With this post, I am reintroducing the Credit Card Reviews series in India, which I had to stop a while ago due to paucity of time.
Air India & GE/SBI Credit Cards recently teamed up to launch co-branded credit cards which could earn you quite some miles, making me think of calling it perhaps the best credit card to earn miles in India at the moment. They’ve launched 2 credit cards, one at the Signature level and one at the Platinum level, and I will review both separately.
Sign-Up Bonus: This credit card offers a tidy sign-up bonus of 20,000 Air India miles to start you up with the credit card product. You also get an upgrade voucher from Air India.
Renewal Benefits: You get 20,000 Air India miles on payment of fees every year, and another upgrade voucher.
Fee: The credit card fee is tagged at (upto) Rs. 4,999 plus taxes per annum.
Eligibility: Not publicly disclosed
Features: The card comes with the usual stuff, such as a Priority Pass at the lowest end, where you need to pay $27 every trip to the lounge. There is also access built-in to the Visa Lounge Access Program, which offers you lounge access to 9 different domestic airport lounges. Although what I could pick up here, stated only 8 lounges. Only 2 lounge visits allowed per quarter. Perhaps they could have done better, by allowing access to the Air India lounges as well, which I’ve usually found to be empty.
The other feature which is noteworthy, is the ability to step up in the Air India Flying Returns program based on your spend. For spending Rs. 5,00,000 per annum, you get into their Silver tier, and for spending Rs. 10,00,000 per annum, you get into their Gold tier. There is still a platinum tier ahead of you, but this is pretty generous I’d like to believe. However, what I can’t understand yet is how does this work if you’re a frequent AI traveller and you travel enough to earn the status on your own as well.
Earning Flying Returns Miles: To earn Flying Returns Miles, you just got to use the card. You earn 1 mile for every Rs. 25 spent on the card, and 1 mile for every Rs. 5 spent on Air India tickets. That is just not it, you even get milestone bonuses along the way, as shown below.
To put it in perspective, if you spent Rs. 10,00,000 in a year on this card, you could get into the Gold club of the Air India frequent flyer program, which gives you 2 upgrade vouchers, access to AI lounges, and a very low cancellation/rebooking fee of Rs. 200 on all domestic tickets of Air India. Plus, you get the following miles:
Spend Based Miles for Rs. 10,00,000: 40,000 Miles
Cumulative Bonus miles: 90,000 Miles
Total Mileage earned: 130,000 Miles
Which makes it a fabulous spend of only Rs. 7.69 per mile earned. WOW!
Redeeming Flying Returns Miles: Of course you can use your miles on Air India redemptions, but then you can also use these miles for redemptions on Singapore Airlines & Lufthansa, and for upgrades on Air India flights. You need only 112,500 points for a first class redemption to the USA.
Overall assessment: I’ve said it before, and I am saying it again. I’m WoW’d by the earning potential on this card, and does come with nifty benefits as well. However, this being related to Air India, I’m of course always circumspect of the Quality of Service once you are on board the plane. But if you’re not as fussy, this is the card for you! What are your thoughts?
Update (18 Oct 2013): There is also a free Air India Upgrade Voucher that comes along with the card on payment of annual fees.
Related Posts:
Live From A Lounge is present on Facebook, Twitter & available via email, RSS.
@ Sampath- Agree .. You should have multi pronged approach. Both SBI and AI are as notorious. All the best!!
Today i received SBI AIR INDIA Signature Card. I am already flying returns member and this information was never gathered while applying for this card. I could see some number below my name on the card that i received which i think is new Flying returns membership number. Can anyone guide me how would i connect with my existing flying return membership number?
@ Sampath- I faced the same problem. Despite filling up my existing Flying returns no. in the application form , they issued a fresh number.
I called up Air India flying returns.. They asked me to send an e mail explaining the situation. After about a month, they cancelled my old membership and activated the new membership. They also transfer the points balance from the old account to the new account.
During the process you also have to submit address proof and photo id proof.
Hope this helps.
Thank you. This helps. I have actually written to SBI CARD for changing the number on the card instead of approaching AIR INDIA.
If I fail to get it modified at SBI CARD, then I approach Flying returns.
Approaching SBI is like banging your head on the wrong door.
Even with Air India FR you have to bang the head.. but that’s the correct door.
Thanks Krishna Kumar.
Why I banged my head against SBI Door was that one of the members in this discussion has actually got it done from SBI.
It was Shan as below:
Shan says:
January 3, 2014 at 2:48 pm
OK, here’s the final update about my “what’s the number beneath my name” saga. I’m gonna take it from the top.
