Credit Card Changes from April 1, 2025: What SBI and IDFC FIRST Bank Users Need to Know

Credit Card Changes from April 1, 2025: Starting April 1, 2025, SBI and IDFC FIRST Bank are set to implement new changes to their credit card policies. These updates could affect fees, reward points, and transaction terms, making it crucial for cardholders to stay informed.

This blog covers the key changes and how they impact SBI and IDFC FIRST Bank credit card users.

Key Changes in Credit Cards from April 1, 2025

🔹 1. Changes in Reward Points Redemption

Both SBI and IDFC FIRST Bank are introducing modifications in their rewards program, affecting how users redeem and accumulate points.

✔️ Some categories may earn fewer points, while others may see higher reward rates.
✔️ SBI may limit the redemption options for specific cards.
✔️ IDFC FIRST Bank is expected to introduce new redemption partners.

How It Affects You: If you rely on reward points for discounts and cashback, review the updated terms to maximize your benefits.

🔹 2. Revised Fees & Charges

💳 Annual Fees & Maintenance Charges
✔️ Some SBI & IDFC FIRST credit cards may see an increase in annual fees.
✔️ SBI might remove the fee waiver condition for certain cards.
✔️ IDFC FIRST could introduce a higher renewal fee for premium cards.

💸 Foreign Transaction Charges
✔️ SBI credit cards will reportedly revise forex markup fees, making international transactions more expensive.
✔️ IDFC FIRST Bank may introduce a new fee structure for non-Indian currency transactions.

How It Affects You: If you frequently use your card abroad, compare the new fees with forex-friendly credit cards.

🔹 3. EMI Transactions & Interest Rate Updates

✔️ SBI & IDFC FIRST Bank may increase interest rates on EMI transactions.
✔️ SBI could change minimum spending limits for converting purchases into EMIs.
✔️ IDFC FIRST may introduce a processing fee on EMI-based transactions.

How It Affects You: If you often convert purchases into EMIs, check whether your monthly payments will increase.

🔹 4. Revised Cashback & Discounts

✔️ SBI may reduce cashback on popular spending categories like dining, fuel, and travel.
✔️ IDFC FIRST Bank might cap discounts on specific merchants.

How It Affects You: If you rely on cashback offers, review the updated policy to avoid missing out on savings.

What Should SBI & IDFC FIRST Cardholders Do?

✅ 1. Check the Official Notification – Review emails, SMS alerts, or bank websites for exact changes.
✅ 2. Compare Credit Cards – If the new fees or policies are unfavorable, explore other credit card options.
✅ 3. Redeem Reward Points – If your bank is reducing point value, redeem them before April 1, 2025.
✅ 4. Consider Forex-Friendly Cards – If you travel abroad frequently, look for low-forex markup cards.

Conclusion

The milestone benefits on Club Vistara IDFC First bank card will not be available from April 1. However, customers using this card will continue to earn Maharaja Points until March 31, 2026.

IDFC First Bank credit cards will discontinue offering Club Vistara Silver Memberships, and complementary vouchers such as one premium economy ticket and one-class upgrade voucher. Further, milestone vouchers for premium economy tickets will not be available in the new financial year. However, customers will be able to use the Maharaja Points till March 31, 2026.

Club Vistara SBI Card will also stop offering an economy ticket voucher, and milestone benefits on annual spends above ₹1.25 lakh, ₹2.5 lakh and ₹5 lakh Further, Club Vistara SBI Prime Card will no longer offer premium economy ticket voucher.

The April 1, 2025 credit card policy changes by SBI and IDFC FIRST Bank will impact reward points, fees, EMI structures, and discounts. Cardholders should stay informed, redeem points, and explore alternatives to get the best financial benefits.

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