SBI and IDFC First Bank Announce Changes to Credit Card Rules: New Regulations Effective from April 1

SBI and IDFC First Bank have announced upcoming changes to their credit card policies, set to take effect from April 1, 2025. IDFC First Bank will discontinue several benefits, including milestone ticket vouchers, while SBI has revised the terms for its Club Vistara SBI and Club Vistara SBI Prime Credit Cards.

Key Changes in IDFC First Bank Credit Card Rules

Private sector bank IDFC First Bank will stop offering milestone ticket vouchers, renewal benefits, and other features from March 31, 2025. However, cardholders will continue to earn Maharaja Points until March 31, 2026, when the card will be fully discontinued.

According to the bank's announcement:

• Club Vistara Silver membership will no longer be available.

• Complimentary vouchers, including one premium economy ticket and a one-class upgrade voucher, will be discontinued.

• Milestone vouchers for premium economy tickets will no longer be issued.

• Customers renewing their cards after March 31, 2025, will have their annual fees waived for one year.

Changes in SBI Credit Card Policies

SBI Card has also introduced amendments to its credit card benefits:

• Economy ticket vouchers will no longer be provided for Club Vistara SBI credit cardholders.

• Milestone benefits for annual spending of Rs 1.25 lakh, Rs 2.5 lakh, and Rs 5 lakh will be discontinued.

• The Club Vistara SBI Prime Credit Card will no longer offer premium economy ticket vouchers.

• The renewal fee for the base card will be Rs 1,499, while the renewal fee for the PRIME card will be Rs 2,999.

• Customers will still have the option for a fee waiver.

Reason Behind the Changes

These modifications come after the Vistara-Air India merger in November last year, which led to adjustments in Air India’s Maharaja Club loyalty program. While SBI and IDFC First Bank have revised their co-branded credit card benefits, Axis Bank and IndusInd Bank have yet to announce any changes.

Implementation Date

All new rules will be effective starting April 1, 2025. Cardholders are advised to review these changes carefully and consider alternative options if necessary.