First, I got my card and it had that number, which should’ve been my AI Flying Returns number. So I called up SBI to confirm that and they said no, it’s something AI needs to activate. So I called up AI and they said that no, the number printed is not your FF. (At this point, I posted my first question about this number on this blog – see above).
So I called up SBI again, and they said that they had made some mistake. I got a new card, having my ‘real’ AI Flying Returns number.
Bottom-line: don’t trust SBI/AI to sort things out. You have to call them and ensure everything is in order.
Sampath, Were you able to get the problem of FF number sorted out at SBI level. I have received my new card and they have mentioned a fresh FF no. instead of my existing FF no.
i need this card. i am from Diu (U.T.)
How to start my add-on air India platinum card? How to link my brother content number in it so he can use?
@Priyank miles are accrued to you only and not to him, but you can call them and request an add on card
Hi Ajay,
I had a question!
My Air India gold membership expires in this month, and my spends on the card this year has crossed 5L plus but it will take a bit time to reach 10L. Is there any possibility that the card will be yet maintained at gold or will it be downgraded.Please forgive me in case you have mentioned it in any of the earlier posts as an answer to anyone’s queries.
@KJ Beyond 10 lakhs only the normal reward rate (4/100, 20/100 AI) would apply.
I would suggest that you use some other card after reaching that threshold as all milestones have been met (max bonus and upgrade to Golden Edge).
If you are spending 20 lakhs you should use Citi Prestige or Diners Black in addition to AI SBI Signature.
Guys, any idea what happens after INR 10 lakh = 90000 bonus rewards
What if I spend 20 lakhs, does that mean the bonus will be 180000?
@sbicards
Applied for the card on1st Jan15. No response. Wrote a mail to you on
Sbicards_cares@sbicard.com.. Still no response. Have you stopped issuing cards by any chance???
Hi Ajay,
I am about to receive the SBI Air India Card, thanks to your review. You had mentioned that the miles earned on this can be used on Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa.
Do I have to first transfer to Air India and then redeem on other airlines using star alliance?
Thanks for your time,
Krishna.
so today is the day I finally got my SBI signature card. and appalling as it may sound, there is absolutely no system in place for processing credit cards by SBI. I applied online mid august and got an immediate approval. I was surprised at the efficacy of the website in granting an approval. Next day I promptly got a call from customer care saying my application is approved and someone would come over in the next couple of days to collect my documents for verification. Great I thought , how prompt could this be. After 2 weeks of getting no reply I mailed the customer care. I received a reply saying that my application is under process and I would receive a reply soon. Now wasn’t my application already approved online, so I thought lets wait and watch. Another couple of weeks passed and no reply so I mailed them again only to receive the same response. So much for the efficient website granting me an approval. In the mean while I received my Citibank Prestige card and forgot about the SBI card. then on the 30th of Oct I received a call from SBI saying that my application for their credit card was with them and they needed my documents immediately. Well I got the call in the morning and by afternoon someone was already at my office to collect my documents. Ok so I thought this was the final step. Over the next couple of days I kept getting verification calls from different executives, all unaware that someone had called me earlier to verify my details. Then a message saying that my application is in process and I will receive a reply in the next 11 days. I can totally understand anyone’s frustration of having to go through this application process. finally on November 12th I got a message saying my application is approved and the card should reach me in 7 days. Well it came in 2 days.
I applied in mid Sep but no response so far. Local sales executives give the reason for delay being on account of my Company’s name not being on SBI Card’s database. I provided the CIN number and screen shots of Ministry of Corporate Affairs site which show the valid approvals with all details yet I have not heard back from SBI Cards – apart from two confirmation calls after which everything went silent. Surprising since SBI Bank treats me as a privileged customer!
Dear SBI cards,
Applied online on Aug-14-2014 and was approved immediately, got the confirmation call to collect the documents in a few days but nobody showed up. Called your Mumbai number many times and each time am promised that someone will call me back in 2 days but nobody wants to call me or collect my documents.
Can someone collect the documents, can you help?
Dear Sir,
Can anyone who has applied for the Air India, Visa Signature card, please inform all documents the agent collects in order to process the application. I have a ICICI Jet Airways Shappiro card, can that help me in order to get this card. My income is around 2.5lacs. As such, I dont have IT returns. Is that a must for applying?
Hi,
I applied for “Air India SBI Signature Card” but they offered me “Air India SBI Platinium Caed”. Last week they said they will send their excecutive to collect my documents on 25th August 2014 but no response from them. I applied through online portal. My Application reference number is 1722801004681. As per online portal application is under process but I want to know how long it will take and why there is no response since last week?
Additional Update on the SBI Air India Signature/Platinum Card.
