Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, especially grocery and online shopping, the Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ wins with higher category reward rates.
  • For travel and lounge access, both cards offer similar benefits, but the Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ has a lower forex markup and golf access, making it better for international travel.
  • The [Reliance SBI Card Prime]ⓘ is cheaper to hold due to a lower annual fee waiver threshold.
  • Choose the Axis Bank Select if you are a frequent international traveler and want golf access; pick Reliance SBI Card Prime if you prioritize shopping rewards and want easier fee waivers.

Side by Side

DetailAxis Bank Select Credit Card ⓘReliance SBI Card Prime ⓘ
Annual feeRs 3,000Rs 2,999
Joining feeRs 3,000Rs 2,999
Fee waiver on spendRs 10.00 lakhRs 3.00 lakh
Reward rate1% base0.5% base
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge8 per year8 per year
International lounge4 per year4 per year
Forex markup1.5%3.5%
Best suited forrewards, grocery, lounge, travel, shoppingshopping, grocery, lounge, rewards

Rewards Compared

The Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ offers a base reward rate of 1%, which translates to Rs 100 earned on Rs 10,000 spent. Its category rewards are particularly strong for groceries at 4%, yielding Rs 400 on Rs 10,000, and online purchases at 2%, giving Rs 200 back. This card balances everyday rewards with travel perks such as lounge access and golf privileges, making its rewards versatile.

On the other hand, the Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ has a lower base reward rate of 0.5%, which means Rs 50 earned per Rs 10,000 spend outside categories. However, it excels in category rewards with 5% on both groceries and online spends, returning Rs 500 per Rs 10,000. This makes it more rewarding for heavy spenders in these categories, especially if most of their expenditure is on shopping and groceries. Its travel benefits are comparable but with a higher forex markup.

Fees Compared

The annual and joining fees for the [Axis Bank Select Credit Card]ⓘ are Rs 3,000 each, whereas the [Reliance SBI Card Prime]ⓘ charges Rs 2,999 for both. The Axis Bank Select has a very high waiver threshold of Rs 10 lakh annually, breaking down to about Rs 83,333 monthly, which is quite steep for most users. The Reliance SBI Prime requires Rs 3 lakh in annual spend or Rs 25,000 monthly, making it easier to waive the fees.

Given the difference in reward rates and fee waivers, the [Axis Bank Select Credit Card]ⓘ requires approximately Rs 3 lakh spend to cover the fee at base reward rates, while the Reliance SBI Card Prime needs nearly Rs 6 lakh. This means for users who can spend heavily in categories, Reliance SBI Card Prime rewards more but demands more spend to justify fees. Axis Bank Select’s lower forex markup also adds value for international spenders.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ if you are an international traveler who values lower forex charges and golf access. Its higher base reward rate combined with decent category rewards for groceries and online shopping suits those who want a balanced rewards card with premium travel perks. However, only pick this card if you can afford the Rs 10 lakh annual spend to waive the fees or if you value the lounges and golf access enough to pay the fee.

The Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ is ideal for shoppers and grocery spenders who want the highest category returns and can manage Rs 3 lakh annual spend for fee waiver more easily. Its welcome benefits of Reliance Retail and discount vouchers add value for frequent Reliance customers. Avoid this card if you travel internationally often due to the high 3.5% forex markup.

In summary, pick Axis Bank Select for travel and premium perks with balanced rewards, and Reliance SBI Card Prime for superior category rewards in shopping and groceries with easier fee waivers. Skip Axis Bank Select if you do not meet the high waiver spend or rarely travel abroad. Skip Reliance SBI Card Prime if you want lower forex fees or more travel inclusions.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the exact category caps on grocery and online spends to ensure you can maximize rewards.
  • Check the redemption options and value for points; some cards restrict conversions or have expiry.
  • Calculate your monthly spend carefully to see if you can realistically meet the fee waiver thresholds.
  • For international shoppers, verify the forex markup and whether cards allow dynamic currency conversion.

FAQ

How do the forex markups impact international spenders?+
The [Axis Bank Select Credit Card]ⓘ charges a 1.5% forex markup, which is significantly lower than the 3.5% charged by the [Reliance SBI Card Prime]ⓘ. This means foreign currency purchases will cost more on the Reliance SBI card, making Axis Bank Select better for frequent international travelers.
What are the differences in lounge access between these cards?+
Both cards offer 8 domestic lounge visits and 4 international lounge visits per year. However, the Axis Bank Select ⓘ card also provides golf access, which can be a deciding factor for premium travelers.
Can the annual fee be waived on these cards?+
Yes, the annual fee can be waived on both cards by meeting specified annual spends. Axis Bank Select requires Rs 10 lakh spend annually, which is quite high, whereas Reliance SBI Card Prime requires Rs 3 lakh, making it easier for average users to waive the fee.
Do these cards offer welcome benefits?+
Yes, the Axis Bank Select ⓘ card gives 10,000 EDGE Reward Points worth Rs 2,000 on the first transaction. The Reliance SBI Card Prime ⓘ offers Reliance Retail Vouchers worth Rs 3,000 plus discount vouchers valued at Rs 11,999, which can be valuable for frequent Reliance shoppers.
Which card is better for grocery shopping?+
The Reliance SBI Card Prime ⓘ offers a 5% reward rate on groceries, compared to 4% on the Axis Bank Select ⓘ. So for grocery spenders, Reliance SBI Card Prime provides better returns.