SBI Card MILES

Last Updated : July 15, 2025, 2:44 p.m.
Whether you're a frequent flyer, a weekend explorer, or someone planning a dream vacation, the right credit card can make all the difference. Enter the SBI Card MILES—a powerful new offering from SBI Card, designed specifically for modern travelers. With generous travel credits, airport lounge access, global redemption flexibility, and three tailored variants (Base, Prime, and Elite), this card family is redefining how India travels.
But is it truly worth it? How does it compare with other premium travel cards? In this guide, we break down everything you need to know—from benefits and rewards to fees, redemptions, and expert tips—to help you decide whether SBI Card MILES is the ideal travel partner for your lifestyle and spending habits.
What Is SBI Card MILES?
SBI Card MILES was launched in 2024. It is a travel-focused credit card program available in three variants:
- Base Variant – Entry-level, ₹1,499 + GST joining & renewal
- Prime Variant – Mid-tier with higher rewards
- Elite Variant – Premium card with luxury travel benefits
The card converts your everyday and travel spends into Travel Credits, which can be redeemed for air miles, hotel stays, or bookings via SBI Card’s travel portal.
Key Benefits of SBI Card MILES
1. Welcome Bonuses
- Base: 1,500 Travel Credits on ₹30,000 spend within 60 days
- Prime: 3,000 Credits on ₹60,000
- Elite: 5,000 Credits on ₹1,00,000 spend
2. Reward Earning Rate
Variant | Travel Spends | Other Spends |
Base | 2/₹200 | 1/₹200 |
Prime | 4/₹200 | 2/₹200 |
Elite | 6/₹200 | 2/₹200 |
3. Travel Credit Redemption
- 1 Travel Credit = ₹1 when converted to airline/hotel points
- ₹0.50 value when used on SBI’s Travel Portal
- ₹0.25 value for catalogue redemptions
4. Airport Lounge Access
- Base: 4 free domestic visits/year (can increase with spend)
- Prime: 8 free domestic visits
- Elite: 8 domestic + 6 international visits/year
All include free Priority Pass membership.
5. Milestone Bonuses & Fee Waivers
Variant | Annual Spend Waiver | Milestone Reward |
Base | ₹6 lakh | ₹5,000 Travel Credits |
Prime | ₹10 lakh | ₹10,000 Credits |
Elite | ₹15 lakh | ₹20,000 Credits |
6. Travel Insurance & Forex Benefits
- Air accident cover up to ₹1 crore
- Trip cancellation, baggage delay/loss
- Forex markup: 3% (Base), 2.5% (Prime), 1.99% (Elite)
Fuel surcharge waiver up to Rs. 250 (Base/Prime) or Rs. 500 (Elite)
SBI Card MILES Variant Comparison
Feature | Base | Prime | Elite |
---|---|---|---|
Joining Fee | ₹1,499 + GST | ₹2,999 + GST approx | ₹4,999 + GST approx |
Welcome Bonus | 1,500 Travel Credits | 3,000 Credits | 5,000 Credits |
Travel Spend Rate | 1% | 2% | 3% |
Lounge Access (Domestic) | 4/year + bonus | 8/year + bonus | 8/year + bonus |
Lounge Access (International) | No | No | 6 visits via Priority Pass |
Annual Spend Waiver | ₹6 lakh | ₹10 lakh | ₹15 lakh |
Milestone Bonus | ₹5K credits | ₹10K credits | ₹20K credits |
How to Maximize SBI Card MILES?
- Choose your variant wisely:
- Light travelers: Base
- Frequent travelers: Prime or Elite
- Light travelers: Base
- Hit welcome bonus target early:
Plan large spends within the first 60 days. - Use for all travel bookings:
Flights, hotels, online portals—maximize earning rates. - Utilize milestone rewards:
Aim to cross yearly spend thresholds for bonus credits and fee waivers. - Redeem smartly:
Transfer to airline/hotel partners for maximum Travel Credit value (₹1 per credit).
Who Should Get the SBI Card MILES?
- Frequent international travelers: Go for Elite
- Domestic business/leisure travelers: Consider Prime
- Occasional flyers & moderate spenders: Start with Base
If your monthly travel-related spends go over ₹25,000–₹50,000, this card family can help you save thousands every year on lounge access, air miles, and bookings.
Is SBI Card MILES Worth It?
Yes—if you travel regularly and can hit the spend thresholds, SBI Card MILES offers excellent value through lounge access, travel credits, milestone rewards, and flexible redemption.
While it’s not ideal for low-spenders or cashback lovers, it’s one of the most travel-rewarding cards in India right now, especially in the Elite category.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)