1. You have to confirm that the Frequent Flyer number you have received is valid or not by calling Air India call center and if not valid raise a issue with SBI Card Call Center.
2. If the Frequent Flyer number is valid and you are new user on FlyingReturns then you will have to raise a request to get a UserId and Password on your registered email id with SBI Call Center.
Something SBI has clearly omitted from the process assuming people will know everything how they function.
Hey! I want to ask that I live in America and if I apply for the card,
Do I get the points for spending in dollars that converts into,
rupees for , for Air India Airlines. Can you please email me.
I would really appreciate it.
Dear Shishir K
It takes a while for the FF number to be updated in Air India database, 10-15 days. Try to follow-up with Air India FF and SBI card both in 10-15 days. Once you get the number updated in Air India database, call the Air India FF call center and they will generate a password for you which you can use to log in to flying returns website. It will take time but will be be done.
Regards
Deepak
Hi ,
I’ve just received my Air India SBI Signature card, but the Frequent Flyer Number mentioned on my card is not available in Air India database.Am registering for the first time to Frequent Flyer program, now my query is how do I access my account on FlyingReturns website, also will the ticket I have booked in Air India flight via MAKEMYTRIP website be eligible for the special miles ( 20 Miles on Air India flight)….
Thanks & Regards
Shishir
Hi,
As I understand, on renewal of the Air India SBI Signature card, you receive the welcome gift of 20,000 RP and a loyalty bonus of 5,000 RP. Can anyone confirm if this is accurate? Here are the links that mention the same:
https://www.sbicard.com/cards_for_you/air_india_sbi_signature_card_0_131323.html
http://www.fintiger.com/india/product/credit-cards/air-india-sbi-signature-card-131.php
Also, I just received the card (as many have mentioned, after quite a bit of hassle), but there’s no free domestic upgrade voucher in the welcome kit (http://www.airindia.in/discount-schemes.htm) Is that something SBI/Air India are still offering with this card? Thanks.
@Anirudh the voucher comes in separately from the airline
Dear SBI Card ,
I have applied for upgrade of my existing SBI Platinum card to SBI Air India card which was done on 8th July. I have got a call in response to the same on 14th confirming that the upgrade and card dispatch will be done ASAP. Nothing further information has been received so far. I am looking towards booking International flight tickets and would expect a quick response. If you are not interested in upgrade or sending the card then so be it.
Thanks
-Shishir
+919820369744
Dear SBI Cards,
I have a query.
I am already a frequent flier member of Air India and thus am entitled to frequent flier miles from Air India. I fI use SBI AIR INDIA SIGNATURE CREDIT CARD, will I be entitled to frequent flier miles from Air India as well as Reward points from SBI?
OR, will I be entitled to only one benefit? If it is only one benefit, what is the advantage of this card?
Thanks!
Sanjeev
I had applied for an SBI-Air India signature credit card, however to my surprise the agency who called me to collect papers asked me to submit the photostat of my existing citibank credit card. This seems to be weird as i have not heard of any bank issuing credit card asking for this kind of document.
Can you tell me if this is stated process, because when i searched the website, its nowhere mentioned.
I was given information of sbi airindia credit. Card.I want to understand features of this card, as I am planning to go to USA with family. If you can send any agent to explain this scheme I shall be very glad and obliged.
Hi Airindia,
Have been trying to get in touch with credit card team to apply for air india card but no response.kindly help me
Regards
naveen
8880004007
bangalore , karnataka
dear sbi cards
your comments are awaited.
Hi SBI Cards
i just want to know that does this card have the visa signature facilities provided to all signature cards by visa. eg
Signature Concierge,
Signature Entertainment
Signature Book of Rewards
Signature Offers*
– Discounted stay upto 75% off at more than 55, 000 Hotels & Villas across the world
– Enjoy best credit card offers across 900 Luxury Hotels worldwide
– Enjoy savings of upto 10% on Hertz Car Rental Program
– Enjoy 30% discounted green fees at 300 golf clubs worldwide
– 24X7 Concierge service across the world
Fraud Liabilty Cover
travel insurance of card holder.
link below
https://www.visa-asia.com/premium/signature/ap/about_visa_signature/index.shtml
as all these offerings are provided by visa to there signature card holders irrespective of issuing bank and co brand.
https://www.visa-asia.com/premium/signature/ap/local_offers/india/index.shtml
dear sir will u enlighten us about the same.
Hi Airindia,
Have been trying to get in touch with credit card team to apply for air india card but no response.
Dear Ankit,
Thanks for talking to us.Trust your query have been responded. Please call SBI Card helpline for further assistance.
