what is sbi travel card

• *Issuance charge for Gift card waived up to 31.03.2018, However image based gift cards issued through INB are chargeable @ Rs 105+GST.
• Dear Customer, To improve security login facility has been changed and your earlier card-number based User ID is no longer valid. Kindly generate User ID of your choice by using 'Register now' facility to avail online Prepaid Card services of SBI.
• Please contact your branch to get your PAN no. updated for your prepaid cards to continue loading/top-up of prepaid cards.
• & **Nil load/reload charges are applicable through CINB/INB.

Dear Customer, Please go through this advisory to use your Prepaid Card in a secured manner.

• State Bank Foreign Travel Card (SBFTC) can now be reloaded through Personal Internet banking site https://onlinesbi.com using navigation>> Login on net banking site and go to e-Services>> e-Cards.
• EZ-PAY/IMPREST/SMART PAYOUT/XPRESS MONEY CARDS are enabled for cash withdrawls from NON SBI ATMs Charges Rs.20/- for each cash withdrawls and
• Rs 9/- for Balance enquiry
• Gift Card Issuance Charges waived till 31.03.2018

Achiever Card

An ideal corporate product for making periodical payments of non-cash nature like incentives etc. to thier employees

Foreign Travel Card

The Smartest Way Of Carrying Money Abroad

Gift Unlimited Choices to Your Loved Ones

An ideal corporate product for making periodical payments of non-cash nature like incentives etc,to their employees

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Currency of Issue

Maximum amount of load.

Rs. 2,00,000/-

Validity of the Card

Minimum amount of issue/load.

Rs. 100/- and thereafter in multiples of Re. 1/-

Eligibility Criteria

To Corporates for giving incentives to their employees/agents etc

Re-loadable; however the balance in the Card should not exceed Rs. 2,00,000/- at any point of time.

Daily Usage

i) Usable at Point of Sale terminal at Merchant Locations in India and for e-commerce (i.e. for on line transactions).

ii) No cash withdrawal at ATMs.

Maximum number of Cards /Account

One card per employee , but in case of state bank staff no such limitiation is there

Operatable by 4 digit PIN at ATMs and by PIN/Signature at Merchant Establishments.

Daily Transaction Limit

No cash withdrawal at ATMs. Maximum up to balance in the card for PoS and E-comm. transactions

For Topup through RINB

Reloadable at Branch and through INB

Balance enquiry

Free at SBI ATMs or online at https://prepaid.sbi and at a charge of Rs 9/- at other bank ATMs.

State Bank Smart Payout Card is a prepaid Card issued in Indian Rupees in association with VISA. It is an ideal product for making periodical payments like salary, wages, commission, etc and also can be issued as an add-on Card for the existing account holders.

Rs. 100/- and thereafter in multiples of Re. 1

i) FOR CORPORATES: Employees/Workers/Contract labourers' of Corporate/MCG/SME customers etc.

ii) FOR INDIVIDUALS: To all KYC compliant primary account holders for ultimate use by beneficiaries (dependents).

Maximum load at any point of time cannot exceed Rs.10000/-.Re-loadable with a load/reload limit of Rs. 10,000/- with monthly ceiling of Rs.25, 000/- ( Maximum limit up to Rs.10000/- per transaction and Rs.25000/- per month)

i) At Point of Sale (POS) in Merchant Establishments

ii) At any merchant site accepting VISA Cards for e-Commerce txns

i) For Individuals: Maximum 3 Cards per account for fully KYC complied account.(excluding current account)

ii) For Corporate: No limit(subject to one card per person)

ii) FOR CORPORATES: The Cards .will be loaded/ reloaded only by debit to the accounts, maintained by such Corporate with the Bank.

Maximum up to the balance in the card.

Presenting Gifts to your loved ones during festive season or on special occasions is an integral and unique culture in India. Traditionally, gifts have been given in the form of cash or kind.

Rs 10,000/-

Non reloadable Card

Rs. 500/- and in multiples of Rs. 1/- thereafter.

Any State Bank customer. The following documents required for purchasing a Gift Card:- i) Application containing beneficiaries and other details.

