Comprehensive Guide on BPCL SBI Octane Credit Card

[Virtual King]

Dear TF Family,

1. Infinia Void. I have Infinia Metal credit card, but it does not offer RPs on fuel transactions. As I do have substantial fuel transactions, therefore, there was a felt need to plug this void. Accordingly, I homed on to BPCL SBI Octane credit card which is offering maximum rewards of 6.25% on all fuel transactions (7.25% if you factor in the fuel surcharge waiver) at BPCL outlets, and some additional benefits.

2. Comprehensive Guide on BPCL SBI Octane Credit Card. During my research on Octane credit card, I came across numerous blogs, articles, forums, et al discussing the features of Octane credit card. So, I decided to compile a comprehensive guide on Octane based on open-source research and my own experiences of using the card since June 2024.

3. Contents of the Guide. The following aspects of Octane are covered:-
​

S No​	Topic​	Page No​
1.​	Background and Key Highlights	3​
2.​	Eligibility Criteria	4​
3.​	Welcome Benefits	4​
4.​	Fuel Benefits (25x) and Other Benefits (25x, 10x, 1x)	4-5​
5.​	Earning RPs – Value, Validity, Cappings, Exclusions	5-6​
6.​	Redeeming RPs – Options, Methods, Exclusions	7-8​
7.​	International and Forex Transactions	8​
8.​	Card Billing and Payments	9​
9.​	Disputed Transactions	9​
10.​	Late Payment Charges (LPC) and Other Charges	9-10​
11.​	Credit Limit (CL)	10​
12.​	Card Renewal, Loss and Add-on Cards	11​
13.​	Arbitration	11​
14.​	Flexipay Feature	11​
15.​	Miscellaneous Tips	11-15​
16.​	Customer Care, Contact Details and References	15-16​

4. References. Some important references used for compiling the guide are as under:-
* https://bharatpetroleum.in/blog/Blog-Detail.aspx?id=38
* https://cardinsider.com/sbi-card/bpcl-sbi-card-octane/​

* https://cardmaven.in/bpcl-sbi-credit-card-octane-review/
* https://desidime.com/discussions/need-info-regarding-sbi-bpcl-octane-reward-points
* https://financesrule.com/bpcl-sbi-card-octane-review/
* https://finwealthcare.com/2021/03/sbi-bpcl-octane-credit-card-benefits.html
* https://groww.in/credit-card/sbi-bpcl-octane-credit-card
* https://ifinancebox.com/bpcl-sbi-card-octane-credit-card/
* https://paisabazaar.com/credit-card/bpcl-sbi-card-octane-review/
* https://reddit.com/r/CreditCardsIndia/comments/ (various threads)
* https://sbicard.com/en/personal/credit-cards/travel/bpcl-sbi-card-octane.page
* https://sbicard.com/sbi-card-en/assets/docs/pdf/most-important-terms-and-conditions/mitc-english.pdf
* https://sbicard.com/sbi-card-en/assets/docs/pdf/ekit-tncs/BPCLOctanetnc.pdf
* https://sbicard.com/en/personal/visa-offers.page
* https://sbicard.com/en/personal/offers.page#all-offers
* https://select.finology.in/credit-card/sbi-bpcl-credit-card-octane
* https://technofino.in/sbi-bpcl-octane-credit-card-review/ (various threads)
* https://wishfin.com/bpcl-sbi-card-octane-6260/

5. Disclaimer. All the data in this guide has been sourced, collected and collated from open sources like various blogs, articles, threads, news, bank websites, etc. and/or through SBI customer care/personal experiences. These details/data may change from time to time. All information in this guide is for mere reference and user guidance only for BPCL Octane Credit Card users.

I am sharing my own perspectives through this thread and am also attaching the comprehensive guide on BPCL SBI Octane credit card in the PDF format for easy reference. I sincerely hope that it is of some use to the readers.

Best wishes. 🙂​

 

[vamsikrishna1997]

This is a headache with this Octane card. I am trying to find 1 or 2 pumps in my daily travel and their specific POS machines which gives points. Then stuck to them

Yes it seems to be a headache... Fortunately, they have resolved my issue and credited the reward points for all the transactions and hope I need not to raise complaint all the time after I have done the transactions.

Also I didn't get the point why they're always asking us to transactions in the pos where it's issued by BPCL, the bunks which are company owned and company operated will only have the BPCL Pos machines and also most of the remaining pos machines doesn't print BPCL symbol on their payment receipts and the support team also asking for the same receipts with BPCL emblem...

 

[Virtual King]

My Personal Experiences. I have also faced this issue 2-3 times in the last few months. However, every time the issue has been resolved favourably albeit with a little nudge to them through the customer care, over a few days. After the transaction gets posted and is viewed in the SBI Card app, one will come to know if the RPs have been correctly given or not. Thereafter, one can take corrective action in case of any discrepancy.

Reason for RPs not Getting Credit. Even at the BPCL outlets sometimes the RPs don't get credited. This is because - as confirmed by their customer care representatives - either the POS machine on which the card is used is not registered with the BPCL database, or the name of the outlet and the name in the POS machine does not match with the BPCL database, or any such reason which is beyond the customer's control.