Regards,
SBI Card
Could someone kindly explain the logic of this rule:-
11.4.3 – A fee of Rs 99/- plus GST will be debited to the card account per redemption request towards delivery and processing charges. The same will be charged to the Cardholder in his/her monthly statement.
I did not understand that if this co-branded card is to reward the person with Air India miles then why is the transaction fee being levied? I find it difficult to comprehend this
@RKDhingra this fee is not being charged at the moment
Dear Amit,
Thanks for sharing your details . Our Sales representative will get back to you soon.
Regards,
SBI Card
Sorry I missed the call.
you call me anytime today. I will br available.
Thanks
8886882477
@ajay
I dont understand why you mentioned that?
The only two posts which i have made are 92nd and 96th one.
Both have the same Ankit, and the same email ans same mobile no.
Plus the post no 96 was a reply to sbi card in 95th one… Where they mentioned they couldnt reach me.
I have never posted with any other credentials.
@Ankit, my apologies. I thought of you as another Ankit on my blog who now has 2 identities. I’ve removed the message.
🙂
Thanks
Dear Ankit,
We tried to establish contact with you at 11:37 AM but we were unable to do so. Request you to please share a suitable time to call to address your concern on priority.
Regards,
SBI Card
Hi SBI cards,
I want to cancel my sbi air india platinum card.I am from kolkata,West Bengal.Plz tell me the procedure and phone number.
Dear Ankit,
Thanks for sharing your contact number, we will get in touch with you soon and address your concern at the earliest.
Although we would request you not to post your contact and card details publicly but mail us at sbicard_cares@sbicard.com next time.
Regards,
SBI Card
Hi SBI CARDS.
I wanted to apply for the SBI Signature card. I have already applied online but got bo response.
can someone please expedite the process.
Thanks
Ankit Goenka
+91 888 688 2477
Thank you for the quick response Ajay. Now that you have been using the card for sometime what your impression. The offering seems too good to be true. Is there anything that doesn’t meet the eye?
Hi Ajay,
Regarding the credit of 20000 bonus points on signup the fine print reads “*Welcome gift is applicable on payment of card fees and renewal fees respectively”.
Can you confirm when you received the credit of bps – on paying Rs. 5k initially or after one year, on renewal?
@Ravi you get the bonus points on sign up after paying the fees
Can an NRI (currently US citizen with OCI status) apply for this card? I have a PAN number too.
Can this card be used worldwide?
Are there any foreign transaction fees?
If AI joins star alliance, getting gold for less than $20k is no brainier for me.
Thanks
@Sam all Indian credit cards are issued to residents of India. which means you need an indian address and income documents in India to be able to get this card.
Dear Hari Dayal,
It was nice talking to you. As discussed please send the additional information/document as required to enable us to address the issue at the earliest. Kindly mail us at sbicard_cares@sbicard.com.
Regards,
SBI Card
Dear Hari Dayal,
Thank you for sharing the details, we will get in touch with you soon and address your concern at the earliest.
Regards,
SBI Card
SBI CARDS
I had applied for AIRINDIA SBI SIGNATURE Card.
Now I have come to know that my application was not
processed because I already had SBI PLATINUM CARD.
I did not know that SBI, unlike other banks,
does not issue two cards to one person.
Please issue me AIRINDIA SBI SIGNATURE Card
on the basis of my earlier application by
UPGRADING my existing PLATINUM CARD.
My application no. is 1633760000930.
Regards
Hari Dayal Gupta
Dear SS,
Thanks for talking to us.Trust your query have been responded. Please call SBI Card helpline for further assistance.
Regards,
SBI Card
Dear Hari Dayal,
We regret the inconvenience. We will be able to address your concern best when we will speak to you, request you to please message your contact details.
Regards,
SBI Card
Dear SS, I got a SMS informing my application number. Then I checked from site using this number. The helpline is useless. You cannot talk to a customer representative. There is no option. Also, there helpline numbers are always busy
I applied for AIRINDIA SBI card. I fulfilled all
eligibility requirements even then it was refused without providing any reasons.
At least you know the status! I only got some formatted replies but not even the status of my application. Totally unprofessional!
1. I was interested in applying for the co-branded Air India SBI credit card against Air-India mail dated 26th October 2013 and had sent an sms (FLY) to 5676791 on 27th October and received an automated response saying that SBI CARDS representative will get in touch with me shortly.
2. Eventually, SBI CARDS’ representative Mr. Kovendan (Cell – 9035517008) met me on 23rd November 2013 and collected all the documents. The only acknowledgement that I had from him was a form bearing Form Number U0 000015628. I did not get any application number.
