Introduction
The SBI BPCL Credit Card is a co-branded offering from SBI Card in partnership with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). It's specifically designed for consumers who spend regularly on fuel and want to earn cashback-like rewards on their fuel purchases. The card also comes with added benefits for lifestyle categories, making it suitable for everyday use beyond just petrol transactions.
In this guide, we’ll explore the card’s features, benefits, charges, eligibility criteria, pros, cons, and comparisons with other cards in the same category.
1. Card Overview
The SBI BPCL Credit Card focuses on maximizing savings at BPCL fuel stations. With generous reward points on fuel purchases and moderate returns on select categories like dining and groceries, this card is ideal for budget-conscious users who want to reduce their monthly fuel expenses.
It caters to middle-income individuals and comes with an affordable annual fee of ₹499, which is waived off if the user achieves a certain annual spending threshold.
2. Fees and Charges
Joining and Annual Fee
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Joining Fee: ₹499 + GST
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Annual Renewal Fee: ₹499 + GST (waived if annual spends exceed ₹50,000)
This makes it one of the more accessible co-branded credit cards in India, especially when compared to premium options that charge over ₹1,000 annually.
3. Welcome Benefits
When the cardholder pays the joining fee, they receive 2,000 reward points. These points are equivalent to ₹500 when redeemed against fuel purchases or other partner products, effectively compensating for the joining fee.
The welcome reward is credited within 20 days of the joining fee being paid.
4. Rewards Program
Fuel Spends
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13 reward points for every ₹100 spent at BPCL fuel stations
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This is equivalent to a 3.25% reward rate (since 4 points = ₹1)
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Monthly cap: 1,300 reward points per billing cycle
The maximum effective fuel spend to receive full benefits per month is approximately ₹10,000.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
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1% waiver on fuel surcharge at BPCL stations
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Valid for transactions between ₹500 and ₹4,000
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Maximum waiver per billing cycle: ₹100
Other Categories
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5 reward points per ₹100 spent on:
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Dining
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Grocery purchases
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Movie tickets
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Departmental stores
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This equals a 1.25% reward rate on these categories.
All Other Spends
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1 reward point per ₹100, equal to 0.25% return.
Reward Redemption
Reward points can be redeemed through the SBI Card website or app. The most valuable redemption option is converting points into fuel at select BPCL outlets via the "BPCL Fuel Redemption" system integrated with Pine Labs POS terminals.
Alternatively, points can also be redeemed for gift vouchers or merchandise, although the value may differ.
5. Key Benefits
A. High Fuel Savings
The standout benefit is the 3.25% reward rate at BPCL petrol pumps, which can increase to 4.25% if you include the 1% fuel surcharge waiver. This is among the highest returns for fuel cards in the entry-level category.
B. Additional Lifestyle Rewards
While primarily a fuel card, the SBI BPCL Credit Card offers decent value on lifestyle categories like groceries and dining, making it more versatile than basic fuel-only cards.
C. Renewal Fee Waiver
Spending ₹50,000 in a year isn’t too difficult for most users, making the card effectively free for regular spenders.
6. Drawbacks and Limitations
While the SBI BPCL Card has solid features, it’s important to understand its limitations:
Reward Point Cap
The 1,300-point monthly cap on fuel rewards restricts high spenders from maximizing the card's potential. If your monthly fuel expenses are above ₹10,000, you might want to look at alternatives with higher limits.
Redemption Restrictions
The best redemption value is achieved only when points are used at BPCL outlets with Pine Labs terminals. Not all BPCL stations may have this setup, limiting the convenience for some users.
Low Base Reward Rate
Non-fuel, non-lifestyle spends only earn 1 RP per ₹100, which is just a 0.25% return. So, it’s not ideal for users who have varied spending patterns.
7. SBI BPCL Octane Card – Premium Variant
For users who want greater value and higher limits, SBI also offers a premium version: the BPCL SBI Octane Card.
Features of BPCL Octane Card:
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Annual Fee: ₹1,499 + GST
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Reward Rate: 25 RP per ₹100 on fuel = 6.25% return
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Annual Fee Waiver: On spending ₹2 lakh
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Airport Lounge Access: 4 complimentary domestic visits/year
The Octane variant is suitable for those who spend heavily on fuel or travel frequently.
8. Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the SBI BPCL Credit Card, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Basic Eligibility
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Minimum Age: 21 years
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Employment: Salaried or self-employed with regular income
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Credit Score: 700+ preferred
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Income: Minimum of ₹20,000–₹25,000/month (varies slightly)
Documents such as ID proof, address proof, PAN card, and income documents (payslip or ITR) will be required during the application process.
9. How to Apply
The SBI BPCL Credit Card can be applied for through:
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SBI Card’s official website (www.sbicard.com)
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BPCL official website
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Offline application through SBI branches
Approval is usually quick for users with strong credit profiles. Applicants can also track the status online.
10. Comparison with Similar Cards
| Feature | SBI BPCL Card | IndianOil Axis Card | ICICI HPCL Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹499 | ₹500 | ₹199 |
| Fuel Reward | 3.25% + 1% waiver | Up to 4% | Up to 5% |
| Redemption | BPCL outlets | IOCL outlets | HPCL outlets |
| Lounge Access | No | Yes (Domestic) | No |
| Annual Fee Waiver | ₹50,000 spend | ₹50,000 spend | ₹50,000 spend |
11. Who Should Use This Card
This card is a smart choice for:
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Daily commuters or car owners spending up to ₹10,000/month on fuel
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Middle-income professionals who want a card with fuel benefits and moderate lifestyle rewards
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Users who prefer BPCL petrol pumps in their vicinity
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Individuals looking for an affordable credit card with low annual fees
12. Tips to Maximize the Card
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Use only at BPCL stations (with Pine Labs terminals) to get 4.25% total return
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Spend ₹50,000 annually to waive the renewal fee
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Use for lifestyle categories like groceries and dining to get 1.25% rewards
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Redeem reward points wisely to maximize value (prefer BPCL fuel redemption)
Conclusion
The SBI BPCL Credit Card is a value-for-money option for users who regularly buy fuel and want to earn rewards that help offset rising petrol costs. With a combination of fuel benefits, low annual fees, and added value on daily purchases, it is among the best entry-level fuel cards in India.
If your fuel expenses are moderate and you have BPCL pumps nearby, this card can deliver meaningful savings. For high spenders or those looking for lounge access and higher reward limits, upgrading to the SBI BPCL Octane Card might be the next logical step.
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