SBI Card Unnati Credit Card Review
The SBI Card Unnati is a starter card issued against a fixed deposit with State Bank of India. Because it is secured, it is one of the easiest ways to get a first credit card and start a credit history.
It is free for the first four years and pays a simple ₹500 cashback each year you spend ₹50,000.
- No fee for the first four years
- Easy approval as it is backed by an SBI fixed deposit
- ₹500 cashback each year on ₹50,000 spend
- Builds a credit history
- Fuel waiver up to ₹100 a month
- ₹499 annual fee from year five
- Low reward rate (about 0.25%)
- Credit limit tied to your FD
- Rent earns nothing since 1 April 2024
- Points expire after 24 months
Fees and charges
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | Nil for the first 4 years; ₹499 + GST from year 5 |
| Fuel surcharge waiver | 1% on ₹500–₹3,000, up to ₹100 a month |
| Security | Fixed deposit with SBI (check the minimum at your branch) |
Rewards: how the card earns
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Earn | 1 reward point per ₹100 |
| Value | 2,000 points = ₹500 (₹0.25 a point); minimum 2,000 to redeem |
| Annual milestone | ₹500 cashback on ₹50,000 annual spend |
| Validity | 24 months |
What earns nothing
Cash withdrawals, balance transfers, Encash, Flexipay, fuel and rent (since 1 April 2024) earn no points.
Other benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Credit building | Regular, on-time payments are reported to credit bureaus |
| Fuel | 1% surcharge waiver on ₹500–₹3,000, up to ₹100 a month |
| Apply via | State Bank of India branch |
Eligibility
Issuer
SBI Card
Security
Fixed deposit with State Bank of India
Apply via
SBI branch
Best for
First-time users and those rebuilding credit
Who this card is for
- Good fit: first-time borrowers, students and anyone with little or no credit history who has an SBI account.
- Skip if: you already qualify for an unsecured card — you will get far better rewards elsewhere.
Alternatives worth comparing
Final verdict
A good first step into credit: free for four years, easy to get against an FD and with a useful ₹500 annual cashback for light spenders. Use it to build your score, then move to a rewards card.
Frequently asked questions
Is the SBI Unnati card free?
Yes for the first four years. From year five the fee is ₹499 + GST.
Do I need a fixed deposit?
Yes. The card is issued against a fixed deposit with State Bank of India; ask your branch about the minimum amount.
How much is a reward point worth?
₹0.25 (2,000 points = ₹500).
Is there a cashback?
₹500 cashback each year you spend ₹50,000.
Does it help build a credit score?
Yes, if you pay on time. Card activity is reported to credit bureaus.
Last verified: October 2026, against SBI Card’s Unnati brochure and card T&C. Card terms change often; confirm the current fees and reward rules on the issuer’s website before you apply. All fees are plus 18% GST.