3. In early December 2013, I received a call from a Hyderbad number and the caller verified with me my details. She also enquired whether I was asked to make any payment and I clarified that I was not.
4. After this, I did not get any further communication though Mr. Kovendan had indicated that the card will be delivered within 4 to 6 weeks of my application date (23rd November 2013). Despite several follow up with Mr. Kovendan (who often seems to be unwell), the only advice that I got was to call up 080-39020202. According to him, it is enough to give my mobile number and that would enable me to get the status information! When I tried that number, it turned out to be an IVR number and I could not go ahead since I did not have any 13 digit APPLICATION NUMBER! Finally, he gave me the phone number of his superior Mr. Mohammad who did not receive my call.
5. On 18th February, 2014 (nearly 3 months after my application with all documents were collected), I finally received an SMS from DMSBICARD which indicated (for the first time) my APPLICATION NUMBER (1704660000458) and also indicating that 11 days would be needed to process my application.
I checked the status with SBI CARDS’ on-line tracking service and came to know that it would take another 5 days to process the application.
6. On 19th February, I received a call from 0124-7173900 – the caller verified my name, date of birth etc.
I then enquired with her whether my Air India Frequent Flyer Number – which was not collected by their representative who collected my documents in end November 2013 – will appear in the card (if approved), she said that she has to check up whether the number is available with the concerned department and will call back in 2 minutes. I did not get a call till the next day!
7. On 20th February, I received a call from 0124-7173900 – the caller informed me that my application cannot be processed because it does not meet SBI Card’s policies. She further mentioned that, if I am interested, I can again apply after 6 months.
8. I had sent a mail to their Nodal Officer and received the reply below.
QUOTE
23-Feb-2014, at 1:14 PM, “Nodal Officer (SBICard)” wrote:
Warm Greetings for the day!
Application number 1704660000458
We sincerely regret for the inconvenience caused to you on the matter addressed to us. We are committed to resolve the matter to your satisfaction.
We thank you for showing interest in SBI Card. Unfortunately, we regret to inform you that we are unable to issue a credit card to you as the details furnished do not meet the policies set forth for issuance of credit card.
The reason for decline of your application is purely a business decision, taken in good faith and certainly in no way is indicative of your credit worthiness. Please accept our sincere apologies towards discomfort caused to you in this regard.
It is our constant endeavor to ensure our service drives positive customer experience. In your case we truly apologize that we were unable to live up to your expectations.
We sincerely regret for the inconvenience caused to you on the matter addressed to us. We are committed to resolve the matter to your satisfaction.
Please feel free to contact us should you require any further assistance or clarification.
Yours sincerely,
Rahul Saini
from Nodal Desk – SBI Card
UNQUOTE
I wonder why I am told that I can apply again for AIR INDIA – SBI card after 6 months when according to Mr. Saini, “the details furnished do not meet the policies set forth for issuance of credit card” and I cannot be informed why my documents did not meet your policies?
By the way, I have now received another invitation from SBI CARD to apply for their co-branded card with SPICE JET!
I am really surprised the way I have been treated by SBI CARDS!
Received a reply from SBI CARDS asking for my phone number which I provided by return mail but did not get a call. It is so frustrating not to even been able to figure out what has happened to my application for AIR INDIA SBI Card or even to the documents that they took. I guess one has to be careful about the persons they send such as Mr, Kovendan (9035517008) who collected my documents and gave me a FORM NUMBER but no APPLICATION NUMBER. Now, neither he nor his boss Mr. MOHAMMAD even receive my call!
Dear Pu,
Thanks for talking to us.Trust your query have been responded. Please call SBI Card helpline for further assistance.
Regards,
SBI Card
@SBI cards
BTW after I shared my form details on 18dec 2013 on this blog… I expected that I would get my card confirmation or rejection confirmation instead I got a call for submitting fresh documents after more than a month what a strange setup. I feel disgusted to have wasted my time.
Dear SBI cards…
I got call from SBI on 23rd jan good one month after our first communication on this blog. The person said we need fresh documents which I agreed. It was supposed to be collected on 24th jan. Still waiting for call.
Now I’m not not at all interested to associated with such shabby and unprofessional setup.
Thanks for all the help. AAP ka card aapko MUNARAK. IM HAPPY WITH MY HDFC JET AIRWAYS CARD.
Dear SS,
We have sent the communication at your mail id with regard to the concern raised by you. Request you to please check and confirm.
Regards,
SBI Card
Do SBI platinum credit cards work in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, for purchases?
@Sharat these are international credit cards so they work all over the place
Dear SS,
We would love to get in touch with you and address the issue, request you to please mail us your contact or card details at sbicard_cares@sbicard.com mentioning reference number 061501 in your mail to enable us to address your concern on priority.
