The SBI Elite Credit Card is facing a mixed update that is negative overall for travel-focused users. Starting June 2026, Priority Pass lounge visits drop from 6 per quarter to 2 per quarter, and the Trident Privilege membership benefit is being discontinued. The annual fee stays at ₹4,999, and the ₹5,000 milestone benefit on ₹10 lakh annual spend remains unchanged.
The important point is that the card’s cost does not fall even as one of its signature perks gets materially reduced. A cut from 6 to 2 Priority Pass visits per quarter is a 66.7% reduction in lounge entitlement, which is a major downgrade for frequent flyers. The removal of Trident Privilege also narrows the card’s hotel and hospitality value. The one bright spot is the intact milestone benefit: spend ₹10 lakh in a card year and you still receive ₹5,000. But that is not enough to offset the travel loss for many users.
For cardholders comparing premium options, SBI Elite now looks weaker against HDFC Regalia, Axis Atlas, and ICICI Sapphiro on airport utility, especially if lounge access is a primary reason for holding the card. The card may still work for users who consistently hit the ₹10 lakh milestone and value the broader SBI ecosystem, but the devaluation is clearly negative for existing holders. New applicants should be cautious because the same ₹4,999 fee now buys fewer premium travel benefits than before.
There is no opt-in or workaround for the lounge reduction, so the only action is to prepare for the June 2026 effective date. Existing cardholders should check their quarterly lounge usage and plan accordingly, especially if they were relying on the previous 6-visit entitlement. Fine print to watch includes whether the 2 visits are counted per calendar quarter or card quarter, and whether any Priority Pass activation or processing changes accompany the revised benefit. If you are applying now, compare alternatives before committing to SBI Elite.