The card expires when balance is exhausted or at the end of 3 year whichever occurs first, expiry date is written on the card.

i) Usable at Point of Sale terminal at Merchant Locations in India and for e-commerce (i.e. for on line transactions). ii) No cash withdrawal at ATMs.

A user can request up to 10 gift cards in a month for an account and at any point of time maximum 10 cards can be active.

The gift card can be topped up for only once at Branch or through INB

State Bank Foreign Travel Card is a prepaid Foreign Currency Card which travellers going abroad are guaranteed to find useful. It is a Chip based Card which stores encrypted and confidential information. It offers you a convenient and secure way to carry cash anywhere in the world (valid worldwide except in India, Nepal and Bhutan).

3 cards / account(including two top up cards)

As prescribed by the RBI/FEMA from time to time for the purpose of the visit abroad

USD 200/ GBP 120/ Euros 150/ CAD 200/ AUD 200 / JPY 15,800 / SAR 750 / SGD 250 / AED 750.

Withdrawals are subject to the daily transaction limits set by the ATM acquirer banks and depending on the note dispensing capacity of the machine. This may also vary during peak tourist season.

This service is presently available.

Maximum daily limit of transactions:. ATM :US$ 3000 or equivalent POS:US$ 5000 or equivalent ECOM:US$ 5000 or equivalent

SBFTC is available in nine Foreign Currencies viz. US Dollars (USD), Pound Sterling (GBP), Euro (EUR), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Australian Dollar (AUD), Japanese Yen (JPY), Saudi Riyal (SAR), Singapore Dollar (SGD) and United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED).

1. Any bonafide citizen of India who plans to travel abroad (except to Nepal & Bhutan) Corporate who sends their employees abroad for official purpose subject to completion of KYC norms 2. Parents /sponsors of the students going abroad for higher studies, in the student’s name and can be subsequently reloaded up to the statutory ceiling prescribed from time to time. 3. Foreign national residing in India subject to completion of KYC norms.

if the money loaded on the card gets exhausted during your stay abroad or for your next trip abroad. You can recharge the card at the state bank of India branch from where the you had purchased the card or any branch authorized (list available at: https://prepaid.sbi ) to issue foreign travel card (SBFTC) through the authorized representative.

State bank ATMs or online at https://prepaid.sbi

The State Bank eZ-Pay card, a prepaid card issued in Indian Rupees in association with VISA international, is an ideal product for making periodical payments like Salary, Wages, Commission, Scholarship, Old age pension, other Social benefits etc. Payment of salaries to employees, who are located at different places, is generally a difficult proposition for employers as a single banking arrangement cannot be made for all employees.

Rs 2,00,000/- (Maximum Amount that can be loaded by paying Cash is limited to Rs.50,000/- per month)

One card per beneficiary

Minimum reload Rs.100 per reload

No Maximum stipulation but at any point of time card balance should not exceed Rs. 2,00,000/-

i) Cash withdrawal at any SBI ATMs (free of charge) and at charge of Rs 20/- at other Bank’s ATM..

ii) At Point of Sale (PoS) in Merchant Establishments and for e-Com transaction

i) Minimum Cash withdrawal from State Bank ATMs - Rs.100 per withdrawal

ii) Maximum Cash withdrawal from State Bank ATMs Rs.40,000 per day. Point of Sales and e- comm Transactions- maximium up to the balance available in the card..

i) Application

ii) Proof of Identity such as passport,

iii) Proof of Residence such as

Pass port, driving license etc. . Form -J in case of corporate

iv) Note that you need not be an SBI account holder for purchasing State Bank eZ-Pay card.

i) The eZ Pay Card is a re-loadable card and can be re-loaded any number of times. Periodical allowances like TA, Conveyance, Bonus and reimbursement of miscellaneous expenses which are regular in nature, can also be credited into these Cards

Variant of eZ Pay Card being issued as co-branded card with railways for their imprest needs.

