What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Google Pay Flex SBI Card costs ₹499 a year, with the renewal fee waived if you spend at least ₹1 lakh in the preceding year. SBI Card advertises a ₹1,000 welcome gift on Google Pay, up to 18,000 Stars a year and an option to convert eligible billed purchases into EMIs. Whether it beats another SBI card depends on your spending and whether you can use those benefits: the available information does not establish the full value or redemption rules for Flex Stars.

Google Pay Flex SBI Card fees and advertised benefits

SBI Card lists the Flex card at ₹499 for both the annual and renewal fee. The renewal fee is waived when spending in the preceding year reaches ₹1 lakh. SBI Card’s homepage advertises a ₹1,000 welcome gift on Google Pay, up to 18,000 Stars in a year and the ability to convert an outstanding bill into EMIs. These are issuer-advertised benefits, not a calculation of what a particular cardholder will earn or save. SBI Card homepage; SBI Card MITC.

SBI’s launch listing dated 29 July 2026 framed the reward offer as “up to 8 Stars per ₹500” and listed a ₹499 annual fee. That headline does not establish how Stars convert to money, which transactions qualify, or what caps and exclusions apply. SBI Card news listing.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How Flex compares with other SBI cards

The best comparison is based on your likely fee after waiver, your actual eligible spending, the usable value of rewards after restrictions and redemption charges, and whether Google Pay-linked features matter to you. SBI’s headline offers point to different spending fits, but do not by themselves prove which card is most valuable overall.

Card Fee and waiver stated by SBI Advertised reward or fit
Google Pay Flex SBI Card ₹499 annual fee and ₹499 renewal fee; renewal fee waived at ₹1 lakh or more in preceding-year spending (SBI Card MITC, accessed 4 October 2026). SBI advertises a ₹1,000 welcome gift on Google Pay and up to 18,000 Stars in a year. Full earning and redemption value is not established by the available product information.
SimplyCLICK SBI Card ₹499; annual spend waiver at ₹1 lakh, according to SBI Card’s fee schedule (MITC, accessed 4 October 2026). Not stated in the cited fee information.
SimplySAVE SBI Card ₹499; annual spend waiver at ₹1 lakh, according to SBI Card’s fee schedule (MITC, accessed 4 October 2026). Not stated in the cited fee information.
Flipkart SBI Card Not stated in the cited material. SBI advertises 5% cashback on Flipkart; check current eligibility, caps and terms before comparing its value with Flex Stars.
Tata Neu Infinity Not stated in the cited material. SBI advertises 5% NeuCoins on Tata Neu and partner Tata brands, plus 5% on selected Tata Neu app/site categories; check current terms, eligible categories and caps.

Fee figures and waiver thresholds above are from SBI Card’s MITC; reward headlines are from its homepage. A “not stated” entry means the cited information does not establish that detail; it is not evidence that a card has no fee or rewards.

When Flex may fit

  • You can realistically meet the ₹1 lakh preceding-year spend threshold to avoid the renewal fee.
  • You value Google Pay access and are eligible to use its Pay in EMI feature.
  • You have checked the current Flex terms and can determine the value of Stars for your own eligible spending and redemption choices.

When an ecosystem card may fit better

  • If much of your eligible shopping is on Flipkart, compare the Flipkart SBI Card’s current cashback terms against Flex’s verified Star value.
  • If you regularly spend with Tata Neu or partner Tata brands, compare Tata Neu Infinity’s current NeuCoin terms and caps against your likely Flex rewards.
  • If your spending does not match those ecosystems, compare other cards using their current terms for the categories where you actually spend rather than choosing by headline maximums.

What Flex Stars are worth—and what remains unclear

The cited SBI materials do not establish Flex’s complete qualifying-spend rules, category exclusions, caps or the conversion rate from Stars to rupees. Do not treat Stars as equivalent to rupees or to ordinary SBI Reward Points without product-specific terms that establish the conversion. Consequently, “up to 18,000 Stars” is not enough to calculate the card’s annual reward value.

SBI’s general MITC says reward points usually expire after 24 months, with AURUM as an exception. Its reward FAQ says a ₹99 charge plus applicable tax can apply to certain redemption batches, including physical-product and statement-credit redemptions, subject to exceptions. The available information does not establish that every general reward-program rule applies identically to Flex Stars. Check the Flex-specific terms and the redemption screen before assigning a cash value. SBI Card MITC; SBI Card reward FAQ.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How Pay in EMI works, and what it costs

SBI describes Pay in EMI as a feature for eligible primary Google Pay Flex cardholders, accessed through Google Pay. It applies to eligible retail transactions from the latest bill, not to every balance or transaction. The feature carries interest; the terms also specify a processing fee except where the stated promotional waiver applies. Confirm the rate, eligibility and offer shown at booking. SBI Card Pay in EMI terms.

