SBI UNNATI Credit Card Review (Secured / FD-backed)

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SBI UNNATI Credit Card Review

SBI Card · Secured / FD-backed · Visa
Our score: 5.5 / 10
Annual fee: ₹499 + GST (waived Y1-Y4)
Reward rate: 1 RP per ₹100 + basic benefits
Lounge: None
Forex: 3.5%

Best for: Anyone with an SBI Bank fixed deposit of ₹25,000+ who wants a simple secured credit card to build CIBIL history. (Note: this is an SBI Card product, not India Post Payments Bank.)

What we like
  • ₹499 + GST annual fee waived for first 4 years (per current issuer page)
  • Issued against a lien on the cardholder's SBI Bank FD of ₹25,000 or more
  • 1 Reward Point per ₹100 spent (Cash Advance, Balance Transfer, FlexiPay and Fuel transactions excluded)
  • Milestone: ₹500 cashback on annual spends of ₹50,000
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions ₹500-₹3,000, max ₹100 per cycle
  • Builds CIBIL score for new applicants — no income documentation required (FD is the collateral)
Watch out for
  • Very weak reward rate
  • No lounge, no travel perks
  • FD locked as collateral
  • Hard to upgrade to premium SBI cards later

Fees & charges

ItemCharge
Joining fee₹499 + GST (Y1-Y4 waived)
Renewal fee₹499 + GST
Finance charge3.6% p.m.
Cash advance fee2.5% (min ₹500)
Forex markup3.5%
Late payment feeUp to ₹1,300

Rewards structure

Base 1 reward point per ₹100 (0.25%). Redeem at ₹0.25 per point. This is not a rewards card — its purpose is credit-building. Use for regular ₹5-10K/month spends paid in full to establish a CIBIL history.

Key benefits

  • Instant approval against FD (₹25K min)
  • Credit limit 85% of FD
  • FD continues earning 6.5-7% SBI rates
  • First 4 years of annual fee waived
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver

Who the SBI UNNATI is for

CIBIL rebuilders, students, homemakers or gig workers without income proof. After a year of clean usage, apply for an unsecured SBI SimplyCLICK or SimplySAVE.

Final verdict

UNNATI is SBI's answer to Axis Insta Easy. The 4-year fee waiver is slightly more generous. Functionally the same — a tool to build CIBIL, not a card to carry long-term.

FAQ

Can I break the FD after card closure?

Yes — once card dues are cleared, SBI releases the FD lien and you can close or continue the deposit.

Does UNNATI report to CIBIL?

Yes — same reporting as any unsecured card. Regular use and payment builds a full credit history.

What happens at end of 4-year waiver?

Year 5 onwards, ₹499 + GST applies annually. By then you should be eligible to upgrade to an unsecured card.

Fees and features verified against the issuer's public website. Benefits may vary; always confirm current terms with the issuer before applying.

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