Rs. 2,00,000/- (Maximum Amount that can be loaded by paying Cash is limited to Rs.50,000/- per month)

Railway employees

i) Minimum reload Rs.100 per load there after multiple of Rs 1/-

ii) No Maximum stipulation but at any point of time card balance should not exceed Rs. 2,00,000/-

i) Minimum reload Rs.100 per reload

i) Cash withdrawal at any SBI ATMs (free of charge) and at charge of Rs 20/- at other Bank’s ATM.

One card/ account

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SBI Card Miles Elite

SBI Card has recently launched three credit cards specifically designed for the travel category. These credit cards, known as “Miles” credit cards, offer generous rewards on travel-related purchases. Travel Credits earned with these cards can be redeemed for various travel-related expenses, such as Airmiles, Hotel Points, and even travel bookings. Out of the three SBI Miles Cards, the Miles Elite Credit Card is the most premium option and is available at a joining fee of Rs. 4,999. Although the fee may seem high, the card offers a joining bonus of 5,000 Travel Credit upon spending Rs. 1 lakh within 60 days of card issuance. These Travel Credits can be redeemed up to a ratio of 1:1 against partner airlines and hotels.

With the Miles Elite Credit Card, you can enjoy up to 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits across airports in India. Furthermore, this card offers many benefits for international travelers, such as a low forex charge of 1.99%, Priority Pass membership, and worldwide international lounge access. Since this is a travel-centric card, it also offers many useful insurances, such as Air Accident Cover and Loss of Baggage. Keep reading to learn about all the features of this card.

Joining Fee

Renewal fee, best suited for, reward type.

Reward Points |

Welcome Benefits

Movie & dining, rewards rate.

6 Travel Credits for Every ₹200 Spent on Travel. 2 Travel Credits/₹200 Spent on All Other Purchases

Reward Redemption

Travel Credits Can be Converted into Air Miles/Hotel Points, Travel Bookings or Redeemed for Catalogue Products

Complimentary Priority Pass Membership

Domestic Lounge Access

8 Visits Each Year (Maximum 2 Per Quarter)

International Lounge Access

6 Free Visits Each Year (Maximum 2 Per Quarter)

Insurance Benefits

Travel Insurance is Provided (Flight Cancellations, Lost Baggage, Air Accident Cover, etc)

Zero Liability Protection

Cardholder Will Not Be Liable for Any Fraudulent Transaction if the Card is Reported Lost or Stolen to the Bank in a Timely Manner

Spend Based Waiver

Annual Fee is Reversed on Spending ₹15 Lakh in a Year

Rewards Redemption Fee

Foreign currency markup, interest rates.

3.50% Per Month (42% Per Annum)

Fuel Surcharge

1% Waiver (Maximum of ₹500 Per Month)

Cash Advance Charges

2.5% or ₹500 (Whichever is Higher)

Add-on Card Fee

• Earn 6 Travel Credits for every ₹200 spent on travel.
• Earn 2 Travel Credits for every ₹200 spent on other eligible purchases.
• 5,000 Travel Credits as a joining benefit on spending Rs. 1 lakh within the first 60 days of card issuance.
• Free Priority Pass membership is offered.
• The SBI Card Miles Elite comes with travel insurance.
• For Travel Credit redemption there are many popular airlines and hotel partners. This card also offers a good conversion ratio.
• Although this card offers many benefits for travelers, the reward-earning rate is quite inadequate. With this card, you can earn only 6 Travel Credits on each spend of ₹200.
• Many other cards offer more accelerated rewards.
• There are no additional benefits for movies or dining.

Welcome Gift

A joining bonus of 5,000 Travel Credits is offered with this card upon spending ₹1 lakh within 60 days of card issuance. As a welcome benefit, these bonus Travel Credits are extremely useful since they can be redeemed for up to ₹5,000 towards any stay or travel bookings. Once you have reached the spend threshold you shall receive these bonus Travel Credits within 15 days.

Miles Reward Program

The SBI Card Miles Elite has a simple and straightway reward program. With this card, you can earn 6 Travel Credits for every ₹200 spent on travel. All other purchases shall be awarded 2 Travel Credits for every ₹200 spent. These Travel Credits are valid for a period of two years.

No Travel Credits shall be earned for transactions on the following-

• E-Wallet Loading
• Rent/Property Management

Where Can I Redeem My Travel Credits?

