Quick Verdict

  • The Adani One Signature Credit Cardⓘ wins for high travel rewards with its 7% return on travel spends.
  • The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Cardⓘ offers better lounge access both domestically and internationally, making it the superior choice for lounge enthusiasts.
  • The Sapphiro card is cheaper to hold with a lower annual fee of Rs 3,500 versus Rs 5,000 on the Adani One, despite a higher joining fee.
  • Pick Adani One Signature if you prioritize premium travel benefits and occasional high travel spending; choose Sapphiro if you want broader lounge access, consistent rewards on dining and online shopping, and a lower fee hurdle.

Side by Side

DetailAdani One Signature Credit CardⓘICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 5,000Rs 3,500
Joining feeRs 5,000Rs 6,500
Fee waiver on spendRs 2.00 lakhRs 6.00 lakh
Reward rate1% base1% base
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge4 per year8 per year
International loungeNone4 per year
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited fortravel, lounge, rewardstravel, lounge, rewards, shopping

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the Adani One Signature Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 100 back at the base rate of 1%. However, this card shines in travel and utilities categories, giving Rs 700 and Rs 350 respectively on the same spend amount. This makes it highly rewarding for users who concentrate their expenses on travel bookings. The substantial 7% travel return is a standout feature, far exceeding the base rate and most other categories.

The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Cardⓘ also offers Rs 100 back on Rs 10,000 at the base rate of 1%. It has enhanced returns of Rs 200 on travel, online, and dining spends per Rs 10,000, which is more modest but more diverse than the Adani One. This card is suited for users with a balanced spend across multiple categories like dining and online shopping besides travel, providing steady rewards without the need to focus on a single category.

Fees Compared

The Adani One Signature Credit Cardⓘ has an annual fee and joining fee of Rs 5,000 each. The annual fee is waived if you spend Rs 2.00 lakh annually, which breaks down to about Rs 16,667 per month. This is a moderate spend requirement to avoid fees but requires consistent usage.

The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Cardⓘ has a lower annual fee of Rs 3,500 but a higher joining fee of Rs 6,500. Its fee waiver threshold is significantly higher at Rs 6.00 lakh annually, or Rs 50,000 per month. This makes the Sapphiro more expensive to keep fee-free unless you have a very high monthly spend.

In terms of break-even, the Adani One requires Rs 5.00 lakh in annual spend to cover the Rs 5,000 fee via base rewards alone, whereas the Sapphiro needs about Rs 3.50 lakh to cover its combined fees. This suggests Sapphiro is more rewarding at moderately high spends despite the higher waiver.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Adani One Signature Credit Cardⓘ if you frequently spend on travel and utilities and want premium travel-related benefits such as complimentary lounge passes, priority pass membership, and flight vouchers. It suits cardholders who can commit to a monthly spend of around Rs 16,667 to waive fees and want to maximise returns on travel-related expenses.

Opt for the ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Cardⓘ if you prefer a card with better lounge access including international lounges, and value reward points on dining and online spends along with travel. It is ideal for those with higher monthly spends (around Rs 50,000) who want a well-rounded rewards card with golf access and better fee economics at higher spend levels.

In summary, travel-focused users with moderate to high spends should lean towards the Adani One Signature for greater category returns. Meanwhile, high spenders seeking greater lounge privileges and diverse rewards across dining and shopping will benefit more from the ICICI Bank Sapphiro.

Skip the Adani One if you do not spend heavily on travel or utilities or cannot meet the fee waiver threshold. Avoid the Sapphiro if your monthly spend is below Rs 50,000 or if you want lower upfront cost despite fewer lounge visits.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the monthly spend required to waive the annual fees: Rs 16,667 for Adani One Signature; Rs 50,000 for Sapphiro.
  • Check if the reward points redemption options match your preferences to ensure you get value beyond the stated reward rates.
  • Be aware that both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign transactions, which is standard but adds cost when traveling abroad.
  • Verify lounge access locations and eligibility to ensure the domestic and international lounge benefits align with your travel patterns.

FAQ

What is the forex markup fee on these credit cards?+
Both the Adani One Signature Credit Cardⓘ and the ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Cardⓘ apply a forex markup fee of 3.5%. This means you pay Rs 3,500 on every Rs 1,00,000 spent abroad.
How many complimentary lounge visits do these cards offer?+
The Adani One Signature provides 4 domestic lounge visits per year but no international lounge access by default. The Sapphiro offers more with 8 domestic and 4 international lounge visits annually.
Are the joining fees refundable or waivable?+
Neither card specifies a joining fee waiver. The Adani One Signature charges Rs 5,000 and the Sapphiro charges Rs 6,500 upfront, which are not waived on spend.
Can I get fee waivers on both cards?+
Yes, but the thresholds differ significantly. Adani One waives the Rs 5,000 annual fee with Rs 2.00 lakh annual spend, while Sapphiro waives Rs 3,500 annual fee with Rs 6.00 lakh annual spend.
Do these cards offer special welcome benefits?+
Yes. Adani One Signature includes hotel and holiday vouchers worth Rs 2,000 each and a Rs 5,000 flight voucher on Rs 25,000 spend within 60 days. The Sapphiro card offers travel and shopping vouchers worth over Rs 9,500 from partners like Tata CliQ and EaseMyTrip.