Credit card usage is increasing quickly in India, and banks often update their policies. These changes directly affect customers’ cashbacks, rewards, and fees.
From April 2026, Axis Bank Limited, Yes Bank Limited, and SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited are introducing important updates to their credit card reward systems, spending limits, and reward redemption rules.
These changes could influence the benefits and spending habits of millions of cardholders. Banking experts describe this trend as a growing wave of “card devaluation.”
Changes in Axis Bank Credit Card
Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card users will see some changes starting April 12, 2026.
The 25% cashback on Airtel mobile, broadband, and DTH payments will continue as before. The 10% cashback on utility bill payments made through the Airtel Thanks mobile app will also remain unchanged.
However, the maximum cashback limit will now be linked to the base cashback earned during the billing cycle. At present, there is a fixed monthly limit of ₹250 for these cashback categories.
Another change affects cashback on food and grocery platforms. Earlier, customers received 10% cashback on platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and BigBasket.
Now, the benefit will come as 10% value back on transactions made on Zomato, Blinkit, and District by Zomato. This value will be credited directly to the partner wallet.
In addition, the four complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses that were previously offered with this card will no longer be available.
Yes Bank Changes Spending Limits
Yes Bank Limited has also announced updates that will take effect from April 1, 2026. These changes mainly affect utility bill payments and transportation-related transactions.
For utility bill payments such as electricity, water, and gas, a 1% fee plus GST will be charged once customers exceed the revised monthly limits.
The new monthly limits are:
₹1,00,000 for Yes Private credit cards
₹50,000 for premium cards
₹25,000 for other credit cards
Additionally, a 1% transportation fee will apply to toll and bridge payments after crossing certain limits.
₹75,000 per month for premium cards
₹50,000 per month for other cards
The maximum fee per transaction will be ₹5,000.
SBI Card Reward Redemption Rules
SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited has also changed the reward point redemption rules for its customers. The new rules will start from April 1, 2026.
Under the new system, cardholders can redeem a maximum of 60,000 reward points per month for statement credits.
Another important change is that reward points can now be redeemed only in multiples of 4,000 points. This means customers will need 4,000, 8,000, 12,000 points, and so on to redeem rewards.
However, some card variants, such as the Air India SBI Signature Card, will not be affected by these new rules and will remain exempt from these conditions.
