Author
LoansJagat Team
Read Time
12 Min
19 Mar 2025
Meera had always been mindful of her expenses, balancing her IT job and dreams of a better lifestyle. She wanted to dine at good restaurants, travel more, and shop freely, but each month, unexpected bills would eat into her savings. That’s when she came across the South Indian Bank SimplySAVE SBI Card, a credit card that not only made her purchases more rewarding but also helped her manage her finances better.
For every ₹150 spent on groceries, a movie night, or a dinner date, Meera receives 10 reward points. As these points accumulated over time, she was able to use them to redeem benefits that reduced the cost of her living. What’s the best part? She was able to get her yearly charge of ₹499 fully waived by carefully controlling her spending and making sure she spent ₹1,00,000 a year.
What first appeared to be a financial hardship turned into a chance to make better spending decisions. With the South Indian Bank SimplySave SBI Card, Meera was able to improve her lifestyle while controlling her spending, whether it was by planning her next vacation or enjoying a weekend meal guilt-free.
Key Highlight | Benefit | Example | Tips |
Reward Benefits | Earn 10 Reward Points per ₹150 spent on dining, groceries, and movies. | Spend ₹1,500 on dining – Earn 100 Reward Points. | Use the card for dining and movie bookings to quickly accumulate reward points. |
Welcome Bonus | 2,000 bonus reward points on eligible spending within 60 days. | Spend ₹5,000 within the first 60 days – Get 2,000 bonus points. | Ensure you meet the spending requirement within 60 days to unlock the welcome bonus. |
Annual Fee Waiver | Waive annual fee by spending ₹1,00,000 in a year (SimplySAVE SBI Card). | Spend ₹1,00,000 or more in a year to get the annual fee waived. | Plan major purchases strategically to meet the spending target and avoid the annual fee. |
Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Save up to ₹250 per month on fuel transactions (varies by card). | Purchase ₹5,000 worth of fuel – Save ₹250 (1% surcharge waived). | Use your card for fuel purchases to save up to ₹250 monthly on fuel transactions. |
International Lounge Access | Complimentary Priority Pass for airport lounge access (Platinum Card). | Enjoy access to 1 lounge visit per quarter. | Use your Platinum Card when travelling internationally to enjoy free lounge access. |
Secured Credit Card Option | Lifetime-free card backed by a fixed deposit (SIB One Co-Branded Credit Card). | Get a lifetime-free card when you maintain a fixed deposit with South Indian Bank. | Opt for the secured card if you're looking for a credit card with no annual fee and a low risk. |
Low Forex Charges | 1% foreign exchange markup fee on secured credit card. | Spend $1,000 abroad – Pay ₹1,000 in forex charges (1% markup). | Use the secured credit card for international transactions to save on forex fees. |
Key Feature | Benefit | Example | Tip |
South Indian Bank SimplySAVE SBI Card | 10X Reward Points on select spends. | Spend ₹1,000 on dining – Earn 10X Reward Points, i.e., 100 Reward Points. | Focus on categories that offer 10X reward points (like dining, and groceries) to maximize benefits. |
₹499 annual fee (waived on ₹1,00,000 annual spending). | Spend ₹1,00,000 in a year to waive the ₹499 annual fee. | Plan purchases to meet the annual spending requirement for a fee waiver. | |
1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹500-₹3,000. | Purchase ₹2,000 worth of fuel – Save ₹20 (1% fuel surcharge waived). | Use the card for fuel purchases to save on surcharge fees. | |
South Indian Bank SBI Platinum Credit Card | Access to over 300 international airport lounges. | Enjoy 2 lounge visits per quarter while travelling internationally. | Use the card during international travel to enjoy free lounge access. |
₹3,000 worth of vouchers on spending ₹2,00,000 annually. | Spend ₹2,00,000 in a year – Receive ₹3,000 worth of vouchers. | Make larger purchases to unlock the annual voucher benefit. | |
Higher fuel surcharge waiver limit (₹250 per month). | Spend ₹3,000 on fuel – Save ₹250 on fuel surcharge. | Maximize savings by using the card for fuel purchases up to the ₹250 monthly waiver limit. | |
Secured SIB One Co-Branded Credit Card | Lifetime-free credit card with no joining or renewal fees. | No annual fee, no joining fee for the lifetime of the card. | Ideal for those looking for a no-cost card with lifetime benefits. |
Credit limit up to ₹15,00,000 based on FD. | Get a credit limit of ₹1,00,000 with an FD of ₹1,00,000. | Use the FD-backed card to build or improve your credit score while enjoying a high credit limit. | |
Instant virtual card issuance through the SIB Mirror+ app. | Get an instant virtual card for online transactions when needed. | Utilise the virtual card for secure online purchases without waiting for a physical card. |
1 reward point per ₹150 spent on all other purchases
Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel surcharge for transactions between ₹500 and ₹3,000 at any petrol pump in India.
