SBI Credit Card Rewards Program Revamped: No Points on Gaming and Government Portals from September 1

If you are an SBI Credit Card holder, there’s an important update you should not miss. Starting September 1, 2025, the bank’s credit card arm, SBI Card, is set to implement new rules under its reward points program. These changes will significantly impact how customers earn points on certain types of transactions.

As per the new guidelines, SBI credit cardholders will no longer earn reward points on payments made on digital gaming platforms or government portals. The revision comes just ahead of the festive season and could affect lakhs of card users who regularly use their cards for such transactions.

Which SBI Cards Will Be Affected?

The new policy will impact specific SBI credit cards, including:

• Lifestyle Home Centre SBI Card

• Lifestyle Home Centre SBI Card Select

• Lifestyle Home Centre SBI Prime

If you use these cards to purchase online gaming credits or make payments on government websites, you will no longer receive any reward points.

Not the First Time SBI Made Such Changes

This isn’t the first time SBI Card has revised its reward points program. Back in December 2024, the company had already stopped offering points on spending at certain digital gaming platforms.

The move aligns with a growing trend among banks to exclude gaming transactions from reward point eligibility.

HDFC Bank Took a Similar Step Earlier

Interestingly, SBI Card is not alone in this decision. In June 2025, HDFC Bank announced a similar policy change, stating that from July 1, 2025, none of its credit cards would earn reward points on online skill-based gaming transactions.

This shows a clear industry-wide shift, as banks tighten policies around reward points linked to gaming spends.

Other Important Rules on SBI Credit Card Reward Points

Along with the earning rules, customers should also be aware of other important conditions associated with SBI’s reward redemption process:

• Redemption Charges: A fee of ₹99 plus taxes will apply whenever reward points are redeemed.

• No Fresh Registration Required: Customers do not need to register again for online reward redemption.

• Delivery Restrictions: Redeemed products will only be delivered to the cardholder’s registered address.

• Bill Payments: Reward points can be used to pay outstanding credit card bills, but only in multiples of 2,000 points.

• No Point Transfer: Reward points from different SBI credit cards cannot be combined or transferred.

What This Means for Customers

The timing of these changes is particularly important, as they come right before the festive season when customers usually spend more on shopping, online gaming, and government-related services.

Reward points are often considered an extra value-add for customers, allowing them to enjoy benefits such as product purchases, vouchers, and bill payments at no additional cost. With the removal of gaming and government spends from the eligible categories, many users will see a reduction in the overall reward points they accumulate.

Final Word

From September 1, 2025, SBI Credit Card holders need to carefully track where their spending earns them rewards and where it does not. While regular retail and lifestyle spends will continue to fetch points, transactions on digital gaming platforms and government portals will no longer be eligible.

For customers who rely heavily on reward programs, this is a significant shift. Planning spending habits in line with the new rules will help maximize benefits and avoid disappointment during the festive shopping season.