SBI credit card rule change: No reward points on digital gaming platform spends

SBI Card has revised its credit card rewards programme, effective from September 1, 2025. After the revision, customers of select SBI credit cards will no longer earn reward points on spends on digital gaming platforms/merchants and government-related transactions. It is among one of the many card-related changes SBI Card has announced. .

According to the SBI Card website, “W.e.f. 1 Sep 2025, accrual of Reward Points on spends on Digital Gaming platforms/merchants and Govt.-related transactions will be discontinued for Lifestyle Home Centre SBI Card, Lifestyle Home Centre SBI Card SELECT and Lifestyle Home Centre SBI Card PRIME.”

Once the changes come into effect, SBI credit card holders will not get reward points for purchasing online gaming credits, or making payments on government portals.

This is not the first time that SBI Card has discontinued reward points on select credit cards. It also made similar changes in December 2024.

Which cards will be impacted?

The Lifestyle Home Centre SBI Card, Lifestyle Home Centre SBI Card SELECT and the Lifestyle Home Centre SBI Card PRIME cards will be impacted.

In December 2024, accrual of reward points on spending on digital gaming platforms/merchants will be discontinued for certain credit cards.

SBI credit card rule change: These SBI credit card customers will not get reward points on digital gaming platforms

HDFC Bank also made similar changes credit card

Before SBI Card, HDFC Bank also announced similar changes in June. HDFC Bank said that online skill-based gaming transactions made through any HDFC credit card won’t be eligible for reward points from July 1, 2025, onwards.

Important FAQs about SBI reward points as per the SBI Card website.
Are there any charges associated with the reward point redemption process?
A rewards redemption fee of Rs 99 plus applicable taxes are debited from your SBI Card account for redemption requests processed in a batch. This amount is towards delivery and processing charges in case of physical product redemption and statement credit.

Do I need to register again for availing the online reward redemption?
No, you do not have to register again. You can use your existing SBI Card online username and password to login.

Can reward points be redeemed towards items to be delivered to others?
Items redeemed under the Reward Points scheme will be delivered only to the address of the primary owner of the card, as mentioned in our records.

Can I pay my SBI Card outstanding amount using my reward points?
Yes, you can settle your outstanding amount through your reward points. You can use your reward points only in the multiples of 2,000 for the same.

Can I add the reward points I have on multiple cards or transfer them from one card account to another?
No, you cannot add or transfer your Reward Points from one SBI Card to another. Reward points can be redeemed only on a SBI card on which they have been earned.