There is no maximum limit for Travel Credit redemption , but you need to have a minimum of 2,000 Travel Credits for redemption against various options.

Which Airlines/Hotels are available for Travel Credit Conversion?

With the Miles Elite Credit Card, you can convert your Travel Credit against a range of popular airlines mentioned below.

Given below are the partner hotels through which Travel Credits can be redeemed.

Please note that requests for transferring your travel credits will take up to 21 days to be processed. It is important to keep in mind that any points transfers are final and cannot be refunded or reversed. Once the transfer has been made, your points will be subject to the terms and conditions of the travel loyalty program you have chosen.

Spend Based Benefits

Both the primary cardholder and a guest can avail of additional domestic airport lounge visits, capped at 15 visits per membership year based on spend milestones. Additional lounge visits can be redeemed here .

Free Domestic Airport Lounge Access

You are eligible to receive 8 free visits to domestic airport lounges every year, with a maximum of 2 visits allowed per quarter. Additional free domestic lounge visits can also be gained by achieving milestone spends. On spending ₹1 lakh customers shall be eligible for one free domestic lounge visit. The maximum limit for additional visits is set at 15. The list of airport lounges available with the SBI Miles Elite Rupay Credit Card is available here .

International Travel Benefits

The SBI Card Miles Elite has many attractive features, but one of the most beneficial is its international travel benefits. This card offers six complimentary international lounge visits each year, as well as a reduced foreign currency charge of 1.99% . Additionally, the card includes a complimentary Priority Pass membership worth $99, which provides access to over 1,000 international lounges. One of the unique conditions for the Priority Pass program is that it is applicable only to the primary card for a period of two years from card issuance after that it won’t be valid. All international lounge visits after the exhaustion of free visits shall be chargeable $27 + applicable taxes with the Priority Pass.

SBI Miles Elite on RuPay

The SBI Miles Elite Credit Card is also available on the RuPay network. This offers an edge above many other travel category credit cards as this card can be easily linked to UPI for making easy payments.

Insurance Cover

While traveling it’s good to have insurance which shall cover your expenses in any unforeseen circumstance. Flight cancellation cover offered with this card is extremely useful during any sickness, death, natural calamities, or any other unforeseeable circumstances. This is a premium cover usually offered with credit cards with a high joining charge. With the SBI Card Miles Elite you can stay free from any worries as it offers the following travel insurance.

Review of SBI Card Miles Elite

The SBI Card Miles Elite offers an array of travel benefits, including a generous welcome bonus, lounge access (both domestic and international), complimentary Priority Pass, and comprehensive travel insurance coverage. However, its rewards rate may feel lacking compared to some competitors. For example, the Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card is available at the same joining fee and offers a far more generous reward rate. Even the conversion ratio is quite good with the Atlas Card but the Miles Elite Card has far more partners available. 

Overall, it’s a good choice for frequent travelers who prioritize lounge access and insurance protection. This card has been designed especially for those who frequently travel. By being on the RuPay network, this card can be easily linked to UPI applications in addition to offering accelerated rewards on travel. Share your views on this card in the comments below.

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Contact Us - General Enquiries

Contact card services....

Please note that, for security reasons, whenever you contact Card Services, you must NOT include your full 16-digit State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card number in any written correspondence. The Card number should always be supplied by providing the first six and last four digits only, for example 1234 56xx xxxx 0123.

If you have a general query, or want to pass on any comments about using your State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card, please get in touch at [email protected]

In the interest of security, the following subjects cannot be discussed by email or fax. Please phone the 24 hour Card Services team, who will be able to assist you in relation to the following:

• lost/stolen/damaged Cards
• queries regarding transactions on your State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card or balance enquiries
• PIN assistance
• guidance on registering your State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card online
• help with forgotten usernames and/or passwords for “My Account”

†† Please remember to add the international prefix of the country you are in at the beginning of this number (in most cases this is 00, for example 0044 207 649 9404). Calls to this number are not free of charge. † There may be a charge for calls to these numbers, if phoning from a hotel or mobile phone.

