Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend on dining and grocery, the Bank of Maharashtra SimplySAVE SBI Card ⓘ offers good value but with a modest base reward.
  • For online shopping and earning rewards faster, the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ provides a higher base reward rate and category-specific bonus.
  • Both cards have the same joining and annual fee, but only the Simplyclick card offers an annual fee waiver on a Rs 1.00 lakh yearly spend.
  • Choose SimplySAVE ⓘ if your focus is on dining and grocery rewards without worrying about fee waivers. Opt for Simplyclick ⓘ if you shop mainly online and want to avoid the annual fee with moderate spend.

Side by Side

DetailBank of Maharashtra SimplySAVE SBI Card ⓘSBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ
Annual feeRs 499Rs 499
Joining feeRs 499Rs 499
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.00 lakh annual (Rs 8,333 monthly)
Reward rate0.17% base; 1.67% dining & grocery0.25% base; 2.5% online
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic loungeNoneNone
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forrewards, dining, groceryshopping, first-card

Rewards Compared

On a straightforward Rs 10,000 spend, the Bank of Maharashtra SimplySAVE SBI Card ⓘ yields Rs 17 at the base reward rate, reflecting its 0.17% return. However, when spending in its higher reward categories like dining or grocery, the return increases significantly to Rs 167 per Rs 10,000, making it a solid choice for those categories.

By contrast, the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ offers Rs 25 back at base rate on Rs 10,000 spend, a better baseline return of 0.25%. Its standout category is online shopping, where it delivers Rs 250 per Rs 10,000 spend (2.5%), clearly designed for digital buyers. For other categories, the Simplyclick card’s base rate outperforms SimplySAVE’s base, but the latter’s category bonuses in dining and grocery are more lucrative if your spend matches those areas.

Fees Compared

Both cards charge Rs 499 as the joining fee and an equal Rs 499 annual fee. The key difference is the fee waiver structure: Simplyclick ⓘ waives the annual fee if you spend Rs 1.00 lakh annually, which averages to about Rs 8,333 each month. This makes Simplyclick ⓘ more cost-effective for users who can maintain this spend level. SimplySAVE ⓘ does not offer any fee waiver, so you pay Rs 499 every year regardless of your spend.

Looking at break-even spends to cover the annual fee through base rewards, Simplyclick ⓘ requires about Rs 2.00 lakh, while SimplySAVE ⓘ needs roughly Rs 2.94 lakh. This means Simplyclick’s higher base rewards make it easier to justify fees, especially with the waiver.

Which One Should You Pick

Pick the Bank of Maharashtra SimplySAVE SBI Card ⓘ if your spend is focused on dining and grocery categories and you prefer predictable rewards without worrying about meeting a fee waiver threshold. It suits those who want category-specific benefits and are comfortable paying the annual fee without a waiver.

Choose the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ if you are an online shopper or a first-time credit card user who can spend at least Rs 8,333 per month to avoid the fee. Its higher base reward rate and category rewards for online purchases make it the better choice for digital and shopping-oriented spenders.

If you rarely shop online or prefer dining and grocery rewards without fussing about fee waiver limits, skip Simplyclick ⓘ. Conversely, skip SimplySAVE ⓘ if you want to avoid annual fees via spending and want better rewards on general and online spend.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm caps on category rewards to ensure your dining, grocery, or online spend qualifies fully.
  • Understand the redemption options for points as the value can vary and affect overall returns.
  • Calculate the fee waiver threshold monthly spend to see if it fits your budget and spending habits.
  • Note the 3.5% forex markup which applies to foreign currency purchases on both cards.
  • Check which airports and lounges are accessible since neither card offers lounge access domestically or internationally.

FAQ

Can I get the joining fee waived on these cards?+
No, both the Bank of Maharashtra SimplySAVE SBI Card ⓘ and SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ charge a joining fee of Rs 499 that is non-waivable.
Is there a limit on how much reward I can earn in the category bonuses?+
The facts do not specify any caps on category rewards for either card, but it is best to verify with the issuer before applying.
Are these cards suitable for international travel?+
Both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign transactions and do not provide any lounge access, so they are not ideal for frequent international travelers.
What welcome benefits do these cards offer?+
Only the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ offers a welcome benefit in the form of an Amazon Gift Card worth Rs 500.
Which card is better for someone new to credit cards?+
The SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ is recommended for first-card users due to its higher base rewards and fee waiver on Rs 1.00 lakh annual spend.