SBICard AURUM Review: Real-World Benefits and User Experience

I recently received the SBICard Aurum, SBICard’s super-premium credit card, and here is my detailed hands-on account of using it. This is a personal experience write-up rather than a feature-focused review. For a full breakdown of fees, benefits and specifications, please refer to an official review elsewhere.

Application Process

I found out Aurum applications had begun when a reader asked if they should upgrade from Elite to Aurum after spotting an upgrade option in net-banking. When I checked my SBICard net-banking, the Aurum option had replaced Elite, so I upgraded within a few clicks. My main motivation was simply to experience the new card and its design.

Getting the card

The virtual card details arrived within three days of requesting the upgrade. The physical metal card took longer. After several calls to Aurum support, my card arrived about three weeks later. This delay felt like an initial dispatch issue, which can happen with new launches, and may not persist.

I was told the physical card might be hand-delivered in select metro cities where SBICard maintains Aurum relationship managers, but mine arrived via Blue Dart with fragile/critical-priority marking.

The card arrived in a heavy, personalized black wooden box containing the metal card and several booklets. The presentation felt premium and carefully packaged.

Unboxing AURUM

Here are a few unboxing images showing the packaging and contents:

The Card

The Aurum card is made of metal; the exact alloy is not specified. It feels similar in weight to other premium metal cards. The design blends vertical and horizontal elements: for instance, the EMV chip placement differs from the typical left/top position and sits more towards the right/bottom. The front aesthetics are strong, though I would have preferred the card number to be arranged differently on the back to use the blank space more effectively.

• Weight: Comparable to other metal premium cards, offering a reassuring heft.
• Design: A hybrid approach combining vertical and horizontal layout cues, which gives the card a distinctive appearance.

Availing Card Benefits

Once you log in to the SBICard portal, the Aurum dashboard presents all card information and the available benefits, plus clear instructions on how to redeem or activate each one. You also receive emails for each membership with activation steps.

A useful feature is that many memberships get their validity topped up on activation. For example, if your existing Zomato Pro subscription would otherwise expire, activating the Aurum membership extends the remaining validity instead of wasting it. Some services like Amazon activations have separate rules, but activation links generally remain valid for a couple of months.

The Airport Experience section in the Aurum dashboard integrates with Dreamfolks, allowing you to generate QR codes for complimentary international lounge access and to book airport meet & greet or transfers. Where complimentary visits are exhausted, the system prompts you to make a payment. The interface is well integrated and easy to use.

Rewards Portal

The rewards portal includes popular voucher options such as Amazon and Flipkart vouchers, which is reassuring for straightforward redemptions. The redemption process is smooth and responsive; my recent voucher redemptions were delivered quickly and without friction.

AURUM Support

• Phone Support: Aurum provides a dedicated premium support line. The team is responsive and helpful, on par with other premium card support services, and they can call you back if an issue requires additional follow-up.
• Email Support: Email responses are typically promised within four hours, either by email or phone.

One drawback is that Aurum uses a chargeable 1860 number for premium support, billed at about 1 INR per minute. A toll-free 1800 number would be preferable, especially for international cardholders who may find the 1860 range less accessible.

Concierge Experience

Concierge services are handled by a third-party partner that also manages the Aurum loyalty portal. My experience so far has been very positive: response times are fast, often within a few hours, and follow-ups are reliable.

In terms of email responsiveness and follow-up, Aurum’s concierge rivals, and in some cases outperforms, other premium concierge services I’ve used. That speed may be influenced by a smaller cardholder base at launch, but the service quality is promising. I was told the team also handles requests from Elite cardholders, with only minor differences in service scope.

It was a pleasant surprise to learn that Elite customers also receive concierge benefits, which adds considerable value to that tier for users who will use the service.

Bottomline

Overall, the Aurum experience exceeded my expectations in packaging, concierge support and the usability of benefits. Where it falls short is the reward earn rate compared with some competitors in the super-premium segment; that limits the card’s “wow” factor for heavy rewards-focused users. For those seeking premium presentation, fast concierge and integrated airport and membership perks, Aurum delivers a compelling experience.

What are your thoughts on SBICard Aurum? Feel free to share your experience or questions in the comments below.