Bank of Maharashtra SimplySAVE SBI Card vs SBI Simplysave Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• The SBI Simplysave Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend with a higher base reward rate and better category returns.
• Neither card offers domestic or international lounge access, so they tie on travel perks.
• Both cards charge the same joining and annual fees, but SBI Simplysave offers a fee waiver on Rs 1.00 lakh annual spend, making it potentially cheaper to hold for regular users.
• Choose the Bank of Maharashtra SimplySAVE SBI Cardⓘ if you want simple rewards on dining and grocery without worrying about fee waivers. Pick the SBI Simplysave Credit Cardⓘ if you want better rewards rates, can meet the waiver spend, or are looking for a first credit card with decent rewards.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

The Bank of Maharashtra SimplySAVE SBI Cardⓘ offers a base reward rate of 0.17%, which means you earn Rs 17 back on Rs 10,000 spent across all categories. However, it shines in dining and grocery spends, where the effective reward rate jumps to 1.67%, translating to Rs 167 per Rs 10,000 spent. This makes it a solid choice for users who primarily spend in these categories but do not want to track complex fee waiver thresholds.

In contrast, the SBI Simplysave Credit Cardⓘ delivers a stronger base reward rate of 0.25%, giving Rs 25 back on Rs 10,000 spent. Its category rates for dining and grocery are also higher at 2.5%, which amounts to Rs 250 for every Rs 10,000 spent. This card clearly rewards everyday spending more generously and suits users who can leverage these category bonuses alongside a waiver on the annual fee.

Fees Compared

Both cards charge a joining fee and an annual fee of Rs 499 each, making the initial and recurring costs identical. The key difference lies in fee waivers: the Bank of Maharashtra SimplySAVE SBI Cardⓘ does not offer any fee waiver, so you pay Rs 499 every year regardless of spend. You need to spend about Rs 2.94 lakh annually on this card just to earn rewards worth the fee at the base rate.

On the other hand, the SBI Simplysave Credit Cardⓘ waives the Rs 499 annual fee if you spend Rs 1.00 lakh annually, which is about Rs 8,333 per month. This lower waiver threshold means that moderate spenders can avoid the fee and effectively pay nothing to hold the card while earning a better reward rate. The break-even spend at the base rate to cover the fee is about Rs 2.00 lakh annually, lower than the other card.

Which One Should You Pick

Pick the Bank of Maharashtra SimplySAVE SBI Cardⓘ if you want a simple, no-frills rewards card focused on dining and grocery spends, and you do not expect to meet fee waiver conditions. It suits users who want consistent category returns without worrying about monthly spend targets.

The SBI Simplysave Credit Cardⓘ is better for first-time credit card users or those who spend regularly on dining, grocery, and shopping categories. If you can spend at least Rs 8,333 monthly to waive the annual fee, you will maximize value with higher rewards and no fee outlay. Its welcome benefit of 2,000 Reward Points on spending Rs 2,000 in the first 60 days also sweetens the deal.

If you rarely spend or cannot meet the waiver threshold, skip the SBI Simplysave Credit Cardⓘ as the annual fee may erode rewards value. Conversely, if you seek higher rewards and fee waiver potential, avoid the Bank of Maharashtra SimplySAVE SBI Cardⓘ.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm if dining and grocery spends are capped or have exclusions that limit rewards.
• Check the redemption value and options for reward points to ensure practical benefits.
• Verify the monthly spend calculations for fee waiver, especially for SBI Simplysave Credit Cardⓘ.
• Consider the 3.5% forex markup if you plan overseas transactions, as both cards charge the same.

FAQ