Action to be Taken. So, in these cases, one has to call their customer care and inform them about the transaction anomaly, after checking the same in the SBI Card app. They will take the request and then investigate at their end and if found genuine, then within 4-5 days the RPs will get credited. You will receive email also regarding the same and the service request status can be checked in the SBI Card app also.

Tip 1. Always take the transaction slip automatically generated by the fuel dispenser after the transaction. If it is not working, then tell the attendant to write the transaction details on their official bill - mentioning the quantity dispensed, rate per litre and total amount, along with the date and time. This will be useful to pursue your case in case they ask for a proof of the disputed transaction. Remember, as long as it is a BPCL outlet, and you have used your card - tap or dip - they cannot deny the RPs for up to Rs 10,000 per month (i.e. max 2,500 RPs per month) or fuel surcharge waiver (for payment transactions up to Rs 4,000 in one tap or dip) up to Rs 100 per month (i.e. 1% of Rs 10,000).

Tip 2. Along your daily travel route from home to office/mall/market/club/college/etc check out BPCL outlets and do check transactions of say Rs 100 and then see if the RPs and fuel surcharge waiver have been given or not. Do this once for all the convenient BPCL outlets along your daily/normal route. Then stick to that BPCL outlet for refuelling. This will preclude such issues. I have been generally doing this, and it has been smooth sailing ever since, save for an odd occasion.

Hope this helps. 🙂

 

[SonyTom]

Always take the transaction slip automatically generated by the fuel dispenser after the transaction

1. I usually take the receipt generated from the POS machine. Isn't this enough?

call their customer care and inform them about the transaction anomaly

2. Also, it it better to call customer care or send email?

Then stick to that BPCL outlet for refuelling. This will preclude such issues

3. Even the same pump can have multiple POS machines. So keep an eye on which pos machine is giving points.

 

[Hemang]

1. I usually take the receipt generated from the POS machine. Isn't this enough?


2. Also, it it better to call customer care or send email?


3. Even the same pump can have multiple POS machines. So keep an eye on which pos machine is giving points.

Bhai jis machine se petrol refuel hota hai ussi machine se receipt milti hai ya invoice. Uspe BPCL ka logo hota hai. Vo sambhalke rakhna hai for getting rps in case we don't get them.

 

[SonyTom]

Bhai jis machine se petrol refuel hota hai ussi machine se receipt milti hai ya invoice. Uspe BPCL ka logo hota hai. Vo sambhalke rakhna hai for getting rps in case we don't get them.

Yes bro. I do like that only. The OP was saying about receipt from the fuel dispenser. So I asked.

 

[Hemang]

Yes bro. I do like that only. The OP was saying about receipt from the fuel dispenser. So I asked.

Ek baar to bhai machine kharab thi, mene kaha handwritten bill de bhai. Aur mere yaha ek hi pump hai BPCL ka vo points automatically deta nahi hai. 4 baar se he i have to complaint. Ab mene draft tayar rakha hai, Sent mail me jake dates, screenshot change karke mail kar deta hu.
I even asked SBI social media team what could be the issue behind this, she said, petrol pumps have to update the bank about transactions, sometime they don't.
If anyone has faced this situation chronically, batana bhaiyo kya kar sakte hain Iska hum permanent solution.

 

[Virtual King]

1. I usually take the receipt generated from the POS machine. Isn't this enough?

This POS slip is good enough if your RPs are credited. If not, then the transaction slip from the fuel dispenser/handwritten bill will be required to support your claim.

2. Also, it it better to call customer care or send email?

For me so far, calling customer care has worked. In an odd case, wherein I have had to support my claim, once they email me regarding the requirement of transaction slip, only then I reply to their email, with the requisite screenshots. So, for me first calling customer care has worked just fine.

3. Even the same pump can have multiple POS machines. So keep an eye on which pos machine is giving points.

True that. This is what I mentioned in my post - some POS machines may not be registered correctly in the BPCL database and hence the whole story begins.

 

[shadow]

Is it really worth it to get this card. I only seem to find complaints on this forum about SBI not crediting rewards points many times. So should I get this card or should I look for some other card?
What is the process for applying this card and what's the best way to get this approved.

 

[Virtual King]

Is it really worth it to get this card.

Based on my personal experience since June 2024, the answer is an emphatic YES.

So should I get this card or should I look for some other card?

Definitely YES.

Based on some calculations as enunciated below:-

* The annual fees of Octane are Rs 1,499 + 18% GST = Rs 1,768.82.
* To recover these fees, you must buy fuel worth Rs 28,301.12 annually. This is the break-even point in terms of total annual fuel expenditure on your card @ Rs 6.25 worth of fuel per Rs 100 of fuel bought (@ 25 Reward Points (RPs) per Rs 100 fuel transaction @ Rs 0.25 per RP).
* So, if your annual fuel spends are > Rs 28,301.12 then Octane will give you benefits, merely counting the fuel expenditure.
* If you have other expenditure - like gas from BPCL, or dining and travel, etc - then you can refine the calculations accordingly.

