable in 2026."

Apply SBI Cashback Card →

6. Alternatives & Comparisons

Before making a decision, see how the SBI Cashback stacks up against its closest competitors:

Card Best For Annual Fee
SBI Cashback CURRENT ₹999 + GST (Waived on ₹2 Lakh spend)
HDFC Millennia All-Rounder Cashback ₹1,000 + GST (Waived on ₹1 Lakh spend)
Axis Ace Utility Bills & Flat Cashback ₹499 + GST (Waived on ₹2 Lakh spend)

7. People Also Ask & FAQs

People Also Ask

Which is better, SBI Cashback or HDFC Millennia?
For pure online shopping, SBI Cashback is better due to its unrestricted 5% cashback. HDFC Millennia is better if you prefer 1:1 reward points and shop strictly on Amazon/Swiggy.
Does SBI Cashback give 5% on utility bills?
No, utility bills, insurance, rent, and wallet reloads are strictly excluded from the 5% cashback category.
Is it hard to get an SBI Cashback card?
Approval requires a minimum income of ₹25,000 per month and a good CIBIL score (750+), making it moderately difficult for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the SBI Cashback Card lifetime free?
No, it comes with a joining and annual fee of ₹999 + GST. However, the annual fee is waived if you spend ₹2 Lakhs in the previous year.
Is there a maximum cap on the 5% cashback?
Yes, the 5% cashback on online spends is capped at ₹5,000 per billing cycle. This means you earn 5% on spends up to ₹1,00,000 per month.
Does this card offer airport lounge access?
Yes, you get 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year, restricted to 1 visit per quarter.
Is cashback credited automatically?
Yes, the accumulated cashback is automatically credited to your credit card statement in the next billing cycle. No manual redemption is required.
Do utility bill payments earn 5% cashback?
No, utility bill payments, rent payments, wallet loads, and fuel do not earn the 5% cashback. They earn 1% or are excluded.
Can I convert my transactions into EMI?
Yes, any purchase above ₹2,500 can be converted into EMI via SBI Card's Flexipay option online or through the mobile app.
What is the foreign currency markup on SBI Cashback?
The card charges a standard foreign currency markup fee of 3.5% + GST on all international transactions.
Can self-employed individuals apply for this card?
Yes, self-employed individuals can apply by submitting their latest Income Tax Returns (ITR) as proof of income.

Verified by CreditConnects Editorial Team

Last Updated: July 2026

Editorial Policy: Our reviews are independent and data-driven. We regularly update our content to reflect the latest RBI guidelines and bank terms.

Sources & References

CreditConnects Editorial Team

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