How to Block and Close your SBI Credit Card

Blocking and unblocking your SBI credit card is crucial for protecting your account, especially in cases of theft, loss, or unauthorized transactions. Whether you need to temporarily or permanently block your card due to suspicious activity or to prevent misuse, SBI provides easy and convenient methods to block and unblock your credit card. This ensures your card remains secure and reduces the risk of fraud.

How to Block SBI Credit Card

If you need to block your SBI credit card, there are several easy methods to do so:

1. Block SBI Credit Card via Customer Care: You can call the following toll-free numbers to block your credit card:

• Toll-Free Numbers: 1800 180 1290, 1860 500 1290, 1860 180 1290
• STD Code: 39 02 02 02

2. Block your SBI Credit Card via Net Banking: Follow these steps to block your SBI card through Net Banking:

• Visit the SBI Card website
• Log in to your Net Banking account
• Go to the "Services" tab
• Select "Block Lost/Stolen Card"

3. Block SBI Credit Card via SMS: To block your card via SMS, send the following message:

• BLOCK XXXX to 5676791
• Replace "XXXX" with the last 4 digits of your SBI card.
• Ensure you send the SMS from your registered mobile number.

How to Unblock SBI Credit Card

If you need to unblock your SBI credit card, you can use several methods:

1. Written Application: Submit a written application to the SBI branch manager requesting the card to be unblocked.
2. By Visiting the Bank Branch: You can visit an SBI branch and request to have your credit card unblocked. The bank will process your request and unblock the card.
3. Email:

• Visit the bank's 'Write to Us' page
• Enter your card number, mobile number, email ID, and name
• Enter the OTP sent to your mobile
• Select the category and sub-category, then provide details and request the card to be unblocked
• Once your complaint is accepted, the card will be unblocked

4. Online Portal

• Visit the official SBI Card website
• Log in to your account
• Go to the "Request" tab and select 'Card Activation'
• Choose the card you wish to unblock and complete the process

5. By Calling Customer Care: Call SBI’s customer care number from your registered mobile number to unblock your credit card.

How to Close Your SBI Credit Card

To close your SBI credit card, you can either contact SBI Card's customer support or send a written request.

1. Via SBI Card Customer Care: You can call the following helpline numbers to cancel your SBI credit card:

• 1860 500 1290
• 1860 180 1290
• 1800 180 1290
• (STD Code) 39020202 (alternate)

The customer care representative will ask for certain details to verify your identity and process your credit card cancellation request.

2. Via a Written Request: You can also cancel your SBI credit card by sending a letter to the following address:

• SBI Card, PO-Bag 28, GPO, New Delhi- 110001

In the letter, include your name, date of birth, and card number. Never write your card’s CVV or PIN in the letter.

Important Things to Keep in Mind When Closing Your SBI Credit Card

• Redeem Reward Points: Check your reward points and redeem them before closing the card to avoid losing any benefits.
• Check the Latest Statement: Review your credit card statement to ensure there are no fraudulent transactions before cancellation.
• Do Not Use the Card: Avoid making new purchases before initiating the closure, as fresh transactions may prevent the cancellation.
• Clear All Dues: Ensure all dues are paid before requesting to close the card. SBI will not close the account if any pending amount remains.

Consequences of Closing a Credit Card

Closing a credit card can have several consequences:

1. Lowered Credit Limit: When you close a credit card, it reduces your overall credit limit. This can affect your credit utilization ratio, as you may end up using a higher percentage of the available credit from your remaining cards. This could negatively impact your credit score.

2. Shortened Credit History: Canceling a credit card can shorten the length of your credit history. While this may not have an immediate direct impact on your credit score, it prevents you from continuing to build a longer credit history, which is beneficial for improving your score over time.

   It's important to consider these factors before deciding to close a credit card.