Regards,
SBI Card
Sent a detailed mail to SBI Cards. Yet to get a clear answer on what has happened to my application! Wondering whether SBI Cards/GE Caps/Air India are really serious about their card! I used to be a Golden Edge member and was excited to know that Air India may finally join Star Alliance but some basic customer handling issues will probably never change. Or, will it?
SBI representative Mr. Kovendan (cell number : 9035517008) collected all the required documents on 23rd November 2013, in connection with my application for the SBI Air India card.
According to him, I should be able to get a status feedback by referring to the FORM NUMBER (the ONLY number available on the form that he gave me).
(Other than this, there is no APPLICATION NUMBER or any other reference.)
However, till date I have neither received any feedback nor the card.
All my attempts to get a response from SBI Card have merely elicited a formatted response!
OK, here’s the final update about my “what’s the number beneath my name” saga. I’m gonna take it from the top.
First, I got my card and it had that number, which should’ve been my AI Flying Returns number. So I called up SBI to confirm that and they said no, it’s something AI needs to activate. So I called up AI and they said that no, the number printed is not your FF. (At this point, I posted my first question about this number on this blog – see above).
So I called up SBI again, and they said that they had made some mistake. I got a new card, having my ‘real’ AI Flying Returns number.
Bottom-line: don’t trust SBI/AI to sort things out. You have to call them and ensure everything is in order.
Dear Amit,
We would like to share that we have sent the communication at your registered e mail id with regard to the concern raised by you. Please call SBI Card helpline for further assistance.
Regards,
SBI Card
Dear SBI cards,
I am holding SBI PLATINUM card for the last 8 months and I am more than happy being with you in almost all aspects. It’ has ok limit but now I would like to apply/get the AIR INDIA SIGNATURE card as I am very much interested in that rewards program and I am a regular flier of Air India as well. Now the question is……..
If I apply for this 2nd card, will I get a NEW&SEPARATE LIMIT for it?
If not, how you gonna split my existing limit? On what basis?
Thanks and regards,
Chandra.
This is the msg I left to u last week and my number as well I.e., 9652628584. But u said u gonna call me back. But never called me yet. Still airing for u r call.
SBI Cards, here is my number – 98716 33994. Don’t know if there is a way to privately message you this. But I’m looking forward to your call.
Su
Dear Su,
We will be able to address your concern best when we will speak to you, request you to please message your contact details.
Regards,
SBI Card
Dear Pu,
Thank you for sharing the details, we will get in touch with you soon and address your concern at the earliest.
Regards,
SBI Card
@AG please escalate the issue to nodal officer Nodalofficer@sbicard.com. It helps….
@ AJ thanks for all the good work
I must be the “luckiest” person on this planet. Not only did SBI send me the card two months ago, they have called me again to know if I am interested in SBI Air India card :).
Just wanted to point out another thing – on every conversion of points to Air India miles (they still dont call it miles at the SBI customer care), SBI will levy a flat fee of Rs. 99+ST.
This is so unlike other cards (Jet Airways – Citi or Jet Airways – HDFC) where the miles were credited to the FF account by itself and on no fee. Even Citi Premiermiles card allows 1:1 conversion to Air India miles without fee and has a similar earning rate of 4 miles per Rs. 100. Although it doesnt have tiered bonus like SBI, it makes up for it partially by having two promotions in a year on doubling miles.
Dear SBI Cards,
After months of messaging “FLY” to 5676791, I got a call from your representative. After asking me a few questions, he decided that since my company name wasn’t available on your database, it would be against policy to provide me a card. Now, surprisingly,my company is very much available on your database when I apply online for the SBI Signature Card.
Could you please get in touch with me at the soonest to help process my application? I’m already an SBI savings account + DEMAT holder as well.
Thank you
p.s. and thank you AJ for providing us this opportunity and platform to not only learn more about FF in India, but even apply for such programs!
Dear SBI cards…
My documents for SBI air India card submitted on 12 oct 2013 form no U0000026108. I haven’t heard from SBI yet… My email on 19th nov only resulted in reply to communicate CaseID=007-044-821′
No action or communication since then.. Need help if possible or else I’m going to forget about it. good day.
Same here AG. Made me wait for more than a month and now they say cannot be processed. I asked for the reason. They say we don’t know.
What seems to be the ratio of successful applications with them? My application is not being processed for their “some policy blah blah” as stated on website. I mean come on with my CIBIL rating if I can’t get a card, I guess this card would only be for top 1 percentile of this country 🙂 … That too if the customer himself applies for it, is willing to pay for it and can very well maintain it! All the best lucky ones who got it!
