What is SBI Add-On Credit Card? Learn Key Features & Uses

Imagine this: Your child is heading off to college, and as a parent, you want to ensure they have financial support—whether it's for daily expenses, emergencies, or the occasional treat.

You could give them cash or a debit card, but cash isn't always practical, and a debit card directly pulls from their account, which may not always have enough balance. Handing over your credit card sounds like an option, but then comes the worry—what if they overspend? What if they lose it? What if they call you saying, "I need money, but my card isn't working!"

That's where the SBI add-on credit card comes in—a smarter way to provide financial freedom while maintaining control. With an add-on card, your child gets a separate card linked to your primary credit card. They can use it just like a regular credit card, but you, as the primary cardholder, get to monitor their spending, set limits, and even track transactions.

And it's not just SBI—many banks offer this facility, making it a great option for spouses, parents, or even trusted family members.

In this article, we'll dive deep into SBI add-on credit cards—how they work, their benefits, charges, and the simple steps to apply. Let's get started!

Table of Contents:

• What is an Add-On Card in an SBI Credit Card?
• SBI Add-On Credit Card Benefits
• Who can Apply for an SBI Add-On Credit Card?
• How to Apply SBI Add-On Credit Card?
• How to Activate SBI Add-On Credit Card?

What is an Add-On Card in an SBI Credit Card?

An SBI add-on credit card is an additional credit card issued against your primary SBI credit card. It allows your family members to use your credit limit while you can maintain control over their expenses.

Not just your credit limit, you can share your card's benefits and rewards with your loved ones with an  SBI add-on credit card, while keeping full control over the spending. Whether it's for your spouse, parents, siblings, or child, an SBI credit card add-on card gives them financial freedom while ensuring peace of mind for you.

For every primary SBI credit card, you can apply for up to 3 add-on cards at no additional cost. The annual fee, if applicable, is only charged on the primary credit card, while add-on cards remain free of charge. Although add-on cards come with no extra issuance fee, they still carry the same fees and charges as the primary card, including:

• Late payment fees
• Interest on outstanding dues
• Cash withdrawal fees
• Card replacement fees
• GST on applicable fees and transactions

Moreover, all expenses made using add-on cards will be reflected in the primary cardholder's account. And the bill must be paid by the primary cardholder (you), and any missed or late payments will impact their (your) credit score. So, it's very important that you should educate add-on card users in your family about responsible credit card usage to avoid misuse and overspending.

Here are the key features of an SBI add-on card:

• Is linked to the primary SBI credit card (that you own)
• Shares the same credit limit as your card
• Earns rewards and benefits just like the primary card
• Allows you to track and manage expenses easily
• No separate income proof is required for the add-on cardholder
• The primary cardholder (you) can set spending limits on each add-on card

It's like your Netflix Family Plan. You pay for the subscription, but everyone in your family gets to enjoy watching shows and movies on their own profile. 

Now, let's understand why getting an add-on card can be a smart move for your family.

SBI Add-On Credit Card Benefits

Apart from adding convenience, an SBI add-on credit card is also about smart financial management and added security for your loved ones. Here's why you should apply for an SBI add-on card for your family's finances:

• Financial freedom for the family: Your parents, siblings, spouse, or children no longer have to rely on only cash or borrow your card for their expenses. An SBI add-on card can give them a hassle-free payment option. And the best part is they don't need to go through the struggle of getting credit card approval (maybe their CIBIL scores are not as good as yours). It’s you, who can decide in your family kisko card milega aur kaun kitna kharch karega.
• Earn rewards together: Isn't it great if your family can help you accumulate more and more reward points? Every swipe of an SBI credit card add-on card earns reward points that get credited to the primary cardholder's account (i.e. your account). Whether it's grocery shopping, dining at restaurants, or booking tickets, every purchase from an add-on card will maximise your rewards, cashback, or discounts on shopping.
• Easy expense tracking: Managing multiple cards with multiple expenses can be a headache. But SBI add-on credit cards make it simple for you. Instead of tracking multiple payments, you get a single, consolidated statement for all transactions made using your primary and add-on cards. So, for you—better budgeting, easy monitoring, and no confusion about kharche kaha-kaha hue. Additionally, with real-time transaction alerts, you'll always know when and where your add-on card is being swiped.
• Set limits and control usage: No need to worry about overspending anymore. SBI gives you the facility to set individual spending limits for each add-on card (like a superpower for a superhero/superheroine, aka you). So, if you want to cap your child or spouse's shopping expenses, consider it done with an SBI add-on card. 
• Safety and security: Even if your add-on card is lost, you can just chillax. SBI offers instant card blocking through their mobile app or customer care. You can also temporarily disable a lost card until it's found. 

