AU CS Credit Card vs SBI Simplyclick Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• For everyday spending, the AU CS Credit Cardⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate of 0.5% versus 0.25% on the SBI Simplyclick Credit Cardⓘ.
• For travel and dining categories, AU CS Credit Cardⓘ also leads, offering 2% rewards compared to SBI Simplyclick’s focus on online shopping.
• The AU CS Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fees, unlike SBI Simplyclick which charges Rs 499 for both but offers fee waiver on Rs 1,00,000 annual spend.
• Choose the AU CS Credit Cardⓘ if you want a no-fee card with good rewards on travel and dining and domestic lounge access. Go with SBI Simplyclick Credit Cardⓘ if you mainly shop online and want a small welcome gift.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

The AU CS Credit Cardⓘ offers a base reward rate of 0.5%, meaning Rs 50 back on Rs 10,000 spent in generic categories. It shines in dining and travel, providing 2% or Rs 200 on the same Rs 10,000 spend, making it attractive for those categories. Utilities and insurance get a modest 0.25% or Rs 25 back, which is half the base rate. Domestic lounge access adds value for travel enthusiasts but no international lounge benefits exist.

The SBI Simplyclick Credit Cardⓘ has a lower base reward rate of 0.25%, which is Rs 25 back on Rs 10,000, focused on everyday spend. However, it rewards online shopping at 2.5% or Rs 250 per Rs 10,000, the highest category return among the two cards. This makes it ideal for online shoppers who consistently spend in this category. Unlike AU CS, it does not offer lounge access or travel category rewards.

Fees Compared

The AU CS Credit Cardⓘ has no joining or annual fees, making it a truly free-to-hold card for life. There is no fee waiver threshold to worry about, so users save continuously without needing to meet any spend criteria.

In contrast, the SBI Simplyclick Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 499 as a joining fee and Rs 499 annually. These fees are waived if the cardholder spends Rs 1,00,000 annually or about Rs 8,333 monthly. The break-even spend to cover the Rs 499 annual fee with the base reward rate alone is approximately Rs 1,99,600 or about Rs 2 lakh, which is quite high. The welcome benefit of an Amazon gift card worth Rs 500 partially offsets the initial joining fee but not the annual fee.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the AU CS Credit Cardⓘ if you want a no-cost card that rewards travel and dining well, offers domestic lounge access, and has a low forex markup of 1.99%. It suits frequent travelers and diners who want to maximize rewards without worrying about fees. Avoid this card if you do not spend much on travel or dining and want a card focused on online shopping.

Pick the SBI Simplyclick Credit Cardⓘ if you mainly shop online and can consistently spend Rs 1,00,000 annually to get fee waivers. Its higher rewards on online spend and a welcome gift provide initial value. Also, it can be a decent first card for shoppers who prefer SBI’s network. Avoid this card if you dislike annual fees or do not shop online regularly.

Overall, the AU CS Credit Cardⓘ is the stronger all-rounder with no fees and better travel perks, while the SBI Simplyclick Credit Cardⓘ holds niche appeal for online shoppers willing to meet spend thresholds.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm if the category reward caps or limits apply beyond the stated rates.
• Check how points can be redeemed and the actual value you get per point.
• Carefully calculate the monthly spend needed to waive fees on SBI Simplyclick Credit Cardⓘ.
• For foreign travel, note the forex markup difference: 1.99% on AU CS Credit Cardⓘ versus 3.5% on SBI Simplyclick.

FAQ