Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the Canara Bank Mastercard Gold Secured Credit Card ⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate of 0.5% compared to 0.25% on the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ.
  • For online shopping, the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ offers a superior category reward rate of 2.5%, making it the better choice for frequent online buyers.
  • The Canara Bank Mastercard Gold Secured Credit Card ⓘ is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fees, while the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ charges Rs 499 for both, waived only on Rs 1 lakh annual spend.
  • Choose the Canara Bank card ⓘ if you want a simple, fee-free card with steady rewards. Opt for the SBI Simplyclick card ⓘ if you shop online often and can meet the fee waiver spend.

Side by Side

DetailCanara Bank Mastercard Gold Secured Credit Card ⓘSBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ
Annual feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 499
Joining feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 499
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.00 lakh annual spend
Reward rate0.5% base0.25% base, 2.5% on online
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic loungeNoneNone
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3%3.5%
Best suited forrewardsshopping, first-card

Rewards Compared

The Canara Bank Mastercard Gold Secured Credit Card ⓘ provides a straightforward 0.5% return, which translates to Rs 50 back on Rs 10,000 spent. This steady base rate suits users who prefer simple rewards without tracking categories. In contrast, the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ offers a lower base rate of 0.25%, equating to Rs 25 on Rs 10,000 spend, but shines with a 2.5% reward rate on online purchases, yielding Rs 250 on the same amount. This makes the SBI Simplyclick ⓘ a compelling option for online shoppers who can concentrate their spend in that category to maximize returns.

While the Canara Bank card’s ⓘ rewards are consistent across all spends, the SBI Simplyclick ⓘ card’s advantage depends on category-specific spending. For offline or non-online spends, the SBI card’s ⓘ base rate is half that of the Canara Bank card ⓘ, which could reduce overall rewards unless the user focuses heavily on online transactions.

Fees Compared

The Canara Bank Mastercard Gold Secured Credit Card ⓘ has no joining or annual fees, making it cost-effective for users wary of fixed charges. The SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ charges Rs 499 for joining and Rs 499 annually, but these fees can be waived if the cardholder spends Rs 1 lakh annually, which breaks down to about Rs 8,333 per month. To justify the fee purely through base rewards, a cardholder must spend nearly Rs 2 lakh annually on the SBI Simplyclick card ⓘ, given its lower base reward rate. This means the fee waiver threshold is more accessible, but the break-even on rewards alone is quite high, favoring those who maximize category rewards or use the welcome benefit of a Rs 500 Amazon gift card.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Canara Bank Mastercard Gold Secured Credit Card ⓘ if you want a no-fee card with a decent base reward rate and do not want to worry about meeting spending thresholds. It suits users who prefer simple, guaranteed rewards and are not focused on online shopping or category bonuses. This card is also ideal for those who want to avoid foreign exchange fees as much as possible with a slightly lower forex markup of 3%.

Opt for the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ if you frequently shop online, especially on platforms like Amazon, and can comfortably spend Rs 8,333 or more monthly to waive the fees. The higher category reward rate of 2.5% on online spends and the welcome benefit make it attractive for first-time credit card users looking to maximize rewards in a specific category. However, skip this card if you do not shop online regularly or cannot meet the waiver threshold, as the fees will erode your rewards.

In a decisive call, the Canara Bank Mastercard Gold Secured Credit Card ⓘ is the better everyday card for those who want simplicity and no fees, while the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ is best for online shoppers who can leverage category rewards and offset the fees.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm if there are any caps on the 2.5% online reward rate on the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ.
  • Understand the redemption value and process for points on both cards to ensure rewards are usable.
  • Calculate your monthly spend carefully to see if you can meet the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ fee waiver threshold.
  • Consider the forex markup differences if you plan to use the card abroad; 3% on Canara Bank card ⓘ is slightly cheaper than 3.5% on SBI Simplyclick ⓘ.
  • Check the availability and access details of lounges, though neither card offers domestic or international lounge access.

FAQ

What is the forex markup fee on these cards?+
The Canara Bank Mastercard Gold Secured Credit Card ⓘ charges 3% on foreign currency transactions, while the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ charges 3.5%. This means the Canara Bank card ⓘ is marginally cheaper for overseas use.
Is there a joining fee on either card?+
The Canara Bank Mastercard Gold Secured Credit Card ⓘ has no joining fee, whereas the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ charges Rs 499 upfront, which can be waived with sufficient annual spend.
Can I waive the annual fee on the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card?+
Yes, the Rs 499 annual fee on the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ is waived if you spend Rs 1 lakh annually, which breaks down to about Rs 8,333 per month.
Which card is better for online shopping?+
The SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ is better for online shopping due to its 2.5% reward rate in that category, compared to the Canara Bank Mastercard Gold Secured Credit Card ⓘ’s flat 0.5%.
Are there any lounge benefits with these cards?+
No, neither the Canara Bank Mastercard Gold Secured Credit Card ⓘ nor the SBI Simplyclick Credit Card ⓘ offers access to domestic or international airport lounges.