For the SBI SimplySAVE card, the maximum reward benefit comes from using it mainly for the accelerated categories: department stores, grocery, movies, and dining, where you get 10 reward points per ₹150 spent, which is the highest regular earning rate shown in the sources I found. A Reddit discussion also notes that the practical value is modest and can work out to about 1.6% in those categories depending on how you value each point and redeem it.

Best way to use it

  • Use the card for grocery, dining, movies, and departmental-store purchases first.
  • Try to route eligible UPI spends through the RuPay version if you have it, since the Reddit thread says those category spends can also earn rewards there.
  • Keep expectations realistic: outside those categories, the card earns far less, so it is not strong for general spending.

How to squeeze more value

  • Focus on redemption options that give you the best rupee value, because reward-point value depends on how you redeem.
  • If you are a new cardholder, the welcome bonus can add value after qualifying spends.
  • The card also has a fuel surcharge waiver for eligible petrol transactions, which can reduce costs even though it is not reward points.

Practical takeaway

If your spending is mostly in the 10x categories, SBI SimplySAVE can be decent; if your spends are broad and mixed, the returns drop fast and other cards may be better. The Reddit consensus is basically: use it as a category card, not as a daily all-purpose card.

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Spend type Reward treatment Value impact
Grocery, dining, movies, departmental stores 10 reward points per ₹150 spent Highest benefit on this card
Other spends 1 reward point per ₹150 spent Much lower return
RuPay UPI on eligible categories Reported to earn rewards in the same category buckets Can improve everyday usefulness
TL;DR: To get the maximum reward benefit, use SBI SimplySAVE mostly for grocery, dining, movies, and departmental-store spends, and redeem points in the most valuable way available.