CUB CSK RuPay Platinum Credit Card vs SBI Simplyclick Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• The CUB CSK RuPay Platinum Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend, offering a higher base reward rate and better returns on UPI and dining categories.
• The SBI Simplyclick Credit Cardⓘ is superior for online shopping, delivering a much higher reward rate in that category.
• Both cards have nearly identical joining and annual fees, but the SBI card offers a fee waiver on Rs 1,00,000 annual spend, making it cheaper to hold for high spenders.
• Pick the CUB CSK RuPay for dining and UPI payments with a focus on rewards, while SBI Simplyclick suits first-time cardholders and dedicated online shoppers.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

When you spend Rs 10,000, the CUB CSK RuPay Platinum Credit Cardⓘ yields Rs 33 back at the base rate, which increases to Rs 67 for UPI and dining spends. This makes it a solid choice for those focusing on these categories, especially with UPI payments increasingly common in India. The card’s higher base rate of 0.33% means even non-category spends earn a reasonable return.

On the other hand, the SBI Simplyclick Credit Cardⓘ returns Rs 25 on Rs 10,000 at the base rate, which is lower than CUB’s base rate. However, for online shopping, it offers a staggering 2.5% return, amounting to Rs 250 on the same Rs 10,000 spend. This category focus strongly favors online spenders and shoppers who can leverage the high reward rate in e-commerce.

Fees Compared

Both cards have a joining fee and annual fee of about Rs 500, with SBI Simplyclick’s fees just Rs 1 less than CUB CSK’s. However, SBI Simplyclick offers an annual fee waiver if you spend Rs 1,00,000 annually, which translates to about Rs 8,333 per month. This waiver can be a significant cost saver for regular users.

The CUB CSK RuPay card does not have a fee waiver. It requires about Rs 1,51,515 in annual spend for the base reward rate to cover the Rs 500 fee, while SBI Simplyclick needs roughly Rs 1,99,600 at base rate to break even on fees. Given their close fee structures, the effective hurdle is slightly higher for SBI Simplyclick due to its lower base reward rate but is offset by the waiver option.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the CUB CSK RuPay Platinum Credit Cardⓘ if your spending is focused on dining and UPI transactions, or if you want a higher base rewards rate for general expenses. It is well-suited for those who want to maximize rewards on everyday payments and are okay paying the annual fee without a waiver.

The SBI Simplyclick Credit Cardⓘ is ideal for online shopping enthusiasts and first-time credit card users looking for a straightforward card with a fee waiver option. The high reward rate on online spends can deliver excellent value for shoppers who meet the waiver criteria.

In conclusion, pick CUB CSK RuPay for a broader rewards spread with emphasis on dining and UPI. Opt for SBI Simplyclick if your spend is mainly online and you want an annual fee waiver. Avoid CUB CSK if you do not spend enough to cover the fee, and skip SBI Simplyclick if you do not shop online frequently or cannot meet the waiver threshold.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Look for any caps on category rewards, especially for the high online shopping rate on SBI Simplyclick.
• Verify the actual redemption value of points since both cards use points, which might differ in conversion.
• Calculate the fee waiver math carefully on SBI Simplyclick to ensure your monthly spend meets Rs 8,333.
• Consider the 3.5% forex markup if you plan foreign travel or international shopping since both cards charge the same.
• Note that neither card offers domestic or international lounge access despite their "lounge" mention in the CUB CSK card’s best-suited-for list.

FAQ