Rank #3
TICONN 6 Pack RFID Blocking Card, Anti-Theft NFC Credit Card Protector
  • RFID Protection: An electromagnetically opaque layer helps block unauthorized scans, protecting credit card, debit card, and passport information from nearby readers; This RFID blocking card helps prevent digital skimming by shielding your wallet from electronic theft
  • Threats Stay Outside: Digital pickpockets use hidden readers to skim contactless cards in crowds, transit and checkout lines; This credit card protector works as an RFID blocker the moment it's placed in your purse or wallet, stopping electronic theft before it occurs
  • Invisible Yet Active: Ultra-thin and sized to fit any wallet slot, this rfid blocking card adds no bulk; Invisible protection helps shield your debit cards and IDs from electronic skimming without changing the way you carry your wallet
  • One Card Protects All: Forget slipping every card into a separate RFID sleeve, just one RFID blocking card protects every contactless card, passport, and license all at once; Carry it in a purse, travel pouch or cardholder and stay shielded at airports, transit hubs and during daily commutes
  • Drop and Defend: Keep the RFID blocking card in your wallet or travel bag, or save it as a backup; Simply insert it alongside your credit and debit cards for immediate protection against identity theft — no charging, no setup
Booking detail SBI Card terms accessed 4 October 2026
Minimum booking ₹2,500
Available tenures 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months
Minimum for 36 months ₹30,000
Processing fee For eligible 24- and 36-month bookings requested from 11 September 2026, the terms state a promotional processing-fee waiver. Other tenures are subject to a fee of 1% of the booking amount or ₹2,000, whichever is lower.

Cash transactions, existing EMIs, fees, interest and several other items are excluded from eligible transactions. The promotional waiver concerns the processing fee, not interest. Review the terms and final booking details in Google Pay before accepting an EMI.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Using an SBI card through Google Pay

SBI says eligible users can use registered SBI cards in Google Pay for Android NFC tap-to-pay, Bharat QR scans, and online or in-app payments. The page says availability is currently limited to some Google Pay users. This describes payment access; it is not evidence that paying through Google Pay earns extra rewards. SBI Card Google Pay information.

Best Value
ELFISH Mini RFID Aluminum Wallet Credit Cards Holder Business Card Case Metal ID Case for Men Women (Acolorful)
  • This Credit Card Holder is made of aluminum shells, ABS plastic frame and clasp closure, RFID-blocking will protect your card data from RFID scanners and readers.
  • The Size is 4.33 x 2.95 x 0.73 inches, Slim and small exterior design, are fit in your front pocket,suitable for travel and business carrying.
  • Latches Safely and Securely when not in use. Rounded corner wouldn't damage on your clothes. With 7 accordion Slots, Capacity for up to more than 9 credit cards or more than 21 business cards.
  • There are various patterns to choose from on the aluminum shell, including flowers, animals, and landscapes, to match your versatile style.
  • This is an ideal gift that can express your thoughtfulness and kindness. Suitable for any day you want to express love on, such as Valentine's Day, birthdays, Mother's Day, etc.
Rank #4
WHonor RFID Blocking Card 6 Pack, Anti-Theft Debit & Credit Card Protector
  • Secure Your Information: Simply insert the RFID blocking card into your wallet to protect against digital pickpocketing. Block unauthorized scanning of your contactless cards, including credit/debit cards, passports, driver's licenses - to safeguard your identity and financial security
  • Effective Protection: Our RFID blocking card utilizes advanced electromagnetic shielding technology, which features an embedded antenna mesh and chip that instantly detects and scrambles scanning attempts, providing consistent and reliable protection for the entire wallet
  • Ultra Slim & Easy to Use: Credit-card-sized and just 0.03 inches (0.76 mm) thick, it slips easily into your wallet, purse or card holder adding no bulk. No charging or batteries needed. It will not demagnetize other cards, nor interfere with your phone signals
  • A Thoughtful Gift: Give the practical gift of security. Effortlessly protecting your loved ones from digital theft – offering instant peace of mind, which is a truly meaningful way to show your care
  • Test the Card: Test our RFID blocking card at self-checkout: Layer your contactless card with our RFID card on the reader - payment fails instantly, error message pops up

How to decide whether Flex is worth its fee

  1. Estimate the fee you will actually pay. Check whether you can reach the ₹1 lakh preceding-year spending threshold for the renewal waiver without spending more than you otherwise would.
  2. Match the card to your spending. Compare eligible purchases in Google Pay, Flipkart, Tata Neu and other relevant categories against each card’s current product terms.
  3. Value rewards only after checking redemption. Find the product-specific earn rules, caps, exclusions, conversion rate, redemption options, fees and expiry that apply to your card.
  4. Include feature restrictions. Treat Pay in EMI as a financing option with interest and eligibility limits, not as a free reward. Consider whether its Google Pay access is useful to you.
  5. Compare net value, not maximums. A headline maximum is not a forecast of what you will earn; compare the value you can realistically redeem, less any fee you expect to pay.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.