FTC Helpdesk, State Bank of India, 1st Floor, Global IT Centre, Sector -11, C.B.D Belapur, Navi Mumbai - 400614, India.

Complaints Procedure

We are committed to providing you with the best possible customer experience. Telling us when you are unhappy is important as it means we have an opportunity to put things right there and then and improve the service we offer in future.

This page tells you how and where to make a complaint and what we will do to resolve it promptly and fairly.

Raise a new complaint In the first instance please contact our Card Services Team by telephone, via the number(s) provided in the User Guide supplied with the Card. This team will try to resolve your concerns over the phone in a timely manner.

Alternatively, you can e-mail your complaint to [email protected] or put it in writing to the following address:

Card Services Access Prepaid Worldwide Ltd

Access House Cygnet Road Hampton Peterborough PE7 8FJ United Kingdom

Service Quality

We are happy to receive and respond to complaints in other languages, and will arrange for a translation service to assist where available. Where possible, we will make information on our complaints process available in other languages.

What information do I need to provide?

To help us resolve your issues as quickly as possible when you contact us, please provide us with as much relevant information as possible, including:

• Your card number (If you write to us for security reasons please do not include your full card number. The card number should always be supplied by providing the first six and last four digits only, as follows 123456******7890. )
• Your address
• Your contact telephone number
• Clear details of your complaint
• What you would like us to do to resolve matters.

Internal Complaints Procedure When we receive a complaint, we aim to resolve your issues fairly and promptly. Where possible we will endeavour to resolve your issues as soon as reasonably possible. If we need more time to investigate your complaint, we will send you an acknowledgement letter and we will keep you updated on our progress throughout our investigation.

If we have not been able to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction once we have sent our final decision, or you would prefer independent advice, you may be entitled to refer your complaint to a local ombudsman service for investigation. Please see your terms and conditions for further information.

Disputed Transactions

It is recommended that you check your transaction history and Card balance at least once a fortnight. You can do this online, once you have registered your Card on ‘My Account’.

If you have a query about a transaction on your State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card, please call the 24 hour Card Services team immediately (and in any event within thirty (30) days of the transaction debit date). They will be happy to check your Card and confirm the transaction details for you.

If there is a transaction which is not correct, our Card Services team can dispute this on your behalf. You will need to complete a dispute form and send it to [email protected]. You will need the latest version of the free Adobe Acrobat reader to view this form. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat reader installed on your computer, please click here to download it.

Download the dispute form  

Please help Card Services to assist you by providing as much information as you can. You will receive a response within ten (10) working days of receipt of your query.

For a PIN reminder, to check your balance, or for any questions about your State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card, you can call Card Services at any time.

You can also log on to ' My Account ' if you wish to:

• Check your balance(s)
• View your transaction history
• Edit your personal details
• Suspend/unsuspend card
• help with forgotten usernames and/or passwords for 'My Account'

Lost, Stolen or Damaged Cards

If your State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card is lost, stolen or damaged, reporting this to Card Services immediately, so they can cancel the Card, will help protect the funds on the Card.

The dedicated Card Services team is on hand to help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If your Card goes missing, call Card Services straightaway and they will cancel it, in order to help protect your funds (subject to full compliance with the terms and conditions). The Card Services team can then make appropriate arrangements to minimise the impact on your trip, including emergency cash replacement up to the available balance on your Card (subject to availability in the relevant location).

If you notice any transactions on your State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card that are incorrect or that you don’t recognise, please call the 24 hour Card Services helpline immediately. In addition, if you believe your PIN(s) or any other security information may have been compromised, please call Card Services.

Additional Card

In case you lose your State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card and you have purchased an additional Card, linked to the same funds, you can still access your funds using the other Card, without having to wait for a replacement Card. Please be aware that you must still call Card Services immediately, so that they can block the lost, stolen or damaged Card.

If both your State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Cards are lost, stolen or damaged, Card Services can arrange for a replacement Card, and, if necessary, start the procedure for disputing unauthorised transactions. In an emergency situation, they may arrange for funds, up to the available balance on your Card, to be sent to you, via a global money transfer network, free of charge (subject to availability in the relevant location).

