SBI ATM Card Charges: How Much Are You Really Paying?

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Sun, 03 Nov 2024 16:52:32 IST
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SBI ATM Card Charges: Many State Bank of India (SBI) customers assume their ATM-cum-debit card is free or low-cost after account opening. However, various charges apply to SBI cards depending on the type and usage, and they can add up over time. Knowing about these charges can help you use your card strategically and manage costs better.


Types of SBI Debit Card Charges
  1. Debit Card Issuance Fee: SBI offers a range of debit cards with different issuance fees depending on the card type.


  • Classic/Silver/Global/Contactless: These standard options come with no issuance charge, making them more economical choices for everyday users.
  • Gold Card: The issuance fee is Rs 100 + GST.
  • Platinum Card: For premium users, the Platinum card issuance fee is Rs 300 + GST.
  • Annual Maintenance Charges: One of the main ongoing fees SBI levies is the annual maintenance charge. This fee varies depending on the type of debit card and begins the second year after the account opening.

    • Classic and Silver Cards: These come with an annual charge of Rs 200 + GST.
    • Gold and Combo Cards: More specialised cards like Yuva, Gold, and Combo cards carry a slightly higher maintenance fee of Rs 250 + GST.
    • Platinum and Premium Cards: For those with higher-tier Platinum and Pride/Premium Business cards, annual fees range from Rs 325 to Rs 425 + GST.
  • Replacement Fee for Lost or Damaged Cards: If your card is lost, stolen, or otherwise needs replacing, SBI levies a replacement charge to reissue a new card. This fee is Rs 300 + GST for all types of debit cards, so customers are encouraged to keep their cards secure and minimise the risk of replacement costs.
  • International Transaction Charges: SBI levies fees on ATM and card transactions outside India. Understanding these fees can help travellers manage expenses better while abroad:


    • ATM Balance Enquiries: Simply checking your balance overseas incurs a Rs 25 + GST charge.
    • Cash Withdrawals: Each withdrawal abroad incurs a base charge of Rs 100, plus an additional fee of up to 3.5% on the withdrawal amount, making international cash access costly.
    • Point-of-Sale Purchases: For card swipes at POS terminals or e-commerce purchases, SBI charges a 3% transaction fee on the total transaction amount, plus GST.
  • Other Transaction and Usage Charges: SBI may also charge users for exceeding certain transaction limits or using ATMs excessively outside their network. For instance, SBI allows a limited number of free ATM transactions, after which it levies a fee on each additional transaction.
    • Maximising Value and Minimising Costs

    To keep fees low, cardholders can follow several strategies

    • Choose a Card That Matches Your Usage: If you travel internationally, opting for a global or platinum card with benefits designed for overseas use might be more cost-effective in the long run.
    • Monitor Your Transactions: Staying within the limits of free ATM transactions and avoiding unnecessary balance checks or cash withdrawals abroad can significantly reduce fees.
    • Keep Your Card Secure: Avoid replacement fees by safeguarding your card and storing it securely when not in use.