Quick Verdict

  • The CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spending due to its higher base reward rate and lucrative UPI category returns.
  • It also leads for travel and lounge access, offering 12 domestic lounges annually with a low forex markup of 1 percent.
  • The SBI Simplyclick Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold with a slightly lower fee and a fee waiver available on Rs 1,00,000 annual spend.
  • Choose the CUB SalarySe Level UP if you frequently use UPI payments, value domestic lounge access, or want better forex rates. Opt for the SBI Simplyclick if you want a straightforward, entry-level online shopping card with no lounge needs.

Side by Side

DetailCUB SalarySe Level UP Credit CardSBI Simplyclick Credit Card
Annual feeRs 500Rs 499
Joining feeRs 500Rs 499
Fee waiver on spendNoneRs 1.00 lakh
Reward rate1% base, 7.5% UPI0.25% base, 2.5% online
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge12 per yearNone
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup1%3.5%
Best suited forrewards, travel, UPI, loungeshopping, first-card

Rewards Compared

With Rs 10,000 spent, the CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Cardⓘ returns Rs 100 as base rewards. However, if your spending is primarily through UPI, the card offers a lucrative 7.5 percent return, translating to Rs 750 on Rs 10,000 spend, substantially boosting your rewards. Other categories like rent, insurance, education, utilities, and travel earn a modest 0.2 percent return or Rs 20 on Rs 10,000.

The SBI Simplyclick Credit Cardⓘ, in contrast, offers a lower base reward rate of 0.25 percent, giving Rs 25 on Rs 10,000 spent. Its standout category is online shopping, which earns 2.5 percent rewards or Rs 250 on Rs 10,000. This makes it more suited to digital shoppers, but overall, the returns are significantly lower than the CUB card, especially outside online spends.

Fees Compared

The annual fee for the CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Cardⓘ is Rs 500, with an equal joining fee of Rs 500. There is no fee waiver on spending, meaning you pay these fees regardless of your usage. According to derived data, the card’s base reward rate covers the fee after Rs 50,000 of spend.

The SBI Simplyclick Credit Cardⓘ charges a near-identical Rs 499 for both joining and annual fees. However, it offers a fee waiver if you spend Rs 1,00,000 annually (about Rs 8,333 monthly). The base reward rate starts to cover the fee only after Rs 1,99,600 spent, which is significantly higher than CUB’s threshold, but the waiver eases the cost burden if you meet the spend.

The head-to-head comparison highlights the CUB card’s higher base rate justifies essentially an extra Rs 1 annual fee, with only Rs 133 more spend needed to cover that gap. The SBI card’s waiver is attractive but requires consistent high monthly spending.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent UPI user or traveler who values lounge access and lower forex fees. Its superior reward rates on UPI and domestic lounge availability make it ideal for urban professionals and those who want to maximize rewards across multiple categories. Avoid this card if you do not spend enough monthly to offset the fees or rarely use lounges.

The SBI Simplyclick Credit Cardⓘ suits first-time cardholders and online shoppers who want a simple rewards program with a chance to waive the fee with Rs 1,00,000 annual spend. It is a good starter card for digital purchases but less attractive for travel or forex usage due to high markup and no lounge access. Skip this card if you do not regularly shop online or cannot meet the fee waiver threshold.

Decisively, the CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Cardⓘ is the better pick for most users who want rewards and travel benefits, while the SBI Simplyclickⓘ is a niche choice for entry-level shoppers focused on online spends.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the Rs 10,000 monthly spend gate for domestic lounges on the CUB SalarySe Level UP card.
  • Check if your spending categories align with the cards’ higher category reward rates, such as UPI or online shopping.
  • Verify the exact calculations for fee waivers to avoid unexpected charges, especially on the SBI Simplyclick card.
  • Consider the forex markup difference: 1 percent on CUB versus 3.5 percent on SBI, which impacts costs on foreign transactions.
  • For lounge access, note that the CUB card offers only domestic lounges and none internationally.

FAQ

What is the forex markup on both cards?+
The CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Cardⓘ charges a 1 percent forex markup, which is quite low and favorable for international transactions. The SBI Simplyclick Credit Cardⓘ has a high forex markup of 3.5 percent, making it costly for foreign currency spends.
Does either card offer international lounge access?+
Neither card provides international lounge access. The CUB card offers 12 domestic lounge visits per year with a monthly spend gate, while the SBI Simplyclick card does not offer any lounge access.
How can I waive the annual fee on the SBI Simplyclick card?+
You can get the annual fee waived by spending Rs 1,00,000 in a year, which breaks down to about Rs 8,333 per month. Ensure consistent spending to benefit from the waiver.
Which card offers better rewards for everyday spending?+
The CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate of 1 percent and a very high 7.5 percent on UPI spends, making it superior for everyday use compared to SBI Simplyclick’s 0.25 percent base and 2.5 percent online category rates.
Is the joining fee similar for both cards?+
Yes, both cards have a joining fee around Rs 499-500, making initial costs comparable. The key differences lie in fee waivers and reward structures.