SBI Card introduces new fees for high-value fuel, transport
From 1 December 2026, a 1% charge will apply to single transport transactions over ₹30,000 and total fuel spending exceeding ₹50,000 per billing cycle in India.
New Fee Structure from December
SBI Card, a prominent Indian financial institution, will implement a new 1% fee on certain high-value fuel and transportation transactions for its credit card holders. This change, announced by the company in a communication on 27 October, will take effect from 1 December 2026.
The revised charges will apply uniformly across all SBI credit card variants, introducing distinct thresholds for each spending category.
Transportation Transaction Thresholds
For transportation, SBI Card will levy the 1% fee on any single transaction exceeding ₹30,000. This charge covers payments made under specific Merchant Category Codes (MCCs), such as those for commuter transport (4111), tolls and bridge fees (4784), and bus services (4131). For instance, a transportation payment of ₹35,000 will incur a ₹350 fee, exclusive of applicable taxes.
Transactions at or below ₹30,000 will not be subject to this charge, as the threshold applies per transaction rather than to combined monthly spending.
Fuel Spending Limits
Fuel purchases will be subject to a different fee structure. If a cardholder’s total fuel transactions within a single billing cycle surpass ₹50,000, SBI Card will apply a 1% fee to the entire fuel spend for that cycle. This means the charge is not limited to the amount above the threshold.
Relevant MCCs include fuel dealers (5172), petrol pumps (5542), and fuel dispensers (5983). For example, a total fuel expenditure of ₹60,000 in a billing cycle would attract a ₹600 fee, plus any applicable taxes.
This adjustment by SBI Card will primarily affect fleet operators, taxi businesses, and other customers in India with substantial monthly fuel and transportation spending. Cardholders whose total fuel expenses remain at or below ₹50,000 per billing cycle will not see any change.
SBI Card has also clarified that MCCs are assigned by network partners and may be modified, requiring businesses to monitor their transaction classifications. This introduces new operational cost considerations for Indian enterprises relying on credit cards for high-volume transport and fuel purchases.
This article is journalism, not investment advice; consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Market data is indicative, may be delayed, and should be verified with your broker or exchange before use.
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