Now, you know the benefits of an SBI add-on credit card. But before you apply for one, make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria.

Who can Apply for an SBI Add-On Credit Card?

Not everyone is eligible for an SBI credit card add-on card, but if you're a primary SBI credit cardholder, you can extend financial flexibility to certain family members. Here's who can get one:

• Parents: So that they can enjoy the ease of cashless transactions for everyday expenses, medical needs, or travel bookings.
• Spouse: For your partner to enjoy the perks of your SBI credit card while the benefit of tracking joint expenses in one place.
• Siblings (18+ years): Apart from managing their expenses with an add-on card, your younger sibling can learn financial discipline with controlled spending.
• Children (18+ years): With an add-on card, you can introduce them to smart money management before they apply for their own credit card.

And these are the basic requirements that should be met:

• The primary cardholder must have an active SBI credit card: If you don't have an SBI credit card yet, you'll need to apply for one first. 
• Add-on cardholders must be 18 years or older: Minors are not eligible for an SBI add-on card.
• KYC documents required: SBI requires identity and address proof for the add-on cardholder. The Aadhaar Card of the add-on card applicant is mandatory for KYC verification. However, keep their other IDs ready if asked for verification, including PAN card, Passport, voter ID, or driving licence.  

In brief, SBI add-on cards are designed to help your immediate family members enjoy the benefits of your primary credit card without the hassle of applying for one themselves. With an add-on card, your family members can manage their expenses and earn rewards, all while staying under your primary card's credit limit.

Want to get an add-on credit card for your spouse, parents, or children? Below are the steps to extend your card benefits to your loved ones.

How to Apply SBI Add-On Credit Card?

Whether you prefer the convenience of applying online or the traditional offline method, applying for an SBI add-on credit card is a simple process. Follow these steps to apply for an SBI add-on card.

• Online process: If you're someone who prefers doing things from the comfort of your home, then applying for an SBI credit card add-on card online can be the quickest and most efficient method for you. Here's how you can do it—

  • Visit the SBI card official website
  • Log in to your SBI credit card account (dashboard) by using your registered credentials
  • Go to the 'Add-On Card' or 'Supplementary Card' section under the credit card services menu
  • Fill in the details of the add-on cardholder, such as name, date of birth, and relationship with the primary cardholder
  • Upload the necessary KYC documents, necessarily the Aadhaar number of the applicant
  • Submit the request and wait for approval

Make sure to keep your registered mobile number active so that you can receive updates about your SBI add-on credit card application status.

Go online if you:

• Need a quick & hassle-free process
• Prefer paperless system for application
• Want to track your application request in real-time
   

• Offline process: If you prefer the old-school way or simply need assistance at a branch, then SBI also allows you to apply for an SBI add-on credit card by visiting a nearby branch. Follow these steps to apply offline:

  • Download the SBI add-on card application form from the official SBI card website. Or you can also collect it from your nearest SBI branch
  • Fill in the required details about the add-on card's applicant
  • Attach the necessary KYC documents of the add-on card's applicant
  • Submit the form at the branch and wait for approval
  • Or you can send the filled application form to "SBI Cards and Payment Services Pvt. Ltd., P.O Box No-16, GPO, New Delhi-110001"

If you have any queries, SBI's customer service helpline is always available to assist you with your application process.

Go offline if you:

• Are more comfortable with in-person banking process
• Need assistance while filling out the application form
• Want a direct interaction with an SBI representative

After receiving an SBI add-on card, the next step is to activate it for usage. 

How to Activate SBI Add-On Credit Card?

