SBI Unnati Credit Card

The SBI Unnati Credit Card is a secured credit card from State Bank of India meant for people who do not have a previous credit history or whose income proof is limited. It is mainly suitable for students, beginners, or anyone trying to start or improve their CIBIL score. It can be a good option for a housewife to choose.

As the name “Unnati” suggests, the bank’s aim is to give a starting point for customers to begin their credit journey. Being a PSU bank, SBI is offering a safer entry option so new users can learn credit usage step-by-step.

This card is issued only against a Fixed Deposit with SBI. A minimum FD of ₹25,000 or above is required, and that deposit works as security for the bank. Because of this, salary slips or regular income proof are generally not required. It is an low Fee card to choose.

In simple terms, the bank is giving a credit limit based on your own FD amount, so approval chances become easy while the customer also builds a proper credit record safely.

SBI Unnati Credit Card Limit (How it is decided)

In this card, the credit limit is not random. It is fully linked to the Fixed Deposit you keep with the State Bank of India. The bank gives a limit by using your own FD amount as security.

1. Limit Calculation

• Normally, you receive around 75%–90% of the FD value as a credit limit
• Minimum FD required: You can start with ₹25,000 (higher than other cards inthe market, such as SBM Zet Card or Kotak FD card)
• So starting limit comes roughly ₹20,000+
• Maximum limit can go up to ₹5,00,000 (for higher FD around ₹6.25 lakh)

2. Cash Withdrawal Limit

• You can withdraw cash up to 80% of the total credit limit
• Daily ATM withdrawal is usually capped at around ₹12,000 per day

3. Important Things to Understand

• FD Lien: Your FD will be locked (lien marked). You cannot break the FD while the card is active.
• FD Interest: Even though an FD is a security, you still earn full bank interest on it.
• Overlimit Charge: If spending crosses limit → about 2.5% fee (minimum ₹600) may apply.

4. Real-Life Example

Aashish Gupta, age 18, opened his first SBI account and kept ₹30,000 FD from savings given by his parents. The bank issued an SBI Unnati card with a limit of around ₹ 24,000.
He used it monthly for recharge, books and small online orders and paid the full bill every month. After about one year, his CIBIL score started generating, and he became eligible for normal unsecured credit cards.

Simple point: Higher FD means higher limit, but the main purpose of this card is not big spending — it is to safely start a credit history.

What are the Benefits and Features After SBI Card FD

Once you open the Fixed Deposit and the card gets activated, the benefits start immediately. FD is only security for the bank, but your money is still working for you.

1. Immediate Benefit

• FD continues earning interest at normal SBI FD rates (around 3.05%–6.45% yearly). Even though the FD is linked to the card, the bank does not stop charging interest.
• 4 Year No Annual Fee – It is free for upto 4 years, than fee starts.

2. Ongoing Features

• Reward Points: 1 reward point for every ₹100 spent (rewards do not work on fuel, cash withdrawal, or balance transfer)
• Milestone Cashback: ₹500 cashback when yearly spending crosses ₹50,000
• Fuel Surcharge Waiver: You will get 1% waiver on fuel transactions between ₹500–₹3,000
• Flexipay EMI: Purchases above ₹2,500 can be converted into monthly EMIs from the SBI Card portal/app

3. Long-Term Advantages

• Credit Score Building: All payments reported to CIBIL. Regular full payment slowly creates a proper credit history.
• Upgrade Chance: With a good repayment track, the bank may offer normal unsecured cards later (like SimplySAVE / SimplyCLICK) with a higher limit and more offers.
• FD Release: If you close the card after clearing dues, the lien is removed, and you can withdraw the full FD amount along with earned interest.

Important Real Insight

This card is free for the first 4 years, but your credit history actually starts within 1–2 months of proper usage. So practically, many users build a good CIBIL score within a year and then shift to a regular SBI unsecured credit card around the 5th year — meaning you used the card mainly as a stepping stone, not permanently.

Advantages & Disadvantages (Real Life Use)

In practical life, this card works like a training card for credit. Bank is not giving you loan on trust, it is giving you loan on your own FD security. So new users learn credit usage without rejection risk.

Real-Life Advantages

• Almost guaranteed approval = Because of ₹25,000+ FD backing, bank normally does not reject for low income or no CIBIL history.
• No fees initially = First 4 years joining and annual fee is zero, so it becomes one of the cheapest ways to start a credit profile.
• Savings + credit both together = Your FD keeps earning interest while same money is giving you a credit card limit.
• EMI option available = Purchases above ₹2,500 (like phone, laptop, course fees) can be converted into monthly installments.
  Good for online & UPI usage = It works on shopping websites, bill payments and most apps just like a normal credit card.

Real-Life Disadvantages

• Money gets locked = FD remains lien marked. In emergency, you cannot withdraw it unless you close the card first.
• Very basic rewards = Only 1 point per ₹100 and ₹99 redemption fee, so cashback value is small.
• No lifestyle perks = No airport lounge, movie offers or dining programs. It is mainly a utility card.
• High penalty if the bill unpaid = Interest around 42%–45% yearly. If default continues, bank can even adjust dues from your FD.

Practical Reality (At a Glance)

SBI Unnati Credit Card — Upgrade, RuPay, Eligibility, Apply & Other Charges

1. Is there an Unsecured Version?

There is no separate card called “Unnati Unsecured”. This card is only a secured starting card. After maintaining proper payment record and around 750+ CIBIL score for 6–12 months.

2. RuPay Availability

Unnati itself generally comes on the Visa/Mastercard network. But once you move to regular SBI entry cards, many of them are available on RuPay, so you can link to UPI apps and pay by scanning QR from your credit limit.

3. Eligibility

• An FD Account need to be opened in SBI (SBI Savings Account Optional)
• Age: about 18–65 years
• Indian resident only
• No salary slip needed
• No minimum CIBIL score required

How to Apply This Card (FD-Based)

Branch Method (most common):

1. Open or already keep FD in SBI
2. Ask the bank staff for a credit card against the FD
3. Fill the form and give PAN + Aadhaar
4. Card issued after verification

Online Method:

• Apply from the SBI Card website E-apply page

Existing SBI Customers:

• Sometimes a pre-approved offer appears in the YONO SBI or SBI Card app

Other Charges (after free 4th year annual fee)

FAQs