Dear SBI Cards
I have applied for Air India SBI card on Nov 27.
all documents were collected from me on the same day and i got a verification call next day.
My contact no is 9968651074.
form no is U0000027779
Dear SBI cards,
I am holding SBI PLATINUM card for the last 8 months and I am more than happy being with you in almost all aspects. It’ has ok limit but now I would like to apply/get the AIR INDIA SIGNATURE card as I am very much interested in that rewards program and I am a regular flier of Air India as well. Now the question is……..
If I apply for this 2nd card, will I get a NEW&SEPARATE LIMIT for it?
If not, how you gonna split my existing limit? On what basis?
Thanks and regards,
Chandra
Dear Ashish,
It was nice talking to you and we are looking forward to having you on board as our esteemed cardholder.
Regards,
SBI Card
Hi SBI Card, how about you send me my upgrade voucher since you so conveniently use my website as a customer care medium 😉
Dear Ashish,
Thanks for sharing your contact details. We will connect with you soon.
Regards,
SBI Card
Hi AJ, can you confirm the renewal benefits? The website states 5000 miles only and not 20K miles as renewal benefit.
Dear Ashish,
Request you to please share your correct 10 digit mobile number to get in touch with you.
Regards,
SBI Card
9051500016 is my number..awaiting a call…
Thanks
Dear Amit,
We are working on your concern and will get back to you soon with an update.
Regrds,
SBI Card
Dear Amit,
We regret the inconvenience. Thanks for sharing your contact number, although we would request you not to post your contact details publicly but message us the same next time. We will get in touch with you soon and address your concern at the earliest.
Regards,
SBI Card
Dear Ashish,
We regret the inconvenience. Thanks for sharing your contact number, although we would request you not to post your contact details publicly but message us the same next time. We will get in touch with you soon and address your concern at the earliest.
Regards,
SBI Card
Hi AJ, any luck with getting the card ? I’ve applied more than a month ago, not sure what is happening at their end. I’m not positive if they are in a position to regularly issue the cards as you’ve put it.
@ SBI card – Do get someone to call me at 9699061975 & give a status update on my application, I am based in Mumbai.
@Amit yes I did receive the card a while back. Just started using it yesterday.
Being a frequent flier of Air India…I would have liked this card but unfortunately irrespective of multiple sms…yet to receive a call…not sure what is the quality of the service provided by SBI..
Name: Ashish Chowdhary
Num: +91905150016
Hi Prashanth
Applied before Diwali, got the confirmation call after Diwali and the card in about a week. So overall, I’d say 2 weeks or slightly more. The only document they asked for was some older credit card’s last 3 statements.
Anyway I have an overseas trip coming up, so this will be useful. The only part I don’t know about is the number mentioned on the card. I don’t want to open a frequent flyer account with them and have my miles deposited in one account from the card and in another from the flight. Anyone who has this card, can you throw some light on what the number below the name means? SBI call center doesn’t have a clue, nor does Air India call center.
Hi shan,
Thanks for the reply. Tell me the number below ur name. I can help u out with it, for sure.
Hi Shan,
How long did it take to get the card ?
and are there any prerequisites, like minimum income and all to get signature this ?
@Prasanth sbicards is now in a position to regularly issue the cards.
Hey guys, I have a question. I got the card. What is the number beneath the name? Is that the frequent flyer number in Air India?
If not, do I need to open a new account with air india and the transfer/upgrade as applicable?
@Shan yes that is your Air India frequent flyer number
Waiting for your representative to be in touch with me. sent SMS on 5676791
Hi SBI Card,
After waiting for one month from the date of submitting KYC documents. Now, the website says “Your application cannot be processed” with no reason. What should I do ??
Reply
@Sbi cards my documents submitted yesterday. Thanks
I applied for it. Let’s see how it goes. It took them 3 days to turnaround from the time I sent the SMS to document pickup.
Anyway, I, too am skeptical of the 20,000 miles on anniversary, I think it’s going to be 5000. Further, I don’t see the upgrade voucher mentioned on the website either. I’m gonna just wait and see.
But I agree that at 10L spend at Rs 7.69 per mile and considering that approx 2.5miles = 1Re when redeeming, it’s effectively 5% of your spend that you are getting back in terms of miles. Really, WOW.
Dear Vinay,
We will be able to address your concern best when we will speak to you, request you to please message your contact details.
Regards,
SBI Card
Hi AJ,
I think SBI card is going the I bank way… I had sent SMS on 23rd sep for air India card and got call in 1st week of oct. I have tata sbi card and 1st they said it can be swiped, after 4-5 calls they say it’s not possible.