What is the process for applying this card and what's the best way to get this approved.

The process is from the official SBI website. There are no special stipulations.

The eligibility criteria is given in the guide itself on Page No 4. Recapitulated below:-

Eligibility Criteria
• No Fixed Eligibility Criteria. Octane CC does not have any specific or fixed eligibility criteria. However, SBI Card provides a portal called Simplyfier that helps individuals assess which SBI CC best suits their needs. By utilizing this tool, you can explore various CC options and determine if the Octane CC aligns with your requirements and preferences. However, the following are presumably some of the criteria for Octane:-
• Age Requirement. To be eligible for an SBI CC, including Octane, the applicant must be above 18 years of age. This ensures that the individual possesses the legal capacity to enter into a CC agreement.
• Stable Income. A stable income (generally above Rs 30,000 per month) is an essential factor considered by the bank when evaluating CC applications. Applicants should have a regular and consistent source of income to demonstrate their ability to make timely repayments on their CC dues. This criterion helps the bank assess the applicant’s financial stability and creditworthiness. Both salaried and self-employed are eligible.
• Good Credit History/Score. Maintaining a good credit history and score is crucial when applying for any CC, including Octane. The bank typically assesses an applicant’s creditworthiness by reviewing their credit history and credit score. A good credit score (of above 750) and good credit history, responsible borrowing and timely repayments, enhance the chances of approval for a CC application.
• Nationality. The individual must be an Indian citizen.

You can copy and use the link in the signature block if you so feel, for some additional benefits.

Hope this helps. 🙂

 

[shadow]

Based on my personal experience since June 2024, the answer is an emphatic YES.


Definitely YES.

Based on some calculations as enunciated below:-

* The annual fees of Octane are Rs 1,499 + 18% GST = Rs 1,768.82.
* To recover these fees, you must buy fuel worth Rs 28,301.12 annually. This is the break-even point in terms of total annual fuel expenditure on your card @ Rs 6.25 worth of fuel per Rs 100 of fuel bought (@ 25 Reward Points (RPs) per Rs 100 fuel transaction @ Rs 0.25 per RP).
* So, if your annual fuel spends are > Rs 28,301.12 then Octane will give you benefits, merely counting the fuel expenditure.
* If you have other expenditure - like gas from BPCL, or dining and travel, etc - then you can refine the calculations accordingly.


The process is from the official SBI website. There are no special stipulations.

The eligibility criteria is given in the guide itself on Page No 4. Recapitulated below:-

Eligibility Criteria
• No Fixed Eligibility Criteria. Octane CC does not have any specific or fixed eligibility criteria. However, SBI Card provides a portal called Simplyfier that helps individuals assess which SBI CC best suits their needs. By utilizing this tool, you can explore various CC options and determine if the Octane CC aligns with your requirements and preferences. However, the following are presumably some of the criteria for Octane:-
• Age Requirement. To be eligible for an SBI CC, including Octane, the applicant must be above 18 years of age. This ensures that the individual possesses the legal capacity to enter into a CC agreement.
• Stable Income. A stable income (generally above Rs 30,000 per month) is an essential factor considered by the bank when evaluating CC applications. Applicants should have a regular and consistent source of income to demonstrate their ability to make timely repayments on their CC dues. This criterion helps the bank assess the applicant’s financial stability and creditworthiness. Both salaried and self-employed are eligible.
• Good Credit History/Score. Maintaining a good credit history and score is crucial when applying for any CC, including Octane. The bank typically assesses an applicant’s creditworthiness by reviewing their credit history and credit score. A good credit score (of above 750) and good credit history, responsible borrowing and timely repayments, enhance the chances of approval for a CC application.
• Nationality. The individual must be an Indian citizen.

You can copy and use the link in the signature block if you so feel, for some additional benefits.

Hope this helps. 🙂

I don't have any issue with the reward rate of the card. It is rather good. I just don't want to hassle for points every time I fuel up. That's the only concerm that I have. I spend around 10-12k on fuel So it can be rather good.

As for the eligibility. Right now I have 802 cibil and salaried with cards from HDFC with ~4L limit so I might be able to get this card.

What's the referral benefit for this card?

 

[Virtual King]

What's the referral benefit for this card?

Reproduced verbatim from the SBI Website (including wrong spellings of receive 😉) below (see attachment):-

"You get a gift voucher worth Rs 500 on successfully applying for any SBI Card and making your first transaction of Rs 500 and above."
"Your referral friend will recieve gift voucher worth Rs 500 when you are successfully onboarded with SBI Card."

I just don't want to hassle for points every time I fuel up.

This happens once in a while.... as with all other cards/banks, I guess. I have faced it only twice in the last 9 months. So not really an issue of major proportions.

Right now I have 802 cibil and salaried with cards from HDFC with ~4L limit so I might be able to get this card.

Yes, I feel these are good credentials to get this card easily. I hope SBI Cards agrees to this assessment. 🙂