Once your SBI add-on credit card application is approved, you'll soon receive your SBI add-on card at your doorstep (primary cardholder's registered address). But before giving it to the family member for whom you've applied, you first need to activate the card. It's a super simple process, and you can do it in multiple ways: online, through the bank's mobile app, or from an SBI ATM.

• Method 1: Online

  • Visit the SBI card official website and log in using your primary card credentials
  • Go to the 'Manage Your Card' section 
  • Choose the options of activating a card and click on generating/sending an OTP
  • Enter the OTP received on the primary cardholder's number 
  • If asked, enter your add-on card details
  • Set up your secured 4-digit PIN and confirm

Go for the online method if you want a fast, easy, and paperless activation.

• Method 2: Mobile app

  • Open the SBI card mobile app
  • Log in to your account using your primary card login credentials
  • Go to the section for activating a card
  • Click on generating/sending an OTP
  • Enter the OTP received on the primary cardholder's number
  • If asked, enter the add-on card details
  • Set a secure 4-digit PIN and confirm

Go for the mobile app method if you're always on the go and need a swift activation process.

• Method 3: From an SBI ATM

  • Visit your nearest SBI ATM
  • Insert your SBI add-on credit card into the ATM
  • Select 'Generate PIN' from the menu
  • Enter your registered mobile number for verification
  • Enter the OTP received and follow the on-screen instructions for setting the PIN
  • Set a new PIN and confirm

Go for the ATM method if you prefer a secure, in-person activation process.

Conclusion

An SBI add-on credit card can be a fantastic option if you're looking for an easy and flexible way to share your SBI credit card limit with your family members while maintaining complete control over spending. Whether it's for helping your parents manage their expenses, giving financial independence to your spouse, making your siblings learn financial discipline, or introducing your child to responsible spending, an SBI add-on credit card is a worthy financial tool to share your credit card benefits with them.

Simply, an add-on credit card ensures that your loved ones are never stuck in any situation without funds. Moreover, family members with an SBI add-on card will enjoy the same exclusive rewards and perks as those with a primary card. From discounted movie tickets and fuel surcharge waivers to partnered brand deals and travel benefits, your family members get access to all the amazing rewards that come with your primary SBI credit card.

So, if your family qualifies for an add-on card, then why not make expenses easier for them? Apply for an SBI add-on card today and smartly extend your credit power to your loved ones.

And if you're searching for a new credit card for yourself that fits your lifestyle and spending needs, Finology Select can help you find the ideal one. Check it out now!

FAQs

What are the SBI add-on credit card benefits?

An SBI add-on credit card offers multiple advantages, making it a convenient financial tool for your eligible family members. Here's what you can get with an SBI add-on card:

• Shared credit limit with the primary credit card
• Rewards, cashback and offers with every transaction
• Expense tracking and spend control option
• Emergency financial access for urgent payments

What are the SBI add-on credit card charges?

There are no charges for applying for an SBI add-on credit card. You can get up to 3 add-on cards at no additional cost for your eligible family members. However, other charges, such as late payment fees, cash withdrawal fees, card replacement fees, interest on outstanding dues, and GST on purchases, are applicable on an add-on credit card.

How to apply for an add-on card for an SBI credit card offline?

Here's how you can get an add-on card offline:

• Download the SBI add-on credit card application form from the official SBI card website
• Fill in the required details, including the primary card and add-on applicant's information
• Attach self-attested KYC documents. An Aadhaar card is mandatory, while other documents of the add-on card applicant, if asked
• Visit your nearest SBI branch and submit the application along with the necessary documents
• Or simply send the properly filled application form to this address: "SBI Cards and Payment Services Pvt. Ltd., P.O Box No-16, GPO, New Delhi-110001"
• Wait for processing; once approved, the add-on card will be delivered to the registered address 

How to activate the SBI add-on credit card after receiving it?

Once you receive your SBI add-on credit card, activation is quick and easy. You can choose from these methods to activate it:

• Online activation: By logging into the SBI Card website or mobile app
• From an SBI ATM: Activating your newly received add-on card by visiting a nearby SBI ATM and setting up the PIN for it