SBI Credit Card Announces Revised Charges for High-Value Fuel and Transport Payments Effective December 1

SBI Card has announced revised charges for specific high-value fuel and transport payments, set to take effect on December 1, 2026. According to notices published on the SBI Card website and communicated to customers via email, the updated policy introduces a 1% additional charge based on specific spending thresholds and Merchant Category Codes (MCCs).

Key Spending Thresholds and Fee Structures

The revised rules differentiate between fuel purchases and transport payments, applying distinct calculation methods for each category:

• Fuel Payments: A 1% additional charge applies to the entire cumulative fuel expenditure if total spending exceeds Rs 50,000 during a single billing cycle. For instance, spending Rs 60,000 in a billing cycle incurs a fee calculated on the full Rs 60,000 rather than just the amount exceeding the threshold. Spending at or below Rs 50,000 remains exempt from this specific fee.
• Eligible Transport Payments: A 1% additional charge applies to individual transactions that exceed Rs 30,000. Unlike fuel, this threshold is assessed per single transaction rather than combined monthly spending.

Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) Determining Applicability

The implementation of these fees depends on the MCC assigned to each transaction by payment networks:

• Transport MCCs: Includes MCC 4111 (local and suburban commuter passenger transport), MCC 4784 (toll and bridge fees, including certain FASTag payments), and MCC 4131 (bus services).
• Fuel MCCs: Includes MCC 5172, 5541, 5542, and 5983, covering fuel dealers and petrol pumps.

The available information does not explicitly confirm whether railway or airline ticket purchases fall under the new transport fee. SBI Card has noted that payment networks determine MCCs and can modify them without prior notice.

Practical Implications and Verification

These adjustments primarily impact high-volume users, such as fleet operators, businesses with substantial fuel costs, and individuals making large FASTag or transport payments. Cardholders can review their billing-cycle limits, monitor transaction categories, and verify details ahead of the implementation date.

For official clarifications, customers can contact SBI Card via their designated helplines at 1860 180 1290 or 39 02 02 02 (adding local STD codes where necessary).