Now me and my wife have got 6 calls each informing that they are sending person for doccument collection but the executive never end up coming….
SBI card help me.
@ Prasanth – You qualify for silver edge on cumulative annual spend of 5 lakhs and for golden edge on cumulative annual spend of 10 lakhs. You will get the bonus points associated with silver and gold edge as and when you qualify for those tiers, and not when you book/get the card.
They say, you get a complimentary golden edge club membership too. I have a doubt now. In golden edge club, we get 25% of base miles as bonus. So, will we get the same, when we book with this card ?
Or just the 20 miles for every 100 rupees spent on air india ?
And anyone got this card yet ?
@prasanth those 25 pc bonus miles are for when you travel and your flight miles get this bonus
Hmm,amazing, you are right in your interpretation although I still think it’d be 5000 & not 20000 but who knows :). Because the same webpage also says “Anniversary gift of 5000 Reward Points every year”, which is typically marketing-speak for renewal benefits. If its 20000 plus 20000 then what can I say, just wow !
At renewal, one gets 5000 miles and not 20000. Is that a typo ?
@Amit, I thought the same. Here is what I read just now on the Air India page: https://www.sbicard.com/cards_for_you/air_india_sbi_signature_card_0_131323.html
Go straight to the footer, which says: *Welcome gift is applicable on payment of card fees and renewal fees respectively.
Dear Prasanth,
It was nice talking to you and we are looking forward to having you on board as our esteemed cardholder.
Regards,
SBI Card
Dear SBI,
Your sales representative called me up asking for details and told me that he will be sending your representative on 16th October for collecting my KYC documents. But, I get to here no call from your representative 🙁
What is this ?
Dear Prasanth,
It was nice talking to you and we are looking forward to having you on board as our esteemed cardholder.
Regards,
SBI Card
Dear Prasanth,
Thanks for sharing your details . Our Sales representative will get back to you soon.
Regards,
SBI Card
Finally got the reply from SBI and applied for it too.
Dear Satyendra,
We would love to help you. Could you please message your city name and contact details?
Regards,
SBI Card
Dear Prasanth,
We regret the inconvenience caused. Request you to please message your city name and contact details to address your concern.
Regards,
SBI Card
Hyderabad
9502205007
Even I have sent the message on 5676791, but I am yet to hear from them.
I placed a request for this card 10 days ago. No, response till now. Hope they get back soon. SBI help here….
Hi AJ, We are awaiting the additional information (card number/ contact details or documents) as required from your end to help us address the issue raised by you. Kindly mail us the required information at sbicard_cares@sbicard.com.
Hi Vishal, We are awaiting the additional information (card number/ contact details or documents) as required from your end to help us address the issue raised by you. Kindly mail us the required information at sbicard_cares@sbicard.com.
Dear bpbindaas,
Thank you for talking to us. Our executive will reach out to you shortly. We look forward to having you as part of the SBI Card family.
Regards,
SBI card
Dear Aditya,
We would like to bring to your notice that as per circular dated 22nd Jan’13, the Shubh-Yatra Program has been discontinued by Ministry of Railways.
As a result, the Railway Points that were being contributed by the Indian Railways and the point balance under the ‘Railway Points’ head prior to 22nd Jan’13 will get impacted. The redemption of these points will not be permitted. This issue is being taken up by IRCTC with Ministry of Railways whose decision will be final in this regard.
We regret any inconvenience caused to you by the discontinuation of the Shubh-Yatra Programme, but this was a decision taken by the Ministry of Railways.
Regards,
SBI Card
Dear AJ – We will be able to address your concern best when we will speak to you, request you to please message your contact details.
@bpbindaas – Thanks for writing to us. We appreciate the feedback and are constantly working on our products and services to “Make Life Simple” for you.
Also, you can share your city and contact details,our sales team will contact you soon.
Hey Vishal, we would love to help you. Could you please message your city name and contact details?
@SBICard how about helping me first 😉
Just a word of caution on SBI cards, recently their IRCTC Indian Railways cobranded card has discontinued its point redeem to purchase tickets…inspite of paying annual fees. 🙁
Any criteria for fee waivers? 😉
This card surely WOWs you..
Just hoping that SBI can manage the show well. We have all seen the mess ICICI had got themselves into with the Jet cards..
I had applied the card last week but am yet to hear anything back.. Hopefully will hear back soon!
Tempting proposition indeed and to your point of AI service, let me add that I applied for this card last week through SMS and I’m yet to hear back from them.
Although to be fair, most people suffered glitches and delays while applying for ICICI-Jet cards as well.