New Credit Card Guidelines From April 1 - What SBI, ICICI, IDFC First Customers Need To Know?

Several banks are set to introduce significant changes to their credit card policies starting April 1, 2025. These updates will impact various benefits, including milestone rewards, lounge access, and annual fees.

Here is a detailed breakdown of what's changing -

1. Vistara Co-Branded Credit Cards

With Vistara's merger with Air India, co-branded Vistara credit cards from IDFC First Bank and SBI Cards will see major revisions, impacting reward programs and complimentary travel perks.

Changes for IDFC First Bank Vistara Credit Card Holders:

• Milestone vouchers for premium economy tickets will no longer be issued.

• Cardholders can continue to earn and redeem Maharaja Points until March 31, 2026.
• The co-branded card will be phased out after 2026.

• Club Vistara Silver Membership will no longer be available.

• The free voucher, which included one premium economy ticket and a class upgrade voucher, will be discontinued.

• Customers renewing the card after March 31, 2025, will receive one-year annual fee waiver as compensation for the loss of benefits.

Changes for SBI Vistara Credit Card Holders:

• From April 1, 2025, no more complimentary economy or premium ticket vouchers on renewal.

• The Club Vistara SBI Credit Card will eliminate milestone benefits tied to annual spending limits of Rs 1.25 lakh, Rs 2.5 lakh, and Rs 5 lakh.

• Premium economy ticket vouchers will no longer be available for Club Vistara SBI PRIME Credit Card holders.

• Annual fees revised: Rs 1,499 for the base card and Rs 2,999 for the PRIME card, but a fee waiver will still be offered upon meeting spending criteria.

• Customers who relied on these travel benefits will need to reassess their credit card usage, as many valuable perks will phase out starting April 2025.

2. ICICI Bank Credit Card

ICICI Bank is tightening eligibility for complimentary airport lounge access. Previously, ICICI credit cardholders enjoyed free lounge visits, but from January 1, 2025, new spending conditions apply:

• Cardholders must spend Rs 75,000 in the previous calendar quarter to qualify.

• For example, to access lounges between April - June 2025, you must have spent Rs 75,000 between December 26, 2024 - March 25, 2025.

• This change significantly impacts occasional travellers, who may now need to spend more to retain access to airport lounges.

Not just credit cards, RuPay Debit Select Card is also set to update its guidelines from April 1.

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) would be bringing several premium benefits to make it more competitive with international card networks like Visa and Mastercard. New perks include -

• Complimentary domestic & international airport lounge access.
• Personal accident insurance coverage.
• Luxury benefits such as gym memberships, golf lessons, and spa sessions.
• OTT subscriptions and cab vouchers for added convenience.

These enhancements are expected to position RuPay Debit Select Cards as a strong alternative for users seeking premium lifestyle and travel benefits without needing a credit card.