If you have any general queries, or want to pass on any comments about using your Card, please get in touch at [email protected], or via fax +44 (0) 208 610 4819.

State Bank Multi-currency Foreign Travel Card is issued by State Bank of India, pursuant to license by Mastercard Asia/Pacific Pte. Ltd. Mastercard is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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Top travel credit cards for your long-awaited summer vacation

Some cards are great for frequent flyers with specific airlines, offering rewards points for bookings and upgrades. consider cards that offer perks such as lounge access, travel insurance.

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7 best credit cards in India for international travel | Check exclusive features and benefits

A re you a frequent traveler and looking for a credit card with exclusive features and benefits on international travel? It’s a good idea to go for a card that offers complimentary domestic and international lounge access, rewards on flight ticket bookings, low forex markup fee and discount on hotel bookings, among other benefits.

You should also remember that banks usually charge higher joining and annual fees on international credit cards, so make sure that you have compared charges of some of the cards based on their exclusive features and your own requirements. Here are top 7 international credit cards in India to facilitate a smooth and hassle-free traveling for you.

Also Read: Top 5 credit cards for airport lounge access in India – Know key features, benefits and annual fees

(Source: paisabazaar.com)

SBI Elite Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs 4,999

Annual Fee: Rs 4,999

SBI Elite Credit Card is a premium credit card that comes with a range of benefits for international travellers.

The premium card offers users 8 complimentary lounge visits at domestic and 6 at international airports in a year.

The card also offers low foreign currency markup fee of 1.99%, as well as complimentary Club Vistara, Trident Privilege and Trident Red Tier memberships.

IDFC First Wealth Credit Card

Joining Fee: Nil

Annual Fee: Nil

IDFC First Wealth Credit Card is a lifetime free credit card. This card is bundled with bnefits like low forex markup fee of 1.5%, travel insurance and air accident cover, 16 complimentary visits to domestic and international airport lounges in a year and interest-free cash withdrawal anywhere globally. The premium card also offers discounts on airport fast-track immigration service at over 450 destinations globally.

HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs 2,500

Annual Fee: Rs 2,500

Note: If the spending is over Rs 3 lakh on this card in the previous year, annual fee gets waived.

HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card offers many benefits on travel and lifestyle categories. The premium card

offers low foreign exchange markup fee of 2% and 12 complimentary visits to lounges at 1,000+ domestic and international airports every year. The cardholder also gets complimentary annual memberships of Dineout Passport, Amazon Prime, MMT BLACK, and Times Prime if spending crosses certain threshold within the first 90 days. On this card, users can get up to 10X rewards on flight and hotel ticket bookings via Smartbuy.

RBL World Safari Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs 3,000

Annual Fee: Rs 3,000

RBL World Safari Credit Card has a 0% forex markup fee. Among other features are five ‘Travel Points’ on spending of every Rs 100 on travel expenditure and two ‘Travel Points’ on Rs 100 spent on all other transactions. The card also offers 8 complimentary lounge visits in a year at major domestic airports in India, besides 8 complimentary international lounge visits via Priority Pass Membership.

AU Bank Zenith+ Credit Card

Note: The annual fee is waived, if spending crosses Rs 8 lakh in the previous year.

AU Zenith+ Credit Card offers some premium benefits including luxury brand vouchers, exclusive hotel membership, higher rewards and low forex markup fee of 0.99%. On this card, users get two reward points for every Rs 100 spent on travel, dining, and international spendings; and one reward point per Rs 100 spent on merchant categories at retail outlets. There are 16 complimentary international airport lounge access on this card every year through Priority Pass membership. It also offers 16 complimentary lounge access at domestic airports every year.

InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card

Note: This annual fee is waived if the card spending crosses Rs 3 lakh in the preceding year.

InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card offers InterMiles on every transaction. InterMiles can be redeemed later at the time of future bookings. The card offers complimentary InterMiles Silver Membership and 8,000 InterMiles at the time of joining. One gets complimentary ‘Priority Pass’ membership that allows 5 free visits to international airport lounges in a year. The card also gives 16 free domestic lounge visits under Visa Lounge Access Programme in a year.

Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs 350

Annual Fee: Rs 350

Note: The annual fee is waived on spending of Rs 50,000 in the preceding year.

As the name suggests, Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card is a co-branded credit card. It offers users benefits when they do bookings via EaseMyTrip. They can also earn benefits on other transactions. This card offers

for complimentary lounge visits in a year at domestic airports and two international lounge visits through ‘Priority Pass’ membership.

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Get 20% Bonus Flying Returns points on converting SBI Co-brand card points

Campaign Period (13 th  May – 31 st  May, 2024)

Convert SBI Co-brand reward points into Flying Returns points during the promotion period & earn extra 20% points on conversion.

How to convert:

• Call SBI customer care number on 1860 180 1290 or 39020202 (prefix local STD Code) & verify the personal details.
• Request for conversion of SBI Co-brand reward points to Flying Returns points.
• Points will be visible in the recent activity section of your Flying Returns account.

Terms & Conditions:

• Offer Period: 13 th May 2024 00:00 Hrs – 31 st May 23:59 Hrs.
• Earn 20% bonus points when you convert your SBI Reward points to Flying Returns points.
• You can redeem Flying Returns points for free flight tickets and cabin upgrades on Air India
• This offer is only valid for SBI Reward points earned on Air India – SBI co-brand cards (Signature & Platinum Cards only).
• The cardholder requires a minimum of 10,000 Reward Points to convert to Air India Flying Returns points, for an Air India SBI Signature Card and 5,000 Reward Points in case of an Air India Platinum Card. Air Mile redemption must be in multiples of 5,000.
• Reward Points transferred from SBI Card to Air India are valid for 24 months only and will lapse on the last date of the 24th month.
• Usual points will be credited in 7 days. The bonus 20% points will be credited on or before 15 th June 2024 in member’s Flying Return’s account.
• The offer cannot be combined with any existing offer of Air India.
• All disputes, if any, arising out of or in connection with or because of above offer, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts/tribunals in New Delhi, India only.
• Air India have the right to change or discontinue the offer at any time during the offer period.
• The decision of Air India will be final and binding and any correspondence in this regard will not be entertained.
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Hotel credit cards in India that offer maximum benefits — which one has the lowest annual fee

With summer vacation finally here, many must be planning their long-awaited getaways. With travel expenses rising, having a hotel credit card can prove to be an invaluable asset. Not only does it offer convenience in booking accommodations, but it often comes with perks such as discounted rates, complimentary upgrades, and rewards points that can be redeemed for future stays or other travel-related expenses.

Hotel credit cards: Hotel benefits on credit cards may come as complimentary memberships to premium hotel loyalty programmes, accelerated value-back on booking hotel stays, etc. Such benefits are generally available on premium credit cards, which charge a high annual fee and come with stringent eligibility requirements, said Rohit Chhibbar, Head of Credit Card s Business, Paisabazaar.

There are only a few premium credit cards that primarily focus on hotel benefits; others would come with all-rounder benefits. Consumers who are not eligible for premium cards can consider applying for co-branded travel credit cards like Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Card or Yatra SBI Card. These low fee cards can also help in saving on hotel bookings in the form of reward points, cashback or direct discount, Chhibbar told CNBC-TV18.com.

Here we are sharing premium credit cards that are offering maximum benefit across leading hotel chains like Marriott, Taj, IHG, Trident, etc (all compiled by Paisabazaar):

Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card: This card comes with ₹3,000 annual fees and offers free night award (up to the value of 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points), complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status, 10 Elite Night Credits, one free night award on spending ₹6 lakh in an anniversary year, among others.

SBI Card Elite: This credit card comes with ₹4,999 annual fees and offers complimentary Trident Privilege Red Tier membership, two rewards per ₹100 spent on international spends, complimentary Club Vistara membership with one upgrade voucher and nine CV points on every ₹100 spent on Vistara Flights.

HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card: Ideal for international travelers and those seeking substantial rewards, the HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card comes with a host of benefits, including memberships to premium services, reward points across spends, and comprehensive insurance coverage. It comes with an annual fee of ₹10,000 excluding taxes.

HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition: Touted as one of the top-tier super-premium cards, the HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition offers a suite of advantages including free Priority Pass membership, unlimited lounge access worldwide, and exclusive benefits on travel and dining. The card also provides rewards for retail spending, making it an ideal choice for those seeking rewards, lounge access, and air miles. It comes with an annual fee of ₹12,500.

American Express Platinum Credit Card: This card comes with an annual fees of ₹60,000 and offers complimentary benefits worth ₹37,000 at iconic 5-star properties that include guaranteed 4 pm late check-out, room upgrades at check-in when available, daily breakfast for two, WiFi, etc. Complimentary Elite Tier memberships such as Taj Reimagined Epicure, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status, Hilton Honors Gold Status, Radisson Reward Premium Status and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards are also available.

ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card: This credit card comes with annual fees of ₹12,499 and offers Taj Epicure membership with 25% off on F&B, 20% off on Qmin App orders, hotel spa & salon usage and a one-time use voucher for 20% off on room/suites at select hotels, Taj Palaces & Safaris (max. 5 nights) on card activation.

Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card: This comes with an annual fees of ₹50,000 and offers complimentary memberships to ITC Culinaire, Accorplus, Club Marriott Asia Pacific, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Postcard Hotels covering discounts on room rates, convenient check-ins and check-outs, free night stays, eight free VIP assistance services covering airport check-in, security check, immigration processes and porter services.

The 2025 Real ID deadline for new licenses is really real this time, DHS says

If you plan on flying around the country in 2025 and beyond, you might want to listen up.

You have about 365 days to make your state-issued driver’s license or identification “Real ID” compliant, per the Department of Homeland Security.  

The Real ID compliance is part of a larger act passed by Congress in 2005 to set “minimum security standards” for the distribution of identification materials, including driver’s licenses. This means that certain federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration or DHS, won’t be able to accept state-issued forms of identification without the Real ID seal.

It's taken a while for the compliance to stick, with DHS originally giving a 2020 deadline before pushing it back a year, then another two years and another two years after that due to “backlogged transactions” at MVD offices nationwide, according to previous USA TODAY reports.

You won’t be able to board federally regulated commercial aircraft, enter nuclear power plants, or access certain facilities if your identification documents aren’t Real ID compliant by May 7, 2025. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Here’s what we know about Real IDs, including where to get one and why you should think about getting one.

Do I have to get a Real ID?

Not necessarily. 

If you have another form of identification that TSA accepts, there probably isn’t an immediate reason to obtain one, at least for travel purposes. But if you don’t have another form of identification and would like to travel around the country in the near future, you should try to obtain one. 

Here are all the other TSA-approved forms of identification:

◾ State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License

◾ U.S. passport

◾ U.S. passport card

◾ DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

◾ U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

◾ Permanent resident card

◾ Border crossing card

◾ An acceptable photo ID issued by a  federally recognized , Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe

◾ HSPD-12 PIV card

◾ Foreign government-issued passport

◾ Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

◾ Transportation worker identification credential

◾ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

◾ U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

◾ Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

However, federal agencies “may only accept” state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that are Real ID compliant if you are trying to gain access to a federal facility. That includes TSA security checkpoints.

Enhanced driver’s licenses, only issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont, are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards, according to DHS. 

What can I use my Real ID for?

For most people, it's all about boarding flights.

You can only use your Real ID card to obtain access to "nuclear power plants, access certain facilities, or board federally regulated commercial aircrafts," according to DHS.

The cards can't be used to travel across any border, whether that's Canada, Mexico, or any other international destination, according to DHS.

How do I get a Real ID? What does a Real ID look like?

All you have to do to get a Real ID is to make time to head over to your local department of motor vehicles.

Every state is different, so the documents needed to verify your identity will vary. DHS says that at minimum, you will be asked to produce your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of address of principal residence and lawful status.

The only difference between the state-issued forms of identification you have now and the Real ID-compliant card you hope to obtain is a unique marking stamped in the right-hand corner. The mark stamped on your Real ID compliant cards depends on the state.