2 reward points for every ₹100 spent on all purchases.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel surcharge across all petrol pumps in India.
1 reward point for every ₹50 spent on other categories.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel surcharge for transactions between ₹500 and ₹3,000, capped at ₹400 per month.
These credit cards are personalised to improve your spending experience by providing attractive cashback and reward benefits across various categories.
Fee Type | South Indian Bank SimplySAVE SBI Card | South Indian Bank SBI Platinum Credit Card | Example | Tip |
Annual Fee | ₹499 + Taxes (Waived on spending ₹1,00,000 annually) | ₹2,999 + Taxes | If you spend ₹1,00,000 in the year on the SimplySAVE SBI Card, the ₹499 fee is waived. On SBI Platinum, the annual fee is fixed at ₹2,999. | Spend ₹1,00,000 annually on a SimplySAVE SBI Card to waive the annual fee, but for SBI Platinum, consider the perks before applying due to the higher fee. |
Renewal Fee | ₹499 + Taxes (Waived on spending ₹1,00,000 annually) | ₹2,999 + Taxes | If you don't spend ₹1,00,000 annually on SimplySAVE, you’ll pay the ₹499 renewal fee. SBI Platinum cardholders must pay ₹2,999 for renewal annually. | Ensure your annual spend is ₹1,00,000 to get the fee waived on the SimplySAVE SBI Card. |
Add-on Fee | Nil | Nil | Both cards offer add-on cards at no extra cost. | Use add-on cards for family members without incurring additional fees. |
Cash Advance Fee | 2.5% of the transaction amount or ₹500, whichever is higher | 2.5% of the transaction amount or ₹500, whichever is higher | If you withdraw ₹10,000 in cash, you’ll be charged ₹500 (minimum) on both cards. | Avoid cash advances as they come with high fees and interest charges. |
Finance Charges (Interest Rate) | Up to 3.5% per month (42% per annum) | Up to 3.5% per month (42% per annum) | If you carry forward ₹5,000, interest of up to ₹175 (3.5%) per month will be charged. | Always pay off your balance in full to avoid high interest charges. |
Late Payment Charges | Nil for ₹0 to ₹500, ₹400 for ₹500 to ₹1,000, ₹750 for ₹1,000 to ₹10,000, ₹1,300 for ₹50,000+ | Nil for ₹0 to ₹500, ₹400 for ₹500 to ₹1,000, ₹750 for ₹1,000 to ₹10,000, ₹1,300 for ₹50,000+ | If you miss a payment of ₹2,500 on a SimplySAVE SBI Card, you’ll be charged ₹750 as a late payment fee. Similarly, ₹1,300 for a ₹60,000 missed payment on SBI Platinum. | Always set reminders to avoid late fees. Consider automating payments to avoid missing deadlines. |
Here are the pros and cons related to South Indian Bank Credit Card to consider before you make a decision:
Diverse Card Options: To accommodate a range of purchasing patterns and financial requirements, South Indian Bank offers several credit cards, including the Secured SIB One Co-Branded Credit Card, SBI Platinum Card, and SimplySAVE SBI Card.
Reward Programs: Cardholders can earn reward points in certain expenditure areas. For example, the SimplySAVE SBI Card earns 10 reward points for every 100 spent on groceries, department stores, eating out, and movies.
Welcome Offers: New users may receive attractive welcome benefits. The SimplySAVE SBI Card provides 2,000 reward points upon spending ₹2,000 within the first 60 days.
Lifetime-Free Options: The Secured SIB One Co-Branded Credit Card is a lifetime-free card with no joining or annual fees, making it cost-effective for users.
Low Forex Charges: The Secured SIB One Co-Branded Credit Card offers a competitive foreign exchange markup fee of just 1%, beneficial for international travellers.
Cons:
Annual Fees: The higher annual charge of ₹2,999 for some cards, such as the SBI Platinum Card, may be a factor for consumers on a tight budget.
Reward Point Limitations: Reward points may have specific redemption criteria and may not apply to all spending categories.
High-Interest Rates: Finance charges can be as high as 3.5% per month (42% per annum) on certain cards, which could be a concern for users who carry forward balances.
Secured Card Requirement: The Secured SIB One Co-Branded Credit Card requires a fixed deposit as collateral, which might not be suitable for all users.
Replacement Charges for Metal Cards: Replacing a metal-secured SIB One Co-Branded Credit Card incurs a fee of ₹3,000, which is relatively high.
Credit Card | Eligibility Criteria | Tips |
South Indian Bank SimplySAVE SBI Card | Age: Minimum 18 years old. | This card could be a good entry point if you’re just starting your credit journey. |
Income: Stable monthly income (minimum income criteria specified by the bank). | Ensure your monthly income meets the bank’s criteria for smooth approval. | |
Credit History: Good credit score preferred. | If you have a good credit score, you’ll have a higher chance of approval. | |
Residency: Available for residents and non-residents of India. | Open to both residents and NRIs, so you can apply regardless of your residency status. | |
South Indian Bank SBI Platinum Credit Card | Age: Between 21 to 60 years old. | This card is ideal for individuals with a stable income and an excellent credit history. |
Income: Higher income bracket required (specific figures provided by the bank). | A higher income level may be required, so check the exact amount specified by the bank. | |
Credit History: A strong credit history and high credit score are essential. | If you have a strong credit history, you may qualify for this premium card. | |
Residency: Open to Indian residents and NRIs. | This card is available to both residents and NRIs, so check if you meet the residency requirement | |
Secured SIB One Co-Branded Credit Card | Age: Minimum 18 years old. | Suitable for individuals who may not have an existing credit history. |
Fixed Deposit Requirement: Backed by a fixed deposit with South Indian Bank. The credit limit is 100% of the deposit amount, ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹15,00,000. | Great for those who are new to credit or have no credit history, as it’s secured by your fixed deposit. | |
Credit History: No prior credit history or CIBIL score is required. | Ideal for new credit users or individuals rebuilding their credit. | |
Residency: Available to domestic resident customers. | This card is available only to domestic residents, so ensure you meet the residency requirement. |
Document Type | Required Documents | Additional Information |
- PAN Card | ||
- Aadhaar Card | ||
- Passport | ||
- Voter ID | ||
- Driving License | ||
Proof of Address | - Aadhaar Card | Used to verify the applicant’s residence. |
- Passport | ||
- Driving License | ||
- Utility Bills (Electricity, Telephone, Water) not older than 3 months | Recent bills are required for proof of residence. | |
- Ration Card | ||
- Property Registration Document | ||
Proof of Income | - Latest Salary Slips (last 1-2 months) | To confirm income stability. |
- Income Tax Returns (ITR) | ||
- Form 16 | ||
Bank Statements (last 3 months) | ||
Additional Documents | - Passport-sized Photograph | Needed for identity verification. |
- Copy of PAN Card | Required for both identity and tax purposes | |
For Secured SIB One Co-Branded Credit Card | - No additional documents are required for pre-approved customers. The application is digital and based on a fixed deposit. | Application is done through SIB Mirror+ app for existing customers with a pre-approved fixed deposit. |
Online Application Process
Step 3: Choose a Card
You have to choose the available credit cards and select the one that suits you
Offline Application Process
Step 6: Make sure to obtain an acknowledgment receipt for your application.
South Indian Bank offers dedicated customer care support for its credit cardholders, ensuring assistance is readily available for various queries and concerns. Below are the key contact details:
General Customer Care:
These channels are available 24/7 to address general inquiries, report lost or stolen cards, and provide support for credit card-related issues.
NRI Customer Support:
Non-Resident Indian customers can reach out to these numbers for specialized assistance.
SIB One Co-Branded Credit Card Support:
For issues or queries specific to the SIB One Co-Branded Credit Card, customers can contact the above helpline or email.
Reporting Fraud or Unauthorized Transactions:
Phone: 0487-2421297
If you suspect any fraudulent activity or unauthorized transactions on your credit card, promptly report them using the provided contact details.
For further information or to access additional services, you can visit the South Indian Bank Customer Care Centre.
A variety of credit cards from South Indian Bank are available to meet the demands of different types of customers by combining rewards, convenience, and special perks. The SimplySAVE and Platinum credit cards, which are co-branded by the bank and SBI Cards, provide enticing benefits like fuel fee waivers, welcome bonuses, and reward points for regular purchases.
For instance, the SimplySAVE SBI Card provides 10 reward points per ₹100 spent on dining, movies, departmental stores, and groceries, along with a welcome offer of 2,000 reward points upon spending ₹2,000 in the first 60 days.
Q. Minimum CIBIL score for a South Indian Bank credit card?
Although the precise minimum CIBIL score may differ based on the particular card and internal SIB policies, a score of 750 or higher is generally regarded as good and will greatly increase your chances of being approved.
Q. Annual charges for a South Indian Bank credit card?
The annual fee varies based on the credit card type. For precise information, consult the SIB website's individual card details or speak with a bank representative.
Q. How to Apply for a South Indian Bank Credit Card Online?
Go to www.southindianbank.com, the bank's official website, to apply for a credit card online. Proceed to the "Credit Cards" area, pick the appropriate card, and press "Apply Now." After entering your personal, contact, work, and financial information, submit the required files (such as evidence of identity, proof of address, and proof of income). Once your information has been reviewed, submit the application. You will be given an application reference number to monitor the progress of your application after it has been submitted.
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LoansJagat Team
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